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- Title
- Would Lord Running Clam wear Wubfur slippers? The ethical imperative of empathy in the alternate ecologies of Philip K. Dick.
- Creator
- Aaronson, Russell S., Florida Atlantic University, Collins, Robert A., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
- Abstract/Description
-
Although critics have observed Philip K. Dick's references to empathy throughout his novels, short stories, and essays, no analysis has attempted to examine the role of empathy in his writings. In contrast to the element of ratiocination (or logical extrapolation) widely considered to be the hallmark of science fiction, Dick's fictions are held together by the value they primarily place not on reason, but on an empathic understanding of our actions and their effects upon the lives of other...
Show moreAlthough critics have observed Philip K. Dick's references to empathy throughout his novels, short stories, and essays, no analysis has attempted to examine the role of empathy in his writings. In contrast to the element of ratiocination (or logical extrapolation) widely considered to be the hallmark of science fiction, Dick's fictions are held together by the value they primarily place not on reason, but on an empathic understanding of our actions and their effects upon the lives of other entities. Using two early short stories ("Beyond Lies the Wub" and "Roog"), two non-Earth ecologies (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and Dr. Bloodmoney). I will demonstrate that Dick's works are united by an ethical imperative to understand the thoughts and emotions of others, human and nonhuman alike.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15339
- Subject Headings
- Dick, Philip K--Criticism and interpretation, Dick, Philip K--Ethics, Empathy in literature, Science fiction--History and criticism
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Effects of Adaptive Antenna Array Beamforming and Power Management with Antenna Element Selection.
- Creator
- Abazari Aghdam, Sajjad, Bagby, Jonathan S., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
This research is the array processing help wireless communication techniques to increase the signal accuracy. This technique has an important part of prevalent applications. The wireless communication system, radar, and sonar. Beamforming is one of methods in array processing that filters signals based on their capture time at each element in an array of antennas spatially. Numerous studies in adaptive array processing have been proposed in the last several decades, which are divided in two...
Show moreThis research is the array processing help wireless communication techniques to increase the signal accuracy. This technique has an important part of prevalent applications. The wireless communication system, radar, and sonar. Beamforming is one of methods in array processing that filters signals based on their capture time at each element in an array of antennas spatially. Numerous studies in adaptive array processing have been proposed in the last several decades, which are divided in two parts. The first one related to non-adaptive beamforming techniques and the next one related to digitally adaptive Beamforming methods. The trade-off between computational complexity and performance make them different. In this thesis, we concentrate on the expansion of array processing algorithms in both non-adaptive and adaptive ones with application of beamforming in 4G mobile antenna and radar systems. The conventional and generalized side-lobe canceller (GSC) structures beamforming algorithms were employed with a phase array antenna that changed the phase of arrivals in array antenna with common phased array structure antennas. An eight-element uniform linear array (ULA), consisting of di-pole antennas, represented as the antenna array. An anechoic chamber measures the operation of beamforming algorithms performance. An extended modified Kaiser weighting function is proposed to make a semi-adaptive structure in phased array beamforming. This technique is extended to low complexity functions like hyperbolic cosine and exponential functions. Furthermore, these algorithms are used in GSC beamforming. The side-lobe levels were so lower than other algorithms in conventional beamforming around -10 dB. On the other hand, a uniform linear arrays for smart antenna purposes designed to utilize in implementing and testing the proposed algorithms. In this thesis, performance of smart antenna with rectangular aperture coupled microstrip linear array which experimental investigations carried out for obtaining X-band operation of rectangular microstrip antenna by using aperture coupled feeding technique. Frequency range set at approximately 8.6 to 10.9 GHz, by incorporating frequency range of the antenna resonates for single wideband with an impedance bandwidth of 23%. The enhancement of impedance bandwidth and gain does not affect the nature of broadside radiation characteristics. This thesis describes the design, operation, and realization of the beamforming such as Sidelobe level (SLL) control and null forming array antenna are examined with the prototype. An antenna radiation pattern beam maximum can be simultaneously placed towards the intended user or Signal of interest (SOl), and, ideally nulls can be positioned towards directions of interfering signals or signals not of interest (SNOIs). Finally, we focused on the adaptive digitally algorithms in compact antenna that faces with mutual coupling. The variable step-size normalized lease mean square (VS-NLMS) algorithm is implemented in beamforming. This algorithm utilizes continuous adaptation. The weights are attuned that the final weight vector to the most satisfied result. The gradient vector can be achieved by iterative beamforming algorithm from the available data. This algorithm is compared with LMS, NLMS, VSS-NLMS algorithms, it is determined that the VSS-NLMS algorithm is better performance to other algorithms. Finally, we introduced novel adaptive IP-NNLMS beamformer. This beamformer reaches to faster convergence and lower error floor than the previous adaptive beamformers even at low SNRs in presence of mutual coupling. The experimental results verified the simulation results that the proposed technique has better performance than other algorithms in various situations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004789, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004789
- Subject Headings
- Global system for mobile communications., Long-Term Evolution (Telecommunications), Wireless communication systems., Antennas (Electronics), Antenna arrays., Array processors., Time-domain analysis.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Isolation and characterization of novel conopeptides from Conus dalli.
- Creator
- Abbasi, Husam Usama., Florida Atlantic University, Mari, Frank
- Abstract/Description
-
Conus dalli is a cone snail species that preys upon mollusks (molluscivorous) and it belongs to the same clade as the better studied Conus textile. They have different biogeographical distribution: C. dalli is restricted to the Panamic area; whereas C. textile is a widespread species found from the Red Sea to Hawaii. The venom of C. textile is an extremely complex mixture of conopeptides characterized for their very high content of modified amino acids; particularly, for their high content of...
Show moreConus dalli is a cone snail species that preys upon mollusks (molluscivorous) and it belongs to the same clade as the better studied Conus textile. They have different biogeographical distribution: C. dalli is restricted to the Panamic area; whereas C. textile is a widespread species found from the Red Sea to Hawaii. The venom of C. textile is an extremely complex mixture of conopeptides characterized for their very high content of modified amino acids; particularly, for their high content of gamma-carboxy glutamate (Gla). Therefore, it is expected that the venom of C. dalli is equally complex and it might provide us with a library of novel conopeptides. We have collected 6 specimens of C. dalli from the Pacific coast of Panama. Their venom ducts were dissected and 40 mg of crude venom were extracted. Venom was separated using SE-HPLC and RP-HPLC and several single-component fractions with unique molecular weights have been found. 1D and 2D NMR methods in conjunction with mass spectrometry techniques have been applied to the main components of the venom. Three novel conopeptides have been isolated and characterized; dal_C1011h, dal_C0910, and dal_C0805g. dal_C1011h is a 27-residue hydrophobic conotoxin that belongs to O-superfamily, dal_C0910 is a 16-residue conotoxin that belongs to M-superfamily, and dal_C0805g is a 12-residue linear conopeptide the belong to the Conorfamide family. The details on the characterization of these conopeptides along with a comparison with previous data obtained from C. textile are presented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13214
- Subject Headings
- Conus, Gastropoda--Venom, Venom
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The exercise science knowledge base of commercial fitness instructors in the State of Florida.
- Creator
- Abbott, Anthony Almon., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
Recent anecdotal reports, surveys, studies and litigation have questioned the competency of commercial fitness instructors to provide safe and effective exercise programming. This research study was designed to measure, within the State of Florida, commercial fitness instructors' knowledge base in exercise science, a knowledge base which relates to one's ability to deliver competent instruction. To determine adequacy of exercise science knowledge, test scores of commercial fitness instructors...
Show moreRecent anecdotal reports, surveys, studies and litigation have questioned the competency of commercial fitness instructors to provide safe and effective exercise programming. This research study was designed to measure, within the State of Florida, commercial fitness instructors' knowledge base in exercise science, a knowledge base which relates to one's ability to deliver competent instruction. To determine adequacy of exercise science knowledge, test scores of commercial fitness instructors were compared to that of fitness instructors certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. It was hypothesized that commercial fitness instructors within the State lack appropriate training and, therefore, would not demonstrate a comparable exercise science knowledge base to ACSM instructors who have to meet requisite standards to become certified. Samples of commercial instructors were drawn from five geographically distributed, large metropolitan areas within the State; and their testing scores and those of an ACSM sample were statistically treated with One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). ACSM instructors scored over twice as high as commercial instructors on the testing instrument; and ANOVA reflected a significant difference that supported the research hypothesis. It was concluded that commercial fitness instructors in the State of Florida have significantly less knowledge of exercise science than ACSM certified Health/Fitness instructors which lends credence to the concern that perhaps practicing instructors are incapable of delivering safe and effective exercise programming.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1989
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11935
- Subject Headings
- Physical fitness centers--Florida, Exercise
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- POSSIBLE MORPHOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES FOR TOLERATING HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY IN A SUBTROPICAL PASSERINE (PEUCAEA AESTIVALIS).
- Creator
- Abbott, Billy, Anderson, Rindy, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Animals face both natural and sexual selection pressures, and at times, these pressures conflict with one another. This results in a tradeoff between sexual and natural selection. In my thesis, I examine aspects of Bachman’s sparrows’ behavior and morphology in relation to weather conditions in light of these two conflicting pressures. Large bill size is selected for by the natural selection pressures of thermoregulation. Smaller bills are selected for by the sexual selection pressures of...
Show moreAnimals face both natural and sexual selection pressures, and at times, these pressures conflict with one another. This results in a tradeoff between sexual and natural selection. In my thesis, I examine aspects of Bachman’s sparrows’ behavior and morphology in relation to weather conditions in light of these two conflicting pressures. Large bill size is selected for by the natural selection pressures of thermoregulation. Smaller bills are selected for by the sexual selection pressures of song quality. Both thermoregulation and song are important behaviors/processes that have fitness implications. By looking at bill size in relation to thermoregulatory ability and song quality I examined the tradeoff between these two selection pressures acting on the bill of Bachman’s sparrows
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014203
- Subject Headings
- Bachman's sparrow, Peucaea aestivalis, Morphology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Effect of Sea Level Rise on Juncus roemerianus’s Ability To Remain An Environmental Restoration Indicator Species.
- Creator
- Abbott, Cara J., Berry, Leonard, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
Juncus roemerianus, the black rush, has long been used in restoration projects in south Florida because of its unique ability to live in both freshwater and saltwater. In particular, it has been used as an indicator of salt-water incursion due to its differing physical forms in varying levels of salinity. When found in freshwater, it can reach heights over 2.1 meters, yet when found in hypersaline water, it becomes dwarfed and only 1 meter in height. Because of its dramatic differences in...
Show moreJuncus roemerianus, the black rush, has long been used in restoration projects in south Florida because of its unique ability to live in both freshwater and saltwater. In particular, it has been used as an indicator of salt-water incursion due to its differing physical forms in varying levels of salinity. When found in freshwater, it can reach heights over 2.1 meters, yet when found in hypersaline water, it becomes dwarfed and only 1 meter in height. Because of its dramatic differences in physical appearance due to salinity, it has provided an easy and fairly cheap method of determining an area’s localized salinity level. Most of Juncus roemerianus’s range in Florida lies around the coasts, which most models predict will experience significant changes due to sea level rise in the not so distant future. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the black rush can remain an environmental restoration indicator species in conditions influenced by sea level rise. This study will take place in the FAU Boca greenhouse and will target increased water levels and increased pH as the main conditions affected by sea level rise. If this study finds that increased water levels and pH do not significantly change the appearance of Juncus roemerianus in varying salinity, then this plant can confidently remain an indicator of salt-water incursion in the future. Conversely, if these conditions do change the appearance of Juncus roemerianus, then this plant may not remain an indicator species in South Florida in the future.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005798
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effect of sea level rise on Juncus Roemerianus in a high nutrient environment.
- Creator
- Abbott, Cara J., Berry, Leonard, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
- Abstract/Description
-
As sea levels continue to rise, the projected damage that will ensue presents a great challenge for conservation and management of coastal ecosystems in Florida. Since Juncus roemerianus is a common marsh plant throughout Florida with unique growing characteristics that make it a popular restoration plant, this study implemented a 20 week greenhouse split plot experiment to examine the effects of sea level rise on J. roemerianus and ultimately determine its tolerance ranges to salinity and...
Show moreAs sea levels continue to rise, the projected damage that will ensue presents a great challenge for conservation and management of coastal ecosystems in Florida. Since Juncus roemerianus is a common marsh plant throughout Florida with unique growing characteristics that make it a popular restoration plant, this study implemented a 20 week greenhouse split plot experiment to examine the effects of sea level rise on J. roemerianus and ultimately determine its tolerance ranges to salinity and inundation in a high nutrient environment. Overall, salinity level and the interaction effect of salinity level and water level had the greatest effects on measured growth parameters including average mature height, maximum height, density, basal area, root length, and biomass. An inverse relationship between increasing salinity and the measured growth variables was observed with the greatest growth and survivability in 0 ppt water, survivability and reduced growth in 20 ppt water, survivability and little growth in 30 ppt water, and nearly complete senesce in 40 ppt water. This was the first laboratory study to determine the effect of 40 ppt water on J. roemerianus. Elevated water levels resulted in higher growth variables in the 20 ppt, 30 ppt, and 40 ppt treatments while inundated water levels produced higher growth variables in the 0 ppt treatment despite previous research finding inundation to have completely adverse effects on J. roemerianus. It is likely that the high nutrient environment provided for this study is the cause for this anomaly. The results of this study have major implications for the future of coastal ecosystems that are dominated by stands of J. roemerianus in South Florida and can be used in conjunction with studies on bordering marsh plants to predict shifts in the ecosystems of Florida that are responding to sea level rise scenarios.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004426
- Subject Headings
- Coastal ecology, Coastal zone management, Jucus roemerianus, Plant ecophysiology, Salt marsh ecology, Sea level
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Effect of a Culturally Relevant Cardiovascular Health Promotion Program on Rural African Americans.
- Creator
- Abbott, Laurie S., Williams, Christine L., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
-
Health disparities among rural African Americans include disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease. Interventions designed to decrease cardiovascular risk can potentially improve health outcomes among rural, underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of a cardiovascular health promotion intervention among rural African Americans. An experimental study randomized by church clusters was done in two rural...
Show moreHealth disparities among rural African Americans include disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease. Interventions designed to decrease cardiovascular risk can potentially improve health outcomes among rural, underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of a cardiovascular health promotion intervention among rural African Americans. An experimental study randomized by church clusters was done in two rural counties in northern Florida. A total of 229 participants, 114 in the intervention group and 115 in the control group, were recruited from twelve rural African American churches. The pretest-posttest design included instruments chosen to measure cardiovascular health habits and knowledge as well as changes in produce consumption, dietary fat intake, and exercise using the major components of the Integrated Model of Behavioral Prediction: intentions, norms, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Linear mixed model was the statistical test used to detect the program effects. Participants who received the intervention had significant increases in scores for the cardiovascular health habits (p < .01) and health knowledge (p < .01) variables compared with the control group. There were also significant group differences regarding intentions to increase produce consumption (p < .01) and reduce dietary fat intake (p < .01). The cardiovascular health program was associated with other statistically significant results including produce consumption attitudes (p = .01) and norms (p < .01), dietary fat attitudes (p = .04) and norms (p < .01), and exercise attitudes (p < .01). There were also significant results found for perceived behavioral control/self-efficacy regarding increasing produce consumption (p < .01), reducing dietary fat intake (p = .03), and increasing exercise (p = .01). Compared to the control group, the cardiovascular health promotion intervention was effective in fostering positive health effects for most of the variables measured. The findings supported the theoretical framework used for guiding the study, the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction Nurse-led health promotion interventions within church settings can be effective means for reducing overall cardiovascular risk and health disparities among rural African American populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004475
- Subject Headings
- African Americans -- Health and hygiene, African Americans -- Health services accessibility, African Americans -- Health services accessibility, Cultural awareness -- United States, Discrimination in medical care, Health status indicators -- United States
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Kinetics and mechanistic studies of molybdenum(2) oxygen(3) (diethyl dtc)(2) (THF)(2) iodine(2).
- Creator
- Abburi, Chakravarthi., Florida Atlantic University, Baird, Donald M.
- Abstract/Description
-
A study of the kinetic behavior of the oxygen atom transfer reaction of Mo2o3 (Et2dtc)2 (THF) 2I2, (I), with a variety of derivatives of pyridine N-oxides has been performed. The reaction behaves in pseudo-first-order fashion under conditions of excess N-oxide. Plots of kobs vs. [N-oxide] do not give straight lines, while plots of 1/kobs vs. 1/[N-oxide] are linear. The rate constant k is taken as the inverse of the slope of this latter plot. There is a marked dependence of the rate on the...
Show moreA study of the kinetic behavior of the oxygen atom transfer reaction of Mo2o3 (Et2dtc)2 (THF) 2I2, (I), with a variety of derivatives of pyridine N-oxides has been performed. The reaction behaves in pseudo-first-order fashion under conditions of excess N-oxide. Plots of kobs vs. [N-oxide] do not give straight lines, while plots of 1/kobs vs. 1/[N-oxide] are linear. The rate constant k is taken as the inverse of the slope of this latter plot. There is a marked dependence of the rate on the functional group in the 4-position of the pyridine ring with the relative rates -CH3 > -H > -Cl > -CN. The above observations can be used to support a mechanism in which a rapid pre-equilibrium, with a large equilibrium constant, is followed by a rate-determining breaking of the Mo-O-Mo bridge.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1992
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14828
- Subject Headings
- Enzyme kinetics, Molybdenum enzymes, Chemical kinetics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON NEURONAL STRUCTURE AND ACTIVITY.
- Creator
- Abd, Genevieve Margaret, Wei, Jianning, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Chapter 1: Background: The search for effective electric stimulation protocols for peripheral nerve regeneration, specifically in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), is an ongoing area of interest. Multiple stimulation parameters using direct current, alternating current and pulsed magnetic electric fields have proven to increase neurite regeneration. In the past, there has been limited exploration of the impact of action potential-like electrical stimulation on DRG regeneration. New method: A novel...
Show moreChapter 1: Background: The search for effective electric stimulation protocols for peripheral nerve regeneration, specifically in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), is an ongoing area of interest. Multiple stimulation parameters using direct current, alternating current and pulsed magnetic electric fields have proven to increase neurite regeneration. In the past, there has been limited exploration of the impact of action potential-like electrical stimulation on DRG regeneration. New method: A novel action potential-like electrical stimuli output from a custom-built action potential generator board was used to assess multiple stimulation parameters on DRG regeneration. Finite-element modeling was used to determine electrolyte potential across a non-uniform electric field to test the effects of electric field strength from action potential-like stimuli on DRG regeneration. Total neurite length and neurite branching per DRG were examined for each applied field strength and frequency to determine the effects of action potential-like stimulation on DRG structural regeneration. Results: Action potential-like stimulation showed inhomogeneous distribution of neurite regeneration and branching with higher regeneration and branching seen in areas away from the electrodes compared to the nearly homogenous distribution seen from the controls. Whole well analysis showed significant increases in total neurite regeneration and branching across all stimulation conditions with electric field strength, particularly 40 V/m, having the strongest effect on DRG structural regeneration. Comparison with existing methods: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the hypothesis that action potential-like electric fields can improve DRG regeneration. Conclusions: This system and method may have applications for clinical interventions aimed at rehabilitating damaged peripheral nerve pathways.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013979
- Subject Headings
- Nerve Regeneration, Ganglia, Spinal, Electric Stimulation, Neurites
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) ENABLES SENSORIMOTOR INTEGRATION FOR PROSTHETIC HAND DEXTERITY.
- Creator
- Abd, Moaed A., Engeberg, Erik D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Hand amputation is a devastating feeling for amputees, and it is lifestyle changing since it is challenging to perform the basic life activities with amputation. Hand amputation means interrupting the closed loop between sensory feedback and motor control. The absence of sensory feedback requires a significant cognitive effort from the amputee to perform basic daily activities with prosthetic hand. Loss of tactile sensations is a major roadblock preventing amputees from multitasking or using...
Show moreHand amputation is a devastating feeling for amputees, and it is lifestyle changing since it is challenging to perform the basic life activities with amputation. Hand amputation means interrupting the closed loop between sensory feedback and motor control. The absence of sensory feedback requires a significant cognitive effort from the amputee to perform basic daily activities with prosthetic hand. Loss of tactile sensations is a major roadblock preventing amputees from multitasking or using the full dexterity of their prosthetic hands. One of the most significant features lacking from commercial prosthetic hands is sensory feedback, according to amputees. Many amputees abandoned their prosthetic devices due to the lack of tactile feedback. In the field of prosthetics, restoring sensory feedback is the most challenging task due to the complexity of integration between the prosthetic and the peripheral nervous system. A prosthetic hand with sensory feedback that imitates the intact hand would improve the lives of millions of amputees worldwide by inducing the prosthetic hand to be a part of the body image and significant impact the control of the prosthetic. To restore the sensory feedback and improve the dexterity for upper limb amputee, multiple components needed to be integrated together to provide the sensory feedback. Tactile sensors are the first components that needed to be integrated into the sensorimotor loop. In this research two tactile sensors were integrated in the sensory feedback loop. The first tactile sensor is BioTac which is a commercially available sensor. The first novel contribution with BioTac is the development of an ANN classifier to detect the direction a grasped object slips in a dexterous robotic hand in real time, and the second novel aspect of this study is the use of slip direction detection for adaptive robotic grasp reflexes. The second tactile sensor is the liquid metal sensor (LMS), this sensor was developed entirely in our lab (BioRobotics lab). The novel contribution for LMS is to detect and prevent slip in real time application, and to recognize different surface features and different sliding speeds.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013875
- Subject Headings
- Artificial intelligence, Haptic devices, Tactile sensors, Sensorimotor integration, Artificial hands
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Analysis of blast/explosion resistant reinforced concrete solid slab and T-Beam bridges.
- Creator
- Abdelahad, Firas A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
This study presents and illustrates a methodology to calculate the capacity of an existing reinforced concrete bridge under a non-conventional blast load due to low and intermediate pressures. ATBlast program is used to calculate the blast loads for known values of charge weight and stand off distance. An excel spreadsheet is generated to calculate ultimate resistance, equivalent elastic stiffness, equivalent elastic deflection, natural period of the beam, the maximum deflection, and the...
Show moreThis study presents and illustrates a methodology to calculate the capacity of an existing reinforced concrete bridge under a non-conventional blast load due to low and intermediate pressures. ATBlast program is used to calculate the blast loads for known values of charge weight and stand off distance. An excel spreadsheet is generated to calculate ultimate resistance, equivalent elastic stiffness, equivalent elastic deflection, natural period of the beam, the maximum deflection, and the maximum rotation in the support for a simple span solid slab and T-Beam bridges. The allowable rotation could be taken as to two degrees. Naval Facility Engineering Command (NAVFAC) approach was adopted, where the inputs were material properties, span length, and area of reinforcement. The use of the Fiber Reinforced Polymer for increasing the capacity of an existing bridge is also presented in this study. Parametric studies were carried out to evaluate the performance of the solid slab and T-Beam bridges under the assumed blast load.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/flaent/EN00154040/68_1/98p0132d.pdf, http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58001
- Subject Headings
- Concrete beams, Vibration, Bridges, Concrete, Fatigue, Reinforced concrete construction, Bridges, Concrete, Design and construction
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Influence of Voids on Water Uptake in Polymer Panels.
- Creator
- Abdelmola, Fatmaelzahraa, Carlsson, Leif A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
The influence of voids on the moisture uptake of epoxy has been studied. Specimens with void contents from 0 to about 50% were prepared. Void geometry and content were analyzed using microscopy and density methods. Void containing dry samples were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis which verified consistency of chemistry of the epoxy network. The moisture uptake of specimens immersed in distilled water at 40 °C was monitored. The rate of...
Show moreThe influence of voids on the moisture uptake of epoxy has been studied. Specimens with void contents from 0 to about 50% were prepared. Void geometry and content were analyzed using microscopy and density methods. Void containing dry samples were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis which verified consistency of chemistry of the epoxy network. The moisture uptake of specimens immersed in distilled water at 40 °C was monitored. The rate of absorption and saturation moisture content increased with increasing void content. The moisture uptake of void-free and void containing specimens was non-Fickian. The Langmuir model provided good fits to the experimental results for specimens with low to medium void content, although the moisture uptake of the high void content specimens showed substantial deviations from the Langmuir diffusion model. The moisture diffusivity agreed reasonably with predications from the Maxwell inclusion model over a range of void contents from 0 to 50%. The state of sorbed water was examined using mass balance calculations and DSC analysis. Only 6-8% of the void volume is occupied by water at saturation. Absorbed water may be classified as free and bound water. For void-free specimens, only bound water was found. The medium and high void content specimens contained water in three states: free water, freezable bound water, and non-freezable bound water. The DSC results show that the proportions of free water and freezable bound water increase with increasing void content, while the content of non-freezable bound water decreased. Moisture induced swelling decreased with increasing void content. The swelling is attributed to the content of non-freezable bound water.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013137
- Subject Headings
- Polymers--Absorption and adsorption, Epoxy resins, Water
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- “I Have a Name Without a Title”; Representations of Middle Eastern Muslim Women in Western Literature.
- Creator
- Abed, Hadeel, Luria, Rachel, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
Since September 11, 2001, novels about Middle Eastern Muslim women acclimating to Western society have been a popular genre for Western authors seeking to counter anti-Muslim prejudices. However, in their efforts to counteract Islamophobia, many of these authors perpetuate and reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly regarding Middle Eastern Muslim women. This thesis will explore two such works, Ten Things I Hate About Me by Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and A Large Expanse of Sea...
Show moreSince September 11, 2001, novels about Middle Eastern Muslim women acclimating to Western society have been a popular genre for Western authors seeking to counter anti-Muslim prejudices. However, in their efforts to counteract Islamophobia, many of these authors perpetuate and reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly regarding Middle Eastern Muslim women. This thesis will explore two such works, Ten Things I Hate About Me by Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and A Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi. I will argue that the novels have problematic components such as the "White Savior" archetype and how the characters reinforce stereotypical representations of their religion and culture, perpetuating assumptions that all or most Middle Eastern Muslim women are dissatisfied with their culture, appearance, and/or faith, which is not entirely representative of reality.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00184
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SHOULD WE ALWAYS BE AIMING AT THE TRUTH? A LOOK INTO DEPRESSION.
- Creator
- Abellard, Bayard, Baima, Nicholas, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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In this paper we attempt to understand how being truthful can bring people to experience depression. While it might cause depression, it also can bring people closer together than when being untruthful. Through this research we discover that realism can lead to depression and in some cases not lead to depression but a sense of bliss. I also review how optimism can lead to happiness and at the same time it can lead to depression due to not being able to reach the goals set out by one’s self....
Show moreIn this paper we attempt to understand how being truthful can bring people to experience depression. While it might cause depression, it also can bring people closer together than when being untruthful. Through this research we discover that realism can lead to depression and in some cases not lead to depression but a sense of bliss. I also review how optimism can lead to happiness and at the same time it can lead to depression due to not being able to reach the goals set out by one’s self. Overall, we discover that being truthful, in many cases, is the best option but at the same time there are cases where telling the truth would be more harmful than beneficial. Taken together, I believe it is best to always take your time to try and understand the situation before making a decision about whether telling the truth is ideal or not ideal.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00065
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The role of identity in posttraumatic growth and psychological adjustment for adults with cancer.
- Creator
- Abernathy, Barbara E., College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
- Abstract/Description
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This mixed methods sequential research study was performed to explore the role of identity in posttraumatic growth and psychological adjustment for adults with cancer. One hundred nineteen individuals participated in an online survey which included items from Brief COPE, Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Sense of Coherence Scale - 3 items (SOC-3), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS), and...
Show moreThis mixed methods sequential research study was performed to explore the role of identity in posttraumatic growth and psychological adjustment for adults with cancer. One hundred nineteen individuals participated in an online survey which included items from Brief COPE, Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Sense of Coherence Scale - 3 items (SOC-3), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS), and Centrality of Event Scale (CES). A two-step cluster analysis divided the sample into two clusters based on the integration of cancer into identity: High Cancer Identity Cluster (cancer identity scores above M) with strong cancer identity and Low Cancer Identity Cluster (scores below the M) with a weak or absent cancer identity. HCIC yielded positive and negative subgroups. A discriminant analysis revealed which variables are significant predictors of group membership: PTG factor New Possibilities (Wilks'l = .781, F (1, 119) = 32.834, p = .000), Psychological Adjustment factor Anxious Preoccupation (Wilks' l= .863, F (1, 119) = 18.612, p = .000), Illness Intrusiveness factor Intimate Relationships (Wilks' l= .794, F (1, 119) = 30.348, p = .000), and Illness Perception factor Perceived Life Impact of Cancer (Wilks' l= .783, F (1, 119) = 32.412, p = .000). From the sample, 17 individuals and spouses/partners were interviewed to obtain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of cancer. Qualitative themes of suffering, woundedness, and uncertainty were found. Narrative data corroborated the quantitative data and contributed depth to the analysis. A new Cancer Identity Process Model was offered in which assimilative and accommodative efforts are informed by identity structures., Performing Normalcy is an assimilative process in which stressful life events such as cancer activate automatic behaviors guided by existing identity structures with the goal of reg As dissonance grows over the inability to re-establish valued former identities, negative affect and intrusive rumination prevails. Individuals then utilize accommodative strategies in a process of Constructing Survivorship to either regain valuable aspect of former identities or to create equally valued new ones.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/187204
- Subject Headings
- Adjustment (Psychology), Cancer, Psychological aspects, Stress management, Identity (Psychology), Mind and body
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Human presence and sexual activity of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) at Crystal River, Florida.
- Creator
- Abernathy, Barbara E., Florida Atlantic University, Adams, Ralph M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Free-ranging manatees wintering in the warm water of Kings Spring, Crystal River, Florida, were studied to determine the relationships between human presence and their sexual behaviors. The manatees of Crystal River are unique because of frequent exposure to large numbers of snorkelers and divers. Quantitative knowledge of such relationships are becoming increasingly important as preservation measures are reviewed to ensure that the human activity at the Spring does not pose a threat to...
Show moreFree-ranging manatees wintering in the warm water of Kings Spring, Crystal River, Florida, were studied to determine the relationships between human presence and their sexual behaviors. The manatees of Crystal River are unique because of frequent exposure to large numbers of snorkelers and divers. Quantitative knowledge of such relationships are becoming increasingly important as preservation measures are reviewed to ensure that the human activity at the Spring does not pose a threat to manatee reproduction. Focal animal sampling provided sexual behavioral data of manatees during randomly selected 30 min sampling periods. Frequencies of four of the eight observed sexual behaviors increased significantly in the presence of humans. Differences were also found between the types of sexual behaviors manatees exhibited while interacting with conspecifics, and the behaviors displayed with humans. Manatees appeared to be hyperstimulated in the presence of humans. No conclusions could be made about the effects of human interaction on manatee reproductive success because of the relatively short duration of the study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15159
- Subject Headings
- West Indian manatee--Sexual behavior--Florida, Manatees--Sexual behavior--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Time-activity budgets and displacement rates in Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the absence and presence of humans.
- Creator
- Abernathy, Jim., Florida Atlantic University, Adams, Ralph M.
- Abstract/Description
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The effects of human presence on displacement behavior and time-activity budgets of free-ranging manatees (Trichechus manatus) are poorly known. The congregation of manatees and human tourists in the warm waters of Crystal River, Florida, during the winter months offered a unique opportunity to study these effects. Focal animal sampling was used to gather behavioral data on manatees during randomly selected daylight sampling periods. Frequencies of displacement were correlated with numbers of...
Show moreThe effects of human presence on displacement behavior and time-activity budgets of free-ranging manatees (Trichechus manatus) are poorly known. The congregation of manatees and human tourists in the warm waters of Crystal River, Florida, during the winter months offered a unique opportunity to study these effects. Focal animal sampling was used to gather behavioral data on manatees during randomly selected daylight sampling periods. Frequencies of displacement were correlated with numbers of humans to determine if incidences of displacement were increased. Displacement increased with human presence. Maintenance and sexual behaviors decreased as human presence increased.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15176
- Subject Headings
- Manatees--Florida, West Indian manatee--Florida, Human-animal relationships
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Studies on traffic characteristics in asynchronous transfer mode telecommunications.
- Creator
- Abeygunawardana, Sumudi Man., Florida Atlantic University, Neelakanta, Perambur S., Hsu, Sam
- Abstract/Description
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This thesis is concerned with an outline survey on the modern aspects of asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) telecommunication; also considered are certain specific issues such as the performance characteristics of ATM-based telecommunication networks under fluctuating workloads. Estimation of the stochasticity of the jitter associated with the cell-delay arising out of buffering within the network as well as due to signal-to-noise considerations which induce bit-errors and eventually lead...
Show moreThis thesis is concerned with an outline survey on the modern aspects of asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) telecommunication; also considered are certain specific issues such as the performance characteristics of ATM-based telecommunication networks under fluctuating workloads. Estimation of the stochasticity of the jitter associated with the cell-delay arising out of buffering within the network as well as due to signal-to-noise considerations which induce bit-errors and eventually lead to cell-losses manifesting as delay(s) in the cells being transmitted, is also addressed as a part of this thesis efforts. Relevant theoretical models are proposed, algorithms are developed and simulations are done on the above considerations. Based on these efforts, inferential conclusions are drawn and discussed. Scope for future research and developments towards engineering design of softwares suitable for practical applications by ATM networking planners and traffic forecasters is indicated. Merits and shortcomings of the models are proposed and algorithmic approaches pursued in the present study are also specified with relevant discussions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15247
- Subject Headings
- Asynchronous transfer mode, Telecommunication--Traffic, Telematics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AFRICAN OR AFRICAN AMERICAN?: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCES AND IDENTITIES OF AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES.
- Creator
- Abidoye, Ronke, Poole, Deandre, Florida Atlantic University, School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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African international students continue to remain one of the least represented and studied groups of international students. In addition to the acculturative stress typically experienced by international students, African students inherit the marginalization of their racial/ethnic group in the United States. As such, scholars acknowledge the need for continued research into the experiences of African international students. Utilizing the Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross- Cultural...
Show moreAfrican international students continue to remain one of the least represented and studied groups of international students. In addition to the acculturative stress typically experienced by international students, African students inherit the marginalization of their racial/ethnic group in the United States. As such, scholars acknowledge the need for continued research into the experiences of African international students. Utilizing the Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross- Cultural Adaptation and elements of postcolonialism, this thesis explored the experiences of 10 African students in the United States. A qualitative analysis revealed that host receptivity, perceived cultural differences, expectations, and language/accents influenced intercultural communication. The challenges experienced in intercultural interactions allowed for the emergence of an intercultural identity such that the participants existed in a third space as intercultural Africans. This thesis adds to existing research on cross-cultural adaptation and negotiated identity, while also providing practical implications for schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013717
- Subject Headings
- Students, Foreign, International students, African students--Foreign countries, Intercultural communication
- Format
- Document (PDF)
