Other Education Commons^™

Breakthroughs In Obtaining Qm/Mm Free Energies, Phillip S. Hudson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The computation of free energy is pivotal to understanding the fundamental nature of chemical phenomena. That is, whether a specific molecular outcome occurs spontaneously or is inherently unfavorable. The need to do this with consistent accuracy begs for the use of quantum mechanical (QM) methods. However, techniques for directly computing free energy differences with QM or mixed QM/MM methods are untenable, as the computational expense is quite exorbitant. At present, the most feasible approach for obtaining QM/MM free energies is employing the so-called indirect cycle, which relies on accurately computing free energy differences between low (e.g., molecular mechanical, MM) and …

How The Use Of Learner-Generated Images And Authentic Materials Affects The Comprehension And Production Of Vivid Phrasal Idioms In L2 English Learners, Melissa Larsen-Walker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Vivid Phrasal Idioms (VP Idioms) are non-compositional, figurative phrases that have limited flexibility, such as “once in a blue moon.” Research suggests that facility with idioms is an integral part of communicative competence in an L2 (Liontas, 2017; Sinclair, 1992). Despite the fact that they are ubiquitous throughout informal, spoken language (Karlsson, 2013; Liu, 2008), and occur less frequently in other registers of usage, newscasters and politicians employ VP Idioms for communication in what Myers (1996) has called the presentational mode. They also appeari in academic discourse (Liontas, 2008). Nevertheless, research suggests that the English language learners in formal educational …

Atomistic Simulations Of Novel Materials At Ambient And High Pressures, Joseph M. Gonzalez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Propelled by the emergence of new fundamental physical phenomena in a new class of two-dimensional (2D) atomically thin materials, graphene and other novel two-dimensional (2D) materials are being intensively investigated over the past two decades. In many cases, the single layer compounds have outstanding mechanical and electronic properties compared to those in the bulk crystals. Graphene is the prototypical atomically thin material, however the influence point and extended defects on its fundamental properties is not well understood at the atomic scale. The structural, electronic and vibrational properties of other 2D materials, including chalcogenides beyond transition metal containing systems (e.g. SnS_{2} …

Vocal Health Of Choral Singers From Kenya And The United States: Dysphonia And Vocal Fatigue In Relation To Musical Genres, Morgan Jolley Burburan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate the vocal health of choral singers from Kenya and the United States and to determine whether genre (classical choral, traditional Kenya, and Contemporary Commercial Music [CCM]) had any impact on healthy vocal production, particularly as it related to vocal fatigue. Participants were adult singers (N = 94) in two semi-professional choirs, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) from Kenya (n = 25) and the Festival Singers of Florida (FSOF) from the United States (n = 69). Singers’ perceived overall vocal health was measured using multiparametric clinical self-reporting instruments and acoustical assessment. Singers’ …

School District Responses To Food Insecurity And Poor Nutrition In High Poverty Communities, Richard Grayes

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food insecure households are described as not having enough money or other resources to meet certain needs of all of their family members at some point during the year. Milam and Towns (2014) observed, “Child hunger exists in every county in every state” (p. 2). The hunger gap has been found to contribute to the lower academic achievement of students of color, particularly those from low-socioeconomic status (Jyoti, Frongillo, & Jones, 2005).

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of food insecurity and poor nutrition on student learning and to review district responses, particularly in elementary schools …

The Evolution Of Esea: A Language And Four-Dimension Analysis, Ann M. Meggs

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Title I of ESEA was and continues to be the largest single funding source to support our nation’s most struggling students (Davis, 1999). The purpose of this study was to draw on policy and language analysis perspectives to examine changes in ESEA, specifically in Title I Part A, through its reauthorizations as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). A language analysis of the texts of these acts found changes in key specific language between each reauthorization, affecting the intent and scope of the original ESEA (1965) legislation. Four dimensions of a conceptual …

Study Of The Therapeutic Effects Of Synchronization-Modulation Of The Na/K Pump On Muscle Fatigue, Jason E. Mast

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It has been shown that by applying a specially designed oscillating external electric field to a cell membrane that the membrane's sodium/potassium pumps can be synchronized to all work at the same rate. Then by slowly increasing the electric field's frequency the pumps' turnover rate can also be increased. By increasing the pumps' turnover rate, the sodium and potassium concentration gradients can be increased, this type of stimulation is called synchronization-modulation. There are three generations of the synchronization-modulation waveform each with different utilities. In particular, the third generation of synchronization-modulation has the ability to use the energy of the external …

Parent Perceptions Of The Acceptability, Effectiveness, And Experience Of Engaging In The Group Stepping Stones Triple P Intervention For Parents Of Children With Disabilities, Tara B. Delach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The challenges associated with parenting are often compounded for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Children with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for exhibiting mental health concerns and challenging behavior compared to their typically developing peers. Parents who are raising a child with a disability tend to experience increased demands, higher levels of stress, and greater challenges associated with the physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of their children than do parents of typically developing children. Parent training interventions grounded in social learning theory and behavioral principles have proven to be effective in improving both child and parent outcomes in …

Differences In Knowledge Acquisition, Perceived Engagement And Self-Efficacy In Latino Promotores Delivering The Heart Disease Prevention Program Su Corazόn, Su Vida, Samuel Matos-Bastidas

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Su Corazόn, Su Vida (Your Heart, Your Life) is a community-based, small-group health intervention designed to empower Latinos to enhance cardiovascular disease awareness and initiate enduring lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Originally developed to be delivered in weekly sessions in Spanish or English language, it addresses several heart disease risk factors including unhealthy eating habits, poor physical activity, high cholesterol, overweight, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and tobacco smoking, among others. Instructors use diverse learning and support strategies such as group discussion, role modeling, problem-solving, health action planning, and self-monitoring. Participants help each other to stay on …

Making Meaning Of A Whole School Transformation Model: A Policy Ethnography Of A Schools Of Hope Legislation Implementation, Adam Charles Rea

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cheryl High School (CHS) is a geographically large county in Florida that received funding through the state of Florida's "Schools of Hope” grant. The grant’s parameters called on Carter County Schools (CCS) to partner with an external consultant and a research university to help improve teacher and school administrative capacity. The district chose Scientific Pedagogy Services (SPS) and to continue their existing relationship with Tampa Bay State University (TBS). The consultant’s mission was to improve school performance through a unique form of professional development. TBS was charged with developing an on-site program that funded staff efforts to obtain advanced degrees …

Academic Digital Badges: Industry, Employment, And Prospects, Terry M. Mcgovern

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Digital badges are becoming more prevalent in the credentialing sector yet there is limited understanding of how the industry is developing or how digital badges influence the hiring process. This study employed an exploratory case method to make known the development of the badging industry. This dynamic new educational technology has a wide range of stakeholders working at establishing standards to ensure consistent and effective application across the badging ecosphere. To understand academic badging further, the researcher conducted a type of field experiment called a résumé audit study. In the late Spring of 2019, the investigator applied to 1,848 unique …

Growth And Characterization Of Spatially Ordered Nanostructures Of Functional Materials, Domingo J. Mateo Feliciano

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Thin films and nanostructures of functional materials like lead zirconium titanite oxide (PZT) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) offer multitude of applications in ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics and piezotronics. While the properties of thin films of ZnO and PZT are well understood, methods for the fabrication of vertically-aligned and spatially ordered nanocolumns of these materials are not common. To achieve a spatially ordered arrangement of either PZT or ZnO, a Silica Nanosphere (SNS) Monolayer Template has been constructed to serve as nucleation site for the growth of a specific number of nanocolumns. The SNS monolayer template is constructed by Langmuir-Blodgett dip coating, using …

Women In Water: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Women's Lived Experience As Water And Wastewater Professionals, Pamela Murawski

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis was to explore the lived experiences of women water and wastewater professionals in California. A qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews provided detail and a rich understanding of women’s occupational choices, pursuits, and roles as told from their own perspectives. The results revealed that while working in water promoted a sense of pride, accomplishment, and empowerment, women continued to fight for equal access and full participation in lucrative water treatment careers. Key issues the women indicated were lack of knowledge of the industry, the necessity of mentorship, access to technical information, and the male-centered …

An Examination Of Changes In Muscle Thickness, Isometric Strength, And Body Water Throughout The Menstrual Cycle, Tayla E. Kuehne

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Women are often excluded from research studies interested in changes in muscle size and strength due to confounding influence that the menstrual cycle may have on these variables. Although there is considerable data showing that strength may fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, the thesis that muscle size changes throughout the cycle is based on the premise that changes in body water throughout the menstrual cycle may influence the size of the muscle. Despite this suggestion there is no experimental data demonstrating that the menstrual cycle has any influence on muscle size. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine …

Van Hiele Problem Solving Logic Levels Applied To Force Concept Inventory Problems Using The Resources Framework, Charles Mason Hemphill

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Students bring their logical reasoning and previous knowledge to the study of physics. Previous studies have examined types and levels of students’ reasoning as applied to answering conceptual physics questions. This study compared the van Hiele theory of levels of logic in two different disciplines: school geometry and conceptual physics. Two research approaches were employed: quantitative and qualitative analysis. In a quantitative approach, the van Hiele geometry test’s correlation to gains in conceptual physics understanding, as measured by the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), was compared to Lawson’s Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning (CTSR), SAT, ACT, and a general algebra facility …

Borges, El Escritor Italiano: Precursores Italianos En/Desde Borges, Sara Boscagli

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The word precursor is a term that suggests something that comes before, that anticipates. However, what would happen if literature (beginning with Borges) would change this concept? The binary canons of before and after would disappear and with them the idea of a chronological literary temporality. As Borges suggests in the essay “Kafka and his precursors”, precursors can be identified due to the existence of Kafka who (as all writers) choose his literary “fathers”. What Borges suggests is that this choice not only modifies the future, but also the past.

To explore this literary and philosophical idea, Borges will be …

Development And Application Of Computational Models For Biochemical Systems, Fiona L. Kearns

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformations. Computational chemistry uses computer models to study chemistry in all its intricate complexity. In this thesis I hope to accessibly introduce fundamental concepts central for computational chemistry including quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, and multiscale modeling. I then present several works which I have conducted throughout my graduate career employing many different computational methods. The investigations described here can be summarized as follows. Chapter 2.1 modeling proteins involved in crustacean molting, and identifying possible inhibitors to this molting. Chapter 2.2 modeling d-fructose bound to synthetic saccharide receptors with hopes of improving saccharide …

An Exploration Of Teachers’ Use Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Ethic Of Care, And Reflectivity, Johan Von Ancken

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A variety of educational reform literature discusses the “ethic of care” and “building relationships,” along with culturally relevant/responsive pedagogy (Gorski, 2013; Guajardo, M., Guajardo F., & Casaperalta, 2008; Ladson-Billings, 1992, 1995). In addition, “Appreciative Organizing in Education (AOE)” (Barrett & Fry, 2008; Burello, Beitz, & Mann, 2015; Cooperrider, Whitney, & Stavros, 2008) with its emphasis on strengths-based analysis of organizational change shaped my perception that a “Culture of Care” in our schools and with our teachers, administrators, and most importantly students, is necessary.

The notion of “culturally appropriate” (Au & Jordan, 1981, p. 139) pedagogy began over 35 years ago …

Male And Female Students’ Persistence In Stem Fields In Community Colleges: A Secondary Analysis Of Nces Bps:12/14 Data, Ying Hu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Today, economic growth, technology advancement, and daily life are all driven by science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). American colleges and universities need to produce more STEM graduates in order to meet rapid job growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the significant factors that influence the persistence of STEM students in community colleges. The research described the characteristics of STEM students who persisted and of those who did not in STEM, as well as the different characteristics between male and female students. It also investigated student and institutional factors that influenced STEM students’ persistence. Furthermore, the study …

Gabbing While Gaming: Commandeering Commercial, Off-The-Shelf (Cots) Video Games To Structure Student-Centered Social Studies Discussion, Joshua M. Patterson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Amidst the current cultural backdrop of debilitating digital addiction and malicious misinformation campaigns, secondary social studies instructors require every possible tool to engage students stuck in the haze of simulated reality. While nationwide mastery of the subject area is wedged between failure (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2020) and apathy, three-dimensional, entertainment-driven simulations are progressing at an exponential rate of adolescent adoption and historical accuracy. In this phenomenological case study, I capitalize on pupils’ preference for virtual integration by outlining a pedagogical approach that harnesses the trinity of content knowledge, discursive prowess, and video game aptitude. Video game titles were …

Influences Of Reasoning And Achievement Motivation On Complex Problem Solving In A New Microworld Operationalization, Stephan Bartholdy, Ulrike Kipman

Journal of Global Education and Research

Complex Problem Solving (CPS) can be defined as those psychological processes that enable a person to achieve goals under complex conditions, which are characterized by their complexity, connectivity, dynamics, lack of transparency, and polytely. Although many hypothesized influences have previously been tested concerning their relevance for the process of solving complex problems (e.g., general intelligence), results were often found to be rather heterogeneous. As this was found to be partially caused by fundamental differences between measurements of CPS, a new operationalization was used in the present study: Following the Microworld approach, CPS was assessed in the simulation game Cities: Skylines …

Constituent Partitioning Consensus Docking Models And Application In Drug Discovery, Rainer Metcalf

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work expounds on some of the current computational tools and programs available and the best practices associated with their use. A high-level introduction, intended for both novices and the semi-experienced, focusing on the more common programs used in scientific literature is the scope of this topic. Both classical and quantum techniques are described. Classical methodologies include Molecular Dynamics, Monte Carlo, energy minimization methods, molecular docking, low-mode, and homology modeling. Quantum chemistry techniques are also discussed encompassing Hartree-Fock, Post-Hartree-Fock theories, and Density Functional Theory along with associated basis sets.

Along with established methodologies, novel theoretical methods are introduced for furthering …

Development Of A Voxel-Based Monte Carlo Radiation Dosimetry Methodology For A Targeted Alpha Particle Therapy, Christopher John Tichacek

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The use of targeted ligands to deliver radioisotopes directly to tumor cells is a promising therapeutic strategy. Because of the short path length and high LET of alpha particles, targeted alpha particles are ideal for treating metastatic disease while minimizing damage to non-targeted tissues. However, clinical methods for determining 3D radiation dosimetry in patients with multiple metastatic lesions are needed to support clinical translation of novel targeted alpha particle therapies for personalized treatment, especially in patients that have previously received radiotherapy. Recently interest in novel radiopharmaceutical development has grown significantly. However, compared to external beam radiation therapy, progress in customizing …

Rescue Of Hearing And Protection Of Auditory Structures From Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Reza Amanipour

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hearing loss due to exposure to high level sound is a major health problem that causes permanent hearing impairment and has a significant impact on job productivity and quality of life. A large population suffers from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a disorder for which there is currently no FDA-approved prevention, treatment or cure. The goal of my dissertation work is to provide insights into the effects of noise trauma on hearing abilities of normal hearing subjects, and determine how a new therapeutic compound (mGlu7 modulator) can protect and/or prevent loss of, or damage to sensory cells and brain neurons, including …

Amyloid Protein Aggregation And Associated Toxicity, Chamani A. Niyangoda

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which amyloid fibrils accumulate and deposit into plaques and intracellular inclusions which lead to disruption of the tissue architecture and function. Most of the amyloid diseases are incurable due to a lack of understanding of the amyloid formation, as well as associated toxicity. My research work is focused on three different aspects of amyloid aggregation.

The aim of the first project is to investigate the potential use of deep-blue autofluorescence (dbAF) as an intrinsic optical probe to study amyloid self-assembly. This novel fluorescence signal is excited at the long wavelength edge of the …

Student Attitudes And Behaviors Regarding Academic Dishonesty, Kelly A. Pearson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research study investigated the relationship between students’ attitudes toward academic dishonesty and their self-reported cheating behaviors. Additionally, the study investigated the potential differences between gender and the academic variables class level and cumulative GPA and both students’ attitudes toward academic dishonesty and their self-reported cheating behaviors. This quantitative study analyzed secondary data from a Spring 2014 administration of the Academic Integrity Student Survey (AISS) to examine the attitudes and behaviors of undergraduate level students (N = 574) at a large, four-year, public, research intensive institution in West-Central Florida.

Results indicated a statistically significant correlation between students’ attitudes toward academic …

Novel Macroscopic And Microscopic Concepts In Thermoelectricity, Troy Stedman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Thermoelectric phenomena have been observed for the past two centuries while still being an interesting source of new research because of the countless unknowns governing thermoelectric transport in a host of materials. Novel materials and material structures continue to be discovered, providing enhanced thermoelectric effects that can be used in thermoelectric devices for power generation and refrigeration. With the increasing demand for reusable and renewable energy sources, the importance and usefulness of thermoelectric phenomena grows. It is therefore important to understand thermoelectric transport on both the larger macroscale of devices that serve to define material properties and the smaller microscale …

Disciplinary D/Discourses: Navigating And Negotiating Disciplinary Paradigms, Michael R. P. Bailey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Over the past twenty-five years, in the United States, zero-tolerance policies that were initially implemented to deter gun violence and drugs in schools have expanded to include a wide range of discretionary offenses such as disrespect and defiance. As a result, many students have been denied access to educational opportunities, been excluded from their peers, and had their lives irrevocably changed due to systemic sanctioning of exclusionary practices. Educators, who are caught between competing societal demands, job expectations, and ethical beliefs about their profession are tasked with balancing the instructional and interactional components of their work in an attempt to …

Education In The Settler Colony: Displacement, Inequality, And Disappearance Via Charter Schools, David R. Fisher

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The encroachment of market-based practices on public education has resulted in the creation of vouchers, charter schools, virtual schools, home schools, and other forms of educational choice. While there has always been choice in education in the United States for the wealthy and White, the current conception of school choice, in theory, allows equal access to education for all. Undergirding the neoliberal practice of school choice is a connection to a troubling past of capitalist oppression and settler colonialism. Like settler colonialism, the practice of school choice has resulted in the displacement of educators, families, and students, inequality between different …

Educators' Perceptions Of Students' Academic And Social Growth In A Collegiate High School Program., John Matthew Legg

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to examine educators’ perceptions of high school students’ academic and social growth in a collegiate college program. Collegiate high school programs afford opportunities to minorities and the economically disadvantaged, as well as first-generation college students (Aviles-Reyes, 2007). This research used a qualitative case study framework to collect information about educators’ perceptions of the academic and social integration of students in a collegiate college program. Data were collected in phases—educator focus group interviews and individual interviews—and subsequently coded and reviewed using thematic comparative analysis. The guiding question was as follows: What are educators’ perceptions of …