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Title: The Multitude Speaks in Style: An Analysis of Vernacular Agency Through Images of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Creator: Swartz, Haley, Trapani, William, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, School of Communication and Multimedia Studies
Abstract/Description: The unexpected comparison of a Supreme Court Justice with a popular culture icon demonstrates how politics and popular culture become entwined in the contemporary context; moreover, network culture provides a conduit for vernacular discourse about politics, which circulates in the style of popular culture. Through analysis of images of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as created, shared, and circulated in network culture, this project explores the alternative levels of discourse generated in network...
Show moreThe unexpected comparison of a Supreme Court Justice with a popular culture icon demonstrates how politics and popular culture become entwined in the contemporary context; moreover, network culture provides a conduit for vernacular discourse about politics, which circulates in the style of popular culture. Through analysis of images of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as created, shared, and circulated in network culture, this project explores the alternative levels of discourse generated in network culture, examines the ways the public represents politics, and explains the ability of political subjects to affect meaning. The aim of this project is to document a conjunctural moment; as such, analysis of the images in aggregate provides a foundation to raise questions about how American political culture is manifested, attended to, and maintained through network culture and the parlance of popular culture.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004998
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Popular culture--United States., Politics and culture., Ginsburg, Ruth Bader.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Impact of Motivational Interviewing Training on Rehabilitation Counselors: Assessing Working Alliance and Client Engagement. A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Creator: Torres, Ayse, Frain, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) counselor training in a public vocational rehabilitation (VR) setting. Data were collected from a total of 347 participants (67 counselors and 280 clients) in the experimental and comparison groups, during the pre-and-posttests. The counselors in the experimental group received a 4-hour standardized MI training and a 4-week follow up coaching sessions. Results of this study indicated that counselors in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) counselor training in a public vocational rehabilitation (VR) setting. Data were collected from a total of 347 participants (67 counselors and 280 clients) in the experimental and comparison groups, during the pre-and-posttests. The counselors in the experimental group received a 4-hour standardized MI training and a 4-week follow up coaching sessions. Results of this study indicated that counselors in the experimental group demonstrated significant gains in their MI competence scores compared to the comparison group. The clients of the experimental group’s counselors significantly improved their engagement in VR services and working alliance with their counselors. Also, counselors’ education level and CRC status showed strong correlation with the posttest MI competence total scores. Finally, working alliance was found to be a significant predictor of client engagement. This study established the preparatory knowledge for the relationship between MI counselor training, client engagement, and counselor-client working alliance in a public rehabilitation setting. The results of this study contribute to the rehabilitation literature by providing evidence-based knowledge and tools designed to improve the quality of VR service outcomes, such as employment, for people with disabilities. With the findings of this research, there is evidence available to provide rehabilitation administrators to justify investing time and other resources into training rehabilitation counselors on the use of MI intervention.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004950
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Rehabilitation counselors--Training of, Motivational interviewing., Vocational rehabilitation., Therapeutic alliance.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Estimation Of Ancestry And Sex In Unknown Individuals Through A Comparison Of Methods.
Creator: Thomas, Alexandra N., Ellis, Meredith, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: When unidentified skeletal remains are found, researchers utilize a number of methods to apportion details for a biological profile. While these practices are used and professed through generations of students, they also require a reevaluation of the methods. This project estimates the ancestry and sex of nine unknown skeletal individuals through two different mechanisms. Modified biological profiles were completed through two different methodologies: anthroscopic traits (Buikstra and...
Show moreWhen unidentified skeletal remains are found, researchers utilize a number of methods to apportion details for a biological profile. While these practices are used and professed through generations of students, they also require a reevaluation of the methods. This project estimates the ancestry and sex of nine unknown skeletal individuals through two different mechanisms. Modified biological profiles were completed through two different methodologies: anthroscopic traits (Buikstra and Ubelaker 1994; White et al. 2012) and geometric morphometrics using 3D-ID (Slice and Ross 2009). The results serve two purposes: (1) to provide ancestry and sex (2) to compare two methodologies through outcomes and repeatability of results. Intra-observer error testing was conducted on both methods. All outputs resulted in low intra-rater reliability, highlighting the repeatability error in one observer’s collection methods. These results conclude and encourage the reevaluation and standardization of the procedures and comparison groups used to assess ancestry and sex.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005919
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Ancestry, Sex determination, Human skeleton--Analysis.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Utilizing a Game Theoretical Approach to Prevent Collusion and Incentivize Cooperation in Cybersecurity Contexts.
Creator: Golchubian, Arash, Nojoumian, Mehrdad, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: In this research, a new reputation-based model is utilized to disincentivize collusion of defenders and attackers in Software Defined Networks (SDN), and also, to disincentivize dishonest mining strategies in Blockchain. In the context of SDN, the model uses the reputation values assigned to each entity to disincentivize collusion with an attacker. Our analysis shows that not-colluding actions become Nash Equilibrium using the reputationbased model within a repeated game setting. In the...
Show moreIn this research, a new reputation-based model is utilized to disincentivize collusion of defenders and attackers in Software Defined Networks (SDN), and also, to disincentivize dishonest mining strategies in Blockchain. In the context of SDN, the model uses the reputation values assigned to each entity to disincentivize collusion with an attacker. Our analysis shows that not-colluding actions become Nash Equilibrium using the reputationbased model within a repeated game setting. In the context of Blockchain and mining, we illustrate that by using the same socio-rational model, miners not only are incentivized to conduct honest mining but also disincentivized to commit to any malicious activities against other mining pools. We therefore show that honest mining strategies become Nash Equilibrium in our setting. This thesis is laid out in the following manner. In chapter 2 an introduction to game theory is provided followed by a survey of previous works in game theoretic network security, in chapter 3 a new reputation-based model is introduced to be used within the context of a Software Defined Network (SDN), in chapter 4 a reputation-based solution concept is introduced to force cooperation by each mining entity in Blockchain, and finally, in chapter 5, the concluding remarks and future works are presented.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005950
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Software-defined networks (Computer network technology), Blockchain, Cybersecurity
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Use of an iPhone to Enhance Interpersonal Daily Living Skills in the Community for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Creator: Wahlbrink, Lindsey L., Dukes, Charles, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Exceptional Student Education
Abstract/Description: This study examined the use of an iPhone and List Recorder application to teach three adolescents with autism spectrum disorder to enhance their interpersonal daily living skills in a community setting. Participants were taught to use interpersonal skills to perform an ordering and purchasing task. A multiple probe design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of the intervention on the participants’ performance. Results indicated an increase in interpersonal skills used in a...
Show moreThis study examined the use of an iPhone and List Recorder application to teach three adolescents with autism spectrum disorder to enhance their interpersonal daily living skills in a community setting. Participants were taught to use interpersonal skills to perform an ordering and purchasing task. A multiple probe design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of the intervention on the participants’ performance. Results indicated an increase in interpersonal skills used in a community setting. Participants were able to generalize these skills to another community setting. Finally, participants were able to demonstrate these skills once the intervention was removed during follow-up. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004987, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004977
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Autism spectrum disorders., Adolescents., Life skills., iPhone (Smartphone).
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Stochastic Modeling of Wireless Communications in a Fading Environment via Fox's H-Function.
Creator: Mukasa, Constantine, Aalo, Valentine A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: In wireless communications systems, it is well known that the instantaneous received signal is a random variable that follows a given distribution. The randomness mainly stems from e ects such as multipath fading, shadowing, and interference. The received signal is a relevant metric, such that several distributions have been used in the literature to characterize it. However, as new radio technologies emerge, the known distributions are deemed insu cient to t simulated and measure data....
Show moreIn wireless communications systems, it is well known that the instantaneous received signal is a random variable that follows a given distribution. The randomness mainly stems from e ects such as multipath fading, shadowing, and interference. The received signal is a relevant metric, such that several distributions have been used in the literature to characterize it. However, as new radio technologies emerge, the known distributions are deemed insu cient to t simulated and measure data. Subsequently, as the wireless industry moves onto the fth generation (5G), newer distributions are proposed to well represent the received signal for new wireless technologies, including those operating in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band. These are mainly application speci c and may not be adequate to model complex 5G devices performance. Therefore, there is a need to unify and generalize the received signal distributions used for performance analysis of wireless systems. Secondly, an explosion of new radio technologies and devices operating in the same limited radio spectrum to collect and share data at alarming rates is expected. Such an explosion coupled with the 5G promise of ubiquitous connectivity and network densi cation, will thrust interference modeling in dense networks to the fore-front. Thus, interference characterization is essential when analyzing such wireless networks. Thirdly, the classical distributions used to model the received signal do not account for the inherent mobility feature for emerging radio technologies, such as avionics systems (e.g. drones), which may make the distributions inadequate as mobility e ects can no longer be ignored. Consequently, in this dissertation, we propose the use of a unifying distribution, the Fox's H-function distribution, with subsume ability to represent several traditional and future distributions, as a statistical tool to evaluate the performance of wireless communications systems. Additionally, two interference models, one with a xed number and the other with a random number of interferers, are considered to derive interference statistics, and further utilize the results to analyze system performance under the e ect of interference. Finally, we extend the classical distributions to include the mobility regime for several wireless network topologies, and perform network analysis. The analytical results are validated using computer Monte Carlo simulations.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005934
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Wireless communications systems., Stochastic modeling., H-functions.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Science Comprehension vs. Cultural Cognition as Predictors of Climate Change Risk Perception.
Creator: Steiner, Elyse A., Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study identified factors that affect climate change risk perception in a community college class. The purpose of this research was to determine if students were more influenced by cultural cognition (political affiliation) or science comprehension. Students in an undergraduate level environmental science and biology class were evaluated, using an online survey, for science comprehension level, political affiliation and risk perception at the beginning and end of each course. Data were...
Show moreThis study identified factors that affect climate change risk perception in a community college class. The purpose of this research was to determine if students were more influenced by cultural cognition (political affiliation) or science comprehension. Students in an undergraduate level environmental science and biology class were evaluated, using an online survey, for science comprehension level, political affiliation and risk perception at the beginning and end of each course. Data were analyzed to determine improved scientific literacy and any variation in risk perception. The research found that science comprehension did not contribute significantly to increased risk perception and that political affiliation or political views had a more significant effect on risk perception.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004983, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004973
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Understanding science., Political affiliation., Climatic changes., Perception.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Studies of Alkyne Cycloaddition Reactions Leading to Isoxazolines and Pyrazolines and Synthesis of Urofuranoic Acids to Assess their Effect on Insulin Secretion.
Creator: Nagy, Edith, Lepore, Salvatore D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: The present thesis will be largely focused on identifying and understanding the scope and mechanistic details associated with the tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) mediated cyclization of alkynyl hydrazines and (O)-hydroxylamines. Also, the synthesis of 2-(2-carboxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-propylfuran-3-carboxylic acid (CMPF) and its analogs will be discussed along with an analysis of their effects on insulin secretion. Chapter 1 will present the importance of developing isoxazoline and pyrazoline...
Show moreThe present thesis will be largely focused on identifying and understanding the scope and mechanistic details associated with the tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) mediated cyclization of alkynyl hydrazines and (O)-hydroxylamines. Also, the synthesis of 2-(2-carboxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-propylfuran-3-carboxylic acid (CMPF) and its analogs will be discussed along with an analysis of their effects on insulin secretion. Chapter 1 will present the importance of developing isoxazoline and pyrazoline type heterocycles given that they are continually demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities. Further, the scope of the reaction in terms of functional group tolerability, scalability and mild conditions will be shown. To expand the importance of this work, a route to access non-racemic heterocycles is also noted. With the heterocycles in hand, new methods were developed to generate more complex frameworks in the form of a novel one pot deprotection/functionalization reaction. Chapter 2 will focus on mechanistic investigations of the cyclization. From the initial discovery of the reaction, its actual mechanism was unknown and a main point of interest. What appeared unusual is that a nucleophilic attack occurs on an unactivated triple bond. Given the identity of the products, a reasonable proposal was a 5-endo-dig type cyclization. However, such a pathway would result in the generation of a vinyl anion intermediate which is well known to be of very high energy and it would seem unlikely to occur under mild conditions. Various trapping experiments were used to demonstrate that the vinyl anion forms and a 5-endo-dig-cyclization is the operative mechanism. Chapter 3 analyzes the importance of the tetrabutylammonium fluoride reagent. During optimization studies, it became clear that this base is the ideal reagent to facilitate the cyclization although other bases can also enable the transformation at much slower rates. Addition of non-basic ammonium salt additives to bases such as KF and CsF had a dramatic effect on the rate of the reaction. To determine whether the observed rate differences were merely a phase transfer effect or something more, both empirical and Raman spectroscopy data were collected. Based on this, the first evidence for an ammonium-alkyne cation-pi type interaction was shown. Chapter 4 will summarize the work on the synthesis of 2-(2-carboxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-propylfuran-3-carboxylic acid (CMPF) and its analogs in order to be used in various biological assays. The main goals were to determine a possible structure activity relationship between the substrates and insulin secretion in beta cells and also determine the fate of CMPF in vivo. Several 13C labeled analogs of CMPF were synthesized and successfully used to show for the first time that CMPF in metabolized in vivo in mice.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004988, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004978
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Insulin--Secretion., Alkynes., Cycloaddition Reaction., Pyrazolines.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Points of Intersection Finding Connections Between Design, Science and Math.
Creator: Kohlhagen, Christopher, Afanador Llach, Camila, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Visual Arts and Art History
Abstract/Description: Contemporary educational trends have created a false dichotomy between the arts and science. The will to make STEM subjects the focus of K-12 education, ignores both a shared history and the potential for greater learning in a shared future.The intention of Points of Intersection is to demonstrate that design, science and math intersect in their concepts, practices and history. In the past, these disciplines were explored and studied together and benefited from each other. By exploring what...
Show moreContemporary educational trends have created a false dichotomy between the arts and science. The will to make STEM subjects the focus of K-12 education, ignores both a shared history and the potential for greater learning in a shared future.The intention of Points of Intersection is to demonstrate that design, science and math intersect in their concepts, practices and history. In the past, these disciplines were explored and studied together and benefited from each other. By exploring what design and science have in common and the points where they intersect, we can see the relevance and importance of art and design in k-12 education and change STEM to STEAM. The exhibition will explore point, line, plane and the “Golden Ratio” demonstrating how these concepts can be understood from the perspectives of physics, math, art and design on a basic level. These basic principles can be used to introduce these fields of study and bring a better understanding of them to students in K-12. Future designers and scientists with this educational underpinning will have a better mutual understanding of one another’s field and the potential for shared research, process and results.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005949
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Art and science., Science--Study and teaching., Design.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Real-Time Localization of a Magnetic Anomaly: A Study of the Effectiveness of a Genetic Algorithm for Implementation on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.
Creator: Philippeaux, Harryel Arsene, Dhanak, Manhar R., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the viability of magnetic anomaly localization with an autonomous underwater vehicle, using a genetic algorithm (GA). The localization method, first proposed by Sheinker. et al. 2008, is optimized here for the case of a moving platform. Extensive magnetic field modeling and algorithm simulation has been conducted and yields promising results. Field testing of the method is conducted with the use of the Ocean Floor Geophysics Self...
Show moreThe primary objective of this research is to investigate the viability of magnetic anomaly localization with an autonomous underwater vehicle, using a genetic algorithm (GA). The localization method, first proposed by Sheinker. et al. 2008, is optimized here for the case of a moving platform. Extensive magnetic field modeling and algorithm simulation has been conducted and yields promising results. Field testing of the method is conducted with the use of the Ocean Floor Geophysics Self-Compensating Magnetometer (SCM). Extensive out-of-water field testing is conducted to validate the ability to measure a target signal in a uniform NED frame as well as to validate the effectiveness of the GA. The outcome of the simulation closely matches the results of the conducted field tests. Additionally, the SCM is fully integrated with FAU’s Remus 100 AUV and preliminary in-water testing of the system has been conducted.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005948
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Autonomous underwater vehicles, Genetic algorithms., Geomagnetic field, Geomagnetism.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Self-Determination in College Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
Creator: Wright, Melody M., Duffy, Mary L., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Exceptional Student Education
Abstract/Description: One of the ways students with an intellectual disability (ID) can reach their fullest potential is by attending an institution of higher education; too few universities and colleges offer programs for these students. There are over 3,000 universities and colleges throughout the United State, yet only 272 of them offer programs for students with an ID (Think College, 2017). Within the identified programs, there is variation in location, length, goals, and methods (Grigal, Hart, & Weir, 2012)....
Show moreOne of the ways students with an intellectual disability (ID) can reach their fullest potential is by attending an institution of higher education; too few universities and colleges offer programs for these students. There are over 3,000 universities and colleges throughout the United State, yet only 272 of them offer programs for students with an ID (Think College, 2017). Within the identified programs, there is variation in location, length, goals, and methods (Grigal, Hart, & Weir, 2012). This study used an iterative classification process to first identify the programs serving students with ID located on college campuses, then analyze program websites to determine how they increase selfdetermination (SD). Phase 1 of the study used categorical sorting to identify programs that (a) served students with identified intellectual disabilities who had exited the school system; (b) were located on a college campus; (c) were run by a college; and (d) followed a college semester/quarter calendar. Phase 2 involved reviewing the websites for the programs meeting those criteria to identify self-determination activities and classes. In Phase 3 of the study, an online survey was sent to program administrators to verify and expand the description of self-determination activities. Results of this study show college programs for students with ID promote SD through instruction; however, the teaching methods vary from program to program. SD instruction is delivered by staff, peer mentors, and faculty. Programs measure SD outcomes; however, the tools used vary from program to program, and they are not applied systematically. The examination of college program practices and outcomes is central to further program development. Future research is needed to determine long-term independent living and employment outcomes of students with ID who attend college programs.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004980, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004970
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Students with disabilities--Education., Intellectual disabilities., Education, Higher
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Patterns of Early Dual Language Proficiency: Correlates, Changes, and Stability From 2.5 Years Through 4 Years.
Creator: Ramirez, Nicolette, Hoff, Erika, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Research indicates that there are numerous factors related to dual language proficiency. Furthermore, research suggests that the language skills of bilingual children are very heterogeneous. In this study, we will focus on four outcomes for those receiving dual language input. Those four patterns of outcome are as follows: bilingual children can have high levels of skills in English and Spanish, high skills in English and low skills in the Spanish or vice versa, or low levels of skills in...
Show moreResearch indicates that there are numerous factors related to dual language proficiency. Furthermore, research suggests that the language skills of bilingual children are very heterogeneous. In this study, we will focus on four outcomes for those receiving dual language input. Those four patterns of outcome are as follows: bilingual children can have high levels of skills in English and Spanish, high skills in English and low skills in the Spanish or vice versa, or low levels of skills in English and Spanish. The present study focused on the prevalence of these four patterns and their concurrent correlates amongst 30 month old (N = 87, 48 females) and 48 month old (N = 74, 40 females) simultaneous English-Spanish bilinguals with special emphasis on the distinguishing factors for those with high dual language skills. Overall, for those with high dual scores, the findings reveal that gender, birth-order, and maternal level of education are predictive of high dual language scores so that members of this group are largely first-born females of mothers with an average 15.8 years of education. English dominant scores were predicted by percent English input in the home and birth-order so that children in this group were mostly later-born children with 65% English input in the home. Spanish dominant scores were predicted by percent English input in the home and Spanish bookreading behaviors as children in this group received 23% of their in-home input in English and were read to for more than one hour per week in Spanish. Low dual scores were marginally predicted by gender and Spanish book-reading behaviors, children in this group were mostly male and received less than an in hour of Spanish reading per week.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005935
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Bilingualism in children., Bilingualism in children--Research.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Less Is More: Three Traits to Reveal a More Accurate Aging Method.
Creator: Miller, Megan Marie, Brown, Clifford T., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: Recently a new strategy for age-at-death estimation has been developed. In Stephanie Calce’s 2012 article, ‘A New Method to Estimate Adult Age-at-death Using the Acetabulum,’ she redesigns the previous attempts made by Rissech et al. (2006). Her technique simplifies Rissech et al. seven traits by condensing them into three easily identifiable traits. The aim of this paper is to determine that Calce’s original intent to create a more user-friendly and comprehensible scoring method was...
Show moreRecently a new strategy for age-at-death estimation has been developed. In Stephanie Calce’s 2012 article, ‘A New Method to Estimate Adult Age-at-death Using the Acetabulum,’ she redesigns the previous attempts made by Rissech et al. (2006). Her technique simplifies Rissech et al. seven traits by condensing them into three easily identifiable traits. The aim of this paper is to determine that Calce’s original intent to create a more user-friendly and comprehensible scoring method was successful. My focus is to reveal if Calce’s technique is effective between different populations or whether interpopulation variation renders it an unstable approach to age estimation. I tested Calce’s forensic method of aging human skeleton’s on a random sample of skeletons of known age from the Hamann-Todd collection. In the test, Calce’s method proved to work well. As it is simpler than previously proposed methods, investigators should consider adopting it under appropriate circumstances.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004963, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004953
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Acetabulum (Anatomy)., Age Determination by Skeleton., Forensic Anthropology., Human skeleton.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Manufacturing of 3D Printed Boluses for Use In Electron Radiation Therapy.
Creator: Gibbard, Grant, Kalantzis, Georgios, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: This research demonstrates that a 3D printed bolus can be customized for electron radiation therapy. Both extruder and powder based printers were used, along with, paraffin wax, super stuff, and H20. The plan dose coverage and conformity for the planning target volume (PTV), was such that the distal side of the PTV was covered by the 90% isodose line. The structure is read, and converted into an STL file. The file is sent to a slicer to print. The object was filled with parafin wax,...
Show moreThis research demonstrates that a 3D printed bolus can be customized for electron radiation therapy. Both extruder and powder based printers were used, along with, paraffin wax, super stuff, and H20. The plan dose coverage and conformity for the planning target volume (PTV), was such that the distal side of the PTV was covered by the 90% isodose line. The structure is read, and converted into an STL file. The file is sent to a slicer to print. The object was filled with parafin wax, superstuff or water and sealed. Materials Hounsfield units were analyzed, along with the structure stability. This method is evaluated by scanning the 3D printed bolus. The dose conformity is improved compared to that with no bolus. By generating a patient specific 3D printed bolus there is an in improvement in conformity of the prescription isodose surface while sparing immediately adjacent normal tissues.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005943
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Radiotherapy Dosage., Skin--Cancer., Radiotherapy--methods
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Lives in Transition: The Impact of Career and Technical Education on Under-served High School Students’ Career Growth and Development.
Creator: Smith, Merris A., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This case study examined and described how under-served high school students enrolled in medical sciences academy CTE programs (Certified Nursing Assistant [CNA] and Electrocardiogram Technician [EKG]) at two Florida Title I high schools perceive that their career and technical education experience prepared them with the academic and technical skills and knowledge to pursue postsecondary training or higher education; be better prepared to transition into an ever-more complicated economic...
Show moreThis case study examined and described how under-served high school students enrolled in medical sciences academy CTE programs (Certified Nursing Assistant [CNA] and Electrocardiogram Technician [EKG]) at two Florida Title I high schools perceive that their career and technical education experience prepared them with the academic and technical skills and knowledge to pursue postsecondary training or higher education; be better prepared to transition into an ever-more complicated economic workplace; and become qualified and competent members of the workforce. The study participants were 53 CTE students (CNA and EKG juniors and seniors from both school sites), four CTE instructors (two CNA and two EKG instructors from both school sites), and three CTE administrators (one assistant principal from both school sites and one district Medical Sciences Specialist Administrator) during the academic school year 2016-2017. There were six major findings and ten sub-themes of this study. The first finding is that CTE programs at these schools provide career exploration and planning opportunities and includes four sub-themes; school-based learning, work-based learning, connecting activities, and need for improvement of CTE programs. The second finding is that CTE programs at these schools offer career relevant curricula and includes three subthemes; school-based learning, work-based learning, and connecting activities. The third finding is that students enrolled in CTE programs at these schools are offered consistent support and guidance, and includes three sub-themes: instructor support, guidance counselor support, and administrator support. The fourth finding is that the district plays a key role in the strategic planning and management of CTE programs at these schools. The fifth finding is that procedures are in place that make allowances for accountability and assessment of CTE programs at these schools. The sixth finding is the assessment of students’ career decision-making self-efficacy enrolled in CTE programs at these schools. Results indicated that students enrolled in CTE medical sciences academy programs (CNA and EKG) at these schools reported a high degree of career decisionmaking self-efficacy. Moreover, instructors,’ administrators,’ and students’ perceptions of students’ CTE experiences and engagement in career exploration learnings supported their career growth and development.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004966, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004956
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, High school students., Technical education., Career development., Medical sciences.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Marsh Ecosystem Services, Benefits, and Perceptions of Value: Case Studies in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia.
Creator: Edwards, Vince, Polsky, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Human reliance on the goods and services provided by ecosystems and the global decline in the health of many of these ecosystems, necessitates ecosystem valuation for the purposes of decision-making and conservation policy. The literature suggests that conventionally employed economic valuation methods have been unsuccessful in capturing the full scope of the benefits ecosystems provide, particularly those benefits that are considered cultural. This research explores public perceptions of...
Show moreHuman reliance on the goods and services provided by ecosystems and the global decline in the health of many of these ecosystems, necessitates ecosystem valuation for the purposes of decision-making and conservation policy. The literature suggests that conventionally employed economic valuation methods have been unsuccessful in capturing the full scope of the benefits ecosystems provide, particularly those benefits that are considered cultural. This research explores public perceptions of salt marsh value through the use of focus groups in marsh-adjacent communities in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia. Results suggest that in case study communities, outdoor experiences in salt marshes inspire serenity in Massachusetts, shape shore and “marsh” identities in Virginia, and promote stewardship cultivation in Georgia. Perceived threats to these benefits, such as the threat of residential development, industrial pollution, and increasing flood risk, together constitute the context for various community responses related to marsh protection. Results contribute to existing economic valuations.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004999
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Ecosystem services--Case studies., Salt marshes., Ecosystem services--Valuation.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mastery in the Therapeutic Relationship: Comparing the Emotional Behavior of a Master Therapist with Professional Therapists and Its Impact on Their Clients.
Creator: Diaz, Patricia M., Peluso, Paul R., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
Abstract/Description: A quasi-experimental, between groups design was used to evaluate differences in emotional behavior, as measured by the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF), between professional therapists and their clients and a master therapist and his client. This coding system also was used to determine how emotional behavior shown by a master therapist changes over the course of six psychotherapy sessions. The research team recorded counseling sessions at a university counseling center in the...
Show moreA quasi-experimental, between groups design was used to evaluate differences in emotional behavior, as measured by the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF), between professional therapists and their clients and a master therapist and his client. This coding system also was used to determine how emotional behavior shown by a master therapist changes over the course of six psychotherapy sessions. The research team recorded counseling sessions at a university counseling center in the southeastern United States and coded this video data using SPAFF in real time. Data were analyzed quantitatively to determine whether significant differences in SPAFF codes exist between the master therapist, professional therapists at the university counseling center, and their respective clients. Results indicated that the master therapist showed significantly more neutral and less negative affect than his counterparts at the university in both sessions one and four. The master therapist’s client showed significantly more neutral affect and less negative in session one and significantly more positive affect and less negative affect in session four.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004964, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004954
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Behavior., Psychotherapists., Therapist and patient., Psychotherapy--Practice., Affect (Psychology).
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Millennial Nurse Manager Perspectives on Their Leadership Roles in the Hospital Setting: A Phenomenological Inquiry.
Creator: Saifman, Heather P., Sherman, Rose O., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2016) contends meeting the challenge to transform care will require the successful leadership development, preparation, and role support of the next generation of nurse leaders. Despite the urgency to transform care, meeting the challenge to lead this charge cannot be accomplished without the successful recruitment and retention of Millennial nurses to leadership positions. Identifying the leadership role expectations and support variables that...
Show moreThe American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2016) contends meeting the challenge to transform care will require the successful leadership development, preparation, and role support of the next generation of nurse leaders. Despite the urgency to transform care, meeting the challenge to lead this charge cannot be accomplished without the successful recruitment and retention of Millennial nurses to leadership positions. Identifying the leadership role expectations and support variables that are important to these young managers and creating the milieus that support these views serve to address many pressing succession planning needs. This study explored the experience of being a Millennial nurse manager, seeking to understand how these young nurse managers make meaning of their lived experience. This was a qualitative interpretative phenomenological research study. Three theoretical perspectives contributed ideologies that framed this inquiry: Ray’s (1989) theory of bureaucratic caring, generational cohort theory (Strauss & Howe, 1991), and authentic leadership theory (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). A purposeful targeted national sample of 25 Millennial nurse managers with a minimum of one year of nurse manager experience in the role participated in audio-recorded telephone interviews. Content analysis identified seven themes: Coming into the Role, Learning as I Go, Having the Support of My Director, Making an Impact, Helping Staff Succeed, Managing Change, and Trying to Stay Balanced. Findings from this study suggest Millennial nurse managers gauge role success and satisfaction in relation to their perceived levels of support and development and their ability to master role expectations. Additional findings suggest adequate succession planning for the nurse manager role remains challenged by the lack of formal mandated requisites for the role. The nurse manager role as it stands varies significantly among organizational settings regarding responsibilities, mechanisms of support, number of direct reports, and span of control. Recommendations included the need to address the nurse manager role, academic requisites, and developmental variances in practice. Additionally, re-evaluating the organizational responsibility to the leadership development of these young nurse leaders is recommended to ensure their retention and success in the role.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004991
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Nurse leaders., Nurse administrators., Millennials (Generation Y)., Phenomenology--Research.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Solace: Intimately Remembered Places.
Creator: Francoeur, Michele, Prusa, Carol, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Visual Arts and Art History
Abstract/Description: The culmination of my graduate research and investigations is my thesis exhibition Solace; Intimately Remembered Places. This body of paintings is a visual representation of land, water and flora that focuses on my abstraction of nature to extract essential elements that expresses my deep connection to a specific time and place, layered with associated memories. By revisiting a landscape over a sustained period of time, I developed a personal visual vocabulary to communicate the essential...
Show moreThe culmination of my graduate research and investigations is my thesis exhibition Solace; Intimately Remembered Places. This body of paintings is a visual representation of land, water and flora that focuses on my abstraction of nature to extract essential elements that expresses my deep connection to a specific time and place, layered with associated memories. By revisiting a landscape over a sustained period of time, I developed a personal visual vocabulary to communicate the essential abstract forms of nature and record the subtle nuances of color, light, shape, texture, positive and negative space to evoke a particular time and place. I expanded my painting techniques through the addition of a laser cutter. Rooted in a background of graphic design, my thesis also incorporated and included a book form using similar strategies.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004971, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004961
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Painting--Exhibitions., Art, Abstract., Artists' books., Etching.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mechanism of Carbamathione as a therapeutic agent for Stroke.
Creator: Modi, Jigar P., Wu, Jang-Yen, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in the United States, and so far, no clinical interventions have been shown completely effective in stroke treatment. Stroke may result in hypoxia, glutamate release and oxidative stress. One approach for protecting neurons from excitotoxic damage in stroke is to attenuate receptor activity with specific antagonists. Disulfiram requires bio-activation to S-methyl N, N-diethylthiolcarbamate sulfoxide (DETC-MeSO). In vivo, DETC-MeSO is further...
Show moreStroke is the third leading cause of mortality in the United States, and so far, no clinical interventions have been shown completely effective in stroke treatment. Stroke may result in hypoxia, glutamate release and oxidative stress. One approach for protecting neurons from excitotoxic damage in stroke is to attenuate receptor activity with specific antagonists. Disulfiram requires bio-activation to S-methyl N, N-diethylthiolcarbamate sulfoxide (DETC-MeSO). In vivo, DETC-MeSO is further oxidized to the sulfone which is carbamoylated forming Carbamathione, a glutathione adducts. Carbamathione proved to be useful as a pharmacological agent in the treatment of cocaine dependence with the advantage that it lacks ALDH2 inhibitory activity. Carbamathione is a partial NMDA glutamate antagonist. The purpose of this dissertation study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Carbamathione drug on PC-12 cell line and to understand the protective mechanisms underlying in three stroke-related models: excessive glutamate, hypoxia/reoxygenation and bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO). Carbamathione was administered 14 mg/kg subcutaneously for 4 days with the first injection occurring 30 min after occlusion in the mouse BCAO stroke model. Mice were subjected to the locomotor test, and the brain was analyzed for infarct size. Heat shock proteins, key proteins involved in apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, were analyzed by immunoblotting. Carbamathione reduced both cell death following hypoxia/reoxygenation and brain infarct size. It improved performance on the locomotor test. The level of pro-apoptotic proteins declined, and anti-apoptotic, P-AKT and HSP27 protein expressions were markedly increased. We found that Carbamathione suppresses the up- regulation of Caspase-12, Caspase-3 and significantly declined ER stress protein markers GRP 78, ATF4, XBP-1, and CHOP. Carbamathione can down- regulate ATF 4 and XBP1 expression, indicating that Carbamathione inhibits the ER stress induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation through suppressing PERK and IRE1 pathways. Carbamathione elicits neuroprotection through the preservation of ER resulting in reduction of apoptosis by increase of anti-apoptotic proteins and decrease of pro-apoptotic proteins. Carbamathione can suppress the activation of both PERK and IRE1 pathways in PC-12 cell cultures and has no inhibitory effect on ATF6 pathway. These findings provide promising and rational strategies for stroke therapy.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004979, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004969
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Stroke., Stroke--drug therapy., Carbamathione
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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