Current Search: Resistance (x)
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- Title
- ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AT THE SERVICE DELIVERY LEVEL: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERCEIVED REACTION TO CHANGE INITIATIVES IN MORALE, WELFARE ANDRECREATION ACTIVITIES OF THE US ARMY.
- Creator
-
Cochran, Larry, Maiden, Paul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As the speed of change increases, federal agencies are challenged more often to develop and implement improvements to existing programs, new programs to meet new needs, or adjustments to programs based on changed circumstances of delivery. Built on the foundation of systems theory, expectancy theory, and field theory, this research seeks to explain why some managers do not propose changes in their organizations---even when the very survival of the organization is at risk. By measuring the...
Show moreAs the speed of change increases, federal agencies are challenged more often to develop and implement improvements to existing programs, new programs to meet new needs, or adjustments to programs based on changed circumstances of delivery. Built on the foundation of systems theory, expectancy theory, and field theory, this research seeks to explain why some managers do not propose changes in their organizations---even when the very survival of the organization is at risk. By measuring the fields of influence encountered by managers, we find that the chain of command is supportive of change initiatives. Other organizational elements--human resources and legal staff were measured in this research--are, in general, indifferent about the managers' effort to change. Employees, on the other hand, are strongly opposed to any change with even minimal impact on their work habits and conditions. Based on a survey of 201 managers of Army morale, welfare and recreation activities worldwide, this research views the climate for change from the perspective of the activity manager. There are general findings, along with detailed analysis, that support the need for a change to the environment itself. Executives charged with reviewing and approving activity-initiated changes may find this study useful in developing implementation strategies. Managers may take comfort in knowing that their environment is highly consistent with the experiences of other managers. Support staff--particularly legal and human resources offices--may find the perceptions of managers to be incongruent with the service objectives. We hope that everyone can find enlightenment, or perhaps confirmation of their own experiences, in the responses of these managers, and can use this information productively in the management of their areas of responsibility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001004, ucf:46834
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001004
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PATIENT EDUCATION AND ADHERENCE TO ANTIBIOTIC REGIMENS: EXPLORING PROFILES OF ADHERENT GROUPS.
- Creator
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McSweeney, Morgan, Borgon, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Objective: Currently, there does not exist a cohesive and predictive set of criteria that can be used to identify patients that are at risk of being non-adherent to antibiotic regimens. In this study, we sought to answer the question of whether patients' knowledge of the scientific background of antibiotic resistance is related to their likelihood to adhere to antibiotic regimens. Additionally, we explored other facets of the profiles of adherent and non-adherent subjects. Methods: All...
Show moreObjective: Currently, there does not exist a cohesive and predictive set of criteria that can be used to identify patients that are at risk of being non-adherent to antibiotic regimens. In this study, we sought to answer the question of whether patients' knowledge of the scientific background of antibiotic resistance is related to their likelihood to adhere to antibiotic regimens. Additionally, we explored other facets of the profiles of adherent and non-adherent subjects. Methods: All responses were collected via questionnaire. Subjects were split into two groups (adherent and non-adherent) based upon four patient-behavior questions. These two groups of subjects were compared in a variety of ways to test for significant differences in categories such as science knowledge, age, and self-reported understanding of the problem of antibiotic resistance. Results: It was determined that the adherent group of subjects had significantly higher science scores (mean=5.46, n=384) than the non-adherent subjects (mean=4.99, n=460); t(842)= -2.73, p=0.0064. Subjects majoring in STEM were more likely to be adherent than biology or non-STEM majors. There were no differences in adherence or science scores across age groups. About 26% of subjects had not previously heard of the problem of antibiotic resistance. Discussion: Increasing patient education on the topic of antibiotic resistance could increase patient adherence, which could in turn lead to a reduction in the rate at which bacteria develop resistance. Initiatives to educate patients and health care professionals have the potential to increase understanding and improve rates of adherence.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004784, ucf:45351
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004784
- Title
- FEMALE COLLABORATORS AND RESISTERS IN VICHY FRANCE: INDIVIDUAL MEMORY, COLLECTIVE IMAGE.
- Creator
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Thurlow, Katherine, Lyons, Amelia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Women in Vichy and Nazi Occupied France often found themselves facing situations in which their societal gender roles greatly influenced not only the choices that they made but also how their actions were perceived within society. Many women acted as either collaborators, resisters, or both to maintain their livelihood. How they were perceived was based in large part by how they fit into their prescribed social roles, in particular that of the self-sacrificing mother. Women who participated...
Show moreWomen in Vichy and Nazi Occupied France often found themselves facing situations in which their societal gender roles greatly influenced not only the choices that they made but also how their actions were perceived within society. Many women acted as either collaborators, resisters, or both to maintain their livelihood. How they were perceived was based in large part by how they fit into their prescribed social roles, in particular that of the self-sacrificing mother. Women who participated on both sides were often following their social expectations and obligations. Following the decline of Vichy and the end of the Occupation, however, there was an immense shift in perception that determined what a good mother was. During the Vichy regime, collaboration with both the regime was highly encouraged and expected. Thus, women collaborating during the Vichy regime were praised, only to be condemned after the occupation. Women who resisted Vichy and the Nazis were scorned, only to be glorified after. It is clear that women in both of these categories had similar motivations, but a drastic shift in public opinion made these women appear in a different light. There were only slight differences that separated many of the women who were judged based on how they adhered to their female roles within society, whether that society be under Vichy or after its decline, often without considering the difficult situations that women lived in.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004482, ucf:45061
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004482
- Title
- Resistive Pulse study of Vesicles and Liposomes.
- Creator
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Lin, Yuqing, Chow, Lee, Schulte, Alfons, Tatulian, Suren, Yuan, Jiann-Shiun, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In this work, the properties of the liposomes, the artificially created vesicles by various methods, are explored by a resistive pulse method using micropipettes. The fact that vesicles are fundamental in the wide range of functionalities they fulfill as organelles strengthen the desire of understanding the properties of them. The motivation of this work comes from the significant roles that liposomes play in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Among other significant variables...
Show moreIn this work, the properties of the liposomes, the artificially created vesicles by various methods, are explored by a resistive pulse method using micropipettes. The fact that vesicles are fundamental in the wide range of functionalities they fulfill as organelles strengthen the desire of understanding the properties of them. The motivation of this work comes from the significant roles that liposomes play in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Among other significant variables, the size of liposomes is found to be one of the dominating parameters in liposome based drug delivery, and the correlation between liposome size and delivery efficiency is discussed. To help improving the size evaluation ability, a few mainstream methods for liposome size detection and measurements are reviewed. As a reliable and accessible alternative method for liposomes detection, the resistive pulse method is introduced and the measurement on liposomes size change upon pH gradient was performed using this method. With our current liposome composition, we found the size increases as environmental pH increases. Further investigation is performed with vesicular pH=6, 7, and 8, respectively. Lastly, the stability of the small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) was studied via resistive pulse method, by monitoring the size change of 50nm liposomes as function of time. A significant size change in freshly prepared 50nm liposomes is recorded. This information will provide invaluable knowledge for targeting tumor with tight tissues, where small size liposomes are needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005826, ucf:50933
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005826
- Title
- Chemistry and(&)nbsp;Structure of Ru/SiO2(&)nbsp;and Ru/Al2O3 Interfaces.
- Creator
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Ezzat, Sameer, Campiglia, Andres, Coffey, Kevin, Zou, Shengli, Frazer, Andrew, Harper, James, Coffey, Kevin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The resistivity size effect in nanoscale metals is of both scientific and technological interest, the latter due to its importance to interconnects between transistors in integrated circuits. In this work we report the variation of resistivity associated with surface scattering of ex-situ annealed single crystal Ru thin films grown on sapphire substrates by sputter deposition. A set of samples were overcoated with dielectric and subjected to a variety of reducing and oxidizing anneals. The...
Show moreThe resistivity size effect in nanoscale metals is of both scientific and technological interest, the latter due to its importance to interconnects between transistors in integrated circuits. In this work we report the variation of resistivity associated with surface scattering of ex-situ annealed single crystal Ru thin films grown on sapphire substrates by sputter deposition. A set of samples were overcoated with dielectric and subjected to a variety of reducing and oxidizing anneals. The changes in the chemistry and structure of the dielectric interface induced by the anneals, as determined by x-ray reflectivity and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, are related to the changes in the specularity of the surface for electron scattering in the context of the Fuchs-Sondheimer semi-classical model of the resistivity size effect.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007454, ucf:52727
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007454
- Title
- A Comparison of Corrosion Rates Determined by Polarizations Resistance Measurements for Zinc and Cadmium Metal Immersed in NonStirred Aqueous Portland Cement Solution.
- Creator
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Moore, William J., Baldwin, Vaniah, Jr., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The effect of nonstirred aqueous portland cement solution on the corrosion rates of zinc and cadmium metal using Tafel extropolation and linear polarization measurements has been investigated. Results indicate that for the corrosion systems under investigation, zinc metal has a higher corrosion potential and lower corrosion rate than cadmium metal.
- Date Issued
- 1975
- Identifier
- CFR0008129, ucf:52969
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008129
- Title
- Role of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in stimulating strength improvements induced by short-term resistance training.
- Creator
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Church, David, Hoffman, Jay, Stout, Jeffrey, Fukuda, David, Stock, Matt, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Strength adaptations from short-term resistance training are thought to be related primarily to neurological adaptations. Considering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) role in the nervous system, it is possible that BDNF has a role in these adaptations. Fourteen untrained males were randomized into either a resistance training (RT; n =8) or control (CON; n=6) group. Motor unit (MU) recruitment at 50% and 80% of each participant's maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), muscle...
Show moreStrength adaptations from short-term resistance training are thought to be related primarily to neurological adaptations. Considering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) role in the nervous system, it is possible that BDNF has a role in these adaptations. Fourteen untrained males were randomized into either a resistance training (RT; n =8) or control (CON; n=6) group. Motor unit (MU) recruitment at 50% and 80% of each participant's maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), muscle cross sectional area (CSA) and thickness (MT), as well as one-repetition maximum (1RM) of the squat (SQT), leg press (LP), and leg extension (LE) were performed before (PRE) and after (POST) the training period. Following the MU assessment, the recruitment threshold (RT; % MVIC) and mean firing rate (MFR; pulse per second [pps]) of each MU were determined. Linear regression was used to quantify the slope (pps/% MVIC) and y-intercept (pps) of the MFR versus RT relationship for each participant and time point. Participants completed an acute resistance exercise bout at PRE and POST consisting of 3 sets of 8 (-) 10 repetitions with 90 seconds of rest between each set of SQT, LP, and LE. Blood samples were obtained following a 4-hour fast before (BL), immediately-(IP), and one-(1H) hour post resistance exercise. RT subjects performed the same resistance exercise protocol at PRE twice a week for 3-weeks. CON subjects were instructed to not perform any resistance exercise. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was determined by the trapezoidal method. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to examine selected bivariate relationships. The ?BDNF AUC was significantly correlated to the relative 80% ?y-intercept (r=-0.626, p=0.030), and trended to be correlated to the relative 80% ?slope (r=0.551, p=0.063). Our results indicate that ? in plasma BDNF concentrations appear to be related to ?'s MU recruitment at high intensities (80% of MVIC) of exercise.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006988, ucf:51665
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006988
- Title
- The Cross Education of Neuromuscular Economy.
- Creator
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Beyer, Kyle, Fukuda, David, Hoffman, Jay, Stout, Jeffrey, Fragala, Maren, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Cross education is the phenomenon by which the untrained limb will experience a gain in strength following a unilateral resistance training program. However, little is known as to the underlying adaptation occurring in the untrained limb. Purpose: To examine the effect of dynamic unilateral resistance training on the strength and neuromuscular adaptations of both the trained and untrained legs. Methods: Eight previously untrained males (22.38(&)#177;2.92 y, 1.73(&)#177;0.08 m, 75.26(&)#177;14...
Show moreCross education is the phenomenon by which the untrained limb will experience a gain in strength following a unilateral resistance training program. However, little is known as to the underlying adaptation occurring in the untrained limb. Purpose: To examine the effect of dynamic unilateral resistance training on the strength and neuromuscular adaptations of both the trained and untrained legs. Methods: Eight previously untrained males (22.38(&)#177;2.92 y, 1.73(&)#177;0.08 m, 75.26(&)#177;14.53 kg) completed a four-week unilateral resistance training program, while another eight untrained males (24.00(&)#177;4.57 y, 1.84(&)#177;0.05 m, 94.21(&)#177;16.14 kg) served as controls. Isometric leg extension strength, leg press 1 repetition maximum (1RM), leg extension 1RM, root mean square of the maximal electromyographic amplitude (EMG), submaximal EMG, dynamic neuromuscular economy (NME) and the slope of NME-power output relationship were determined before and after training to assess the changes in strength and neuromuscular adaptations of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) in both the trained and untrained legs. The unilateral resistance training program was conducted on the dominant leg (DOM) in the unilateral resistance training group (URT) and was compared to the dominant leg of the control group (CON). Cross education was measured in the nondominant leg (NON) for both groups. The unilateral resistance training program was completed three days per week for a total of twelve training sessions. Exercises included in the training program were unilateral leg press, unilateral leg extension, bilateral chest press and bilateral low row. All data was analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance of the post-testing values using the pre-testing values as the covariate. Further analysis of the EMG and NME data was performed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: The URT group improved their isometric (DOM:11.03%, NON:4.98%), leg press (DOM:77.63%, NON:64.88%) and leg extension (DOM:46.76%, NON:16.43%) strength after the four weeks of resistance training. There was no difference between the groups in isometric strength in the dominant (p=0.188) or nondominant (p=0.948) leg. For leg extension 1RM, there was a significant difference between groups in the dominant leg (p=0.018), but not the nondominant leg (p=0.482). However, there were significant group differences in both the dominant (p=0.003) and nondominant (p=0.034) leg for leg press 1RM. In terms of maximal EMG, the training groups improved in the vastus lateralis (DOM:29.81%, NON:31.44%) and rectus femoris (DOM:20.71%, NON:6.26%) individually, as well as in total EMG (DOM:24.78%, NON:17.57%). There was a Likely Positive or Very Likely Positive effect of unilateral resistance training on the changes in maximal EMG of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in both the dominant and nondominant legs. There was a Likely Positive effect of unilateral resistance training on the submaximal EMG of the dominant vastus lateralis at 75 and 125 watts. Conversely, in the rectus femoris, there was Unclear effects of unilateral resistance training on the submaximal EMG of the dominant leg. There was no consistent effect of unilateral resistance training on submaximal EMG values of the vastus lateralis in the nondominant leg. However, the rectus femoris in the nondominant leg experienced a Likely Positive effect of unilateral resistance training on submaximal EMG. NME improved in the URT group in the VL at 75 (DOM:9.73%, NON:13.42%), 100 (DOM:8.76%, NON:8.21%), and 125(DOM:24.26%, NON:12.8%) watts and in the RF at 75 (DOM:22.25%, NON:15.73%), 100(DOM:24.85%, NON:17.05%) and 125 (DOM:30.99%) watts. In terms of neuromuscular economy, there was a Likely Positive or Very Likely Positive effect of unilateral resistance training on most measures of NME on both the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in both the dominant and nondominant legs. In terms of NME slope, there was only a Likely Positive effect of unilateral resistance training on the dominant vastus lateralis. Conclusion: Based on these results, it appears that the cross education of strength from unilateral resistance training is modality-specific. Furthermore, the NME of both the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in both legs appear to improve following unilateral resistance training. However, in the nondominant leg, the improvement in NME appears to be due solely to the increase in maximal EMG, whereas the improved NME in the dominant leg is due to both an increase in maximal EMG and a decrease in submaximal EMG.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005305, ucf:50537
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005305
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING FREQUENCY ON MUSCLE HYPERTOHY AND STRENGTH IN HEALTHY TRAINED INDIVIDUALS: LITERATURE REVIEW.
- Creator
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Boivin, Alexander C., Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of increased resistance training frequency on strength and hypertrophy in trained individuals. Six Studies were deemed eligible based on the inclusion exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for this review were healthy trained individuals. "Trained" refers to over one year of resistance training experience. Exclusion Criteria were study's that examined either untrained or obese individuals as participants. The evidence indicates a dose...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to determine the effects of increased resistance training frequency on strength and hypertrophy in trained individuals. Six Studies were deemed eligible based on the inclusion exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for this review were healthy trained individuals. "Trained" refers to over one year of resistance training experience. Exclusion Criteria were study's that examined either untrained or obese individuals as participants. The evidence indicates a dose-response trend in frequency. Resistance training each muscle group twice a week may be superior compared to once per week. Further more, resistance training each muscle group three times a week may enhance hypertrophy and strength adaptations even more compared to either once or twice a week. Recovery of the muscle may be reached in approximately 72 hours or 3 days. Mechanisms that may correlate to this phenomenon could be related to the more frequent elevations in muscle protein synthesis and physiological anabolic hormones. These results may help develop more specific guidelines in programming for intermediate to advanced athletes as well as lead way to more research on acute training variable manipulation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000109, ucf:45953
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000109
- Title
- RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR RESPONSES TO NAZISM: COORDINATED AND SINGULAR ACTS OF OPPOSITION.
- Creator
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Sullivan, Kathryn, Adams, Carole, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
My intention in conducting this research endeavor is to satisfy the requirements of earning a Master of Art degree in the Department of History at the University of Central Florida. My research aim has been to examine literature written from the 1930's through 2006 which chronicles the lives of Jewish and Gentile German men, women, and children living under Nazism during the years 1933-1945. I was particularly interested and hopeful in discovering the various ways in which young German...
Show moreMy intention in conducting this research endeavor is to satisfy the requirements of earning a Master of Art degree in the Department of History at the University of Central Florida. My research aim has been to examine literature written from the 1930's through 2006 which chronicles the lives of Jewish and Gentile German men, women, and children living under Nazism during the years 1933-1945. I was particularly interested and hopeful in discovering the various ways in which young German females were affected by the introduction and spread of Nazi ideology. My main goal was to sort through the features of everyday life to extricate the often subtle ways Germans rebuffed conformity to Nazism. And as the research commenced, it became increasingly necessary to acknowledge and distinguish the ongoing historical debate about what aspects of non-conformity are acceptably considered "resistance" among contemporary historians also analyzing this period. The original research questions I hoped to address and discuss were firstly these; Upon the arrival of Nazism on the heels of the Weimar Republic, how was Nazism received by German citizens; secondly, once Nazism gathered a contingent of strong support, what avenues existed for those opposed to Nazism?; and thirdly, in what ways did opposition, resistance, and non-conformance to Nazism manifest itself? This examination focused singly on efforts and motivations of German citizens within Germany, to illuminate reactions and actions of women and children; whether Jewish, Protestant, or Catholic because I feel their stories are often over-looked as being insignificant. This study further recognizes the contributions and great courage which manifest when faced with Hitler's totalitarian regime.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001385, ucf:47012
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001385
- Title
- DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHOGENIC MYCOBACTERIA USING BINARY DEOXYRIBOZYMES.
- Creator
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Rosenkrantz, Bradley, Rohde, Kyle, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The genus Mycobacterium contains many pathogenic bacteria that are known to cause serious diseases in humans. One of the most well-known of these bacteria is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Mtb, which is the causative agent of tuberculosis. It infects nearly one-third of the world's population and kills 1.4 million people annually. Another important mycobacterial pathogen is Mycobacterium abscessus, or Mabs, which causes respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients. One of the biggest...
Show moreThe genus Mycobacterium contains many pathogenic bacteria that are known to cause serious diseases in humans. One of the most well-known of these bacteria is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Mtb, which is the causative agent of tuberculosis. It infects nearly one-third of the world's population and kills 1.4 million people annually. Another important mycobacterial pathogen is Mycobacterium abscessus, or Mabs, which causes respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients. One of the biggest difficulties in combating these pathogens is the lack of effective diagnostics, as current strategies hold many pitfalls and can be unreliable. One common method used is sputum smear microscopy which involves acid fast staining of the bacteria present in a patient's sputum. This method of detection fails to detect more than 50% of infections and is unable to differentiate between species of mycobacterium. This project introduces a novel method of mycobacterial diagnostics using binary deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes). Binary DNAzymes recognize bacteria-specific nucleic acid sequences and bind to them, forming a catalytic core which cleaves a substrate molecule. This cleavage separates a quencher molecule from a fluorophore, which results in a fluorescent output. This flexible assay platform has great potential for the detection of Mtb or Mabs. Our data shows the specificity of the DNAzymes allowing for a differential diagnosis of various species of Mycobacteria. It also shows the limit of detection of this technology and its additional utility in molecular typing of Mtb clinical isolates as well as drug resistance characterization. This multipurpose tool can contribute to disease management in multiple ways.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004758, ucf:45343
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004758
- Title
- CERIUM OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR THE DETECTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE.
- Creator
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Noll, Alexander, Perez, J. Manuel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The rise of antimicrobial resistance demands the development of more rapid screening methods for the detection of antimicrobial resistance in clinical samples to both give the patient the proper treatment and expedite the treatment of patients. Cerium oxide nanoparticles may serve a useful role in diagnostics due to their ability to exist in a mixed valence state and act as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents. Considering that cerium oxide nanoparticles have been shown to shift in...
Show moreThe rise of antimicrobial resistance demands the development of more rapid screening methods for the detection of antimicrobial resistance in clinical samples to both give the patient the proper treatment and expedite the treatment of patients. Cerium oxide nanoparticles may serve a useful role in diagnostics due to their ability to exist in a mixed valence state and act as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents. Considering that cerium oxide nanoparticles have been shown to shift in absorbance upon oxidation, a useful method of antimicrobial resistance detection could be based on the oxidation of cerium oxide nanoparticles. Herein, an assay is described whereby cerium oxide nanoparticle oxidation is a function of glucose metabolism of bacterial samples in the presence of an antimicrobial agent. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were shown to have an absorbance in the range of 395nm upon oxidation by hydrogen peroxide whereas mixed valence cerium oxide nanoparticles lacked an absorbance around 395nm. In the presence the hydrogen peroxide-producing glucose oxidase and either increasing concentrations of glucose or bacterial medium supplemented with increasing concentrations of glucose, cerium oxide nanoparticles were shown to increase in absorbance at 395nm. This oxidation assay was capable of measuring differences in the absorbance of E. coli and S. aureus samples grown in the presence of inhibitory and non-inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin in as little as six hours. Therefore, this cerium oxide nanoparticle oxidation assay may be very useful for use in clinical laboratories for the detection of antimicrobial resistance due to the relatively low cost, no requirement for specialized equipment and, most importantly, the reduced incubation time of the assay to as little as six hours compared to current gold standard antimicrobial resistance detection methods that require 24 hours. This assay may thus also help partially circumvent the issue of knowledge of antimicrobial resistance in infected patients before prescribing improper regimens.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003760, ucf:44780
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003760
- Title
- CORRELATION BETWEEN PREPARATION PARAMETERS AND PROPERTIES OF MOLYBDENUM BACK CONTACT LAYER FOR CIGS THIN FILM SOLAR CELLS.
- Creator
-
Takahashi, Eigo, Dhere, Neelkanth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Molybdenum (Mo) thin film back contact layers for thin film CuIn(1-x)GaxSe2 (CIGS) solar cells were deposited onto soda lime glass substrates using a direct current (DC) planar magnetron sputtering deposition technique. Requirements for the Mo thin film as a back contact layer for CIGS solar cells are various. Sheet resistance, contact resistance to the CIGS absorber, optical reflectance, surface morphology, and adhesion to the glass substrate are the most important properties that the Mo...
Show moreMolybdenum (Mo) thin film back contact layers for thin film CuIn(1-x)GaxSe2 (CIGS) solar cells were deposited onto soda lime glass substrates using a direct current (DC) planar magnetron sputtering deposition technique. Requirements for the Mo thin film as a back contact layer for CIGS solar cells are various. Sheet resistance, contact resistance to the CIGS absorber, optical reflectance, surface morphology, and adhesion to the glass substrate are the most important properties that the Mo thin film back contact layer must satisfy. Experiments were carried out under various combinations of sputtering power and working gas pressure, for it is well known that mechanical, morphological, optical, and electrical property of a sputter-deposited Mo thin film are dependent on these process parameters. Various properties of each Mo film were measured and discussed. Sheet resistances were measured using a four-point probe equipment and minimum value of 0.25 Ω/sq was obtained for the 0.6 õm-thick Mo film. Average surface roughnesses of each Mo film ranged from 15 to 26 àwere measured by Dektak profilometer which was also employed to measure film thicknesses. Resistivities were calculated from the sheet resistance and film thickness of each film. Minimum resistivity of 11.9 õΩ∙cm was obtained with the Mo thin film deposited at 0.1 mTorr and 250 W. A residual stress analysis was conducted with a bending beam technique with very thin glass strips, and maximum tensile stress of 358 MPa was obtained; however, films did not exhibit a compressive stress. Adhesive strengths were examined for all films with a ÃÂ"Scotch-tapeÃÂ" test, and all films showed a good adhesion to the glass substrate. Sputter-deposited Mo thin films are commonly employed as a back contact layer for CIGS and CuInSe2 (CIS)-based solar cells; however, there are several difficulties in fabricating a qualified back contact layer. Generally, Mo thin films deposited at higher sputtering power and lower working gas pressure tend to exhibit lower resistivity; however, such films have a poor adhesion to the glass substrate. On the other hand, films deposited at lower power and higher gas pressure tend to have a higher resistivity, whereas the films exhibit an excellent adhesion to the glass substrate. Therefore, it has been a practice to employ multi-layered Mo thin film back contact layers to achieve the properties of good adhesion to the glass substrate and low resistivity simultaneously. However, multi layer processes have a lower throughput and higher fabricating cost, and requires more elaborated equipment compared to single layer processes, which are not desirable from the industrial point of view. As can be seen, above mentioned process parameters and the corresponding Mo thin film properties are at the two extreme ends of the spectrum. Hence experiments were conducted to find out the mechanisms which influence the properties of Mo thin films by changing the two process parameters of working gas pressure and sputtering power individually. The relationships between process parameters and above mentioned properties were studied and explained. It was found that by selecting the process parameters properly, less resistive, appropriate-surfaced, and highly adhesive single layer Mo thin films for CIGS solar cells can be achieved.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003031, ucf:48353
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003031
- Title
- Effects of an Acute High-Volume Isokinetic Intervention on Inflammatory and Strength Changes: Influence of Age.
- Creator
-
Gordon, Joseph, Hoffman, Jay, Stout, Jeffrey, Fukuda, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a high volume isokinetic intervention on lower body strength and inflammation, as well as markers of muscle damage in the subsequent 48 hours between younger and middle-aged men. METHODS: 19 healthy, recreationally trained men were randomly assigned to two groups, younger adults (YA: 21.8 (&)#177; 2.0 y; 90.7 (&)#177; 11.6 kg; 21.5 (&)#177; 4.1 % body fat), or middle-aged adults (MA: 47.0 (&)#177; 4.4 y; 96.0 (&)#177; 21.5; 24.8...
Show morePURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a high volume isokinetic intervention on lower body strength and inflammation, as well as markers of muscle damage in the subsequent 48 hours between younger and middle-aged men. METHODS: 19 healthy, recreationally trained men were randomly assigned to two groups, younger adults (YA: 21.8 (&)#177; 2.0 y; 90.7 (&)#177; 11.6 kg; 21.5 (&)#177; 4.1 % body fat), or middle-aged adults (MA: 47.0 (&)#177; 4.4 y; 96.0 (&)#177; 21.5; 24.8 (&)#177; 6.3 % body fat). Both groups reported to the human performance laboratory (HPL) on four separate occasions. On the first visit (D1), anthropometric assessment, as well as a familiarization session with the isokinetic dynamometer, was performed. A muscle damaging protocol (HVP) was performed on the second visit (D2) consisting of 8 sets of 10 repetitions at 60(&)deg;(&)#183;sec-1 on the isokinetic dynamometer. An assessment protocol (AP) was performed to assess performance decrements between the YA and MA groups. For this protocol, a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was performed, as well as 3 isokinetic kicks at 2 different speeds (240(&)deg;(&)#183;sec-1 and 60(&)deg;(&)#183;sec-1). For the MVIC, values for peak torque (PKT), average torque (AVGT), rate of torque development at 100 ms (RTD100), and 200 ms (RTD200) were recorded. For the isokinetic kicks at 240(&)deg;(&)#183;sec-1 (ISK240) and 60(&)deg;(&)#183;sec-1 (ISK60), values were also recorded for peak torque (PKT), average torque (AVGT), as well as peak power (PP), and average power (AVGP). The AP was performed before the HVP (BL), immediately after the HVP (IP), 120 minutes after the HVP (120P), as well as one (24H) and two (48H) days following the HVP. Blood draws were also taken at BL, IP, 24H, and 48H, as well as 30 minutes (30P), and 60 minutes (60P) following the HVP to assess circulating levels of creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), c-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Ultrasound assessment was also performed at BL and IP as well to assess changes in muscle morphology as a result of the intervention. Performance, blood, and ultrasound markers were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA to observe between group comparisons for all of the outcome variables. RESULTS: There were no group differences observed for isometric or isokinetic peak torque or average torque, nor were there differences in isokinetic peak power or average power between the two groups as a result of the intervention. There were, however, differences in the pattern for rate of torque development at 100 ms and 200 ms between the two groups. RTD 100 was decreased at IP and 48H in YA, with MA showing decreases at IP, but also 120P and 24H unlike YA. RTD200 was decreased at all time points in YA, while MA was decreased at IP, 24H, and 48H, but not 120P. For markers of muscle damage and inflammation, there were no differences in the response of Mb, CK, CRP, or IL-6 between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Age does not appear to be a driving factor in the inflammatory or muscle damage response from a high volume isokinetic intervention. Though changes in peak torque and average torque from a high volume isokinetic intervention do not seem to differ between younger and middle-aged adults, the rate of torque production at 100ms and 200ms is different between groups. This suggests that while recovery to average or maximal strength after an exercise bout may not be affected greatly by age, the rate of neuromuscular recovery from exercise may be primarily affected by other factors such as training status.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006594, ucf:51259
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006594
- Title
- Design and Optimization of Superjunction Vertical DMOS Power Transistors using Sentaurus Device Simulation.
- Creator
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Mendoza Macias, Raul, Yuan, Jiann-Shiun, Sundaram, Kalpathy, Fan, Deliang, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Vertical double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (VDMOS) power transistor has been studied. The use of superjunction (SJ) in the drift region of VDMOS has been evaluated using three-dimensional device simulation. All relevant physical models in Sentaurus are turned on. The VDMOS device doping profile is obtained from process simulation. The superjunction VDMOS performance in off-state breakdown voltage and specific on-resistance is compared with that in conventional VDMOS structure. In...
Show moreVertical double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (VDMOS) power transistor has been studied. The use of superjunction (SJ) in the drift region of VDMOS has been evaluated using three-dimensional device simulation. All relevant physical models in Sentaurus are turned on. The VDMOS device doping profile is obtained from process simulation. The superjunction VDMOS performance in off-state breakdown voltage and specific on-resistance is compared with that in conventional VDMOS structure. In addition, electrical parameters such as threshold voltage and charge balance are also examined. Increasing the superjunction doping in the drift region of VDMOS reduces the on-resistance by 26%, while maintaining the same breakdown voltage and threshold voltage compared to that of the conventional VDMOS power transistor with similar device design without using a superjunction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006354, ucf:51525
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006354
- Title
- Intramuscular TNF-alpha signaling in response to resistance exercise and recovery in untrained males.
- Creator
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Townsend, Jeremy, Stout, Jeffrey, Hoffman, Jay, Fukuda, David, Roberts, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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INTRODUCTION: The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-??) signaling cascade is responsible for mediating stress-activated catabolic effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-?) downstream of the TNF receptor (TNFR1). NF-?? transcription factor remains inhibited in the cytosol of the muscle and can be stimulated for translocation and transcription by a variety of external stimuli, most notably by pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, currently there is a gap in the literature...
Show moreINTRODUCTION: The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-??) signaling cascade is responsible for mediating stress-activated catabolic effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-?) downstream of the TNF receptor (TNFR1). NF-?? transcription factor remains inhibited in the cytosol of the muscle and can be stimulated for translocation and transcription by a variety of external stimuli, most notably by pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, currently there is a gap in the literature with regard to the time course effect of NF-?? signaling following acute resistance exercise in humans. PURPOSE: To observe the effects of an acute lower-body resistance exercise protocol and subsequent recovery on intramuscular NF- ?? signaling. METHODS: Twenty-eight untrained males were assigned to either a control (CON; n=11) or exercise group (EX; n=17) and completed a lower-body resistance exercise protocol consisting of the back squat, leg press, and leg extension exercises. Skeletal muscle microbiopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis pre-exercise (PRE), 1-hour (1HR), 5-hour (5HR), and 48-hours (48HR) post-resistance exercise. Multiplex signaling assay kits (EMD Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA) were used to quantify the total protein (TNFR1, c-Myc) or phosphorylation status of proteins (IKKa/b, NF- ??, IkB) specific to apoptotic signaling pathways using MAGPIX(&)#174; (Luminex, Austin, TX, USA). Repeated measures ANOVA analysis was used to determine the effects of the exercise bout on intramuscular signaling at each timepoint. Additionally, change scores were analyzed by magnitude based inferences to determine a mechanistic interpretation. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a trend for a two way interaction between the EX and CON Group (p=0.064). Magnitude based inferences revealed a (")Very Likely(") increase in total c-Myc from PRE-5H and a (")Likely(") increase in IkB phosphorylation from PRE-5H. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that c-Myc transcription factor and phosphorylation of IkB are elevated following acute intense resistance exercise in untrained males. These data suggest that NF- ?? signaling plays a role in ribosome biogenesis and skeletal muscle regeneration following resistance exercise in young untrained males.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006191, ucf:51089
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006191
- Title
- DEVELOPMENT OF A FLUORESCENT DRUG SCREENING PLATFORM FOR INHIBITORS OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS.
- Creator
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Versfeld, Zina, Rohde, Kyle, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Tuberculosis (TB) is a respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that kills around 1.3 million people annually. Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) strains are increasingly encountered, in part resulting from shortcomings of current TB drug regimens that last between six to nine months. Patients may stop taking the antibiotics during their allotted regimen, leading to drug resistant TB strains. Novel drug screening platforms are therefore necessary to find drugs effective...
Show moreTuberculosis (TB) is a respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that kills around 1.3 million people annually. Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) strains are increasingly encountered, in part resulting from shortcomings of current TB drug regimens that last between six to nine months. Patients may stop taking the antibiotics during their allotted regimen, leading to drug resistant TB strains. Novel drug screening platforms are therefore necessary to find drugs effective against MDR-TB. In order to discover compounds that target under-exploited pathways that may be essential only in vivo, the proposed screening platform will use a novel approach to drug discovery by blocking essential protein-protein interactions (PPI). In Mtb, PPI can be monitored by mycobacterial protein fragment complementation (M-PFC). This project will re-engineer the M-PFC assay to include the red fluorescent mCherry reporter for increased efficiency and sensitivity in high-throughput screening applications. To optimize the mCherry assay, we have developed fluorescent M-PFC reporter strains to monitor distinct PPI required for Mtb virulence: homodimerization of the dormancy regulator DosR. A drug screen will then identify novel compounds that inhibit this essential PPI. The screen will involve positional-scanning combinatorial synthetic libraries, which are made up of chemical compounds with varying side chains. This work will develop novel tools for TB drug discovery that could identify new treatments for the emerging world threat of MDR-TB.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004785, ucf:45369
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004785
- Title
- EFFECT OF ANNEALING ON COPPER THIN FILMS:THE CLASSICAL SIZE EFFECT AND AGGLOMERATION.
- Creator
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Gadkari, Parag, Sundaram, Kalpathy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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With continued shrinking of CMOS technology to reduce the gate delay times, an increase in the resistivity of the metal corresponding to the wire dimension is a concern. This phenomenon of increase in resistivity with decreasing dimension of the thin metallic film or interconnect is known as the "classical size effect". Various theories have been postulated to explain the phenomenon of classical size effect; these theories can be broadly classified as resistivity due to scattering arising...
Show moreWith continued shrinking of CMOS technology to reduce the gate delay times, an increase in the resistivity of the metal corresponding to the wire dimension is a concern. This phenomenon of increase in resistivity with decreasing dimension of the thin metallic film or interconnect is known as the "classical size effect". Various theories have been postulated to explain the phenomenon of classical size effect; these theories can be broadly classified as resistivity due to scattering arising from surface and grain boundaries. The total resistivity of metals depends on the electron scattering due to impurities, phonons, surfaces, grain boundaries, and other crystal defects. Managing the size effect in a practical and manufacturing way is of major concern to the microelectronics industry. Since each of the processes (phonon, surface and grain boundary scattering) adds to the resistivity and are interrelated, it further complicates managing the size effect. However, these effects have been separately studied. In this work, the effect of annealing on the classical size effect in Cu thin films deposited on SiO2 substrate is investigated. Polycrystalline Cu thin films having thicknesses in the range of 10nm to 200nm were ultra high vacuum sputter deposited on thermally grown SiO2 surfaces. The films were annealed at temperatures in the range of 150°C to 800°C in argon and argon+3% hydrogen gases. The un-annealed Cu thin films exhibit higher resistivity than the annealed films. The resistivities of un-annealed films were in good agreement with Mayadas and Shatzkes model. When annealed the films undergoes grain growth resulting in lowering the resistivities by about 20%-30% thereby confirming the role of grain size on resistivity of the film. However, there is a limit to annealing, i.e. agglomeration phenomenon. Agglomeration is a thermally activated process resulting in a reduction of the free energy of the filmsubstrate system and can occur well below the melting point of the material by surface and interfacial diffusion. The reduction of film-substrate interfacial energy, film-surface interfacial energy and stresses within the film are possible driving forces for agglomeration. This work also includes the study of agglomeration phenomenon. The agglomeration behavior of Cu is investigated and compared with that of Ru, Au and Pt thin films with thicknesses in the range of 10 nm to 100 nm UHV deposited on thermally grown SiO2 substrate. The films were annealed at temperatures in the range of 150°C to 800°C in argon and argon+3% hydrogen gases. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the agglomeration behavior, and transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the as-deposited and annealed films. The agglomeration sequence in all the films is found to follow a two step process of void nucleation and void growth. However, void growth in Au and Pt thin films is different from Cu and Ru thin films. Residual stress and adhesion were observed to play important part in deciding the mode of void growth in Au and Pt thin films. Lastly, it is also observed that the tendency for agglomeration can be reduced by encapsulating the metal film with an oxide overlayer, which in turn improves the resistivity of the thin film due to prolonged grain growth without film breakup.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000496, ucf:46363
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000496