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2007

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Impacts Of Acid Mine Drainage On Carbon Cycling In Receiving Streams, Ernest W. Fonyuy Jan 2007

Impacts Of Acid Mine Drainage On Carbon Cycling In Receiving Streams, Ernest W. Fonyuy

Doctoral Dissertations

"Field and laboratory investigations of acid mine drainage (AMD) contaminated and uncontaminated waters were conducted in order to determine and model processes and reaction mechanisms that control dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) transformation and shifts in isotope ratio of DIC (Δ¹³CDIC). The results show that AMD caused variable pH changes, overall decreases in Fe²⁺, alkalinity, and DIC, and increases in (Δ¹³CDIC) in receiving streams. AMD caused more than 50 to > 98% seasonal DIC loss in stream water through CO₂ degassing. High DIC losses corresponded to high Fe²⁺ and lower or no HCO₃⁻ in the water samples, because …


The Development Of Hybrid Intelligent Systems For Technical Analysis Based Equivolume Charting, Thira Chavarnakul Jan 2007

The Development Of Hybrid Intelligent Systems For Technical Analysis Based Equivolume Charting, Thira Chavarnakul

Doctoral Dissertations

"This dissertation proposes the development of a hybrid intelligent system applied to technical analysis based equivolume charting for stock trading. A Neuro-Fuzzy based Genetic Algorithms (NF-GA) system of the Volume Adjusted Moving Average (VAMA) membership functions is introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of using a hybrid intelligent system that integrates neural networks, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms techniques for increasing the efficiency of technical analysis based equivolume charting for trading stocks"--Introduction, page 1.


Rate And Equilibrium Constants For Reactions Of Coordinated Cyclohexadienyl Cations, Martin Galvin Jan 2007

Rate And Equilibrium Constants For Reactions Of Coordinated Cyclohexadienyl Cations, Martin Galvin

Doctoral

In this work, the nucleophilic reactions of ironcarbonyl coordinated cyclohexadienyl cations with water and hydroxide to produce the corresponding coordinated arene hydrate analogues was examined. These nucleophilic reactions are a key step in a synthetic route to convert arene cis-dihydrodiols to their trans-isomers via their tricarbonyliron coordinated complexes. The arene trans-dihydrodiols produced have significant potential to be used as chiral buildings blocks in synthetic chemistry and have the advantage that they are more stable then their cis-analogues The first cation studied was (п5-cyclohexadienyl)dicarbonyl-triphenylphosphineiron. An equilibrium constant, pKr, for formation of the coordinated arene hydrate (п4-exo-5-hydroxy-1,3-cyclohexadience)dicarbonyltriphenylphosphine-iron, from this coordinated cation was …


Incompressible And Compressible Boundary Layers On A Fibre In The Melt Spinning Process, John Harding Jan 2007

Incompressible And Compressible Boundary Layers On A Fibre In The Melt Spinning Process, John Harding

Doctoral

This thesis seeks to investigate shear stress on and heat transfer from the surface of a fibre in the industrial process of melt spinning. Melt spinning is the process whereby molten polymer materials are extruded through the holes of a device known as a spinneret to create continuous filaments of polymer. Fibres manufactured in this way are used in applications as diverse as fashion and clothing, to telecommunications. The magnitude ofthe shear stress on the fibre surface, and also the rate of heat transfer from the fibre to the surrounding environment are of major importance to the overall quality of …


Bio Inspired Techniques For Simultaneous Design Of Multiple Optimal Power System Stabilizers, Tridib Kumar Das Jan 2007

Bio Inspired Techniques For Simultaneous Design Of Multiple Optimal Power System Stabilizers, Tridib Kumar Das

Masters Theses

"Bio-inspired techniques are fields of study that are inspired from topics of connectionism, social behavior and emergence. Researchers have ventured into the intricacies involved with the techniques and devised algorithms based on their study. Such techniques are the focus of this thesis. The two bio-inspired techniques used for simultaneous design of power system stabilizers (PSSs) in this study are - Particle Swam Optimization (PSO) and Bacteria Foraging Algorithm (BFA). The work in this thesis is presented in three papers as follows: Paper 1 -This paper introduces an improved PSO called Small Population based PSO (SPPSO) with less number of particles …


Pricing Models And Analysis Of Corporate Coupon-Bonds And Credit Default Swaptions, Michiru Shibata Jan 2007

Pricing Models And Analysis Of Corporate Coupon-Bonds And Credit Default Swaptions, Michiru Shibata

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this work, pricing models of corporate coupon-bonds and credit default swaptions are derivedand analyzed. Corporate coupon-bonds are priced incorporating both intensity models and structural models, and also jumps introduced by seasonal effects. In deriving the models, we form portfolios to hedge the risk incurred by the instruments, then derive PDE equations using the arbitrage principle and the Ito Lemma for jump processes. The mathematical models are the parabolic-type PDE equations with terminal conditions and boundary conditions. These PDE problems are analyzed and solved by various transformations and incorporation with probabilistic properties. Either a unique solution in the exponential form …


Construct Validity Of Situational Judgment Tests: An Examination Of The Effects Of Agreeableness, Organizational Leadership Culture, And Experience On Sjt Responses, Jonathan Adam Shoemaker Jan 2007

Construct Validity Of Situational Judgment Tests: An Examination Of The Effects Of Agreeableness, Organizational Leadership Culture, And Experience On Sjt Responses, Jonathan Adam Shoemaker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Numerous factors are likely to influence response patterns to situational judgment tests, including agreeableness, leadership style, impression management, and job and organizational experience. This research presents background information and research on situational judgment tests and several constructs hypothesized to influence situational judgment test responses. A situational judgment test and manipulations to influence response patterns were developed and piloted with a small sample of management professionals and undergraduate students. Larger samples of management professionals and undergraduate students participated in the experimental research. Participants were asked to imagine that they are applying for a job. Each participant was presented with background information …


How Do Proficient Intermediate Grade Writers Percieve Writing In School?, Tammy Weiss Schimmel Jan 2007

How Do Proficient Intermediate Grade Writers Percieve Writing In School?, Tammy Weiss Schimmel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine students' perspectives of writing instruction to gain insights into their awareness of the impact of high-stakes writing assessments on instructional practices and teaching strategies. Students in grades four and five who attended the 2004 Suncoast Young Author's Celebration (SYAC) served as the sample for this study. Data were gathered through surveys and interviews with 20 students who attended the SYAC. Survey questions were used to obtain general information about the students' perceptions of writing instruction and assessment. Interviews were conducted to gain a richer understanding of their perceptions of classroom experiences.The participants …


The Relationship Between School Connectedness And Bullying Vicitmization In Secondary Students, Janet Urbanski Jan 2007

The Relationship Between School Connectedness And Bullying Vicitmization In Secondary Students, Janet Urbanski

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Bullying is a complex behavior that can cause academic and social problems for students and can contribute to a negative school climate. Students who feel isolated or do not feel connected to their school may experience similar risks to those who are victimized by peers. Recent school violence incidents have led to an increase in bullying behavior research. The importance of the school climate is also emerging in educational discourse prompting a growth of research in school connectedness and positive relationships. However, research on the impact that relationships and school connectedness may have on bullying victimization at school is limited. …


Assistive Force Feedback For Path Following In 3d Space For Upper Limb Rehabilitation Applications, Ramya Swaminathan Jan 2007

Assistive Force Feedback For Path Following In 3d Space For Upper Limb Rehabilitation Applications, Ramya Swaminathan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research was the design of an easy to use C++ Graphical User Interface (GUI) which helps the user to choose the task that he/she wants to perform. This C++ application provides a platform intended for upper arm rehabilitation applications. The user can choose from different tasks such as: Assistive Function in 3D Space to Traverse a Linear Trajectory, User Controlled Velocity Based Scaling, Fitts' Task in X, Y, Z Directions. According to a study conducted by the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology, stroke patients aided by robotic rehabilitation devices gain significant improvement …


Uncertainty In The Information Supply Chain: Integrating Multiple Health Care Data Sources, Monica Chiarini Tremblay Jan 2007

Uncertainty In The Information Supply Chain: Integrating Multiple Health Care Data Sources, Monica Chiarini Tremblay

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Similar to a product supply chain, an information supply chain is a dynamic environment where networks of information-sharing agents gather data from many sources and utilize the same data for different tasks. Unfortunately, raw data arriving from a variety of sources are often plagued by errors (Ballou et al. 1998), which can lead to poor decision making. Supporting decision making in this challenging environment demands a proactive approach to data quality management, since the decision maker has no control over these data sources (Shankaranarayan et al. 2003). This is true in health care, and in particular in health planning, where …


Tourist, Shopertainment, Eatertainment, Edutainment, Nature Tourism, Mass Tourism, Stephanie Tomita Wong Jan 2007

Tourist, Shopertainment, Eatertainment, Edutainment, Nature Tourism, Mass Tourism, Stephanie Tomita Wong

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Predictive models for diffusion-controlled particle dissolution are important for designing advanced and efficient solid products for controlled release applications. A computer-aided modeling framework was developed to derive the effective dissolution rates of multiple particles as the solid surface material eroded gradually into the surrounding liquid phase. The mathematical models were solved with numerical methods using the computational software MATLAB. Results from the models were imported into COMSOL Script to create three-dimensional plots of the particle size data as a function of time. The release model found for the monodispersed particles was manipulated to incorporate polydisperse solids, as these are found …


Comparison Of Student Outcomes In Distance Learning Internships Versus Traditional Dietetic Internships, Lauri Y. Wright Jan 2007

Comparison Of Student Outcomes In Distance Learning Internships Versus Traditional Dietetic Internships, Lauri Y. Wright

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

One way in which higher education is responding to technology advances, demographics changes, and economic pressures is through the development of distance learning. Distance learning represents one of the most prominent trends in higher education today. Understanding the impact of this technologically driven change on student outcomes is unmistakably important. One example of this trend in higher education is the distance learning internship in dietetic training programs. The purpose of this study was to compare student outcomes in distance learning dietetic internships to student outcomes in traditional dietetic internships. The pass rate of the registration exam for dietitians, levels of …


Provision Of Library And Information Services To The Visually Challenged Students In University Of Ghana, Legon, Efua Mansa Ayiah Mrs Jan 2007

Provision Of Library And Information Services To The Visually Challenged Students In University Of Ghana, Legon, Efua Mansa Ayiah Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Visually Challenged students (VCS) in University of Ghana, Legon face various constraints in accessing library and information services. The study was based on Ranganathan’s five principles of librarianship. Literature was reviewed on provision and access to library and information services. The researcher adopted case study, since the sample size was small they were all included in the study. Descriptive data analysis technique was used to analyze data. Tables and graphs were used to display information. Findings of the study indicated that there is no program for VCS, they were aware of technological developments in information communication technologies (ICT), access to …


Using Innovative Technologies To Analyze For Similarity Between Musical Works In Copyright Infringement Disputes, Yvette Joy Liebesman Jan 2007

Using Innovative Technologies To Analyze For Similarity Between Musical Works In Copyright Infringement Disputes, Yvette Joy Liebesman

All Faculty Scholarship

Courts continue to struggle with discerning the level of substantial similarity between musical compositions in infringement analyses, which is related to their difficulty in determining the portion that is available for the public to use, and where that permission stops. This paper argues that, under the current policies regarding copyright protection and unauthorized copying, the current test is inadequate and a new infringement test should be considered. Two alternatives are proposed. The first test uses objective mapping of a song’s artistic elements. The second considers the link between wave motion theory of physics and music and proposes comparing the mathematical …


Demographic And Spatial Characteristics Of Feral Hogs In The Chihuahuan Desert, Texas, Roger N. Adkins, Louis A. Harveston Jan 2007

Demographic And Spatial Characteristics Of Feral Hogs In The Chihuahuan Desert, Texas, Roger N. Adkins, Louis A. Harveston

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) have recently expanded their range to include portions of the arid regions of the Chihuahuan Desert, Texas. We examined feral hog density, survival rates, range size, and habitat use in the Davis Mountains, Texas, to understand hog ecology in a desert environment. We tested the hypothesis that densities of feral hogs across Texas would be positively related to precipitation. Feral hog densities in the Chihuahuan Desert were low (0.65 individuals/km2), supporting our prediction. Annual home range sizes (100% minimum convex polygon) were also high and averaged 48.3 ± 4.4 km2 and …


Ipm And Iwdm: Is There A Difference?, Michael J. Bodenchuck Jan 2007

Ipm And Iwdm: Is There A Difference?, Michael J. Bodenchuck

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Integrated pest management (IPM) has been the model for pest management for more than half a century. IPM has been defined as “the process of integrating and applying practical methods of prevention and control to keep pest situations from reaching damaging levels while minimizing potentially harmful effects of pest control measures on humans, nontarget species and the environment” (USDA 1994). The IPM model taught in invertebrate pest management classes includes the concept of an economic threshold (a level at which the benefits of control exceed the costs of the damage plus the costs of control). The methods which are “integrated” …


A Landscape-Level Survey Of Feral Hog Impacts To Natural Resources Of The Big Thicket National Preserve, Pedro M. Chavarria, Roel R. Lopez, Gillian Bowser, Nova J. Silvy Jan 2007

A Landscape-Level Survey Of Feral Hog Impacts To Natural Resources Of The Big Thicket National Preserve, Pedro M. Chavarria, Roel R. Lopez, Gillian Bowser, Nova J. Silvy

Human–Wildlife Interactions

We conducted a survey of the impact of feral hog (Sus scrofa) on the natural resources of the Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNP), a unit of the National Park Service. We worked in 3 management units: Lance Rosier, Big Sandy, and Turkey Creek. Random stratified sampling was conducted to assess impacts from hog damage on resources by vegetation type at a landscape scale. Landscape features such as topography, soil moisture, soil type, and dominant vegetative cover types were used to predict hog damage. The overall damage to vegetation from hog rooting or wallowing averaged 28% within the 3 …


Effi Cacy Of Cpth-Treated Egg Baits For Removing Ravens, Peter S. Coates, Jack O. Spencer, Jr., David J. Delehanty Jan 2007

Effi Cacy Of Cpth-Treated Egg Baits For Removing Ravens, Peter S. Coates, Jack O. Spencer, Jr., David J. Delehanty

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human-altered landscapes have provided resource subsidies for common ravens (Corvus corax) resulting in a substantial increase in raven abundance and distribution throughout the United States and Canada in the past 25 years. Ravens are effective predators of eggs and young of ground-nesting birds. During 2002–2005, we tested whether chicken egg baits treated with CPTH (3-chloro-p-toluidine hydrochloride) could be used to manage raven numbers in an area where raven depredation was impacting sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) and greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations in Nevada. We performed multiple raven surveys at a treatment site and …


Use Of Decoy Traps To Protect Blueberries From Juvenile European Starlings, Michael R. Conover, Richard A. Dolbeer Jan 2007

Use Of Decoy Traps To Protect Blueberries From Juvenile European Starlings, Michael R. Conover, Richard A. Dolbeer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Fruit consumption by large flocks of juvenile European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) is a serious problem for growers of strawberries, grapes, apples, cherries, blueberries, and other small fruit. This study examined if numbers of juvenile European starlings foraging in blueberry orchards could be reduced by catching them in decoy traps and relocating the birds elsewhere. From late July through August of 1989, 620 juvenile starlings were captured in 2 decoy traps at a blueberry orchard in Connecticut. A similar number were caught during the same period in 1990. During these 2 years, numbers of juvenile starlings foraging daily in …


Ecology And Management Of Feral Hogs, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Ben C. West Jan 2007

Ecology And Management Of Feral Hogs, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Ben C. West

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) have been present in North America since the arrival of the earliest settlers in the sixteenth century. Colonists originally released hogs because of the animals’ ability to survive on their own and to serve as a ready food supply for settlers. Since that time, hogs have expanded their range and now are present in 40 of the 50 United States and parts of Canada. Their rapid expansion is similar to that of other introduced species, and, as a result, they are generally classified as an invasive exotics, along with hundreds of other plant and …


America’S First Feral Hog War, Michael R. Conover Jan 2007

America’S First Feral Hog War, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This issue of Human-Wildlife Conflicts focuses on the management of feral hogs (Sus scrofa). As this exotic species has become more numerous and has expanded its range in North America, its adverse impacts on both our nation’s agriculture and environment are becoming more apparent and alarming. How best to manage feral hogs has become one of the most vexing questions for wildlife agencies today, owing to society’s mixed attitudes towards feral hogs (Rollins et al. 2007). Environmentalists and farmers want feral hogs eradicated. Others, especially those who enjoy hunting them, are rooting (pun intended) for the continued expansion …


A Tribute To Frederick F. Knowlton, William H. Clay Jan 2007

A Tribute To Frederick F. Knowlton, William H. Clay

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Dr. Fredrick F. Knowlton officially retired on March 31, 2007, with well over 45 years of service to the USDA/Wildlife Services. Fred worked at Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center Field Station in Logan, Utah, for 35 years alone! His work on coyotes and other species has had an extraordinary impact on the science and management of coyotes. Things that we take for granted today about the life history of coyotes were the result of Fred’s tireless ambition to understand these animals and to improve our ability to manage them. One of our agency’s first Ph.D. hires, Fred produced about …


Distribution And Disease Prevalence Of Feral Hogs In Missouri, R. Edwin Hartin, Mark R. Ryan, Tyler A. Campbell Jan 2007

Distribution And Disease Prevalence Of Feral Hogs In Missouri, R. Edwin Hartin, Mark R. Ryan, Tyler A. Campbell

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No attempts have been made to document the distribution of feral hogs (Sus scrofa) in Missouri. Also, antibody prevalence for pseudorabies virus and swine brucellosis have not been reported from Missouri. Our objectives were to characterize the current distribution of feral hogs in Missouri and to determine prevalence and distribution of feral hogs with antibodies against selected important diseases. We collected feral hog sighting data both from the public and Missouri Wildlife Services and Missouri Department of Conservation wildlife biologists. We determined prevalence of antibodies against pseudorabies virus, swine brucellosis, tularemia, and classical swine fever. From 2000 to …


Hazing Of Canada Geese Is Unlikely To Reduce Nuisance Populations In Urban And Suburban Communities, Robin A. Holevinski, Paul D. Curtis, Richard A. Malecki Jan 2007

Hazing Of Canada Geese Is Unlikely To Reduce Nuisance Populations In Urban And Suburban Communities, Robin A. Holevinski, Paul D. Curtis, Richard A. Malecki

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Growing populations of resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have caused increased nuisance problems in urban and suburban communities. Hazing, or persistent harassment, is often recommended as a nonlethal management strategy to alleviate these problems. Does hazing simply cause a local redistribution of birds, or can it solve nuisance problems by pushing geese to rural areas where hunting mortality could reduce the population? To answer this question, we marked 368 adult and 400 juvenile geese with leg bands in 1 urban and 1 suburban community in western New York State during June 2002 and 2003. This sample included 30 …


In Memory: A Tribute To Glen Stevenson And Joe Harris, Angie Dustin Jan 2007

In Memory: A Tribute To Glen Stevenson And Joe Harris, Angie Dustin

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Joe and Glen you could depend on
Along the river and the breaks
In rough country and wild weather
They’d be the ones you’d take

Pure poetry in motion
As across the hills they’d fly
Excitement in the hunt
And the freedom of the sky

We’ll pick up the radio
And try to call -‘57’
It’s then that it will hit us
As we gaze into the heavens

Whenever we hear the engine
Of a plane in distant sky
We’ll …


In The News, Fall 2007, Joe N. Caudell Jan 2007

In The News, Fall 2007, Joe N. Caudell

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, reported several disturbing trends about the state’s 2006 feral hog hunt. Initially, it was thought that feral hogs existed only in small, isolated pockets within the state, consisting of <30 individuals per pocket. But, during the fall 2006 hunting season, at least 200 hogs were taken from 2 counties. USDA/ APHIS Wildlife Services has been studying the feral hog population and believes that there are at least 3,000 hogs in the state, and it has found evidence that the hogs are breeding in several counties. Wildlife biologists theorize that additional hunting pressure put on the hogs by large hunting parties is causing the hogs to disperse over a larger area than when they are pursued by individual hunters.


Influence Of Habitat Patch Characteristics On The Success Of Upland Duck Nests, Jaiume M. Jiménez, Michael R. Conover, Raymond D. Deuser, Terry A. Messmer Jan 2007

Influence Of Habitat Patch Characteristics On The Success Of Upland Duck Nests, Jaiume M. Jiménez, Michael R. Conover, Raymond D. Deuser, Terry A. Messmer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

When there is a rich guild of nest predators that use different modalities and techniques to locate hidden nests, we hypothesized that no habitat patch characteristic will consistently predict nest success, because if such a characteristic existed then predators would develop a search image based on it and use that characteristic to increase their hunting efficiency for nests. We tested this prediction in the Prairie Pothole region of North Dakota by characterizing the features of 16 habitat patches that contained >1,800 dabbling duck nests. Nest success was monitored during both the early and late nesting season over 2 years. Nest …


Feral Hog Research In Western Louisiana: Expanding Populations And Unforeseen Consequences, Michael D. Kaller, James D. Hudson Iii, Eric C. Achberger, William E. Kelso Jan 2007

Feral Hog Research In Western Louisiana: Expanding Populations And Unforeseen Consequences, Michael D. Kaller, James D. Hudson Iii, Eric C. Achberger, William E. Kelso

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Hunter harvest data suggest that feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations in western Louisiana are increasing, and population control in this region is complicated by the mixing of feral and domestic free-ranged hogs. Aggressive management may be warranted as feral and domestic hogs appear to be having unexpected effects on their ecosystem. We present the results of 3 recent investigations of genetic source-tracking to link waterborne bacteria with bacteria from feral hogs. We integrate our most recent findings with data regarding: (1) water quality in a watershed without hog management and (2) aquatic biota of the same watershed. Hog …


Crop Diversifi Cation Leads To Diverse Bird Problems In Hawaiian Agriculture, Marni E. Koopman, William C. Pitt Jan 2007

Crop Diversifi Cation Leads To Diverse Bird Problems In Hawaiian Agriculture, Marni E. Koopman, William C. Pitt

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Over the last 20 years, Hawaii’s agriculture has shifted from a focus on sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) and pineapples (Ananas comosus) produced on large farms to a diverse array of products produced on a multitude of smaller farms. This dramatic shift in production, in addition to the introduction of many new avian species, has resulted in a concomitant change in the problems faced by agriculture. We surveyed farmers to determine the extent of bird damage to crops, the species responsible, the crops most v …