Digital Commons Network^™

Quantitative Biological Microscopy By Digital Holography, Christopher J. Mann

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, improved techniques in digital holography, that have produced high-resolution, high-fidelity images, are discussed. In particular, the angular spectrum method of calculating holographic optical field is noted to have several advantages over the more commonly used Fresnel transformation or Huygens convolution method. It is observed that spurious noise and interference components can be tightly controlled through the analysis and filtering of the angular spectrum. In the angular spectrum method, the reconstruction distance does not have a lower limit, and the off-axis angle between the object and reference waves can be lower than that of the Fresnel requirement, while …

Analysis Of Acoustic Emission In Cohesionless Soil, Jeyisanker Mathiyaparanam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Acoustic emission is a widely used nondestructive technique for identification of structural damage. The AE technique relies on transient energy waves generated by the materials during their failure. As for soils, the basic causes of acoustic emission are the mechanisms which are responsible for shearing of soils. Mobilization of shear strength within a soil itself and the interaction of the soil with the adjacent natural or construction materials are directly related to the level of acoustic emission in soils. It is envisioned that acoustic emission signals in deforming soils can be used as an early warning sign in real time …

Examining The Characteristics Of Teachers In A Master Of Arts In Teaching (Mat) Program In Varying Exceptionalities: Responding To The “Highly Qualified” Teacher Mandate, Erica Djuan Mccray

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (2002) mandated that every teacher be highly qualified by the close of the 2005-2006 school year. However, the means by which newly certified teachers are prepared has been questioned. In addition to understanding how teachers enter the field, researchers have indicated a vested interest in examining who comes into the field. More specifically, the characteristics and experiences of pre-service and in-service special educators are of great interest (McKlesky & Ross, 2003; Rosenberg & Sindelar, 2001). The present study examined the characteristics of six teachers in the final internship phase of a Master …

Regression Approach To Software Reliability Models, Abdelelah M. Mostafa

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Many software reliability growth models have beenanalyzed for measuring the growth of software reliability. In this dissertation, regression methods are explored to study software reliability models. First, two parametric linear models are proposed and analyzed, the simple linear regression and transformed linearregression corresponding to a power law process. Some software failure data sets do not follow the linear pattern. Analysis of popular real life data showed that these contain outliers andleverage values. Linear regression methods based on least squares are sensitive to outliers and leverage values. Even though the parametric regression methods give good results in terms of error measurement …

Generalized Non-Dimensional Depth-Discharge Rating Curves Tested On Florida Streamflow, Auristela Mueses-Pã©Rez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A generalized non-dimensional mathematical expression has been developed to describe the rating relation of depth and discharge for intermediate and high streamflow of natural and controlled streams. The expressions have been tested against observations from forty-three stations in West-Central Florida. The intermediate-flow region model has also been validated using data from thirty additional stations in the study area. The proposed model for the intermediate flow is a log-linear equation with zero intercept and the proposed model for the high-flow region is a log-linear equation with a variable intercept. The models are normalized by the depth and discharge values at 10 …

Thermal Analyses Of Hydrophilic Polymers Used In Nanocomposites And Biocompatible Coatings, Kadine Mohomed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSRACT: This research focuses on two hydrophilic polymers that form hydrogels when they sorb water: Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and Poly(2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PDHPMA). Present work in the field obviated the need to properly characterize the thermal and dielectric properties of these materials.The dielectric permittivity, e', and the loss factor, e", of dry poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate) were measured using a dielectric analyzer in the frequency range of 0.1Hz to 100 kHz and between the temperature range of -150 °C to 275°C. The dielectric response of the sub-Tg gamma transition of PHEMA has been widely studied before but little to no …

The Acquisition Of Spanish Through Videoconferencing And Video-Based Lessons By Individual Fifth Graders, Annette L. Norwood

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth examination of the language learning experiences of four fifth-grade students learning Spanish through videoconferencing and video-based lessons. This interpretive qualitative study involved intensive data collection over a period of 7 months through participant observation, audio and video recording of classes with subsequent transcription, and interviews of the students and their teachers. The following points of focus guided this research: (a) What instances of interaction and output are observed in the different instructional settings?; (b) Are patterns of change observed in learners' language production during the period under study?; (c) What …

Coral Reef Habitat Change And Water Clarity Assessment (1984-2002) For The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Using Landsat Satellite Data, David A. Palandro

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The decline of coral reef habitats has been witnessed on a global scale, with some of the most dramatic decline occurring in the florida keys. as remote sensing can provide a synoptic view of coral reef ecosystems, 28 landsat images (1984-2002) were utilized to study water clarity and habitat change. first, the data were used to derive the diffuse attenuation coefficient (kd, m-1), a measure of water clarity, for 29 sites throughout the florida keys national marine sanctuary (fknms). landsat-derived kd values from bands 1 (blue) and 2 (green) provided useful information for 26 of 29 sites, whereas band 3 …

Recognizable Languages Defined By Two-Dimensional Shift Spaces, Joni Burnette Pirnot

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There are numerous connections between the theory of formal languages and that of symbolic dynamics. In each, the transition from one dimension to two dimensionsis accompanied by much difficulty due in large part to the emptiness problem, which is related to the presence (or lack thereof) of periodic points and is known to be undecidable. Here, we focus on two-dimensional languages that have the property that all blocks allowed by the language can be extended to a configuration of the plane satisfying the structure of the language; for such languages the emptiness problem is not an issue. We first show …

Analysis Of Quasiconformal Maps In RN, Andrew Purcell

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we examine quasiconformal mappings in Rn. We begin by proving basic properties of the modulus of curve families. We then give the geometric, analytic,and metric space definitions of quasiconformal maps and show their equivalence. We conclude with several computational examples.

Contributions To The Degree Theory For Perturbations Of Maximal Monotone Maps, Joseph Quarcoo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Let x be a real reflexive separable locally uniformly convex banach space with locally uniformly convex dual spacex *. Let t:x\supset d(t)\rightarrow 2 {x *} be maximal monotone with 0\in t(0), 0\in intd(t) and c:x\supset d(c)\rightarrow x *. Assume that $l\subset d(c)$ is a dense linear subspace of x, c is of class (s_+)_l and \langle cx,x\rangle\geq-\psi(\lx\l), x\in d(c), where \psi:\mathbb{r} +\rightarrow\mathbb{r} + is nondecreasing. a new topological degree is developed for the sum t+c in chapter one. This theory extends the recent degree theory for the operators c of type (s_+)_{0,l} in [15]. unlike such a recent extension to …

Group Fission-Fusion Dynamics And Communication In The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus), Ester Quintana-Rizzo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The bottlenose dolphin exhibits a fission-fusion social structure characterized by temporary associations lasting from minutes to hours. Although social structure has been described for some dolphin communities, the selective pressures affecting fission-fusion patterns and their consequences on dolphin communication are not well understood. The goals of the present study were three-fold: 1) to quantify the rate with which fission-fusion occurred and identify the selective pressures influencing an individual's decision to leave and join a temporary group; 2) to examine the communication signals produced during temporary separations; and 3) to estimate the distances over which dolphins could remain in acoustic contact …

Structure And Dynamics Of Heterogeneous Molecular Systems, Alfred B. Roney

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Although current classical force fields describe homogeneous single-componentsystems fairly well, they do not represent the response of an individual molecule's electronic structure to its local environment with enough detail to reliably predict atomic motions in interfacial regions such as a solvation structure or liquid surface.Since most chemical processes of non-trivial interest involve two or more dissimilar molecules interacting at a short distance, molecular models must accurately simulate the interactions between different molecular species as well as bulk behavior in order to provide useful information. Results from two simulation studies are presented to illustrate both the utility of current point-charge electrostatics …

Zeolite Synthesis From Municipal Solid Waste Ash Using Fusion And Hydrothermal Treatment, Maysson Sallam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the possibility of producing zeolites from municipal solid waste ash, MSW ash, by using hydrothermal treatment alone and by introducing fusion at 550 °C prior to hydrothermal treatment. The study was performed at different treatment conditions where silica/aluminum ratio of 13.9 and 2.5, hydroxide concentrations of 1.5N, 2.5N and 3.5N, temperatures at 100°C and 60 °C and time at 6, 24 and 72 hours were the major variables used to study zeolites synthesis process. The possibility of forming zeolites A, P1 and X was of particular interest in the present study. Factors, mechanism and modeling of zeolite …

Using Fuzzy Logic To Enhance Control Performance Of Sliding Mode Control And Dynamic Matrix Control, Edinzo J. Iglesias Sanchez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Two application applications of Fuzzy Logic to improve the performance of two controllers are presented. The first application takes a Sliding Mode Controller designed for chemical process to reject disturbances. A fuzzy element is added to the sliding surface to improve the controller performance when set point change affects the control loop; especially for process showing highly nonlinear behavior. This fuzzy element, , is calculated by means of a set of fuzzy rules designed based on expert knowledge and experience. The addition of improved the controller response because accelerate or smooth the controller as the control loop requires. The Fuzzy …

Crossing Locations, Light Conditions, And Pedestrian Injury Severity, Naved Alam Siddiqui

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study assesses the role of crossing locations and light conditions in pedestrian injury severity through a multivariate regression analysis to control for many other factors that also may influence pedestrian injury severity. Crossing locations include midblock and intersections, and light conditions include daylight, dark with street lighting, and dark without street lighting. The study formulates a theoretical framework on the determinants of pedestrian injury severity, and specifies an empirical model accordingly. An ordered probit model is then applied to the KABCO severity scale of pedestrian injuries which occurred while attempting street crossing in the years 1986 to 2003 in …

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners’ Judgments Of Coronary Heart Disease Risk, Kelly D. Stamp

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single largest killer of American males and females in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, (2005) approximately 41% of Americans that experience a coronary attack in a given year will die from it (AHA, 2005). To combat this growing problem, strategies need to be evaluated to assess how the identification of actual and potential CHD risks are made. This study utilized the Social Judgment Theory to gain insight into nurse practitioner's decision-making strategies. Sixty family or adult specialty nurse practitioners affiliated with the University of South Florida (USF) College of Nursing …

Preservice Teachers’ Responses To An Interactive Constructivist Model For Web-Based Learning, Cherry O. Steffen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

College and university teacher education programs are not, and should not be, exempt from the growing demand for distance education opportunities. Science teacher education is no exception to this growing demand. While there are some distance-learning courses and even complete programs for teacher education, the majority of these are offered as continuing education or post-graduate education opportunities. The number of programs offered specifically in science teacher education (either undergraduate or post-graduate) is extremely limited. Those distance-learning classes that are available for teacher education rarely reflect the instruction expected from teachers by the National Science Education Standards when they enter the …

Icon, Representation And Virtuality In Reading The Graphic Narrative, David Steiling

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

"Icon," "representation," and "virtuality," are key elements to consider when reading multi-modal narratives, including graphic narratives. By considering in detail how these elements are realized in various examples, the author shows how the study of the comics can lay groundwork for critical reading across the technological continuum of storytelling.The author looks at how icon, representation, and virtuality interact in a reading of William Hogarth's A Harlot's Progress. He then examines each term in more detail through readings of a variety of graphic narratives including Max Ernst's, Une Semaine de Bonte, Winsor McCay's Little Nemo in Slumberland, Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of …

Perceptions Of Principals And Teachers Of Their Roles And Other Variables In School Culture In Improving Their School’S Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (Fcat) Letter Grade By Two Grade Levels, Tracey D. Tedder

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on perceptions of principals, assistant principals and teachers of their impact on student achievement scores in improving their school's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test letter grade scores. This information is of importance because we do not have information on how school reference groups (principals, teachers) perceive the grading of schools as defined by the Florida A+ Plan. Specifically, this study investigated perceptions of school principals, assistant principals and teachers on their role in improving the school's FCAT letter grade by two grade levels in a 9-month school year. This qualitative case study analyzes perceptions of factors and behaviors …

A Morphometric Analysis Of The Geomorphology Of Florida’S Springs, Andrew Curtis Walker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An exploratory study of the geomorphology of Florida's springs was conducted using morphometric analysis. Spatial datasets for spring locations, elevation data, physiography, geology and hydrography were acquired for incorporation and analysis with GIS technology. ArcGIS 9 was used to measure certain morphometric parameters from the spatial data for Florida's springs. Other Parameters representing physical and dimensional characteristics of the springs were acquired from FGS Bulletin 66, Springs of Florida. All measured and collected data was compiled into a usable morphometric database. The data is described statistically and summarized according to the spatial distribution of Florida's springs with respect to geology …

Interview With Myo Demayo, Urbanstead Farm (Audio), Myo Demayo

All Sustainability History Project Oral Histories

Interview of Myo DeMayo by Tyler Anderson.

The interview index is available for download.

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Binary Decision Diagrams And Crisp Possibilistic Reconstructability Analysis, Martin Zwick, Alan Mishchenko

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

The paper discusses the application of Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs) in the reconstructability analysis of crisp possibilistic systems. In particular, we show how BDDs can be used to represent set-theoretic relations and implement the three basic operations of reconstructability analysis.

Combining Linear Regression With Reconstructability Analysis: A Study Of Differences In Health Status, Renato Carletti, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

A linear regression model was used to predict variations in health status with the hypothesis that literacy level as a proximal measure for educational attainment would show a strong correlation with health status. Groups of other independent variables have also been introduced in the model to test whether the effect of literacy on health would have been mediated by other factors, or increased by them. The linear regression model did not show any strong relation between literacy and health, but pointed to other factors as predictors of health status.

Methods of data mining have been used for exploring throughout all …

The Heart Of The Matter: Aligning Curriculum, Pedagogy And Engagement In Higher Education, Kevin Kecskes, Seanna Kerrigan, Judy Patton

Public Administration Faculty Publications and Presentations

This essay explores the themes of curriculum and pedagogy, as outlined by the editors of this special edition, in the context of Portland State University's institutional transformation. We elucidate select mechanisms that support curricular-community interactions, known at PSU as "community-based learning." In doing so we discuss how CBL and other civic engagement strategies relate to the disciplines, departments, and interdisciplinary work as well as how these various collaborative approaches affect pedagogy and epistemology at PSU.

Variation In The Response Of Crustacean Zooplankton Species Richness And Composition To The Invasive Predator Bythotrephes Longimanus, Angela L. Strecker, Shelley E. Arnott, Norman D. Yan, Robert Girard

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

The predacious invertebrate Bythotrephes longimanus has invaded >90 freshwater lakes in North America. There is some evidence that B. longimanus has a negative effect on summer zooplankton species richness; however, no study has examined the effect of B. longimanus throughout the ice-free season in more than one lake. We visited 10 invaded and 4 reference lakes every 2 weeks from May to September, collecting B. longimanus, crustacean zooplankton, and water chemistry samples. Composite samples were pooled across the study season for each lake. Bythotrephes longimanus significantly reduced cladoceran species richness, diversity, and abundance, and the total zooplankton community also exhibited …

Changes In Riparian Vegetation Buffers In Response To Development In Three Oregon Cities, J. Alan Yeakley, Connie P. Ozawa, A. M. Hook

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Riparian vegetation buffer loss was investigated for three cities with contrasting local regulatory controls in urbanizing northwest Oregon. The cities examined were Hillsboro, Oregon City and Portland, all having experienced high rates of population increase in the 1990s. All cities are covered under Oregon’s land use law that provides goals for the protection of open space and natural resources. On the municipality level, regulatory controls in Portland included a system of environmental zoning for riparian area protection, while regulatory controls on development in riparian areas in Hillsboro and Oregon City were less stringent. Digital aerial photographs covering buffer areas within …

Integral Circulant Graphs With The Spectral ÁDáM Property, Christopher F. Cusanza

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Parallelization Of A Maximum Parsimony Branch And Bound Algorithm For Phylogenetic Inference, Curtis J. Howard

Theses

Phyiogenetic inference involves the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships among species in the form of branching diagrams called trees. Specifically, certain biological structures common to all living organisms, such as morphological characteristics, protein sequences or DNA sequences can be compared Differences and similarities in these characteristics among species are used to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships and draw trees. Many methods of tree reconstruction are currently used. The method of maximum parsimony for phyiogenetic inference is a widely used algorithm which employs the hypothesis that the most likely tree for a given group of data will be the one which uses the …

A Multicamera System For Gesture Tracking With Three Dimensional Hand Pose Estimation, Evan M. Clark

Theses

The goal of any visual tracking system is to successfully detect then follow an object of interest through a sequence of images. The difficulty of tracking an object depends on the dynamics, the motion and the characteristics of the object as well as on the environ ment. For example, tracking an articulated, self-occluding object such as a signing hand has proven to be a very difficult problem. The focus of this work is on tracking and pose estimation with applications to hand gesture interpretation. An approach that attempts to integrate the simplicity of a region tracker with single hand 3D …