Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Equilibrium Bidding In Joint Transmission And Energy Markets, Cihan Babayigit

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Participants in deregulated electric power markets compete for financial transmission rights (FTRs) to hedge against losses due to transmission congestion by submitting bids to the independent system operator (ISO). The ISO obtains an FTR allocation, that maximizes sales revenue while satisfying simultaneous feasibility. This FTR allocation remains in place for a length of time during which the participants compete in the energy market to maximize their total payoff from both FTR and energy markets. Energy markets (bi-lateral, day ahead, real time) continue until the the end of the current FTR period, at which time the participants can choose to modify …

Mechanical Properties Of Silicon Carbide (Sic) Thin Films, Jayadeep Deva Reddy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There is a technological need for hard thin films with high elastic modulus. Silicon Carbide (SiC) fulfills such requirements with a variety of applications in high temperature and MEMS devices. A detailed study of SiC thin films mechanical properties was performed by means of nanoindentation. The report is on the comparative studies of the mechanical properties of epitaxially grown cubic (3C) single crystalline and polycrystalline SiC thin films on Si substrates. The thickness of both the Single and polycrystalline SiC samples were around 1-2 µm. Under indentation loads below 500 µ-Newton both films exhibit Elastic contact without plastic deformation. Based …

Mounted On A Pedestal: Bertha Honoré Palmer, Hope L. Black

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The thesis Mounted on a Pedestal, chronicles the life of Bertha Honoré Palmer. The focus of her story are the years after 1910, when she traveled to Sarasota, Florida and heralded the flight to the southernmost state, leading the pack in the purchase and development of land in the Sarasota/ Tampa Bay area. The totality of her years prior to that time serve as a prelude to her accomplishments and the vicissitudes of her life in the sleepy little fishing village she found.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1849, she was provided with a privileged, comfortable childhood and a …

Nano Scale Based Model Development For Mems To Nems Migration, Andres Lombo Carrasquilla

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A novel integrated modeling methodology for NEMS is presented. Nano scale device models include typical effects found, at this scale, in various domains. The methodology facilitates the insertion of quantum corrections to nanoscale device models when they are simulated within multi-domain environments, as is performed in the MEMS industry. This methodology includes domain-oriented approximations from ab-initio modeling. In addition, the methodology includes the selection of quantum mechanical compact models that can be integrated with basic electronic circuits or non-electronic lumped element models.

Nanoelectronic device modeling integration in mixed signal systems is reported. The modeling results are compatible with standard hardware …

Design And Modeling Of A Bistable Spherical Compliant Micromechanism, Joseph Georges Choueifati

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Compliant bistable mechanisms are mechanisms that have two stable equilibrium positions within their range of motion. Their bistability is mainly due to the elasticity of their members. This thesis introduces a new type of bistable micromechanisms, the Bistable, Spherical, Compliant, four-bar Micromechanism (BSCM). Theory to predict bistable positions and configurations is also developed. Bistabilty was demonstrated through testing done on micro-prototypes. Compared to the mathematical model of the BSCM, Finite element models of the BSCM indicated important qualitative differences in the mechanism's stability behavior and its input-angle-input torque relation. The BSCM has many valuable features, such as: Two stable positions …

Examining Physicians’ Motivations To Volunteer: An Applied Visual Anthropological Approach, Jess Paul Ambiee

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the U.S., the number of persons who cannot afford health care continues to rise. Providing a "safety net" for such persons is becoming increasingly important. Medical professional volunteerism provides access to health care for people who have little or no access to health care otherwise.

At a not-for-profit free health clinic in Tampa, Florida, hundreds of physicians have volunteered their time in an attempt to reduce the health care gap in their community. The clinic sees thousands of persons who have very limited options in regards to their health care. This study investigates the reasons physicians volunteer and the …

Processing And Characterization Of Zinc Oxide Thin Films, Michael Depaz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Zinc oxide is a very versatile material that can be used in many microsystems and MEMS applications. ZnO thin film has been utilized in a wide variety of MEMS devices because of its unique piezoelectric, optical, and electrical properties. In particular, piezoelectric property of ZnO can be used in numerous applications from resonators and filters to mass sensors and micro-actuators (e.g., micro-valve and micro-pump). Because of its versatility, this research was focused on analyzing some key properties of ZnO thin film achieved by two different deposition techniques, Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and Sputtering. Multiple experiments were conducted in order to …

The Relationship Of Cognitive, Emotional, And Interpersonal Factors To Screening And Health­Promoting Behaviors Among Sisters Of Breast Cancer Patients, Sheri Jacobs Hartman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While sisters of breast cancer patients are at increased risk for developing breast cancer due to their family cancer history and age, little research with first-degree relatives of cancer patients has focused solely on sisters. To address this issue, the current study examined sisters screening and health behaviors and the predictors of these behaviors. In accordance with the Parallel Processing Theory, the current study assessed the relationship of cognitive and emotional factors to screening and health-promoting behaviors among sisters of breast cancer patients. In addition, this study expanded upon the Parallel Processing Theory by also examining the relationship of interpersonal …

Development Of A Scale To Measure Parenting In Hispanic Adolescents’ Families, Evelyn Marie Alvarez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The ultimate goal of this research was to provide a tool to adequately examine the relationship that parenting style has with Hispanic youths' academic and behavioral outcomes. A review of the literature reveals that the field is lacking an appropriate, culturally sensitive, paper-and-pencil measure of parenting of Hispanic adolescents with adolescents reporting on their parents' behavior. Current measures were not developed with Hispanic families in mind, but rather were evaluated for use with Hispanic populations after the development phase. Therefore, the current study sought to fill this gap in the research on parenting by constructing a measure of parenting that …

Situating The Perception And Communication Of Flood Risk: Components And Strategies, Heather M. Bell

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Loss prevention and distribution must begin well before a flood event at multiple levels. However, the benchmarks and terminology we use to manage and communicate flood risk may be working against this goal. U.S. flood policy is based upon a flood with a one percent chance of occurring in any year. Commonly called the "hundred year flood," it has been upheld as a policy criterion, but many have questioned the effectiveness of hundred year flood terminology in public communication.

This research examined public perceptions of the hundred year flood and evaluated the comparative effectiveness of this term and two other …

Friendships Between Men: Masculinity As A Relational Experience, Matthew L. Brooks

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an auto/ethnographic account of close friendships between the researcher and other men. The various narratives contain intimate dialogues about being a man, having friends, and the process of resisting and succumbing to orthodox masculinity. The purpose of the research was to investigate and artfully depict the communication and development of close friendships between the researcher and other men, in hope of gaining more knowledge of the difficulty forming and maintaining male friendships given the strictures of orthodox masculinity.

The research combines methods of autoethnography and dialogic conversations with four male friends. In the first chapter I set …

Statistical Analysis Of Fastener Vibration Life Tests, Christopher Cheatham

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents methods to statistically quantify data from fastener vibration life tests. Data from fastener vibration life tests with secondary locking features of threaded inserts is used. Threaded inserts in three different configurations are examined: no locking feature, prevailing torque locking feature, and adhesive locking feature. Useful composite plots were developed by extracting minimum preloads versus cycles from test data. Minimum preloads were extracted due to the overlapping of varying test data and because the minimum preload is of most interest in such tests.

In addition to composite plots, descriptive statistics of the samples were determined including mean, median, …

A Gis-Based Approach To Evaluating Changes In Wetland Areal Extent And Structure Between 1926 And 1999 For Selected Hydrological Sub-Basins In Pinellas County, Florida, Pamela J. Fetterman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A GIS-based study was undertaken comparing wetland coverages in 1926 and 1999 in selected sub-basins within Pinellas County, Florida, one of the most highly urbanized counties in south-central Florida with almost 50% of the existing land area developed into industrial, commercial or residential land uses (Pinellas County Planning Department, 2002). Wetlands were digitized from rectified 1926 aerials and classified according to the FLUCCS classification system. Wetland coverage for the 1999 data set was extracted from FLUCCS 1999 land use coverage provided by the SWFWMD, and topology for both the 1926 and 1999 wetland and surface waters were created. Statistical and …

Measuring Diversity Management Skill: Development And Validation Of A Situational Judgment Test, Andrew Biga

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As a result of both demographic and social changes in the U.S., organizations have become much more diverse. Diversity presents unique challenges for management as it is linked to both positive and negative organizational performance outcomes (Mannix & Neale, 2005). Diversity, by itself, may not be sufficient to achieve competitive advantage. Effective diversity management becomes an important issue for organizations to consider. The current research uses Situational Judgment Test (SJT) methodology to develop an assessment measuring Diversity Management Skill. The development of a SJT involves a three-step process: Creation of critical incidents, generation of response options, and use of SME …

Thermochemical Treatment Of Tio2 Nanoparticles For Photocatalytic Applications, Mark Schmidt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Titanium Dioxide (TiO 2) has been considered an ideal photocatalyst due to

factors such as its photocatalytic properties, chemical stability, impact on the

environment and cost. However, its application has been primarily limited to

ultraviolet (UV) environments due to its high band gap (3.2 eV). This high band

gap limits the harvesting of photons to approximately 4% of sunlight radiation.

Research today is focused on lowering this gap by doping or coupling TiO 2 with

other semiconductors, transition metals and non-metal anions, thereby

expanding its effectiveness well into the visible range.

This thesis explores the effects of thermal and thermochemical …

Dependency Of Loosening Parameters On Secondary Locking Features Of Threaded Inserts, Carlos Felipe Acosta

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a study of the dependency of loosening parameters on secondary locking features of threaded inserts subjected to dynamic shear loads. Secondary locking is used to assist and/or provide redundancy to the primary locking feature (threads) in preventing preload loss in almost any mechanical applications. Two different secondary locking features are studied: the Locking Heli-Coil insert and the Loctite Threadlocker (R) applied before assembly to a Standard Heli-Coil insert. Five parameters are studied in this thesis: percentage loss of initial preload, initial rate of preload loss, secondary rate of preload loss, steady-state value, and the final preload value. …

Integrin Mediated Mechanotransduction In Renal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells, Lavanya Balasubramanian

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Integrins are transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that link extracellular matrix (ECM) to cytoskeleton and have been shown to function as mechanotransducers in non-muscle cells. Synthetic integrin-binding peptide triggers Ca²⁺ mobilization and contraction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from rat afferent arteriole, indicating that interactions between ECM and integrins modulate vascular tone. RGD, an integrin binding peptide, triggered contraction in cultured VSMCs as observed by Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing technique. To examine whether integrins transduce extracellular mechanical stress into intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling events in VSMCs, unidirectional mechanical force was applied to freshly isolated renal VSMCs through paramagnetic beads coated …

A Comparative Study Of Healthcare Procurement Models, Arka Bhattacharya

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) play a significant role in the healthcare industry. The presence of GPOs helps the healthcare centers to offload their responsibilities so that they can focus on more critical areas which require attention like providing quality care.

This thesis involves the comparison of three models of procurement operations in terms of cost efficiency. This cost comparison model features a healthcare organization associated with a national GPO, a healthcare organization which procures by self sourcing (not associated with a GPO), and a hybrid procurement model involving a national GPO and a regional GPO. The comparison model highlighted the …

Utilization Of Community-Based Transitional Housing By Homeless Veteran Populations Diagnosed With A Mental Illness: The Association Between Predisposing, Enabling, And Need Factors With Program Outcomes, Roger Casey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mental illness among homeless populations is a significant public health issue. Community-based programs that assist the homeless are most often developed to meet local housing needs, not the needs of mental health populations. Transitional housing, a model frequently utilized to address homelessness in communities, provides program-based housing with supportive services.

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between participant- and program-level factors on the utilization of community-based transitional housing by homeless veterans diagnosed with a mental illness. The study tested a revised framework of the behavioral model of utilization for vulnerable populations theory.

The sample was comprised …

Acoustic Classification Of Benthic Habitats In Tampa Bay, Shane C. Dunn

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The need for assessment of benthic habitat characteristics may arise for many reasons. Such reasons may include but are not limited to, habitat mapping, environmental concerns and identification of submerged aquatic vegetation. Oftentimes, such endeavors employ the use of aerial photography, satellite imagery, diving transects and extensive sampling. Aerial photography and remote sensing techniques can be severely limited by water clarity and depth, whereas diver transects and extensive sampling can be time consuming and limited in spatial extent. Acoustic methods of seabed mapping, such as the acoustic sediment classification system QTC are not hampered by water clarity issues. The acoustic …

First-Principles Studies Of Energetic Materials, Michael W. Conroy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

First-principles density functional theory calculations were performed on a number of important energetic molecular crystals, pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX), cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), and nitromethane. Simulations of hydrostatic and uniaxial compressions, as well as predictions of ground-state structures at ambient conditions, were performed using the DFT codes CASTEP and VASP.

The first calculations done with CASTEP using GGA-PW yielded reasonable agreement with experiment for the calculated isothermal EOS for PETN-I from hydrostatic compression data, yet the EOS for β -HMX shows substantial deviation from experiment. Interesting anisotropic behavior of the shear-stress maxima were exhibited by both crystals upon uniaxial …

Malaria, Labor Supply, And Schooling In Sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwo Abimbola

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the causal effects of malaria and poor health in general on economic outcome in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study uses panel data from the Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS) for Tanzania from 1991 to 2004. Three main hypotheses are tested. First, the study evaluates the effect of malaria and other chronic illnesses on labor supply using the number of hours worked per week as a measure of outcome. Second, it determines the impact of poor health on human capital accumulation by measuring the number of weekly school hours lost to illness. The third …

Reading Fluency Through Alternative Text: Rereading With An Interactive Sing-To-Read Program Embedded Within A Middle School Music Classroom, Marie Biggs

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Singing exaggerates the language of reading. The students find their voices in the rhythm and bounce of language by using music as an alternative text. A concurrent mixed methods study was conducted to investigate the use of an interactive sing-to-read program Tune Into Reading (Electronic Learning Products, 2006) as an alternative text, embedded within a heterogeneous music classroom. Measured by the Qualitative Reading Inventory-4 (QRI-4) (Leslie & Caldwell, 2006), the fluency, word recognition, comprehension, and instructional reading level of the treatment students were compared to their counterparts who sang as part of the regular music program. Concurrently, this investigation also …

Development Of Micro/Nanosensor Elements And Packaging Techniques For Oceanography, Shyam Aravamudhan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this research, novel high resolution reinforced diaphragm MEMS piezoresistive pressure sensors were designed, fabricated and tested to measure physical phenomena (such as depth/pressure variations) in the ocean. To complement the physical sensing elements, a microfluidic electrochemical nitrate sensor, was also developed to detect chemical fluxes. The electrochemical sensor was designed and packaged to conform to a flow through system. The multisensor approach will enable better measurement quality compared to the current ocean sensors. This, in turn, will potentially improve the current understanding of physical and biogeochemical processes from coastal to deep-sea environment.

The pressure sensor element utilized a reinforced …

A Dynamic Inventory/Maintenance Model, Jonathan J. Bates

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A model is proposed to provide inventory and maintenance guidance for a system of operating parts. This model is capable of handling a system with multiple operating components, unknown part lifetime failure distribution, and separately maintained parts. In this model, part reliability characteristics are used along with system costs to predict the required stocking levels and part replacement times. Two maintenance strategies are presented that have the unique characteristic of allowing flexible scheduling of replacements. A case study is completed comparing developed stocking policies to an existing policy. An estimation selection method is introduced and fit into the model for …

Yogi-Ing Purists, Trail Magic And Men In Skirts: An Analysis Of Appalachian Trail Culture, Shellie L. Andrews

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the motivations and experiences of those thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in the 20th and 21st Century. A detailed analysis examines the influence of conservationism, urban development, and collective American values on trail culture. The analysis uses Susan Fast's methodology from her 2000 article, "Rethinking Issues of Gender and Sexuality in Led Zeppelin: A Woman's view of Pleasure and Power in Hard Rock," as a model. Personal experiences from hiking the A.T. in 2003 are analyzed in juxtaposition with other hiker's written accounts. The bulk of these journals come from the website TrailJournals.com.

The Appalachian Trail extends over …

Silicon Carbide Biocompatibility, Surface Control And Electronic Cellular Interaction For Biosensing Applications, Camilla Coletti

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cell-semiconductor hybrid systems are a potential centerpiece in the scenery of biotechnological applications. The selection and study of promising crystalline semiconductor materials for bio-sensing applications is at the basis of the development of such hybrid systems. In this work we introduce crystalline SiC as an extremely appealing material for bio-applications. For the first time we report biocompatibility studies of different SiC polytypes whose results document the biocompatibility of this material and its capability of directly interfacing cells without the need of surface functionalization. Since the successful implementation of biosensors requires a good understanding and versatile control of the semiconductor surface …

The Effects Of Mentoring On The Elementary Special Education Mentor, Maria Angeliadis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly, mentor programs are being developed in teacher education programs to assist novice teachers. The focus in most of the literature on mentoring is on the new teacher being mentored. While the mentor teacher appears to be the most crucial element in mentoring programs (Feinman-Nemser, 1992; Little, 1990; White, 1995), there is not much information about how a teacher experiences being a mentor or the perceived benefits to a mentor.

The purpose of this present study was to examine the effects of mentoring on mentors in order to: (a) address the gap in the literature by exploring the effects of …

Evaluation Of The Supply Chain Of Key Industrial Sectors And Its Impact On The Electricity Demand For A Regional Distribution Company, Thiago Arruda Mariotoni

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Considering the international scenario, in a recent past, the electrical industry was based on the concepts of monopolistic concessions and vertical utilities structures. In Brazil, until recently, the electricity companies were all governmental properties that served restricted monopolized areas. In a similar manner, in the United States, monopolies for certain concession areas were assigned to vertically integrated electric utilities. This monopolistic portfolio brought to the industry, in a generic sense, a lack in the interface between companies and consumers. This fact established a low capacity of obtaining consumer's information and consequently, a low capacity of developing precise demand forecasts.

Lately, …

Risk Reduction Decision Making In Women With Brca1/2 Gene Mutations, Heidi M. King

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With technological advances in testing for gene mutations, a new population of BRCA1/2 women is becoming aware of their increased risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. A salient issue these women face is which risk-reducing option to choose. Little is known about the decision making factors underlying the choice of prophylactic mastectomy for women with a BRCA1/2 mutation. To address this issue, 137 unaffected, positive BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers (42 who opted for prophylactic mastectomy, 95 who did not) served as participants. All women completed an on-line battery that assessed the following theory-based decision making variables: advantages and disadvantages …