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Barton, Matthew D. "Dissertations past, present, and future /." [Tampa, Fla.] : University of South Florida, 2005. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/SFE0001200.
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Elson, R. E. "Australian dissertations on Asia, 1999-2000." Griffith University, 2000. http://www.gu.edu.au:80/school/iba/asaa/austdistertations.html.
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Dissertations on Asia and Australia's relations with Asia, either completed in 1999 or 2000 or in progress in 2000 in Australian universities. The list was compiled by Robert Elson from information supplied to the Asian Studies Association of Australia. Arranged by regions of Asia: general or comparative; Australia and Asia; East Asia; South Asia; Southeast Asia; West Asia.<br>Description based on contents viewed June 4, 2002; title from home page.
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Gaedke, Martin. "Doctoral Dissertations in Web Engineering and Web Science." Universitätsverlag Chemnitz, 2014. https://monarch.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A20124.
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Wissenschaftliche Schriftenreihe, die Dissertationen der Professur Verteilte und selbstorganisierende Rechnersysteme beinhaltet.<br>Scientific series containing dissertations of the Professorship Distributed and Self-Organizing Systems.
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Kahu, Sampanna Yashwant. "Figure Extraction from Scanned Electronic Theses and Dissertations." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/100113.
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The ability to extract figures and tables from scientific documents can solve key use-cases such as their semantic parsing, summarization, or indexing. Although a few methods have been developed to extract figures and tables from scientific documents, their performance on scanned counterparts is considerably lower than on born-digital ones. To facilitate this, we propose methods to effectively extract figures and tables from Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs), that out-perform existing methods by a considerable margin. Our contribution towards this goal is three-fold. (a) We propose a system/model for improving the performance of existing methods on scanned scientific documents for figure and table extraction. (b) We release a new dataset containing 10,182 labelled page-images spanning across 70 scanned ETDs with 3.3k manually annotated bounding boxes for figures and tables. (c) Lastly, we release our entire code and the trained model weights to enable further research (https://github.com/SampannaKahu/deepfigures-open).<br>Master of Science<br>Portable Document Format (PDF) is one of the most popular document formats. However, parsing PDF files is not a trivial task. One use-case of parsing PDF files is the search functionality on websites hosting scholarly documents (i.e., IEEE Xplore, etc.). Having the ability to extract figures and tables from a scholarly document helps this use-case, among others. Methods using deep learning exist which extract figures from scholarly documents. However, a large number of scholarly documents, especially the ones published before the advent of computers, have been scanned from hard paper copies into PDF. In particular, we focus on scanned PDF versions of long documents, such as Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). No experiments have been done yet that evaluate the efficacy of the above-mentioned methods on this scanned corpus. This work explores and attempts to improve the performance of these existing methods on scanned ETDs. A new gold standard dataset is created and released as a part of this work for figure extraction from scanned ETDs. Finally, the entire source code and trained model weights are made open-source to aid further research in this field.
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Shier, Lisa Marie. "The power source of very luminous infrared galaxies." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/187129.
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Seven very luminous galaxies were examined to determine the contribution of active nuclei to their luminosity, the nature of their stellar population, and the validity of previous measurements of their H₂ content. Spectra of the 2.3 μm bands of CO were used to measure the stellar velocity dispersion, and hence the mass in the central regions. The bolometric luminosity, ionizing continuum luminosity, CO index, and 2.2 μm luminosity were also determined. Models of young stellar populations were compared to the observed properties of the galaxies. It was found that four of the seven galaxies have properties which are inconsistent with those of stellar populations. The active nuclei of these four galaxies produce more than half the total light of the galaxies, but less than one-third of the 2.2 μm light. The galaxies containing AGN also have young stellar populations. There is no evidence for the existence of active nuclei in the other three galaxies. The stellar populations that dominate the starlight in the galaxies have a wide range of properties. Stellar populations range in age from 10 to 65 Myr. The timescale for star formation ranges from 5 Myr to 100 Myr. The local initial mass function is ruled out for one of the four galaxies for which stellar population analysis could be done. The molecular gas masses for some very luminous galaxies determined from the ¹²CO J = 1 → 0 line are in error. The previously determined molecular gas masses are larger than the dynamical masses. The I(CO)/M(H₂) conversion factor found for Milky Way giant molecular clouds is evidently not correct for some very luminous infrared galaxies.
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Lewis, Sylvester. "Dissertation: Sociodemographics and Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5745.
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Pancreatic carcinoma or pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is an insidious disease with a prognosis of 6- to 12-month survival time for a late stage diagnosis. This problem has become crucial given that no study to date had been able to establish a definitive association between independent factors (other than a few diseases) and the survival rate of pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to determine whether an association exists between the independent, sociodemographic variables (marital status, age, education, income, and employment) and the outcome variable of survival rate. The social cognitive theory was the framework that provided the blueprint throughout the development of this study and helped guide the analysis of the secondary data, which was procured from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program. The sample of 56,166 participants was collected from 2009 to 2013 and Cox proportional hazard was used to analyze the data and arrive at the answers to the research hypotheses. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze whether an association existed between each of the independent variables and the outcome variable. The analysis showed significant association between age, education, income, and employment and survival rate. It was not the same for marital status. These findings could stimulate social change by allowing stakeholders and other policy makers to become aware of the role that sociodemographic factors can play in health care. In addition, a need exists for effective research to be undertaken in the prevention and intervention of this disease. This could then lead to private and public health innovations and procedures to benefit patients with PaCa.
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Nelli, Debora Kay. "Gender Representations in U.S. Ed.D. Dissertations: A Feminist Content Analysis." PDXScholar, 2014. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1700.
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Educational access, achievement and opportunity for students and educators in U.S. educational institutions is influenced and often limited by gender. Although the U.S. Glass Ceiling Commission reports that the gender equity values, beliefs and commitments of institutional leaders are a key factor in reducing institutional gender inequities (U.S. Dept of Labor, 1995), very little is known about the current preparation or evaluation of educational leadership values, especially at the doctoral level (Hess & Kelly, 2007, Grogan & Andrews, 2002; Levine, 2005; Murphy & Vriesenga, 2004).
This study utilized feminist content analysis as a conceptual framework and research methodology to examine the collective gender equity values, beliefs and commitments of educational leaders represented in a key textual artifact of doctoral study, the Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) dissertation.
This sequential mixed method content analysis examines 15,014 dissertation titles of Ed.D dissertations completed from 112 U.S. public doctoral granting institutions between 1998-2007 to identify 1185 dissertations indicating gender in their title. A purposeful sample of 177 abstracts was selected from emergent themes for further analysis. The final research phase examined a purposeful sample of 9 complete dissertation texts selected from the analysis of the abstracts. The research focused on two questions, 1.) How prevalent is gender focused inquiry in recent Ed.D. dissertation scholarship, from 1998-2007? 2.) What are the cultural gender beliefs and gender conceptualizations represented in Ed.D. dissertation scholarship from 1998-2007?
The findings indicate gender focused inquiry is not prevalent in Ed.D. dissertation titles, in public doctoral granting institutions from 1998-2007; only 7.4 % indicated any mention of gender. The findings also revealed great institutional variation in the prevalence of gender focused dissertations in the 112 institutions examined.
Three themes also emerged from patterns of representations illuminating problematic gender cultural beliefs, 1,) male leadership and intellectual authority is privileged, 2.) Black males are "othered", 3.) Latinas are silenced. Three additional problematic themes of gender bias are revealed because of scanty representation in the sample, 1.) LGTBIQ issues silenced, 2.) Title IX trivialized and 3.) Feminism marginalized. Each of these three gender focused categories represented less than 1% of the Ed.D. dissertations completed in U.S. public doctoral granting universities between 1998-2007.
The findings have implications for program planning of doctoral Ed. D. programs for the development of gender equity dispositions. The findings also contribute to the discipline by adding to the knowledge of Ed. D. dissertation content. This report includes recommendation for future research and practice.
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McLeod, Kim Katris. "Near-infrared properties of quasar and Seyfert host galaxies." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/186821.
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We present near-infrared images of nearly 100 host galaxies of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Our quasar sample is comprised of the 50 quasars from the Palomar Green Bright Quasar Survey with redshifts z ≤ 0.3. We have restricted the redshift range to ensure adequate spatial resolution, galaxy detectability, and minimal distance-dependent effects, while still giving a large sample of objects. For lower-luminosity AGN we have chosen to image the CfA Seyfert sample. This sample is composed of 48 Seyferts, roughly equally divided among types 1, 1.5-1.9, and 2. This sample was spectroscopically selected, and, therefore, is not biased towards Seyferts with significant star formation. Taken together, these samples allow a statistical look at the continuity of host galaxy properties over a factor of 10,000 in nuclear luminosity. We find the near-infrared light to be a good tracer of luminous mass in these galaxies. The Seyferts are found in galaxies of type S0 to Sc. The radio quiet quasars live in similar kinds of galaxies spanning the same range of mass centered around L*. However, for the most luminous quasars, there is a correlation between the minimum host galaxy mass and the luminosity of the active nucleus. Radio-loud quasars are generally found in hosts more massive than an L* galaxy. We also detect a population of low mass host galaxies with very low luminosity Seyfert nuclei. The low luminosity quasars and the Seyferts both tend to lie in host galaxies seen preferentially face-on, which suggests there is a substantial amount of obscuration coplanar with the galaxian disk. The obscuration must be geometrically thick (thickness-to-radius ∼ 1) and must cover a significant fraction of the narrow line region (r >100 pc). We have examined our images for signs of perturbations that could drive fuel toward the galaxy nucleus, but there are none we can identify at a significant level. The critical element for fueling is evidently not reflected clearly in the large scale distribution of luminous mass in the galaxy. We also present an infrared image of the jet of 3C 273 and compare it to optical and radio images from the literature.
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Elias, Emmanuel. "Dynamique intracellulaire des protéines nucléolaires." Reims, 2005. http://www.theses.fr/2005REIMM203.
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Le nucléole est le site de synthèse et de maturation des ARNs ribosomiques. Chez l'homme, les gènes d'ADNr sont répétés et leur transcription est assurée par l'ARN polymérase I, associée à plusieurs facteurs de transcription. Le facteur UBF est présent sous la forme de deux variants, UBF1 et UBF2, produits par épissage alternatif d'un même ARNm. Il est connu que l'inhibition de la synthèse des ARNr par les médicaments anticancéreux comme l'actinomycine D (AMD) se traduit par une importante réorganisation structurale du nucléole. L'objectif du présent travail a été dans un premier temps d'étudier l'organisation des protéines nucléolaires UBF1, UBF2, PAF53, Topo I, fibrillarine, nucléoline et B23 en utilisant des protéines de fusion associées à la GFP. Les résultats obtenus pour les cellules contrôles ont été comparés à ceux obtenus pour des cellules traitées pendant 2 h par 50 ng/ml d'AMD, une concentration inhibant sélectivement l'ARN polymérase I. Le devenir spatio-temporel des chimères GFP-UBF1, UBF2 et fibrillarine a ensuite été étudié grâce à l'utilisation de logiciels (3D + temps), dans des cellules vivantes soumises à l'action de l'AMD. Cette étude révèle un comportement similaire des deux variants d'UBF. Sous l'effet du traitement, les entités marquées se regroupent en un nombre restreint de masses qui se délocalisent à la périphérie nucléolaire. La réorganisation de fibrillarine aboutit également à la formation de coiffes périnucléolaires mais la phase de regroupement des amas, observée également pour UBF, est précédée d'une phase de concentration du marquage. Par ailleurs, les sites contenant les chimères GFP ont été identifiés en microscopie électronique<br>The nucleolus is the site where synthesis and maturation of ribosomal RNAs occur. The tandemly repeated rDNA genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase I associated to several transcription factors. Among them, the Upstream Binding Factor (UBF) is expressed from a unique gene by alternative splicing as two isoforms, UBF1 and UBF2. In order to visualize both variants, which are not discriminated by specific anti-UBF antibodies, we previously developed chimeric proteins between UBF1/UBF2 and GFP. Moreover, it is well-known that inhibition of RNA polymerase I by actinomycin D (AMD) (50 ng/ ml) induces a complex segregation of the nucleolar components as observed on cells fixed. In the present work, we addressed the 3D localisation of nucleolar proteins UBF1, UBF2, PAF53, Topoisomerase I, Fibrillarin, Nucleolin and B23 by confocal microscopy within fixed control KB cells and during the action of AMD. Furthermore, we followed the localisation of UBF1, UBF2 and Fibrillarin within living KB cells during the action of AMD. In order to study the complex 3D trajectories of the components containing GFP-UBF and GFP-fibrillarin during the nucleolar segregation, we used both classical visualization tools using (2D + time) modes and developed tools based on (3D + time) visualization procedure. Under action of AMD, the spots labelled by UBF aggregate and form caps localised at the nucleolar periphery. For fibrillarin, the rings observed in control cells evolved into spots under the treatment. Finally, these spots merged to form caps also localized at the nucleolar periphery. This study revealed a different kind of reorganization for both variants of UBF and Fibrillarin upon treatment
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Gallozzi, Micaela. "Analyse du rôle de certains types cellulaires sur la propagation de l’agent infectieux des EST." Versailles-St Quentin en Yvelines, 2008. http://www.theses.fr/2008VERS0055.
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L’expression de la protéine PrPc est nécessaire à la réplication et à la propagation de l’agent infectieux des maladies à prion. Le gène PRNP humain est localisé dans la région HSA20p12/p13, qui a été désignée sous le nom de locus PRND. Il comprend trois gènes : PRNP, qui code pour la PrPc, PRND qui code pour Doppel, et PRNT qui code pour une nouvelle protéine putative testiculaire. Nous avons étudié la structure de ce locus chez la chèvre et décrit la présence dans cette espèce d’un pseudogène Prnt. L’analyse de l’expression de ce locus au cours du développement ovarien et testiculaire a mis en exergue une expression du gène Prnd sexuellement dimorphique. En association avec l’analyse de localisation cellulaire et sub-cellulaire de Doppel, ces résultats suggèrent que cette protéine pourrait jouer un rôle dans la différentiation testiculaire. Plusieurs essais infructueux ont été tentés pour développer un modèle de culture cellulaire permissif à la propagation et à la réplication de l’ESB, ce qui malgré l’effort de plusieurs laboratoires n’existe pas encore. Des modèles de souris transgéniques ont été créés pour contrôler l’expression tissulaire et temporelle du gène Prnp in vivo, première étape pour rechercher une meilleure compréhension du rôle de certaines cellules sur les pathologies à prions et de la fonction de la PrPc. Deux approches complémentaires ont été utilisées : l’ARN interférence et l’emploi de promoteurs inductibles. L’expression d’un miRNA artificiel ciblant le gène Prnp a permis une répression efficace de l’expression de ce gène. Le taux d’inhibition a atteint 80% et semble directement lié au niveau d’expression du miRNA. Une approche bi-transgénique a été utilisée pour tester la possibilité de contrôler l’expression d’un minigène Prnp modifié par le trans-répresseur TRSID et la doxycycline. Les résultats obtenus ont démontré que cette méthode permet un contrôle efficace de l’expression tissulaire et temporelle de la PrPc in vivo, ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives pour l’étude des maladies à prion. Nous tentons actuellement d’appliquer ce modèle à la poursuite de l’analyse du phénomène de « sauvetage » de souris en cours d’incubation par déplétion neuronale de la Prpc<br>The expression of the PrP protein is necessary for the replication and the propagation of the infectious agent of the prion disease. The human PRNP gene is localized in the HSA20p12/p13 region, wich has been designated as the PRNP locus. It comprises 3 related genes: PRNP, that encodes PrPC, PRND that encodes Doppel and PRNT that encodes a new putative PrP-related testicular protein. We have investigated the structure of this locus in goats and described the occurrence in this species of a Prnt pseudogene. Analysis of this locus expression in developing goat testes and ovaries highlited a sex-dismorphic Prnd expression pattern. In association with the investigation of Doppel cellular and subcellular localization, these data suggest that this protein could be involved in testis differentiation. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to try to establish a cell culture model permissive to BSE replication and propagation, which despite efforts to several laboratories has yet to be obtained. Transgenic mouse models were created for controlling special and temporal expression of the Prnp gene in vivo as a first step towards a better understanding of the implication of specific cell types in TSE diseases and of the PrPc biological fuction. Two complementary approaches were used i) RNA interference and ii) tetracycline inducible promoters. Expression of a Prnp-targeted artificial miRNA allowed the efficient down regulation of PrPc. The level of inhibition achieved could reach 80 % and appeared to be directly related to the miRNA expression level. A bi-transgenic approach was used to assess in vivo the potential control of the expression of a modified Prnp minigene by the TRSID trans-repressor and doxycycline. The results obtained demonstrated that this methodology could lead to an efficient spatial and temporal control of PrPc expression in vivo, opening new opportunities in TSE researches. We are currently applying this system to try to further assess the induced rescue of inoculated mice by neuronal depletion of PrPc
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Barque-Duran, A. "Dissertations on decision-making : similarity, constructive judgements, morality and social dilemmas." Thesis, City, University of London, 2017. http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/17404/.
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The present thesis (mostly) concerns the application of alternative mathematical methods to understand patterns in human cognition and to model them. The different chapters presented in this thesis show research that concerns the application of quantum probability (QP) theory in the modeling of human decision-making. Quantum probability (QP) theory is a theory for how to assign probabilities to events. QP theory can be thought of as the probability rules from quantum mechanics, without any of the physics. This work is not about the application of quantum physics to brain physiology. Rather, we are interested in QP theory as a mathematical framework for cognitive modelling. This theory is potentially relevant in any behavioural situation that involves uncertainty. QP theory is analogous to classical probability theory, though QP theory and classical probability (CP) theory are founded from different sets of axioms (the Kolmogorov and Dirac/von Neumann axioms respectively) and so are subject to alternative constraints. In this thesis we show that especially over the last decade, there has been a growing interest in decision-making and cognitive models using a quantum probabilistic (QP) framework. We see how this development encompasses publications in major journals (see Pothos and Busemeyer, 2013; Wang et al., 2014; and Yearsley and Pothos, 2014; among others), special issues, and dedicated workshops, as well as several comprehensive books (Busemeyer and Bruza, 2012; Khrennikov, 2010; and Haven and Khrennikov, 2010). However, uncertainty itself is neither ethical nor unethical – yet it is inherent to most situations in which, for instance, moral judgments and decisions have to be made. For a descriptive understanding of judgment and decisions in moral situations, it is an important lesson to acknowledge both the cognitive side (bounded rationality) and the environment (ecological rationality) – and thus the uncertainty of the world and how the mind deals with it. This thesis also shows significant interest in moral and social psychology. Specifically, we consider present technologies that suggest a need for evaluating alternative contexts for ethical decision-making. How the research on human-machine interaction feeds back into humans’ understanding of themselves as moral agents? This key question ultimately relates to the nature of ethical theory itself. Overall, this dissertation presents and addresses not only standard aspects of decision- making processes, such as similarity judgments (Chapters 1 to 4) or the constructive role of articulating impressions (Chapter 5), but also standard aspects of social psychology, such as moral judgments (Chapters 6 and 7) and game theory (Chapter 8). As stated in the Declarations section, the present thesis is a combination of a standard and a publication- based dissertation.
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Örneholm, Urban. "Four Eighteenth-century medical dissertations under the presidency of Nils Rosen /." Uppsala : Uppsala University, 2003. http://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb39964163j.
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Robbins, Steven Joseph, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Cyclophanes from kinetically stabilized bis(isobenzofuran)s." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Deptartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2009, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/781.
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Isobenzofurans (IBF)s are interesting molecules with regards to their structure and reactivity. The properties of these compounds are investigated through the use of gas phase calculations and kinetic studies. This work provides insight into the aromatic character of IBF and how substituents affect IBF’s reactivity.
Substituted derivatives of naphtho[1,2-c:5,6-c]difuran are synthesized and reacted with tethered bis(dienophile)s to form cyclophanes. Phenyl-substituted naphtho[1,2-c5,6-c]difuran forms only a single isomer when reacted with a tethered bis(acrylate) and a tert-butyldimethylsilyl-substituted derivative exhibits higher selectivity towards cyclophane formation rather than polymer formation. Evidence for strong intramolecular interactions within these cyclophanes is presented as well.
A five-step synthesis of anthra[1,2-c:7,8-c]difuran is developed, although with a poor overall yield. Similar reaction conditions could be applied to the synthesis of anthra[1,2-c:5,6-c]difuran. We also propose the synthesis of two different aromatic belts from these compounds.<br>xxii, 122 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.
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Stokes, Paul. "Controlled assembly and electronic transport studies of solution processed carbon nanotube devices." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2010. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4549.
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Developing techniques for the parallel fabrication of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) compatible single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) electronic devices is of great importance for nanoelectronic applications. In this thesis, solution processed SWNTs in combination with AC dielectrophoresis (DEP) were utilized to fabricate CMOS compatible SWNT field effect transistors (FETs) and single electron transistors (SETs) with high yield and their detailed electronic transport properties were studied. Solution processing of SWNTs is attractive not only for the high throughput and parallel manufacturing of SWNT devices but also due to the ease of processing at room temperature, and compatibility with various substrates. However, it is generally believed that solution processing introduces defects and can degrade electronic transport properties. The results presented in this dissertation show that devices assembled from stable solutions of SWNT can give rise to high quality FET devices at room temperature and relatively clean SET behavior at low temperature. This is a strong indication that there are no or few intrinsic defects in the SWNTs. The dissertation will also discuss the controlled fabrication of size tunable SWNT SET devices using a novel mechanical template approach which offers a route towards the parallel fabrication of room temperature SET devices. The approach is based on the formation of two tunnel barriers created in a SWNT a distance L apart by bending the SWNT at the edge of a local Al/Al2O3 bottom gate. The local gate tunes individual electrons one by one in the device and defines the size of the quantum dot though its width. By tuning both the back gate and local gate, it is possible to tune the transparency of tunnel barriers and the size of the quantum dot further. Detailed transport spectroscopy of these devices will be presented.<br>ID: 028197673; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2010.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Department of Physics<br>Sciences
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Sasser, Jennifer. "Elementary teachers' perceived mathematics anxiety and teaching efficacy in relationship to students' mathematics achievement." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2010. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4567.
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The focus of this research was to determine to what extent, if any, there were relationships among elementary teacher anxiety about learning mathematics, their anxiety about the mathematics they teach, their mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs, and their students' mathematics achievement. The researcher also investigated potential intervening variables such as gender, grade level taught, level of college degree, and years of teaching experience, that may influence these relationships. Teachers (N = 119) from 11 elementary schools in a west central Florida school district participated in this study and completed the Mathematics Anxiety and Teaching Efficacy Survey. Survey data on mathematics anxiety and teaching efficacy were analyzed and correlated with mathematics achievement data, as measured by the 2009 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) mathematics subtest. Through a review of the research results and related literature, the researcher concluded that there was not a statistically significant relationship between teachers' perceived mathematics anxiety, anxiety about teaching mathematics, and student achievement. However, mathematics teaching efficacy was significantly correlated in a positive direction with student achievement. Review of the data also revealed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between teachers' perceived mathematics anxiety and anxiety about teaching mathematics. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between anxiety about teaching mathematics and mathematics teaching efficacy.<br>ID: 028731736; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ed.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2010.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>Ed.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Department of Educational Research, Technology, and Leadership<br>Education
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Natarajan, Anupama. "Patterned cell cultures for high throughput studies of cell electrophysiology and drug screening applications." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2010. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4626.
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In conclusion, this study demonstrates the development and testing of in vitro high-throughput systems that have applications in drug development, understanding disease models and tissue engineering. It can be further developed for use with human cells to have a more predictive value than existing complex, expensive and time consuming methods.; Our results, using our simple test system, are in agreement with earlier observations that utilized a complex 3D biodegradable scaffold. Thus, surface functionalization with self-assembled monolayers combined with histological/physiological testing could be a relatively high throughput method for biocompatibility studies and for the optimization of the material/tissue interface in tissue engineering. Traditional multielectrode extracellular recording methods were combined with surface patterning of cardiac myocyte monolayers to enhance the information content of the method; for example, to enable the measurement of conduction velocity, refractory period after action potentials or to create a functional reentry model. Two drugs, 1-Heptanol, a gap junction blocker, and Sparfloxacin, a fluoroquinone antibiotic, were tested in this system. 1-Heptanol administration resulted in a marked reduction in conduction velocity, whereas Sparfloxacin caused rapid, irregular and unsynchronized activity, indicating fibrillation. As shown in these experiments, the patterning of cardiac myocyte monolayers increased the information content of traditional multielectrode measurements. Patterning techniques with self-assembled monolayers on microelectrode arrays were also used to study the physiological properties of hippocampal networks with functional uni-directional connectivity, developed to study the mono-synaptic connections found in the dentate gyrus. Results indicate that changes in synaptic connectivity and strength were chemically induced in these patterned hippocampal networks. This method is currently being used for studying long term potentiation at the cellular level. For this purpose, two cell patterns were optimized for cell migration onto the pattern as demonstrated by time lapse studies, and for supporting the best pattern formation and cell survival on these networks. The networks formed mature interconnected spiking neurons.; Over the last decade, the field of tissue and bio-engineering has seen an increase in the development of in vitro high-throughput hybrid systems that can be used to understand cell function and behavior at the cellular and tissue levels. These tools would have a wide array of applications including for implants, drug discovery, and toxicology, as well as for studying cell developmental behavior and as disease models. Currently, there are a limited number of efficient, functional drug screening assays in the pharmacology industry and studies of cell-surface interactions are complicated and invasive. Most cell physiology studies are performed using conventional patch-clamp techniques or random networks cultured on silicon devices such as Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) and Field Effect transistors (FETs). The objective of this study was to develop high-throughput in vitro platforms that could be used to analyze cell function and their response to various stimuli. Our hypothesis was that by utilizing surface modification to provide external guidance cues for various cell types and by controlling the cell environment in terms of culture conditions, we could develop an in vitro hybrid platform for sensing and testing applications. Such a system would not only give information regarding the surface effects on the growth and behavior of cells for implant development applications, but also allow for the study of vital cell physiology parameters like conduction velocity in cardiomyocytes and synaptic plasticity in neuronal networks. This study outlines the development of these in vitro high throughput systems that have varied applications ranging from tissue engineering to drug development. We have developed a simple and relatively high-throughput method in order to test the physiological effects of varying chemical environments on rat embryonic cardiac myocytes in order to model the degradation effects of polymer scaffolds.<br>ID: 028731767; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2010.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Department of Biomedical Sciences<br>Medicine
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Bradshaw, Leigh. "Practices of high school principals regarding open enrollment in advanced placement courses and student performance results in 2009." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2010. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4632.
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Open enrollment was significant for the overall populations as well as white and Asian subpopulations. Access/Equity was only significant for white students. Thus, importance was the main cause of the model significance regarding open enrollment in AP courses and the percentage of students enrolled in AP courses. This investigation revealed that as schools increased the access and equity in AP programs that successful student performance percentages increased as did AP course enrollment percentages. Also when the variable of importance by principals was placed on AP programs, it typically had a positive impact on student performance percentages yet sometimes caused a decrease in AP course enrollment. The investigation also revealed and was supported by research that the open enrollment practices of a school may cause a decrease in successful student performance percentages. However, open enrollment practices increase student enrollment in AP courses and student success over time. Educational leaders have the natural responsibility to increase student achievement in schools. There must be appropriate practices and procedures put in place and monitored by principals to meet accountability standards and to increase equity in and access to a rigorous curriculum for all students. Based of educational reform and school accountability demands, balancing the benefits of open enrollment for AP programs, cost effectiveness of AP programs, the allocation of scarce resources, and maintaining course validity and rigor are important issues for educational leaders to consider (College Board, 2004).; The goal of this research was to determine whether or not there was a relationship between principals?' reports of practices regarding open enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and student achievement results on the AP examinations. Because the percentage of the school population enrolled in AP courses and the percentage of students scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on AP examinations were anticipated to impact high school grades in Florida beginning in 2010, research from this study may provide important information to Florida school leaders. Because of school accountability and educational reform initiatives, the study is also important to educational leaders on a national level. Relationships between open enrollment practices shaped by high school principals?' decisions and beliefs and the increased enrollment and student performance on AP exams were examined to allow school districts to make curricular decisions regarding rigorous curricular opportunities based on the importance of designing high school AP programs that provide equity and access for all students. The population for this study included all public high schools and their principals (N=56) in five central Florida school districts that administered AP exams in May 2009 and received a Florida Department of Education assigned school grade during the 2008-2009 school year. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the percentage of students from a school who took or passed the AP examination (dependent variable) and three independent variables describing principal?'s attitudes toward the school?'s AP program: (a) access and equity practices, (b) open enrollment practices, and (c) a rating of importance of the AP program.; The goal was to determine if the AP examination passing percentage or enrollment percentage could be predicted by these three principal attitudinal variables. The schools?' percentages of students scoring a 3, 4, 5, on AP examinations or taking AP examinations were gathered from the Florida Department of Education website. Principals?' reports of practices were obtained from self-report on the AP Course Enrollment Survey. When examining to what extent, if any, was there a relationship between the principals' reports of practices regarding open enrollment in AP courses and overall student achievement results on AP examinations in five central Florida counties, there were significant predictors based upon the regression model. In predicting the school?'s percentage of white, Hispanic, and Asian populations passing the AP examinations, only the principal?'s perception of access and equity was a statistically significant factor. There were no statistically significant predictors of a school?'s percentage of African American students passing the AP examinations. Neither principal?'s perception of open enrollment nor importance contributed to the model results regarding open enrollment in AP courses and overall student achievement results on AP examinations. When examining to what extent, if any, was there a relationship between the principals' reports of practices regarding open enrollment in AP courses and the percentage of students enrolled in AP courses in five central Florida counties, there were significant predictors based upon the regression model. In predicting the school?'s percentage of students taking AP examinations, only the principal?'s perception of importance was significant for overall and for all student populations.<br>ID: 028732427; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ed.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2010.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>Ed.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Department of Educational Research, Technology and Leadership<br>Education
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Barrett, Patrick H. "A sense of place ethnographic reflection on two Palestinian life histories." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4737.
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There is a labyrinth of complex social connections between people and places that deserves careful anthropological reflection. People do not simply occupy places; they experience them, infusing them with life and social meaning. Basso (1996:53) argues that ethnography has reported little about the complex ways in which people are "alive to the world around them." Anthropology is currently experiencing a resurging emphasis on place that seeks to account for its remarkably social features. Rather than primarily thinking about place when determining a location for fieldwork, emerging anthropological reflection shows the discipline is repositioning itself to explore the complex and often fantastic ways people experience, conceptualize, and confer meaning to their natural surroundings. In anthropology, the phrase "sense of place" captures these ideas. The phenomenological approach has emerged as the theoretical centerpiece for this effort, promising to open extraordinary new pathways for qualitative exploration. This thesis uses the life history methodology to explore how two female Palestinian immigrants to Central Florida experience and confer meaning to their ancestral homeland and place of birth. Data collected through a series of life history interviews highlight the texture of Palestinian senses of place, including the presence of what I describe as an eschatological sense of place.<br>ID: 031001548; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed August 23, 2013).; Thesis (M.A.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-75).<br>M.A.<br>Masters<br>Anthropology<br>Sciences<br>Anthropology; Cultural Competence Track
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Blair, Lucas. "The use of video game achievements to enhance player performance, self-efficacy, and motivation." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4740.
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A taxonomy of achievement design features that exist currently in video game systems was created in order to evaluate the current the state of the art in achievement design. From the taxonomy of design features multiple mechanisms of action that influence player behavior were identified. These mechanisms lead to a predictive model that can guide the designs of achievements in order to improve performance, self-efficacy and motivation in players. Expected, unexpected, and incremental achievements were tested. Notifications occurring before and after earning an achievement were also tested. In addition to testing individual mechanisms of action a "combined achievement" was created with multiple mechanisms added that were hand-picked. For testing purposes the model was applied to achievements that were inserted into an instructional game. The results of the study revealed that individual mechanisms of action had little effect on players while multiple mechanisms in a combined achievement caused significant improvements in several categories. The limitations of the current study, as well as, plans for future study are also discussed.<br>ID: 031001469; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed July 11, 2013).; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-70).<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Psychology<br>Sciences<br>Modeling and Simulation
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Cyril, Vidusha. "A solid phase assay for topoisomerase I interfacial poisons and catalytic inhibitors." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4750.
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We report a mechanism based screening technique to rapidly identify eukaryotic topoisomerase I targeting agents. The method is based on genetic tagging of topoisomerase I to immobilize the enzyme on a solid surface in a microtiter well format. DNA is added to the wells and retained DNA is detected by Picogreen fluorescence. Compounds that result in an increase in Picogreen staining represent potential topoisomerase interfacial poisons while those that reduce fluorescence report catalytic inhibitors; therefore, the solid phase assay represents a 'bimodal' readout that reveals mechanisms of action. The method has been demonstrated to work with known interfacial poisons and catalytic inhibitors. In addition to specific topoisomerase targeting drugs, the method also weakly detects other relevant anticancer agents, such as potent DNA alkylating and intercalating compounds; therefore, topoisomerase I HTS represents an excellent tool for searching and identifying novel genotoxic agents. This method is rapid, robust, economical and scalable for large library screens.<br>ID: 031001489; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed July 24, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-54).<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Molecular Biology and Microbiology<br>Medicine<br>Molecular and Microbiology
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Finch, Craig. "Modeling transport and protein adsorption in microfluidic systems." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4762.
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This work describes theoretical advances in the modeling and simulation of microfluidic systems and demonstrates the practical application of those techniques. A new multi-scale model of the adsorption of hard spheres was formulated to bridge the gap between simulations of discrete particles and continuum fluid dynamics. A whispering gallery mode (WGM) biosensor was constructed and used to measure the kinetics of adsorption for two types of proteins on four different surfaces. Computational fluid dynamics was used to analyze the transport of proteins in the flow cell of the biosensor. Kinetic models of protein adsorption that take transport limitations into account were fitted to the experimental data and used to draw conclusions about the mechanisms of adsorption. Transport simulations were then applied to the practical problem of optimizing the design of a microfluidic bioreactor to enable “plugs” of fluid to flow from one chamber to the next with minimal dispersion. Experiments were used to validate the transport simulations. The combination of quantitative modeling and simulation and experiments led to results that could not have been achieved using either approach by itself. Simulation tools that accurately predict transport and protein adsorption will enable the rational design of microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.<br>ID: 031001510; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Co- Title from PDF title page (viewed August 5, 2013).; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-133).<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Psychology<br>Sciences<br>Modeling and Simulation
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Jarrett, Matthew W. "Non-state actors in Jamaican economic policy." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4778.
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The relevance in understanding local dynamics or political culture is that as Neuman has pointed out, many traditional theories have not taken them into account and have thus failed in explaining political occurrences in the lesser developed world. For example as she has stated, "domestic factors" have not been considered into "systems theories". (Neuman, 1995, p.16) On this basis, it is necessary to point out these local factors, and furthermore, the role of non-state actors within the realm of internal dynamics, since international relations theory also aims to understand the formation and motivation behind economic policy. Therefore, to produce a proper understanding of Jamaican economic policy, specific areas are examined: the political culture of Jamaican politics and the role of non-state actors as they function within the Jamaican state. The two sets of non-state actors are defined as internal and external. The internal consists of two political parties: the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party; and also one social class group: the urban poor. And also, the external consists of: the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The relationships between these groups and their relationships with the state are examined in order to identify how they affect economic policy. The constructivist theory due to its flexibility in its units of analysis, and its emphasis on "culture", and "worldview" helps to provide a useful framework for the discussion.<br>ID: 031001354; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed April 26, 2013).; Thesis (M.A.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-97).<br>M.A.<br>Masters<br>Political Science<br>Sciences<br>Political Science; International Studies Track
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Lakshmi, Priya Saikumar. "Stable expression of tuberculosis vaccine antigen in lettuce chloroplasts." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4780.
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Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is one of the leading reasons of death by an infectious bacterial pathogen. The development of TB vaccines has been recognized as a major public health priority by the World Health Organization. In this study, a potential candidate antigen, ESAT-6 (6 kDa early secretory antigenic target) was fused with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). Transplastomic lettuce plants were generated expressing these fusion proteins. Site-specific transgene integration into the chloroplast genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis. In transplastomic leaves, expression levels of fusion protein (CTB-ESAT6) varied depending upon the developmental stage and time of leaf harvest with highest-level of accumulation in mature leaves harvested at 6PM. Transplastomic CTB-ESAT6 lettuce plants accumulated up to 0.75% of total leaf protein. Lyophilization increased CTB-ESAT6 protein content per gram of leaf material by 22 fold. Western blot analysis of lyophilized lettuce leaves showed that the CTB-ESAT6 fusion protein was stable and can be stored for prolonged period at RT. Hemolysis assay with purified CTB-ESAT6 protein showed partial hemolysis of red blood cells and confirmed functionality of ESAT-6 antigen. GM-1 binding assay demonstrated that the CTB-ESAT6 fusion protein formed pentamers to interact with GM1 ganglioside receptor. The expression of functional Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens fused to CTB in transplastomic plants should facilitate development of a cost-effective and orally deliverable TB vaccine with potential for long term storage at room temperature.<br>ID: 031001453; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed July 3, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-46).<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Molecular Biology and Micro<br>Medicine<br>Biotechnology
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Lewis, Jennifer N. "The application of chemometrics to the detection and classification of ignitable liquids in fire debris using the total ion spectrum." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4786.
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Current methods in ignitable liquid identification and classification from fire debris rely on pattern recognition of ignitable liquids in total ion chromatograms, extracted ion profiles, and target compound comparisons, as described in American Standards for Testing and Materials E1618-10. The total ion spectra method takes advantage of the reproducibility among sample spectra from the same American Society for Testing and Materials class. It is a method that is independent of the chromatographic conditions that affect retention times of target compounds, thus aiding in the use of computer-based library searching techniques. The total ion spectrum was obtained by summing the ion intensities across all retention times. The total ion spectrum from multiple fire debris samples were combined for target factor analysis. Principal components analysis allowed the dimensions of the data matrix to be reduced prior to target factor analysis, and the number of principal components retained was based on the determination of rank by median absolute deviation. The latent variables were rotated to find new vectors (resultant vectors) that were the best possible match to spectra in a reference library of over 450 ignitable liquid spectra (test factors). The Pearson correlation between target factors and resultant vectors were used to rank the ignitable liquids in the library. Ignitable liquids with the highest correlation represented possible contributions to the sample. Posterior probabilities for the ASTM ignitable liquid classes were calculated based on the probability distribution function of the correlation values. The ASTM ignitable liquid class present in the sample set was identified based on the class with the highest posterior probability value.; Tests included computer simulations of artificially generated total ion spectra from a combination of ignitable liquid and substrate spectra, as well as large scale burns in 20'x8'x8' containers complete with furnishings and flooring. Computer simulations were performed for each ASTM ignitable liquid class across a range of parameters. Of the total number of total ion spectra in a data set, the percentage of samples containing an ignitable liquid was varied, as well as the percent of ignitable liquid contribution in a given total ion spectrum. Target factor analysis was them performed on the computer-generated sample set. The correlation values from target factor analysis were used to calculate posterior probabilities for each ASTM ignitable liquid class. Large scale burns were designed to test the detection capabilities of the chemometric approach to ignitable liquid detection under conditions similar to those of a structure fire. Burn conditions were controlled by adjusting the type and volume of ignitable liquid used, the fuel load, ventilation, and the elapsed time of the burn. Samples collected from the large scale burns were analyzed using passive headspace adsorption with activated charcoal strips and carbon disulfide desorption of volatiles for analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.<br>ID: 031001398; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; 305] pages in various pagings.; Title from PDF title page (viewed June 4, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Chemistry<br>Sciences<br>Forensic Science; Forensic Analysis Track
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Li, Zhigang. "Management support and faculty's adoption of learning management system applying technology acceptance model 3." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4792.
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The purpose of this research study was to understand and identify the key factors that affect faculty's behavioral intention of using a learning management system. This research study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) as the theoretical foundation and extended it by adding management support as an exogenous variable based on the recommendations from previous research studies. Technology Acceptance Model 3 is the latest iteration of Technology Acceptance Model – a widely adopted research framework for studying users' acceptance of technology. It provides a comprehensive network of determinants of technology adoption and use. A survey questionnaire with 54 measurement items was used to measure the 15 construct variables proposed in the research model. Path analysis was performed on the data collected from 105 faculty members, who were teaching at a metropolitan university located in Taipei City, Taiwan. The goodness of fit indices indicated that the initial research model did not fit the data, and adjustments were made based on the suggestions from the modification indices. The revised research model had a much improved and more acceptable model fit than the initial research model. The final results of this research study revealed a much more complex map of relationships among the construct variables than what was proposed in the initial research model. First, as evidenced by other researchers, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, and the interaction between subjective norm and voluntariness were significant determinants of behavioral intention. Second, subjective norm, image, job relevance, the interaction between job relevance and output quality, and computer playfulness were the significant determinants of perceived usefulness. Third, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment, and image were the only three significant determinants of perceived ease of use. Lastly, management support along with a list of other variables jointly determined perceptions of external control, subjective norm, image, job relevance, result demonstrability, and the interaction between job relevance and output quality.<br>ID: 031001284; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed February 26, 2013).; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-150).<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Education and Human Performance<br>Education; Instructional Technology Track
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Maniprasad, Pavithra. "Novel copper loaded core-shell silica nanoparticles with improved copper bioavailability synthesis, characterization and study of antibacterial properties." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4794.
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A novel core-shell silica based antimicrobial nanoparticle was synthesized. The St??ber silica shell has been engineered to accommodate copper. Synthesis of the core-shell Cu-silica nanoparticle (C-S CuSiNP) involves preparation of base-hydrolyzed St??ber silica "seed" particles first, followed by the acid-catalyzed seeded growth of the Cu-silica shell layer around the core. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed monodispersed, spherical shaped nanoparticles with smooth surface morphology. Characterization of particle size distribution in solution by the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique was fairly consistent with the electron microscopy results. Loading of Cu to nanoparticles was confirmed by the SEM-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Antibacterial efficacy of C-S CuSiNP was evaluated against E.coli and B.subtilis using Cu hydroxide ("Insoluble" Cu compound) and copper sulfate as positive control and silica "seed" particles (without Cu loading) as negative control. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of C-S CuSiNP was evaluated by measuring the fluorescent intensity of resorufin to determine the decrease in viable cells with increase in copper concentration in C-S CuSiNP. The MIC value of C-S CuSiNP against both E.coli and B.subtilis was estimated to be 4.9 ppm. Bac-light fluorescence microscopy based assay was used to count relative population of the live and dead bacteria cells. Antibacterial study clearly shows that C-S CuSiNP is more effective than insoluble Cu hydroxide particles and copper sulfate at equivalent metallic Cu concentration, suggesting more soluble Cu in C-S CuSiNP material due to its core-shell design.<br>ID: 031001483; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed July 22, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 43-48).<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Molecular Biology and Microbiology<br>Medicine<br>Molecular and Microbiology
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May, Sarah Elizabeth. "Indirect estimates of gene flow and its conservation implications in the striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus)." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4797.
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This study used indirect methods to estimate patterns of gene flow in a rare salamander species, the striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus). First, we used combined genetic and ecological methods to determine whether populations that appear to exist in two regions separated by 125 km, exhibited genetic and ecological distinctness such that the regions demarcate separate conservation units. Using mtDNA (cyt-b), we found that haplotypes were shared between localities within each region but none were shared between regions. Niche-based distribution modeling revealed significant differences in the ecological setting between the two regions. In combination, the absence of evidence for recent genetic exchange and model-based support for differing ecological conditions utilized by newts between regions provides evidence that eastern and western populations are both distinct and significant. This study suggests a framework to evaluate discreteness and significance among populations for assessment of distinct population segments (DPSs which can be used as a conservation tool for many species. Second, we used microsatellites to characterize patterns of population connectivity, genetic differentiation, and effective population size in N. perstriatus. We assessed these patterns by testing several a priori hypotheses regarding the influence of gene flow and genetic drift on the distribution of genetic variation among and within populations. Interestingly, several of our results did not conform to our hypotheses. For example, our assessment did not reveal a significant pattern of isolation by distance among populations in this study. Additionally, we found that effective population sizes and genetic diversity of isolated populations were higher than expected.; We discuss our results relate to our a priori hypotheses and we address the general question of why this species exhibited patterns contrary to what we expected given previous data on this taxon and other studies of similar taxa.<br>ID: 031001359; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed May 3, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Biology<br>Sciences<br>Biology
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Menezes, Roseline. "Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of silver embedded silica nanoparticle/nanogel formulation." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4804.
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The antibacterial property of silver (Ag) has been known since ancient time. It is reported in the literature that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit improved antibacterial properties in comparison to silver ions of equivalent metallic Ag concentration. Such improvement in antibacterial activities is due to the high surface area to volume ratio of AgNPs (which facilitates interaction with the bacterial cells), increased release of silver ions and direct intra-cellular uptake of AgNPs leading to localized release of Ag ions. To date, over 300 consumer products containing AgNPs are available in the market and the inventory is rapidly expanding. The antibacterial efficacy is related to the loading of AgNPs (which controls availability of active Ag ions). It is perhaps challenging to increase AgNPs loading in consumer products without compromising its aesthetic appearance. AgNPs exhibit yellow-brown color due to strong Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) absorption; and therefore, it is expected that an increase in loading would change the color of AgNP-containing materials. For applications, such as creating a fast-acting touch-safe surface, higher loading of AgNPs is desirable. It is also desirable to obtain a non-color forming surface. To meet the demands of desirable higher loading of AgNPs and non-color forming surface, the objective of this study is to minimize SPR by engineering Ag containing nanomaterials for potential fast-acting spray-based applications. Within this thesis several reports have been made including synthesis, characterization and antibacterial properties of Ag-loaded silica nanoparticle/nanogel (AgSiNP/NG) material containing nanoformulations. The effects of nanoformulation pH and metallic Ag content on the SPR absorption and antibacterial properties have been studied. The AgSiNP/NG materials were synthesized using silica sol-gel technique at room temperature in water.; The color formation of the AgSiNP/NG material was found to be dependent on silver ion loading (15.4 wt% and 42.3 wt %) as well as on the pH (pH 4.0 and pH 7.0). A number of material characterization techniques such as HRTEM, SEM and AFM were used to characterize particle size, crystalline and surface morphology in dry state. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique was used to characterize particle size and size distribution in solution. UV-VIS spectroscopy technique was applied to characterize Ag ions and AgNPs in the AgSiNP/NG material. Antibacterial studies were conducted against gram negative E.coli and gram positive B.subtilis and S.aureus. A number of qualitative (well diffusion, BacLight[Trademark] live-dead viability) and quantitative (turbidity, resazurin viability) assays were used for antibacterial studies. It was observed that lower pH and low Ag loading minimized SPR absorption, resulting in no yellow-brown color formation. The HRTEM confirmed the formation of ~5-25 nm size highly crystalline AgNPs which were coated with dielectric silica layer (silica gel). AFM, SEM and DLS studies confirmed formation of AgSiNPs in the range between 100 nm-200 nm. The AgSiNP/NG material was effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Based on this research it is suggested that by coating AgNPs with a dielectric material (such as silica); it is possible to suppress SPR absorption.<br>ID: 031001357; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed May 3, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-79).<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Molecular Biology and Micro<br>Medicine<br>Biotechnology
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Miller, Daniel S. "The effects of scoring technique on situational judgment test validity." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4806.
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Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) are frequently used by organizations as a face-valid selection measure with low adverse impact and a relatively strong relationship with relevant criteria. Despite their common use, there remain several research questions regarding the theoretical foundations and characteristics of SJTs. Additionally, developments in SJT scoring provide fertile ground for research to validate new scoring techniques to better predict criteria of interest. Motowidlo and his colleagues (2006) recently developed a scoring technique for SJTs based on the principle of Implicit Trait Policies (ITPs) which are implicit beliefs concerning the effectiveness of different behavioral choices that demonstrate varying levels of targeted traits. Individuals high in these targeted traits will rate item responses that demonstrate high levels of that particular trait as more effective. Taking into consideration this new method, and also considering the multitude of scoring methods already available to test developers, it logically follows that these different scoring methods will have different correlations with constructs of interest, and that by using this new method it may be possible to achieve a much higher correlation with personality. The effects of scoring technique on relationships between SJT scores and constructs of interest such as personality will in turn have effects on the criterion validity of the SJT. This research explored how scoring methods affected the relationship SJT scores have with general mental ability, personality traits, typical performance, and maximum performance. Results indicated significant differential validity as a function of the respondents' race. For minority participants, SJT scores predicted "maximum performance ratings" in a simulation exercise but not "typical performance ratings" provided by familiar peers. However, the reverse was true for Caucasian participants.; The two scoring methods demonstrated differential validity. However, the nature of these differences varied as a function of the performance dimension in question (i.e., agreeableness, extraversion). Implications for future research will be discussed as well as the practical implications of these findings.<br>ID: 031001501; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed July 26, 2013).; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 203-226).<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Psychology<br>Sciences<br>Psychology; Industrial and Organizational Psycholog Track
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Nityanandam, Ramya. "Expression and functional evaluation of exendin 4 fused to cholera toxin B subunit in tobacco chloroplast to treat type 2 diabetes." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4815.
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The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been steadily increasing around the globe. Glucagon like peptide (GLP-1), a powerful incretin increases insulin secretion in a glucose dependent manner. But GLP-1 is subjected to rapid enzymatic degradation (half-life: 2 min in circulation). The commercially available GLP-1 analog, exenatide has a longer half life with potent insulinotropic effects (about 2.4 hr) which requires cold storage and daily subcutaneous injections. In this study, exendin 4 (EX4), lizard derived GLP-1R agonist, was expressed as cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-fusion protein in chloroplasts of tobacco to facilitate transmucosal delivery in the gut by utilizing the ability of CTB pentamer to bind the GM1 receptors on the intestinal epithelium and to bioencapsulate EX4 within plant cells to confer protection in the digestive system. The LAMD tobacco leaves were bombarded with chloroplast vectors expressing modified EX4. The transgene integration was confirmed by PCR analysis and Southern blot analysis. Densitometric analysis revealed expression level of the protein varied from 9-13% of the total leaf protein depending on the developmental stage and time of harvest. The pentameric structure and functionality of CTB-EX4 fusion protein was confirmed by CTB-GM1 binding assay. The effect of transplastomic protein on insulin secretion was tested in beta]-TC6, a mouse pancreatic cell line. The plant derived CTB-EX4, partially purified with anti-CTB antibody conjugated protein A beads, showed the increase of insulin ~ 2.5 fold increase when compared to untreated cells. The transplastomic protein showed a linear increase in insulin secretion comparable to the commercially available EX4. The current cost of treatment with EX4 varies between $1800-$2200, annually. Production of functional EX4 in plants should facilitate low cost orally deliverable form of this drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes.<br>ID: 031001317; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed March 26, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 35-40).<br>M.S.<br>Masters<br>Molecular Biology and Micro<br>Medicine<br>Biotechnology
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Johnson, Nicole. "Curriculum-embedded reading tests as predictors of success on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in reading." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4944.
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With the passing of the No Child Left Behind legislation (2001), individual states have been required to administer standardized tests to measure students' academic achievement in several academic areas, including reading comprehension. Many schools are using curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests to assess students' progress in achieving grade level expectations before the administration of state standardized test. This study used de-identified student data on curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests and the state standardized reading test, FCAT 2.0 to assess the correlation between a specific curriculum-based measure and the FCAT 2.0. The researcher used Pearson and Spearman Correlation to assess the predictive relationship of the curriculum-embedded reading tests and FCAT 2.0 reading. Strong correlations were found between the two assessments which educators may find useful when planning and differentiating reading comprehension instruction throughout the school year.<br>ID: 031001447; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Title from PDF title page (viewed June 27, 2013).; Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Central Florida, 2012.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 31-34).<br>M.Ed.<br>Masters<br>Teaching, Learning and Leadership<br>Education
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Twar, Brian J. "The effects of using an interactive student notebook on the understanding of the concepts and algorithms of addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers for fifth grade mathematics students." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/5067.
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The purpose of this action research study was to observe the effectiveness of the utilization of an instructional tool in my three mathematics classes. Using a tool, called an Interactive Student Notebook, or ISN, the goal was to equip my students with a tool that would allow them to take and keep daily notes as well as conduct guided and independent practice in an organized fashion. I believed that my students would therefore utilize their notes and class work as a reference and study tool to assist them with their homework as well as studying for assessments. Weak to moderate correlations between the students' ISN assessments and end-of-topic assessments scores was found. In-class observations of student utilization of their ISNs and out-of-class observations of students' collected ISNs were also conducted to assess how well students were able to keep their ISNs neat and organized. It was observed that most of the students were able to keep their ISNs complete and organized. Students also shared, by completing surveys, mostly positive feedback of the ISN process. They shared how often they used their ISNs at home as a reference and study tool and how useful they believed their ISNs were. Therefore, I concluded that even though there was not a strong correlation between high ISN assessment scores and high topic assessment scores, the ISN was still a useful tool that assisted my students to keep organized notes and class work, and proved to be a useful reference and study tool.<br>ID: 030423527; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-99).<br>M.Ed.<br>Masters<br>Teaching, Learning and Leadership<br>Education
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Liu, Youcheng. "Analysis of frequency selective surfaces with ferrite substrates." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1996. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/362.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>Frequency selective surfaces (FSS) have numerous applications in several microwave and optical systems. In this work, instead of traditional dielectric substrates, ferrite substrates are used under different dc bias conditions.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate;<br>Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering<br>Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>115<br>viii, 115 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Lane, John Eugene. "Numerical, image, and signal processing algorithms applied to radar rainfall estimation." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1998. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/1164.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>The main focus of this dissertation research has been to develop and analyze methods of rain gauge and radar correlation for the purpose of optimizing rainfall estimates.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate;<br>Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering<br>Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>160 p.<br>x, 160 leaves, bound : ill., (some col.) ; 28 cm.
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Panzitta, Michael James. "Synthesis of numerical integrators for the real-time digital simulation of continuous systems." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1994. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/3046.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>Real-time digital simulation is a powerful means for engineers and scientists in government, industry, and academia to perform research and training as well as serving as a basis for many commercial applications. Due to the special constraints imposed by digitally simulating continuous systems in real time, however, many of these systems either require costly high-speed components or are unable to provide suitable performance characteristics using affordable computers. This dissertation describes a new technique for the synthesis of numerical integrators specifically designed for the real-time digital simulation of continuous systems. This methodology is based upon the fact that the state derivatives in a simulation model typically have a significantly limited bandwidth. This information is exploited to improve the efficiency of numerical integrators by selecting the coefficients of a general-form integrator such that it approximates an ideal integrator over the limited frequency spectrum of the state derivative.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate;<br>Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering<br>Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>135 p.<br>xix, 135 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Kovarik, Vincent J. "An efficient method for representing and computing transitive closure over temporal relations." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1994. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/4650.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>The need for temporal reasoning is found throughout the engineering disciplines. James Allen introduced a representation for temporal reasoning based upon the concept of intervals. This approach provides a rich set of temporal relations for reasoning over events and changes in state. The full temporal algebra is NP-complete however. The algorithm developed by Allen executes in 0(n3) time but only ensures consistency between any three intervals. This research presents an approach to representing interval relations as a bit-encoded form which captures the relationships between the end-points of the intervals. A bit-algebra is then defined which provides an algorithmic method for computing transitive relations without requiring the table lookup of Allen's algorithm. By reducing the set of ambiguous interval representations to the set of relationships which have unknown temporal extent, a robust subset of the full algebra is defined which maintains the direct computation of transitive relationships.<br>Ph.D.<br>Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering<br>Engineering<br>229<br>xii, 229 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Dumas, Joseph D. "Measuring and compensating for transport delay in real-time interactive driving simulation." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1993. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/990.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>Real-time, man-in-the-loop simulators are important tools for operator training as well as human performance research. Simulator implementation using digital computers offers many important advantages but may also cause problems. One of the most significant and troublesome artifacts of digital computer simulation is the presence of transport delays in the operator/vehicle control loop. Transport delays have been shown to destabilize the system, resulting in poorer control of the simulated vehicle. They may also contribute to an increased likelihood of simulator sickness in human operators. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to quantify simulator transport delays and to compensate the system in such a way that delay effects on operator performance and well-being are minimized. The research presented in this dissertation involved the measurement of simulator transport delay using two different methods: a time-domain approach involving the detection of a response to a simulated step control input, and a frequency-domain approach involving the measurement of phase shift from a simulated sinusoidal input. Algorithmic compensators (digital filters) were developed to provide phase lead to counteract the system transport delay. Two compensators designed using approaches previously described in the literature canceled out delay reasonably well; however, a new compensator design developed by the author provided more nearly ideal phase performance without introducing unwanted side effects such as visual jitter. The transport delay measurement and compensation techniques were applied to a low-cost, real-time interactive automobile driving simulator developed at the University of Central Florida. The investigations using both measurement techniques revealed that a substantial amount of delay was present in the system. The three delay compensators implemented in the simulator were found (by reapplication of the frequency-domain or steady-state delay measurement technique) to operate approximately as designed. Finally, a driver-in-the-loop experiment was conducted to assess the effect of delay compensation on driver/vehicle performance. While the small size of the experiment allowed no definite conclusions to be drawn regarding the efficacy of compensation, trends in the data were generally indicative of better performance with compensation.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate;<br>Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering<br>Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>178<br>xi, 178 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Hogan, Robert P. "Declines in student achievement in science-- implications for public education." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1990. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/12486.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>During the 1960s and 1970s, major innovative science curricula were introduced into public schools in the United States, and federal funds were used to improve the quality of science teachers. Nevertheless, student achievement in science has generally declined since 1963. This research focused on changes in four of the key variables related to science achievement--teachers, students, curricula, and school goals. The research examined (a) meta-analyses of the effectiveness of the innovative science curricula on student achievement, (b) research on changes in teacher and student characteristics during the last 30 years, (c) educational literature on changes in the goals of public education during this same period, and (d) changes in student achievement. The results of this research suggest that the recent declines in science achievement are related to changes in student motivation, school goals, and school autonomy. The data indicate that contrary to the claims of some recent education commission reports, teachers and curricula have improved steadily over the last three decades. The conclusions developed from this research suggest that a number of the current educational reforms such as teacher competency testing, merit pay, curricular reform, student competency testing, and year-round schools should have little positive effect on student achievement. The research also suggests that parental involvement in education could have a negative influence on science achievement. The findings do suggest that schools of choice, corporate educational partnerships, and teacher empowerment could significantly improve student science achievement.<br>Ed.D.<br>Education<br>Education<br>Curriculum and Instruction (Science)<br>194 p.<br>x, 194 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Westhorp, Brenda J. "Closure of unlined landfills." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 1990. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/12571.
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Johnson, Cynthia Lynn. "Counterpropagation neural network detection of visual primitives." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 1990. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/12639.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>Psychological testing has shown that there is an early preattentive stage in the human visual system. At this level, simple features and properties of objects known as visual primitives are deteched spatially in parallel by groupings of cells in the visual cortex known as feature maps. In order to study this preattentive stage in a machine vision system, the biologically inspired, highly parallel architecture of the artificial neural network shows great promise. This paper describes how the unique architecture of the counterpropagation neural network was used to simulate the feature maps which detect visual primitives in the human visual system. The results of the research showed that artificial neural networks are able to reproduce the function of the feature maps with accuracy. The counterpropagation network was able to reproduce the feature maps as theorized, however, future research might investigate the abilities of other neural network algorithms in this area. Development of a method for combining the results of feature maps in a simulation of full scale early vision is also a topic for future research that would benefit from the results reported here.<br>M.S.;<br>Computer Engineering<br>Engineering;<br>Computer Engineering<br>63 p.<br>iv, 63 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Osborne, Vicki Hils. "A study to determine which factors contribute to the implementation of a successful primary multiage/nongraded program." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1996. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/13060.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>Child growth and development pedagogy suggests that not all children are ready to learn the same thing, at the same time, in the same way. Multiage/nongraded programs allow pupils to advance from one concept or skill level to the next as they are ready, regardless of age or grade, which results in continuous progress. Multiage/nongraded education has a solid foundation or research and experience to support its use. However, many questions still exist regarding the factors that contribute to the implementation of a successful primary multiage/nongraded program. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to identify the (a) critical attributes of a successful multiage/nongraded program, (b) strategies necessary for successful implementation, (c) inservice training needed by teachers, (d) obstacles encountered during implentation, (e) advantages and disadvantages of a multiage/nongraded program for students, and (f) advantages and disadvantages of a multiage/nongraded program for teachers. Data from 58 teachers of primary multiage classes in a large public school district in central Florida were collected during the 1995-96 school year using focus group interviews. An Interview Guide and a demographic questionnaire were developed to help gather data. Data collection procedures for this ethnographic study utilized a series of focus groups, field notes, and audiotape recordings. Data from the interviews were catagorized, analyzed, interpreted, and summarized. Two of the critical attributes of a multiage/nongraded program discussed in this study were developmentally appropriate practices and continuous progress. Other critical attributes included authentic assessment, team teaching, and varied instructional strategies such as integrated thematic teaching and whole language. Implementation strategies discussed were the decision-making process involved in choosing to implement the multiage/nongraded program, the selection of the multiage teacher, professional development activities, student selection, and parental involvement. A large portion of the study was devoted to a discussion of the obstacles encountered during implementation of the multiage/nongraded program. Advantages and disadvantages of a multiage setting for students and teachers were discussed in the review of literature and in the data analysis of participants' responses during the interviews. Implications for practice were included. A list of recommendations for future study was also included.<br>Ed.D.<br>Educational Services<br>Education<br>Educational Services<br>186 p.<br>xi, 186 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Dean, Christopher James. "Semantic correlation of behavior for the interoperability of heterogeneous simulations." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 1996. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/13267.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>A desirable goal of military simulation training is to provide large scale or joint exercises to train personnel at higher echelons. To help meet this goal, many of the lower echelon combatants must consist of computer generated forces with some of these echelons composed of units from different simulations. The object of the research described is to correlate the behaviors of entities in different simulations so that they can interoperate with one another to support simulation training. Specific source behaviors can be translated to a form in terms of general behaviors which can then be correlated to any desired specific destination simulation behavior without prior knowledge of the pairing. The correlation, however, does not result in 100% effectiveness because most simulations have different semantics and were designed for different training needs. An ontology of general behaviors and behavior parameters, a database of source behaviors written in terms of these general behaviors with a database of destination behaviors. This comparison is based upon the similarity of sub-behaviors and the behavior parameters. Source behaviors/parameters may be deemed similar based upon their sub-behaviors or sub-parameters and their relationship (more specific or more general) to destination behaviors/parameters. As an additional constraint for correlation, a conversion path from all required destination parameters to a souce parameter must be found in order for the behavior to be correlated and thus executed. The length of this conversion path often determines the similarity for behavior parameters, both source and destination. This research has shown, through a set of experiments, that heuristic metrics, in conjunction with a corresponding behavior and parameter ontology, are sufficient for the correlation of heterogeneous simulation behavior. These metrics successfully correlated known pairings provided by experts and provided reasonable correlations for behaviors that have no corresponding destination behavior. For different simulations, these metrics serve as a foundation for more complex methods of behavior correlation.<br>M.S.;<br>Computer Engineering<br>Engineering;<br>Computer Engineering<br>198 p.<br>viii, 198 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Elkhaldy, Feryal Y. "Analysis of parental choice : islamic school enrollment in Florida." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1996. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/14618.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>The purpose of this study was to discover and interpret reasons Florida parents enrolled their children in Islamic schools. A selection of 30 parents from 3 different schools in Florida were interviewed by the researcher using a semistructured interview guide which used both oral and written responses. The sample was matched according to the gender of parents interviewed - 15 mothers and 15 fathers were interviewed. the sample was matched according to the gender of the referent child. Out of 30 referent children, 15 were female and 15 were male. The researcher included children of all grade levels. Fifteen were from primary grades (1-5) and 15 were from secondary grades (6-12). The researcher served as the primary instrument for data collection. Data were summarized and reported in a descriptive format addressing each research question. Results indicated that the first reason for choosing Islamic schools was religious; the second reason was sociocultural and the last reason was academic. Many parents who enrolled their children in Islamic schools strongly envisioned the need to create schools where children could pursue the Islamic knowledge, preserve Islamic identity and develop the Islamic personality. Parents wanted the guard and shield their progeny from the negaitve influence (violence, druges, promiscuity, prejudice, etc.) of the public schools. The academic concern was not a major reason for the majority of responding parents. A significant finding affirmed that Islamic education does not separate between religious and social factors. Findings indicated that parents were more attracted to Islamic schools than dissatisfied with public schools. Muslim parents were concerned with retaining their children's identity and religious commitment. At the same time, they wanted them to learn in a safe environment which galvanized them against negative effects of the dominant culture, and be able to survive the tide of assimilation, secular pressure and moral deterioration.<br>Ed.D.<br>Education<br>Educational Foundations<br>179 p.<br>xii, 179 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Carter, Scott Edward. "Finite impulse response utilizing the principles of superposition." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 1995. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/15187.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>Window functions have been greatly utilized in the synthesis of finite impulse response (FIR) filters implemented using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. The critical parameter in any FIR design in the impulse response length, which must be optimized for the given design specifications in order to reduce the size of each device. To this end, many design algorithms have been intorduced such as Remez excange, linear programming, and least mean squares. A new algorithm has been derived which is efficient and accurate for the design of arbitrary filter specifications requiring less computationsthan the current algorithms. The FIR design is applicaable to general SAW filter design and allows two weighted transducers to be designed in a near optimal method without the need to perform zero aplitting of de-convolution. The thesis first provides the definition of the window functions used for the design process. Then the overview of the design process is discussed using a flowchart of the modeling program for designing and FIR without tranducer separation and sample simulation is presented. Next, the effects of monotonically increasing sidelobes on the transition bandwidth are discussed. This is followed by a discussion of the addition of arbitary phase to the filter design requirements. Next, the separation of the response into a two transducer design utilizing the two window function series is explained. Finally, the results are discussed and compared with other design techniques.<br>M.S.;<br>Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering;<br>Electrical Engineering<br>69 p.<br>ix, 69 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Pike, William Yancey. "Design and construction of maintainable knowledge bases through effective use of entity-relationship modeling techniques." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 1993. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/16329.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>The use of an accepted logical database design tool, Entity-Relationship Diagrams (E-RD), is explored as a method by which conceptual and pseudo-conceptual knowledge bases may be designed. Extensions to Peter Chen's classic E-RD method which can model knowledge structure used by knowledge-based applications are explored. The use of E-RDs to design knowledge bases is proposed as a two-stage process. In the first stage, and E-RD, termed the Essential E-RD, is developed of the realm of the problem or enterprise being modeled. The Essential E-RD is completely independent of any knowledge representation model (KRM) and is intended for the understanding of the underlying conceptual entities and relationships in the domain of interest. The second stage of the proposed design process consists of expanding the Essential E-RD. The resulting E-RD, termed the Implementation E-RD, is a network of E-RD-modeled KRM constructs and will provide a method by which the proper KRM may be chosen and the knowledge base may be maintained. In some cases, the constructs of the Implementation E-RD may be mapped directly to a physical knowledge base. Using the proposed design tool will aid in both the development of the knowledge base and its maintenance. The need for building maintainable knowledge bases and problems often encountered during knowledge base construction will be explored. A case study is presented in which this tool is used to design a knowledge base. Problems avoided by the use of this method are highlighted, as are advantages the method presents to the maintenance of the knowledge base. Finally, a critique of the ramifications of this research is presented, as well as needs for future research.<br>M.S.;<br>Electrical and Computer Engineering<br>Engineering;<br>72 p.<br>vi, 72 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Olmstead, Phyllis M. "Using electronic portflios to archive student performance." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1994. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/16462.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>This study regards the use of portfolios for evaluating and documenting student progress and performance. In consideration of the far reaching and global nature of education, the researcher included educators from both the United States and other countries. Based upon the great importance that many countries and states have placed upon servicing students by alternative means, the population sample examined included 500 teachers instructing by both conventional and distance education modalities. Many current educational reform measures and legislative issues concern the attainment of job skills; therefore, both vocational and non-vocational instructors were included in the study. Exmained in the study are the media utilized in retaining portfolios (paper, product samples, audio/video tape recordings, computer diskette files, electronic mail files) by both conventional and distance education instructors. Paper and product samples in portfolios are considered as non-electronic methods for archiving student work. Audio and video tape recording, computer files, and electronic mail files are considered electronic methods for portfolio archiving. Distance education and vocational educators, respectively, are examined for the use of electronic and non-electronic portfolios. A six question instrument was developed and a pilot study was conducted. The instrument included a question on whether or not the instructor used portfolios and a written description of the type of portfolio currently used. Those educators indicating the use of portfolios then classified, by type, the methods used in maintaining the portfolios. The respondents were further asked if they taught by distance education modalities. An additional questions ascertained the forms of distance education used to provide instruction. A final question asked the respondent to list the program or subject that she/he taught the majority of the time. Findings indicate that approximately 40% of the educators surveyed use portfolios, but several of the respondents indicated the implementation of portfolios in the near future. No difference was found to exist between the use of electronic and non-electronic portfolios among teachers using portfolios. The same was true for both distance educators and vocational instructors using portfolios.<br>Ed.D.<br>Instructional Programs<br>Education<br>Curriculum and Instruction<br>76 p.<br>xi, 76 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm. + 1 computer disk (3 1/2 in.)
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Khouri, Tarek Zaki. "The effects of glucose and fatty acids on enhanced biological phosphorus removal using a sequencing batch reactor." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 1996. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/16679.
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis<br>Two anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were used to evaluate enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The first SBR, designated the Glucose SBR, was run for a period of four months. It received a synthetic wastewater plus glucose as a supplemental carbon source. The second SBR, the Isovaleric SBR, was run for three months. During the first month, isovaleric acid was its supplemental carbon source while for the remaining time period, no supplemental carbon source was added to the feed. Steady-state data from the SBR receiving isovalerate yielded the highest phosphorus (P) removals observed during the study, with a mixed liquor volatile suspended solid (MLVSS) P content of 7.2%. The next highest removals were observed when prefermented glucose was received, which yielded a MLVSS P content of 6.4%. The lowest removals were observed when no supplemental carbon source was added to the SBR influent, with at 4.4% MLVSS P content. Batch experiments were also conducted to quantify the effect of EBPR of glucose and the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) acetic acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid. Compounds giving the largest anaerobic P release ultimately yielded the lowest effluent P concentrations. At 0.80 mmoles/l, isovaleric acid resulted in anaerobic P released 9.5 mg/l greater than an equal amount of glucose or propionic acid, but ultimately gave effluent P values roughly 4 mg/l lower than either. Ratios of aerobic P uptake/anaerobic P release were found to be roughly equal for all the VFAs when the VFAs were compared on a molar basis. Propionic acid had aerobic P uptake/anaerobic P release ratios similar to the other VFAs. It also behaved the same as all the other VFAs with respect to the effect of concentrations added to the batch experiment; however, the magnitude of its removal was significantly lower than all the other substrates. Glucose, on the other hand, behaved differently from all the VFAs. Glucose aerobic P uptake/anaerobic P release ratios varied with concentration, which was not the case for the others substrates. Also, glucose P net removals decreased at concentrations higher than 0.60 mmoles/l. Glucose also resulted in net P removals roughly 2mg/l higher than propionic acid, but ultimately gave lower net P removal than isovaleric, valeric and acetic acids.<br>M.S.;<br>Civil and Environmental Engineering<br>Engineering;<br>Environmental Engineering Sciences<br>111 p.<br>xi, 111 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Wright, Robert Henry. "A design for implementing a simulation for training school principals in decision-making utilizing videodisc technology." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1993. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/17075.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>The purpose of the study was to design a simulation using apersonal computer-based authoring system that could serve as a vehicle for investigating decision-making styles of educational administrators. The program was designed to be used at the graduate level for students seeking advanced degrees in educational leadership. The simulation makes use of simulation techniques for controlling presentation of material and data collection for subequent analysis about information search and utilization procedures of administrators. The study was undertaken to demonstrate that nontechnical personnel using state-of-the-art technology could develop affordable and effective multimedia simulations. The study was also designed to demonstrate that technology was sufficiently advanced that time to develop such a program would not preclude its use. Data were gathered from seven graduate students attending a introductory graduate course. Other sources of data included practicing unitersity professors, district administrators practicing principles. Data were gathered using a survey and personal interviews. Results of the survey indicated that respondents found that the technical approach was innovative and could be useful in teaching graduate students how to be better principals. District administrators expressed interest in using the program to evaluate candidates for beginning principalships.<br>Ed.D.<br>Educational Services<br>Education<br>Educational Leadership<br>153 p.<br>vii, 153 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Banks, Vicki Kaplan. "Florida social studies leaders' perceptions regarding an afrocentric curriculum." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1998. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/17202.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>The purpose of this research study was to gain insight into the perceptions Florida's leaders have regarding the inclusion of an Afrocentric curriculum. The leaders chosen for this study were the Florida Council for the Social Studies Board and the Association of Social Studies Supervisors. These leaders were sent a questionnaire that contained 57 statements about social studies curriculum content in a Likert scale format. The results of the survey were reported by using mean scores and frequency distributions. The Likert survery statements examined respondents' viewpoints with regard to diversity, Afrocentrism, and Eurocentrism. The results of the survey were used to infer the respondents' perceptions regarding the five research questions. 1. What was the perceived importance of considering the diverse nature of an ethnicity in respect to the development of curriculum and instruction? 2. What was the perceived level of interest regarding the incorporation of an Afrocentric perspective into the Social Studies Curriculum? 3. How did the respondents perceive the incorporation of an alternature curriculum maintaining diverse perspectives? 4. Did the respondents belive the social studies curriculum should be altered to cater to the learning styles of ethnic and cultural groups? 5. Was there a perceived need for diverse assessment techniques to gauge the academic success of students from various cultural and ethnic groups? The mean scores assigned to each research question indicated that the leaders in the social studies agreed that diverse cultures should be included within the mainstream curriculum and that alternative assessment techniques should be used to measure those ideas. However, there was little interest in permitting the ethnicity of the school's population guide curriculum and instruction decision. Furthermore, the leaders seemed more interested in a multicultural curriculum than a curriculum incorporating only an Afrocentric perspective.<br>Ed.D.<br>Instructional Programs<br>Education<br>Curriculum and Instruction<br>117 p.<br>ix, 117 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Wink, Diane M. "Assessing the effects of a program to improve questioning skills of nurse educators in clinical post-conferences : an initial study." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 1992. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/RTD/id/18355.
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis<br>The use of cognitively high level questions, those classified in Bloom's taxonomy at the application level and above, has been suggested as a teaching strategy which will help students develop critical thinking abilities. This study was designed to determine the effect of a program to teach nursing faculty how to ask cognitively high level questions. A convenience sample was used. Subjects in the treatment (N=10) and control (N=4) groups were faculty and the students in their clinical laboratory groups from four National League for Nursing accredited undergraduate nursing programs in the state of Florida. Pre- and post-intervention data on the cognitive level of questions asked in clinical post-conferences were collected by way of audiotapes recorded during the Fall 1991 semester. Members of the treatment group received an intervention which included and inservice class, subsequent feedback on questioning patterns, and a one hour seminar. Cognitive level of questions was coded using the Teacher Pupil Questioning Inventory. Descriptive statistics were used to compare data on the treatment and control group faculty and student percentages of cognitively high level questions. The significance of difference between groups was determined with the Mann-Whitney U Test. Prior to the intervention, faculty in the treatment group asked less cognitively high level questions than control group faculty. This difference was not staistically significant. After faculty in the treatment group participated in the intervention, their percentage of cognitively high level questions was higher than teh percentage for the control group. The difference was staistically significant (p=.012). Prior to the intervention, students in the treatment group asked less cognitively high level questions than control group students. This difference was not statistically significant. After treatment group faculty particpated in ther intervention, the percentage of congitively high level questions asked by students in their clinical groups dropped. The difference between percentages of cognitively high level questions asked by students in the treatment and control groups was still not statistically significant.<br>Ed.D.<br>Educational Foundations<br>Education<br>Curriculum and Instruction<br>156 p.<br>xi, 156 leaves, bound : ill. ; 28 cm.