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Title: Characterization of Internal Wave Activity in the Straits of Florida.
Creator: Tarantul Soto, Andrew, Dhanak, Manhar R., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The Gulf Stream current in the Straits is typically dominated by a strong northerly current, associated shear, and eddies. The water column also includes a prominent thermocline and periodically features internal waves centered on the upper or lower edges of the thermocline. Despite numerous previous related studies, there is limited available field data on internal waves in the Straits of Florida. Here, study and analysis of velocity, temperature and conductivity data acquired in the Straits...
Show moreThe Gulf Stream current in the Straits is typically dominated by a strong northerly current, associated shear, and eddies. The water column also includes a prominent thermocline and periodically features internal waves centered on the upper or lower edges of the thermocline. Despite numerous previous related studies, there is limited available field data on internal waves in the Straits of Florida. Here, study and analysis of velocity, temperature and conductivity data acquired in the Straits over a period of time are described, in support of identifying presence of internal waves in the flow. A systematic procedure is employed in modifying the universal Garrett- Munk spectrum for internal waves in the open ocean for application to flow in the Straits of Florida. Using this process, identified internal waves are characterized and related velocity fluctuations in the time series are isolated to facilitate consideration of their correlations with simultaneously observed magnetic fields.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005946
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Florida, Straits of, Gulf Stream (Fla.), Internal waves.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in a Study on Beach Morphodynamics at Red Reef Beach, Boca Raton, Florida.
Creator: Camara dos Santos Porto, Sabrina, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The internal architecture of a beach system can provide clues into the processes involved in its formation, including depositional processes, and/or driving mechanisms (Billy et al., 2014). Several unique events such as cold fronts or Hurricane Irma caused conditions that resulted in erosion and accretion changes in Red Reef Beach - Boca Raton, throughout the year of 2017. Since the lateral extent of these changes is difficult to evaluate using traditional methods such as coring, a Ground...
Show moreThe internal architecture of a beach system can provide clues into the processes involved in its formation, including depositional processes, and/or driving mechanisms (Billy et al., 2014). Several unique events such as cold fronts or Hurricane Irma caused conditions that resulted in erosion and accretion changes in Red Reef Beach - Boca Raton, throughout the year of 2017. Since the lateral extent of these changes is difficult to evaluate using traditional methods such as coring, a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was tested, which allows for a good lateral resolution (cm scale), to image the distribution and evolution of these sediments. The objectives of this study were to 1) explore the lateral variability in the internal architecture of sediments in Red Reef beach in Boca Raton (FL) using an array of ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements constrained with coring and sediment analysis; 2) explore how dynamics of erosion and accretion induced by changes in wave activity and related to tide variation and storm events, may affect surface topography and the sedimentary internal architecture of beach deposits, using RTK GPS and GPR time-lapse measurements; 3) to explore changes in the lateral extent of the freshsaltwater interface along the beach profile in relation to tide variation and storm events. Reflectors identified in the GPR images showed some evidence of erosional and accretionary surfaces preserved in Red Reef beach. These measurements were repeated over time coinciding with certain events (such as Hurricane Irma) to explore their effects in terms of sediment erosion and accretion as reflected in changes in topography (using time-lapse GPS-RTK measurements), and changes in the internal sedimentary architecture (using time-lapse GPR measurements). The datasets collected also revealed the temporal evolution of the salt-freshwater interface, showing how the lateral extent of saltwater saturated sediment (inferred from areas of GPR signal attenuation along the profiles) evolved over time. This study shows the potential of GPR to provide information about beach sediment processes and dynamics at resolutions beyond traditional measurements (such as coring). It also shows the importance of combining methods that are complementary, such as the use of RTK GPS to explore changes in topography, and GPR that provides information on subsurface sedimentary architecture and the mechanism of change such as post-storm recovery. This study has implications for better understanding changes in coastal sedimentary deposits and processes, both at the subsurface, particularly after high-energy events, such as hurricanes, that result in rapid changes in erosion and/or accretion of sediments.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005947
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Beaches--Florida, Ground penetrating radar., Sediments (Geology)--Analysis.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of Links between Sea Level Variations and Climate Variability and Change.
Creator: Schmidt, Alejandra R., Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing...
Show moreA comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing with time with all four oscillations impacting global sea levels. AMO warm phase individually and PDO warm combined with La-Niña phase contribute to higher sea levels throughout the world. Trends and variations in sea levels are noted to be spatially non-uniform. Understanding and quantifying climate variability influenced variations in sea levels and assessment of long-term trends enables protection of coastal regions of the world from sea level rise.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005936
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Climatic changes., Sea level., Sea level rise, Global.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence for Hippocampal Involvement in Object Motion Processing in C57BL/6J Mice.
Creator: Asgeirsdottir, Herborg Nanna, Stackman, Robert W., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Considerable research has been carried out to establish a rodent model for the study of human memory, yet functional similarities between the species remain up for debate. The hippocampus, a region deep within the medial temporal lobe of the mammalian CNS, is critical for long-term episodic memory. Projections from the medial entorhinal cortex convey spatial/contextual information, while projections from the lateral entorhinal cortex convey item/object information to the hippocampus. The...
Show moreConsiderable research has been carried out to establish a rodent model for the study of human memory, yet functional similarities between the species remain up for debate. The hippocampus, a region deep within the medial temporal lobe of the mammalian CNS, is critical for long-term episodic memory. Projections from the medial entorhinal cortex convey spatial/contextual information, while projections from the lateral entorhinal cortex convey item/object information to the hippocampus. The functional significance of these parallel projections to the rodent hippocampus has been suggested to support spatial processing, while the same projections to the human hippocampus support spatial and non-spatial memory. Discharging in a location-specific manner, hippocampal place cells contribute to spatial memory; however, evidence for neuronal correlates of non-spatial object memory has not been fully defined. The current experiments were designed to address the following questions, while utilizing electrophysiology, functional inactivation during a novel behavioral task, and immunohistochemistry. Is the memory for objects hippocampal-dependent, solely due to the location of the object, or are objects represented within hippocampal activity independent of location? To tease apart spatial and non-spatial processing by the hippocampus, the spatial aspects of 3D objects were enhanced by utilizing movement. A novel discriminatory avoidance task, Knowing Your Enemy, was adapted from an Enemy Avoidance task to test true object memory in mice. Current findings support the notion that object-associations acquisition depends upon a specific context. Retrieval of such object-associations is not context-dependent, yet remains sensitive to temporary inactivation of the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus. The avoidance impairments observed following hippocampal inactivation were shown to not be a result of reduced anxiety. Immunohistochemical marker expression suggests that the CA1 region was highly active during object exposures, yet the hippocampal system responded differentially to moving and to stationary objects. Recordings of CA1 neurons yielded non-bursting object-related activity during object exploration, and place cell activity remained unaffected in the presence of moving objects; supporting independent, yet simultaneous processing of spatial and non-spatial information within the hippocampus. Together, the current findings support the notion that the CA1 region of the rodent hippocampus processes object-related information, independent of spatial information.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004981
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Hippocampus (Brain), Declarative memory, Explicit memory.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Authenticity in the Fictional Voices of Toni Morrison’s Love and Home: Tracing Conversations Among Author, Readers, and Narrators as a Rewrite of U.S. History.
Creator: Bulacio-Watier, Marisol, Hagood, Taylor, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
Abstract/Description: Toni Morrison’s later novels Love and Home bring forth an issue of identity anxiety for those involved in the narrative: author, narrators, and readers. Featuring both first-person and third-person narrators, these works offer conflicting narratives in which the writer, Morrison, allows her characters to question her own authorial voice. Greater agency is given to the first-person narrators through which they deconstruct the traditional objectivity of third-person narratives. As such, this...
Show moreToni Morrison’s later novels Love and Home bring forth an issue of identity anxiety for those involved in the narrative: author, narrators, and readers. Featuring both first-person and third-person narrators, these works offer conflicting narratives in which the writer, Morrison, allows her characters to question her own authorial voice. Greater agency is given to the first-person narrators through which they deconstruct the traditional objectivity of third-person narratives. As such, this thesis argues, the structures of Love and Home extend their inside conversations to the real world of readers who must reconsider where their narrative trust has been. Moreover, Morrison’s challenge to her authorial voice becomes the means through which she questions the hegemony of U.S. historical narratives. In the end, it is the subjective voices of the first-person narrators which offer a more reliable, counter narrative of not only Morrison’s fictional stories, but that of the nation’s historical past.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004995
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Morrison, Toni--Criticism and interpretation.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Examination of Factors Impacting Managerial Behavior towards Compliance Controls: Impact of the EPA Audit Policy.
Creator: Davis, Phebian, Higgs, Julia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Business, School of Accounting
Abstract/Description: The United States established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental pollution standards through various programs and policies. One such policy, the Audit Policy, allows companies to voluntarily self-report violations to the Agency in exchange for elimination of certain penalties. Despite the policy, firms still incur large environmental penalties, thus indicating the need for better understanding of the policy. A necessary but not...
Show moreThe United States established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental pollution standards through various programs and policies. One such policy, the Audit Policy, allows companies to voluntarily self-report violations to the Agency in exchange for elimination of certain penalties. Despite the policy, firms still incur large environmental penalties, thus indicating the need for better understanding of the policy. A necessary but not sufficient condition for penalty relief under the Audit Policy requires discovery of violations by an environmental audit or a compliance management system. This research explores the option of discovery by a compliance management system and examines the motivation of managers to invest in an environmental management system (EMS). The theory of reasoned action (TRA) argues that attitude and subjective norms precede intentions. I use this theory to investigate what factors cause a manager to invest in an environmental management system (EMS). Additionally, I examine whether environmental attitude, tolerance for ambiguity and willful blindness are antecedents to attitude towards an EMS. In this study, I develop and test a scale of the willful blindness construct and measure its impact on managerial decision-making. The willful blindness construct development produced a one-item measure. My results support all hypotheses except for the predicted link between tolerance for ambiguity and attitude.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005924
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, United States. Environmental Protection Agency--Auditing., Compliance., Environmental pollution.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Exploration of Testosterone Mediated Effects on Auditory Learning in Northern Bobwhite Quail.
Creator: Bellinger, Seanceray A., Jones, Nancy Aaron, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Elevated yolk progesterone has been shown to impair prenatal, but facilitate postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail chicks. Elevated yolk testosterone has facilitated prenatal learning, but its effects on postnatal auditory learning in quail are unknown. Either testosterone or an oil vehicle was injected into bobwhite quail eggs prior to incubation. Control eggs were unmanipulated. Following hatching, chicks were exposed to a conspecific maternal call (A or B) for 240 min. At 48 hr,...
Show moreElevated yolk progesterone has been shown to impair prenatal, but facilitate postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail chicks. Elevated yolk testosterone has facilitated prenatal learning, but its effects on postnatal auditory learning in quail are unknown. Either testosterone or an oil vehicle was injected into bobwhite quail eggs prior to incubation. Control eggs were unmanipulated. Following hatching, chicks were exposed to a conspecific maternal call (A or B) for 240 min. At 48 hr, chicks were tested for their preference for the familiarized vs. novel call. All groups demonstrated a preference for the familiar call (p < .05), but minimal between group difference were found. Contrary to previous research, elevated yolk testosterone neither facilitated nor impaired postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail chicks. Further research will examine underlying mechanisms responsible for differential effects and explore if similar systems are involved in other species-typical processes such as social motivation.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005944
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Bobwhite quail, Northern bobwhite., Chicks., Testosterone., Egg yolk.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Curriculum-Based Alternative Value-Added Model for Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs.
Creator: McCormick, Jazarae K., Brady, Michael P., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Exceptional Student Education
Abstract/Description: The reality of changing state and federal policy, as well as the process of program improvement across teacher preparation programs has prompted a line of research into the exploration of an alternative curriculum-based value-added model (VAM). Based upon a thorough review of VAMs as they have been applied to education policy and decision-making, this line of inquiry focused on a curriculum-based approach to increasing our understanding of how the instructional efforts of our candidates...
Show moreThe reality of changing state and federal policy, as well as the process of program improvement across teacher preparation programs has prompted a line of research into the exploration of an alternative curriculum-based value-added model (VAM). Based upon a thorough review of VAMs as they have been applied to education policy and decision-making, this line of inquiry focused on a curriculum-based approach to increasing our understanding of how the instructional efforts of our candidates affect the learning gains of the K-12 students they teach. Designed to conform to the fundamental principles of evidence-based practice, candidate and program level data for 109 student teachers between 2013 and 2017 were analyzed. Results indicate that variation in K-12 students’ learning gains can likely be attributed to the instructional efforts of our special education teacher preparation program (TPP) completers. Limitations, implications, and directions for future inquiry across policy, practice, and scholarship are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004989, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004979
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Special education teachers--Training of., Teaching & Instruction., Special education.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: College Professors as Classroom Leaders: Strategic Thinking Capacity, Leader Influence Actions, and Classroom Performance.
Creator: Sfiropoulos, Mike, Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This non-experimental, quantitative study explored the leadership of college professors and the relationship to student assessments of their teaching performance. The leadership constructs under investigation were strategic thinking capacity (cognitive agility) and leader influence actions (behavioral agility), which are rooted in the theories of behavioral and cognitive complexity. Research indicates that cognitive and behavioral agility are two factors that produce more effective results...
Show moreThis non-experimental, quantitative study explored the leadership of college professors and the relationship to student assessments of their teaching performance. The leadership constructs under investigation were strategic thinking capacity (cognitive agility) and leader influence actions (behavioral agility), which are rooted in the theories of behavioral and cognitive complexity. Research indicates that cognitive and behavioral agility are two factors that produce more effective results for leaders in varying organizational contexts. However, previous research does not include college professors in those studies. Thus, this study sought to explore professors as classroom leaders and the relationship between college professors’ cognitive and behavioral agility and their students’ perceptions of their teaching effectiveness, if behavioral agility plays a mediating role, and if that relationship is moderated by alterable and unalterable contextual variables. Ninety-two full-time professors from one Florida college participated in the study. The professors’ strategic thinking capacity (cognitive agility) was measured using the STQP, an adaptation of Pisapia and Reyes-Guerra’s (2007) Strategic Thinking Questionnaire (STQTM), and the professors’ leader influence actions (behavioral agility) were measured using the SLQP, an adaptation of Pisapia, Reyes-Guerra, and Yasin’s (2006) Strategic Leadership Questionnaire (SLQTM) with both instruments employing Pisapia’s (2009) framework of strategic leadership. The ‘P’ denotes the ‘professor’ version of the original STQTM and SLQTM. Locus of control orientation as a contextual variable was measured using Spector’s (1988) Work Locus of Control Scale (WLCS). To measure student perceptions of professor effectiveness, the student assessments of courses and faculty were compiled from existing records from Palm Beach State College’s Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) website. The data were statistically analyzed using correlational and regression analyses and tested for mediation and moderation effects. The findings of this study revealed that college professors demonstrated the same strategic thinking capacity and leader influence actions as leaders in more traditional leadership roles as measured by the STQP and SLQP. The findings were also consistent with previous studies that found that cognitive agility is a significant predictor of behavioral agility. However, it also found that student perceptions of professor effectiveness as measured by student assessments were not correlated to any of the research variables in this study. Findings and conclusions, as well as recommendations for future research, are presented in the concluding chapter.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004993, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004983
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, College professors., Leaders., Classroom management., Teaching effectiveness.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining Affectual Interaction within the Therapeutic Relationship Across Three Psychotherapeutic Theoretical Approaches.
Creator: Baker, Andrew Z., Peluso, Paul R., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The present study investigates the affectual interaction of three highly competent therapists using different theoretical approaches with a shared male client and female client in a professionally recorded video series. The interactions of clients and therapists in a total sample of six psychotherapy sessions were coded using the twenty code version of Gottman, Woodin, and Coan’s (1998) Specific Affect Coding System. Coded data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests which found no...
Show moreThe present study investigates the affectual interaction of three highly competent therapists using different theoretical approaches with a shared male client and female client in a professionally recorded video series. The interactions of clients and therapists in a total sample of six psychotherapy sessions were coded using the twenty code version of Gottman, Woodin, and Coan’s (1998) Specific Affect Coding System. Coded data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests which found no significant differences between the mean ranks of therapists’ codes between therapists. Significant effects among some affective behaviors were noted in therapists’ codes when compared by client. Coded data were also used to create mathematical models using ordinary differential equations for each of the six sessions. Kruskal-Wallis tests did not reveal significant effects in the mean ranks of the parameters of the mathematical models, and visual similarities and differences of these models were discussed. Additional analyses were conducted to examine clients’ affective behaviors as well and significant effects were revealed in the Kruskal-Wallis tests amongst many coded behaviors. The results support the presence of common factors and similarities in the therapeutic relationship among different theoretical approaches. The findings also add to the growing body of literature dedicated to the use of observational coding and dynamic nonlinear modeling in psychotherapy research. The implications for psychotherapy practice, education, and research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004962, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004952
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Psychotherapy., Affect (Psychology)., Psychotherapy--Research., Therapist and patient.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Design of a Test Framework for the Evaluation of Transfer Learning Algorithms.
Creator: Weiss, Karl Robert, Khoshgoftaar, Taghi M., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: A traditional machine learning environment is characterized by the training and testing data being drawn from the same domain, therefore, having similar distribution characteristics. In contrast, a transfer learning environment is characterized by the training data having di erent distribution characteristics from the testing data. Previous research on transfer learning has focused on the development and evaluation of transfer learning algorithms using real-world datasets. Testing with real...
Show moreA traditional machine learning environment is characterized by the training and testing data being drawn from the same domain, therefore, having similar distribution characteristics. In contrast, a transfer learning environment is characterized by the training data having di erent distribution characteristics from the testing data. Previous research on transfer learning has focused on the development and evaluation of transfer learning algorithms using real-world datasets. Testing with real-world datasets exposes an algorithm to a limited number of data distribution di erences and does not exercise an algorithm's full capability and boundary limitations. In this research, we de ne, implement, and deploy a transfer learning test framework to test machine learning algorithms. The transfer learning test framework is designed to create a wide-range of distribution di erences that are typically encountered in a transfer learning environment. By testing with many di erent distribution di erences, an algorithm's strong and weak points can be discovered and evaluated against other algorithms. This research additionally performs case studies that use the transfer learning test framework. The rst case study focuses on measuring the impact of exposing algorithms to the Domain Class Imbalance distortion pro le. The next case study uses the entire transfer learning test framework to evaluate both transfer learning and traditional machine learning algorithms. The nal case study uses the transfer learning test framework in conjunction with real-world datasets to measure the impact of the base traditional learner on the performance of transfer learning algorithms. Two additional experiments are performed that are focused on using unique realworld datasets. The rst experiment uses transfer learning techniques to predict fraudulent Medicare claims. The second experiment uses a heterogeneous transfer learning method to predict phishing webgages. These case studies will be of interest to researchers who develop and improve transfer learning algorithms. This research will also be of bene t to machine learning practitioners in the selection of high-performing transfer learning algorithms.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005925
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Machine learning., Algorithms., Machine learning Development.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Dynamic Grouping Motion and Amodal Completion.
Creator: Datta, Debarshi, Hock, Howard S., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Objects in a scene are likely to occlude other objects partially and are itself likely to be partially occluded. A central question, therefore, is how the visual system resolves the resulting surface correspondence problem by successfully determining which surfaces belong to which objects. To this end, a recently developed dynamic grouping methodology has determined whether pairs of adjacent surfaces are grouped (Hock & Nichols, 2012). The grouping of adjacent surfaces, which depends on their...
Show moreObjects in a scene are likely to occlude other objects partially and are itself likely to be partially occluded. A central question, therefore, is how the visual system resolves the resulting surface correspondence problem by successfully determining which surfaces belong to which objects. To this end, a recently developed dynamic grouping methodology has determined whether pairs of adjacent surfaces are grouped (Hock & Nichols, 2012). The grouping of adjacent surfaces, which depends on their affinity state, is indicated by the direction of perceived motion across one surface when its luminance is perturbed. In the current stimuli, which consists of a horizontal surface partially occluded by a vertical bar, dynamic grouping also can occur for nonadjacent surfaces, providing they are linked in two-dimensions by a connecting surface. Results indicate that the dynamic grouping motion is stronger for amodal completion entailing the perceptual grouping of nonadjacent surfaces behind an occluder.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004998, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004988
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Visual perception., Visual system., Dynamic grouping
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of a Biosensor to Detect Landfill Odors Using Human Odorant Binding Protein.
Creator: Roblyer, Julia Gia, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Landfills receive odor complaints from local residents potentially resulting in legal ramifications and decreasing quality of life of the neighboring communities. However, analytical technologies to objectively measure odors in the field that will reflect human odor perceptions at a reasonable price do not currently exist. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is detectable by humans at low odor thresholds and may be one of the main nuisance odors emanating from landfills. For the first time, hOBPIIa...
Show moreLandfills receive odor complaints from local residents potentially resulting in legal ramifications and decreasing quality of life of the neighboring communities. However, analytical technologies to objectively measure odors in the field that will reflect human odor perceptions at a reasonable price do not currently exist. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is detectable by humans at low odor thresholds and may be one of the main nuisance odors emanating from landfills. For the first time, hOBPIIa complexed with 1- AMA has been used to detect H2S concentrations by spectrofluorometry. The optimal ratio of hOPBIIa-to-1-AMA was determined to be approximately 1:1. A strong linear regression model was generated to predict H2S concentrations from peak fluorescent emission intensity measurements within a range of 0-8.3 g of H2S. A novel experimental exposure chamber prototype was developed that has the potential to be incorporated into a portable sensor because it is compact.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005939
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Landfills., Biosensors., Odor sensors., Odor control.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Dose Validation for Partial Accelerated Breast Irradiation treated with the SAVI Applicator.
Creator: Pinder, Janeil K., Pella, Silvia, Leventouri, Theodora, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to verify and validate the dose at various points of interest in accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) treated with the Strut Adjusted Volume Implant (SAVI) applicator using Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs). A set of CT images were selected from a patient’s data who had received APBI using the SAVI applicator. The images were used to make 3D models. TLDs were calibrated for Brachytherapy. Various points of interest were marked out and slots were carved...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to verify and validate the dose at various points of interest in accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) treated with the Strut Adjusted Volume Implant (SAVI) applicator using Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs). A set of CT images were selected from a patient’s data who had received APBI using the SAVI applicator. The images were used to make 3D models. TLDs were calibrated for Brachytherapy. Various points of interest were marked out and slots were carved in the 3D models to fit the TLDs. CT scans were taken of the 3D models with expanded SAVI applicator inserted. A plan was made following B-39 protocol. The TLDs were read and the absorbed doses were calculated and compared to the delivered doses. The results of this study show that the overall average reading of the TLDs is within expected value. The TPS shows overestimated dose calculations for brachytherapy.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005942
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Thermoluminescence dosimetry., Brachytherapy., Radiotherapy Dosage., Breast--Cancer--Radiotherapy.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fracture and Fatigue Behavior of Geosynthetic Reinforced Asphalt Concrete for Pavement Overlays.
Creator: Polidora, Jamie Barbara, Sobhan, Khaled, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Flexible or asphalt pavements constitute nearly 94% of the 2.7 million miles of existing roadways in the United States. In a typical rehabilitation project, the existing asphalt pavement is milled up to a prescribed depth for removing the near surface distresses such as excessive cracking and rutting, and a new overlay is placed. The average time between resurfacing projects varies depending on the level of pavement deterioration which is significantly accelerated when poor subgrade...
Show moreFlexible or asphalt pavements constitute nearly 94% of the 2.7 million miles of existing roadways in the United States. In a typical rehabilitation project, the existing asphalt pavement is milled up to a prescribed depth for removing the near surface distresses such as excessive cracking and rutting, and a new overlay is placed. The average time between resurfacing projects varies depending on the level of pavement deterioration which is significantly accelerated when poor subgrade conditions are encountered. The use of geosynthetic reinforcement within the new asphalt overlay is often perceived as a mitigation strategy that can delay the onset and propagation of reflection cracking, and also control the rutting and differential settlement. However, some mixed reviews about the performance of the geosynthetic reinforced overlays have been reported in the literature. In Phase I of this study, a laboratory investigation was conducted for evaluating the flexural fatigue behavior, permanent deformation response, and fracture characteristics of geogrid reinforced asphalt beam specimens made from a typical overlay material. The laboratory specimens included geogrid as a single-layer inclusion either at the bottom third depth or at the mid height, and as double-layer inclusion, with geogrid placed both at the bottom third and at the middle of the beam. In Phase II, a case study involving geogrid reinforced overlay constructed over a deteriorated pavement underlain by soft subgrade in southeastern Florida was numerically simulated. It was found that the geogrid reinforcement significantly improved the fatigue and fracture properties of the asphalt beams compared to unreinforced specimens. Results from numerical simulation demonstrated that the double reinforced overlay resulted in the minimum tensile stress at the bottom of the asphalt layer (reducing the cracking potential) and minimum vertical strain on the top of the subgrade (reducing the rutting potential), compared to unreinforced or bottom-third reinforced overlays. Accordingly, it is concluded that the double layer reinforcement of asphalt overlays with an appropriate geosynthetic product can be beneficial for the performance and long term preservation of the pavement system when soft soils are encountered.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004972, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004962
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Reinforced concrete., Asphalt pavements., Geosynthetics., Pavements--Overlays--Evaluation.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Comparative Look at Student and Faculty Perceptions of Professors at a State College.
Creator: Duff, Suzanne M., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Research shows that there is a disconnect between student and faculty perceptions in a range of areas. One area that has not been researched is comparing student and faculty perceptions regarding desirable and undesirable traits in professors. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify what students perceive are the most and least desirable qualities in professors, and how those qualities affect their overall college experience. This study also identified what professors thought...
Show moreResearch shows that there is a disconnect between student and faculty perceptions in a range of areas. One area that has not been researched is comparing student and faculty perceptions regarding desirable and undesirable traits in professors. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify what students perceive are the most and least desirable qualities in professors, and how those qualities affect their overall college experience. This study also identified what professors thought students perceive as the most and least desirable qualities in professors, and how those qualities affect students’ overall college experience. The findings indicate that the largest disparity in perceptions between students and faculty was faculty perception that students rate them based on class rigor and assigned grades, which were two of the least important qualities according to students. The largest similarity that faculty and students agreed upon is that students desire professors who are knowledgeable, passionate, engaging, and able to connect with students. Both groups also perceive that students do not like professors who are boring and monotone. In addition, students and professors agree that students perceive professors as playing an important role in their lives that affect their ability to learn, the grades they receive, and also impact their overall college experience and trajectory in life. The two groups differed when describing how professors’ undesirable qualities can negatively affect students’ emotions and self-confidence. Faculty and students were in agreement in a variety of areas, but they were disconnected in several areas as well. This is a problem as we move into the future. Cox (2009) said, “the traditional college student is no longer the typical college student” (p. 7), especially when it comes to state and community colleges. Professors would benefit from listening to students instead of assuming that their ratings are untrustworthy and based on how hard or easy the class was or what grade they received. The researcher asserts, along with others in the literature, that expertise in content area is no longer good enough to be an effective educator in higher education. Faculty also need to be experts in understanding students.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004967, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004957
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Teacher-student relationships., College teachers., Student evaluation of teachers.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Collision-Free Drone Scheduling System.
Creator: Steinberg, Andrew, Cardei, Mihaela, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Today, drones have been receiving a lot of notice from commercial businesses. Businesses (mainly companies that have delivery services) are trying to expand their productivity in order bring more satisfaction for their loyal customers. One-way companies can expand their delivery services are through the use of delivery drones. Drones are very powerful devices that are going through many evolutionary changes for their uses throughout the years. For many years, researchers in academia have been...
Show moreToday, drones have been receiving a lot of notice from commercial businesses. Businesses (mainly companies that have delivery services) are trying to expand their productivity in order bring more satisfaction for their loyal customers. One-way companies can expand their delivery services are through the use of delivery drones. Drones are very powerful devices that are going through many evolutionary changes for their uses throughout the years. For many years, researchers in academia have been examining how drones can plan their paths along with avoiding collisions of other drones and certain obstacles in the civil airspace. However, researchers have not considered how the motion path planning can a ect the overall scheduling aspect of civilian drones. In this thesis, we propose an algorithm for a collision-free scheduling motion path planning of a set drones such that they avoid certain obstacles as well as maintaining a safety distance from each other.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004994, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004984
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Drone aircraft., Algorithms., Scheduling., Drone aircraft--Safety measures.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Effect of a Heart Failure Nurse Navigator on 30-Day Hospital Readmissions of Older Adults.
Creator: Leavitt, Mary Ann M., Hain, Debra J., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Across the US, 22% of Medicare patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) will be readmitted within 30-days of discharge. There is no one costeffective process identified to help patients transition home and maintain their own selfcare. The aim of this study is to compare readmission rates, HF knowledge, self-care, and quality of life for patients who transition home from the hospital under the care of a Heart Failure Nurse Navigator (HFNN) with patients who receive usual...
Show moreAcross the US, 22% of Medicare patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) will be readmitted within 30-days of discharge. There is no one costeffective process identified to help patients transition home and maintain their own selfcare. The aim of this study is to compare readmission rates, HF knowledge, self-care, and quality of life for patients who transition home from the hospital under the care of a Heart Failure Nurse Navigator (HFNN) with patients who receive usual care. The HFNN is a home health RN with specialized training in HF care. The HFNN visited intervention group (IG) participants once in the hospital, followed by weekly home visits for one month. Control group (CG) participants received usual care, consisting of discharge teaching by their primary nurse and follow-up with their primary care provider (PCP) or cardiologist. Using a sequential mixed methods research design, this experimental randomized controlled trial measured HF knowledge, HF self-care, and HF quality of life (QOL) at enrollment and one month after discharge. Hospital readmissions and/or ED visits were tracked in both groups. IG participants were interviewed using semi-structured questions, findings of which were analyzed using conventional content analysis. There were fewer all-cause hospital readmissions in the IG (3 of 19) than the CG (6 of 21.) CG participants were 2.2 times more likely to be readmitted than the IG participants. [x(1)=.935, p=.334 O.R.=2.2219]. Due to limited enrollment, these results were underpowered and not statistically significant. There was improvement in HF knowledge (p=.06) and HF self-care maintenance (p=.07), approaching significance. HF self-care maintenance improved in both groups, although the IG was not significantly better (p=.48). There was significant improvement in the IG for HF confidence (p=.002) and HF QOL (p<.001). The qualitative findings revealed two main categories from the IG: (1) personal clarification of patient education, especially related to diet, exercise, and medications and (2) feelings of support, reassurance, and safety. The HFNN may be one role to meet the triple aim of improving patient quality care and health outcomes at a reduced cost, especially in areas where a comprehensive HF management program is not available.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004986, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004976
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Heart failure--Nursing., Hospitalization--economics., Home Health Nursing.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Effect of Participation in the Ready to Learn Program on Kindergarten Students’ Pro-social behavior, Self-regulation, Reading Performance, and Teachers’ Perception of Classroom Climate.
Creator: Kuba, Summer Perhay, Villares, Elizabeth, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the difference in pro-social behavior, self-regulation, overall reading performance, Lexile levels, and teachers’ perception of classroom climate of kindergarten students who received the Ready to Learn (RTL; Brigman, Lane, & Lane, 2008) classroom guidance program (treatment group: n = 173) and kindergarten students who did not receive the intervention (comparison group: n = 124). The study followed a quasi-experimental, comparison group...
Show moreThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the difference in pro-social behavior, self-regulation, overall reading performance, Lexile levels, and teachers’ perception of classroom climate of kindergarten students who received the Ready to Learn (RTL; Brigman, Lane, & Lane, 2008) classroom guidance program (treatment group: n = 173) and kindergarten students who did not receive the intervention (comparison group: n = 124). The study followed a quasi-experimental, comparison group design in which teachers completed the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) and Teacher My Class Inventory-Short Form (TMCI-SF) measures as well as collected reading data from individual students. Descriptive statistics for each of the measures, the findings from the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the CBRS and TMCI-SF data, along with the multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) using the i-Ready data, and partial eta squared (ηp2) effect sizes were calculated. The ANCOVA was conducted to determine if differences existed on the participants’ pro-social behavior and self-regulation by condition. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference on the pro-social skills but did not show a statistically significant difference in self-regulation. The MANCOVA revealed statistically significant differences in overall reading performance between the treatment and comparison group; however, did not reveal statistically significant differences on the Lexile levels for the students who participated in the intervention. Finally, the ANCOVA reported a statistically significant difference in the perceived impact of the school counselor by the treatment group kindergarten as compared to the teachers in the comparison group; however, no other differences were found on the TMCI-SF scales. With these results, there is a need for further empirical research to determine the impact of the RTL program on students’ academic and SEL development.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004992
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Kindergarten., Reading to learn., Classroom climate.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Valuing the Invaluable: Piquant Georgia Low-Country Marsh Ecosystem Services.
Creator: Wood, Alyssa A., Polsky, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Coastal ecosystems, such as the salt marsh of the Georgia coast, have long been valued for decision-making purposes based on market-values of goods and services including: fishery landings, hedonic pricing of waterfront homes, and tourism dollars. These values do not show the full picture of services provided by these ecosystems. Using focus group discussions and key informant interviews I investigate socio-cultural values and benefits provided by salt marsh ecosystems in central coastal...
Show moreCoastal ecosystems, such as the salt marsh of the Georgia coast, have long been valued for decision-making purposes based on market-values of goods and services including: fishery landings, hedonic pricing of waterfront homes, and tourism dollars. These values do not show the full picture of services provided by these ecosystems. Using focus group discussions and key informant interviews I investigate socio-cultural values and benefits provided by salt marsh ecosystems in central coastal Georgia. Participants noted that through their experiences in marshes they developed a desire to be stewards. This desire, coupled with the industrial pollution, residential development, and sea-level rise threats in the area result in a need for cooperative conservation and thus better enforcement of existing regulations. This relational value persisted across geographic locations and sample populations. My results show the importance of utilizing diverse members of community to elicit qualitative value statements.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004993
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Salt marshes., Ecosystem services., Ecosystem services--Valuation.
Format: Document (PDF)

Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University (83)	+ -
Affect (Psychology). (2)	+ -
Algorithms. (2)	+ -
Climatic changes. (2)	+ -
Ecosystem services--Valuation. (2)	+ -

Education, Higher (2)	+ -
Eye tracking. (2)	+ -
High school students. (2)	+ -
Leadership. (2)	+ -
Nurses--Job satisfaction. (2)	+ -
Radiotherapy Dosage. (2)	+ -
Salt marshes. (2)	+ -
Science--Study and teaching. (2)	+ -
Therapist and patient. (2)	+ -
Academic achievement. (1)	+ -
Acetabulum (Anatomy). (1)	+ -
Adolescents. (1)	+ -
African-American scientists. (1)	+ -
Age Determination by Skeleton. (1)	+ -
Alkynes. (1)	+ -
Ancestry (1)	+ -
Application software--Design. (1)	+ -
Arbëresh language. (1)	+ -
Art and science. (1)	+ -
Art, Abstract. (1)	+ -
Artists' books. (1)	+ -
Asphalt pavements. (1)	+ -
Autism spectrum disorders. (1)	+ -
Autonomous underwater vehicles (1)	+ -
Beaches--Florida (1)	+ -

Florida Atlantic University (83)	+ -
College of Education (24)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (21)	+ -
College of Engineering and Computer Science (16)	+ -
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters (13)	+ -

Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (12)	+ -
Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (9)	+ -
Department of Psychology (7)	+ -
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing (6)	+ -
Bryan, Valerie (5)	+ -
Department of Biological Sciences (5)	+ -
Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry (5)	+ -
Department of English (5)	+ -
Department of Counselor Education (4)	+ -
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering (4)	+ -
Weber, Roberta K. (4)	+ -
Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering (3)	+ -
Department of Exceptional Student Education (3)	+ -
College of Business (2)	+ -
Department of Anthropology (2)	+ -
Department of Geosciences (2)	+ -
Department of Mathematical Sciences (2)	+ -
Department of Physics (2)	+ -
Department of Visual Arts and Art History (2)	+ -
Dhanak, Manhar R. (2)	+ -
Hoff, Erika (2)	+ -
Jones, Nancy Aaron (2)	+ -
Kalva, Hari (2)	+ -
Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia (2)	+ -
Peluso, Paul R. (2)	+ -

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