View All Items
(1 - 20 of 63)
Pages
- Title
- A Proposed Approach to Protect Wastewater Biological Treatment Plants Against Toxic Contaminants.
- Creator
-
Phillips, Joseph M., Evans, Ronald D., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis
- Date Issued
- 1972
- Identifier
- CFR0011998, ucf:53081
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0011998
- Title
- A Randomized Trial of Attention Training for Generalized Social Phobia: Does Attention Training Change Social Behavior?.
- Creator
-
Bunnell, Brian, Beidel, Deborah, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Rapport, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The use of attention training protocols for the treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is undergoing increased examination. Initial investigations were positive but more recent investigations have been less supportive of the treatment paradigm. One significant limitation of current investigations may be over-reliance on self-report. In this investigation, we expanded on initial investigations by using a multimodal assessment of patient functioning (i.e., including behavioral...
Show moreThe use of attention training protocols for the treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is undergoing increased examination. Initial investigations were positive but more recent investigations have been less supportive of the treatment paradigm. One significant limitation of current investigations may be over-reliance on self-report. In this investigation, we expanded on initial investigations by using a multimodal assessment of patient functioning (i.e., including behavioral assessment). Patients with a primary diagnosis of SAD (n = 31) were randomly assigned to eight sessions of attention training (n = 15) or placebo/control (n = 16). Participants were assessed at pre- and post-treatment via self- and clinician-report of social anxiety as well as anxious and behavioral response to two in vivo social interactions. Results revealed no differences between groups at post-treatment for all study outcome variables, suggesting a lack of effect for the attention training condition. The results are concordant with recent investigations finding a lack of support for the use of attention training as an efficacious treatment for patients with SAD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004658, ucf:49879
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004658
- Title
- THE USE OF HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS ON MINIMIZING THE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.
- Creator
-
Donohue, Delayna L, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects over 5 million individuals in the United States annually. By the year 2050, the number of individuals living with AD is projected to triple (Latest Alzheimer's Facts and Figures, 2016). Although there is no cure for AD, there are many prescriptive pharmacologic agents used to help manage the clinical manifestations of the disease. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and herbal supplements are also used in the treatment of AD, however indications for...
Show moreAlzheimer's disease (AD) affects over 5 million individuals in the United States annually. By the year 2050, the number of individuals living with AD is projected to triple (Latest Alzheimer's Facts and Figures, 2016). Although there is no cure for AD, there are many prescriptive pharmacologic agents used to help manage the clinical manifestations of the disease. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and herbal supplements are also used in the treatment of AD, however indications for their use and effectiveness during the progression of AD have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of herbal supplements in managing the clinical manifestations of AD. The secondary purpose was to compare a variety of herbal supplements used to treat the clinical manifestations of AD and to evaluate the most widely used and most beneficial for clinical practice. A literature review examining herbal supplements and their risks, benefits, and uses in AD was conducted from multiple online databases. Peer reviewed articles published in the English language from 1998-2016 that focused on herbal supplements used to control the clinical manifestations of mild to severe AD were included for synthesis. Results from 14 studies that used herbal supplements as a treatment for the clinical manifestations of AD were compared for effectiveness in the management of symptoms. The findings suggest Ginkgo Biloba is the most effective and widely used herbal supplement in the treatment for cognitive decline in AD. Other supplements including Saffron, Curcumin, Cistanches Herba, and Sage were found to improve memory function and activities of daily living in individuals with AD. Herbal supplements can be cost effective and easier to retrieve for many individuals in comparison with prescriptive drug therapy. Although the research demonstrated beneficial results with the use of herbal supplements, the limitations of these studies make the application of the results problematic. Therefore, further research in this area is required.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH0000237, ucf:44670
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000237
- Title
- Fate of Coated Zinc Oxide in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.
- Creator
-
Bolyard, Stephanie, Reinhart, Debra, Santra, Swadeshmukul, Randall, Andrew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Given the increase in nanomaterial (NM) use in consumer products and the large fraction of waste placed in landfills worldwide, the probability of these products reaching municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills at the end of their useful life is high. Since nanotechnology use is still in its early stages, there are currently no regulations pertaining to the disposal of NMs and their fate in MSW landfills is still unknown. Understanding the fate of NMs in MSW landfills is vital to ensure the...
Show moreGiven the increase in nanomaterial (NM) use in consumer products and the large fraction of waste placed in landfills worldwide, the probability of these products reaching municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills at the end of their useful life is high. Since nanotechnology use is still in its early stages, there are currently no regulations pertaining to the disposal of NMs and their fate in MSW landfills is still unknown. Understanding the fate of NMs in MSW landfills is vital to ensure the proper handling of these novel materials from cradle to grave; such research will provide information on how these NMs can be safely introduced into the environment. This research seeks to understand the fate of NMs within waste environments by examining the interactions between NMs and landfill leachate components. The primary focus of this thesis is the effect of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) on biological landfill processes, solids aggregation, and chemical speciation of Zn in landfill leachate following the addition of crystalline, nano-sized ZnO coated with triethoxycaprylylsilane. This research (1) observed the effects of coated ZnO on five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and biochemical methane potential (BMP), (2) examined effects of solids aggregation on the fate of ZnO, (3) quantified the concentration of Zinc (Zn) by size fractions, and (4) modeled the chemical speciation of Zn in landfill leachate using Visual MINTEQ.No change in dissolved Zn was observed after coated ZnO was exposed to (")middle-aged(") leachate. Upon exposure to (")mature(") leachate there was an increase in dissolved Zn assumed to be a result of the dissociation of ZnO. Solids data supported the aggregation of particles in both middle aged and mature leachate. There was an increase in the Zn concentration in leachate fractions greater than 1500 nm presumably due to the dispersion of normally insoluble ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) following the interaction with humic acids (HA). ZnO did not inhibit anaerobic or aerobic processes in either middle aged or mature leachate, presumably due to the relatively low concentration of dissolved ionic Zn. Despite the observation of increased dissociation upon exposure to mature leachate, the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) may have hindered the ability for dissolved ionic Zn to become bioavailable. Fractionation, BOD5 and BMP tests, and chemical speciation modeling provided insight on the mobility of ZnO in landfills and the absence of inhibitory effects on landfill processes. Aggregation of ZnO NPs may prevent movement through traditional containment systems (i.e. geomembrane liners) due to the increased particle size. However, the increased dispersion suggests that ZnO NPs will be transported out of the landfill in the leachate, however biological treatment of leachate should be unaffected by the presence of ZnO. The bioavailability of Zn was not substantially affected by the presence of ZnO due to affinity of dissolved Zn for DOM. However, due to the heterogeneity of landfill leachate and the utilization of different NM coatings, it is challenging to predict the overall mobility of other NMs in a landfill.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004264, ucf:49509
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004264
- Title
- REMOVAL OF REFRACTORY TKN FROM AN EFFLUENT WASTEWATER USING SODIUM FERRATE.
- Creator
-
Lettie, Lucia, Reinhart, Debra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research addresses refractory forms of nitrogen that, even with advanced biological nitrification-denitrification systems are not removed completely from domestic wastewater. TKN (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen), ammonia plus organic nitrogen, is one of the forms to measure the levels of nitrogen present in effluent wastewaters. Ferrate, a strong oxidant, was used for the treatment of these nitrogen forms with the objective of producing nitrogen compounds that can be removed by subsequent...
Show moreThis research addresses refractory forms of nitrogen that, even with advanced biological nitrification-denitrification systems are not removed completely from domestic wastewater. TKN (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen), ammonia plus organic nitrogen, is one of the forms to measure the levels of nitrogen present in effluent wastewaters. Ferrate, a strong oxidant, was used for the treatment of these nitrogen forms with the objective of producing nitrogen compounds that can be removed by subsequent biological processes. Bench-scale experiments were performed on effluent samples taken prior to chlorination from an Orlando, FL wastewater treatment facility, using a biological nutrient removal process. The samples were treated with doses of ferrate ranging from 1 to 50 mg/L as FeO4–2 under unbuffered conditions. TKN removal as high as 70% and COD removal greater than 55% was observed. The TSS production after ferrate treatment was in a range of 12 to 200 mg/L for doses between 10 and 50 mg/L FeO4-2. After an optimum dose of ferrate was determined, three bench-scale reactors were operated under anoxic conditions for 10 to 12 days, two as duplicates containing the treated effluent and one as a control with untreated sample. Two different doses of ferrate were used as optimum dose for these experiments, 10 and 25 mg/L as FeO4-2. The purpose of these reactors was to determine the potential for biological removal of remaining nitrogen after ferrate oxidation of refractory nitrogen. Treated and raw samples were analyzed for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (filtered and unfiltered), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (filtered and unfiltered), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), and heterotrophic plate count (HPC). As a result, more than 70% of the soluble TKN was removed by chemical and biological oxidation for a sample treated with a dose of 25 mg/L FeO4-2, and less than 50% when treated with 10 mg/L FeO4-2. For the control samples run parallel to the ferrate treated samples, a maximum of 48% of soluble TKN and a minimum of 12% was removed. A three-log increase was observed in heterotrophic bacteria numbers for both doses during the operation of the reactors. Sodium ferrate was found to be an effective oxidant that can enhance the biodegradability of recalcitrant TKN present in municipal wastewaters. As mentioned before this research was develop using batch reactor units at bench-scale, therefore it is recommended to follow the investigation of the biodegradability of recalcitrant TKN of a ferrate treated sample under continuous flow conditions so that results can be extrapolated to a full-scale treatment facility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001247, ucf:46936
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001247
- Title
- COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL STANDARD DRAINFIELD WITH INNOVATIVE B&G TREATMENT BED FOR NUTRIENT REMOVAL FROM SEPTIC TANK WASTEWATER.
- Creator
-
Hossain, Fahim, Chang, Ni-Bin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Nowadays people are more alert about conservation of water and water scarcity. The amount of usable water is decreasing due to unavailability of pure water for day to day use. Both surface and groundwater is contaminated by untreated wastewater discharged from improper onsite wastewater treatment system, nutrient laden agricultural runoff and increasing use of fertilizer in fields. This elevated nutrient level is increasing the maintenance and operation cost of water treatment plant. So it is...
Show moreNowadays people are more alert about conservation of water and water scarcity. The amount of usable water is decreasing due to unavailability of pure water for day to day use. Both surface and groundwater is contaminated by untreated wastewater discharged from improper onsite wastewater treatment system, nutrient laden agricultural runoff and increasing use of fertilizer in fields. This elevated nutrient level is increasing the maintenance and operation cost of water treatment plant. So it is an important task to remove those nutrients from wastewater and other water bodies by applying environmental friendly process. In the USA, about 25% homes are still depending on on-site wastewater treatment (OSWT) due to unavailability of centralized treatment process. In Florida, OSWT is managed by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). By realizing the importance of water conservation, USEPA already determined the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate and nitrite in water bodies. Many researches are conducted to evaluate the performance of EPA recommended treatment process (i.e. traditional standard drain field) for OSWT. The UCF research group also performed an experiment to understand the efficiency of traditional standard drain field. At the same time the research group developed an innovative wastewater treatment process named B&G treatment bed as a comparison with traditional standard drain field. This paper mainly focuses on performance of these two treatment processes. The B&G is a novel treatment process by its functionality for nutrient removal. The process generally used a media mixture developed by the research group of UCF. This mixture will act as organic carbon source to support denitrification process while nitrification process does not demand such carbon source. Evan it is observed that this mixture can remove nutrient by physical-chemical process. The recirculation sand filter (RSF) of traditional drain field is also filled by another mixture of media. Both media mixtures are developed by batch experiment in UCF laboratory. The performance of the B&G is compared with the traditional treatment process practiced in USA. These media mixtures can be good supporting media for microorganismsÂÂ' growth and development. All the major nitrogen and phosphorus species removal is observed by collecting sample in a weekly fashion. The pathogens removal efficiency is also observed. The sample is analyzed by a certified laboratory (i.e. Environmental Research and Design, ERD) in Orlando, Florida to maintain the best quality of this research. The presence of microorganisms is identified by using PCR. The B&G drainfield is very effective for removing both nitrogen and phosphorus species from wastewater. It is also very efficient to remove pathogens too. Standard drainfield is very effective for pathogen removal but it cannot remove nutrients effectively. Nitrate removal in B&G drainfield is well compared to standard drainfield.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003271, ucf:52842
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003271
- Title
- Evaluating the utility of a virtual environment for childhood social anxiety disorder.
- Creator
-
Wong, Nina, Beidel, Deborah, Rapport, Mark, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Objective: Two significant challenges for the dissemination of social skills training programs are (a) the need to provide sufficient practice opportunities to assure skill consolidation and (b) the need to assure skill generalization (i.e., use of the skills outside the clinic setting). In the case of social anxiety disorder, virtual environments may provide one strategy to address these issues. This investigation describes the development of an interactive skills-oriented virtual school...
Show moreObjective: Two significant challenges for the dissemination of social skills training programs are (a) the need to provide sufficient practice opportunities to assure skill consolidation and (b) the need to assure skill generalization (i.e., use of the skills outside the clinic setting). In the case of social anxiety disorder, virtual environments may provide one strategy to address these issues. This investigation describes the development of an interactive skills-oriented virtual school environment and evaluated its utility for the treatment of social anxiety disorder in preadolescent children (Study 1). This environment included both in-clinic and at-home solutions. In addition, a pilot replication/extension study further examined preliminary treatment efficacy between children who received a standard multi-component treatment and children who received the modified treatment with social skills practice in a virtual environment (Study 2). Method: Eleven children with a primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder between 7 to 12 years old participated in the initial feasibility trial (Study 1). Five additional children participated in the replication/extension study (Study 2). To investigate preliminary treatment efficacy, clinical outcome measures for the Study 2 sample were compared to a comparison sample who received the standard treatment. Results: Overall, the virtual environment program was viewed as acceptable, feasible, and credible treatment components to children, parents, and clinicians alike but modifications would likely improve the current version. Additionally, although preliminary, children who received the modified treatment with virtual environment practice demonstrated significant improvement at post-treatment on clinician ratings but not parent or self-reported measures. Conclusion: Virtual environments are feasible, acceptable, and credible treatment components for clinical use. Future investigations will determine if the addition of this dose-controlled and intensive social skills practice results in treatment outcome equivalent to traditional cognitive-behavioral programs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004962, ucf:49583
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004962
- Title
- POST TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR STABILIZING DESALINATED WATER.
- Creator
-
Douglas, Susaye, Duranceau , Steven, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The use of brackish water and seawater desalination for augmenting potable water supplies has focused primarily on pre-treatment, process optimization, energy efficiency, and concentrate management. Much less has been documented regarding the impact of post-treatment requirements with respect to distribution system. The goals of this study were to review current literature on post-treatment of permeate water, use survey questionnaires to gather information on post-treatment water quality...
Show moreThe use of brackish water and seawater desalination for augmenting potable water supplies has focused primarily on pre-treatment, process optimization, energy efficiency, and concentrate management. Much less has been documented regarding the impact of post-treatment requirements with respect to distribution system. The goals of this study were to review current literature on post-treatment of permeate water, use survey questionnaires to gather information on post-treatment water quality characteristics, gather operation information, review general capital and maintenance cost, and identify appropriate "lessons learned" with regards to post-treatment from water purveyors participating in the Project. A workshop was organized where experts from across the United States, Europe and the Caribbean active in brackish and seawater desalination, gathered to share technical knowledge regarding post-treatment stabilization, identify solutions for utilities experiencing problems with post-treatment, note lessons learned, and develop desalination water post-treatment guidelines. In addition, based on initial workshop discussions, the iodide content of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration permeate from two seawater desalination facilities was determined. The literature review identified that stabilization and disinfection are required desalination post-treatment processes, and typically are considerations when considering 1) blending, 2) re-mineralization, 3) disinfection, and 4) materials used for storage and transport of product water. Addition of chemicals can effectively achieve post-treatment goals although considerations relating to the quality of the chemical, dosage rates, and possible chemical reactions, such as possible formation of disinfection by-products, should be monitored and studied. The survey gathered information on brackish water and seawater desalination facilities with specific regards to their post-treatment operations. The information obtained was divided into seven sections 1) general desalination facility information, 2) plant characteristics with schematics, 3) post-treatment water quality, 4) permeate, blend, and point of entry quality, 5) post-treatment operation, 6) operation and maintenance costs, 7) and lessons learned. A major consideration obtained from the survey was that facilities should conduct post-treatment pilot studies in order to identify operational problems that may impact distributions systems prior to designing the plant. Effective design and regulation considerations will limit issues with permitting for the facility. The expert workshop identified fourteen priority issues pertaining to post-treatment. Priority issues were relating to post-treatment stabilization of permeate water, corrosion control, disinfection and the challenges relating to disinfection by-product (DBP) formation, water quality goals, blending, and the importance of informing the general public. For each priority issues guidelines/recommendations were developed for how facilities can effectively manage such issues if they arise. One of the key priorities identified in the workshop was related to blending of permeate and formation of DBPs. However, it was identified in the workshop that the impact of iodide on iodinated-DBP formation was unknown. Consequently, screening evaluations using a laboratory catalytic reduction method to determine iodide concentrations in the permeate of two of the workshop participants: Tampa Bay and Long Beach seawater desalination facilities. It was found that the permeate did contain iodide, although at levels near the detection limit of the analytical method (8 µg/L).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002804, ucf:48121
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002804
- Title
- THE EFFECT OF BIOFEEDBACK ON COPING FOR PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION.
- Creator
-
Atkinson, Amber L, Stockmann, Cherrill, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: Individuals with depression have a higher incidence of comorbidity which significantly decreases their ability to function and increases their utilization of health care. Due to the severity of the economic burden resulting with depression, research is needed to further examine the most effective treatments for depression. Biofeedback is a therapy that teaches patients how to control the physical affects that manifest during depression. Aim: The purpose of this review of...
Show moreBackground: Individuals with depression have a higher incidence of comorbidity which significantly decreases their ability to function and increases their utilization of health care. Due to the severity of the economic burden resulting with depression, research is needed to further examine the most effective treatments for depression. Biofeedback is a therapy that teaches patients how to control the physical affects that manifest during depression. Aim: The purpose of this review of literature is to discover the benefits of biofeedback for patients diagnosed with depression. Method: An electronic literature search was conducted using various databases to retrieve articles examining biofeedback as an intervention for patients with depression or depressive symptoms. Results: Studies that used biofeedback as an intervention for depression reported significant physical benefits for patients, including decreased heart rate variability and respiratory rate, as well as improved function. Conclusion: Research indicates that treatments need to have the potential to empower individuals, relieve them of their negative symptoms, relieve their financial burden, and allow them the quality of life they deserve.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000167, ucf:46050
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000167
- Title
- PREDICTING ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT OUTCOMES AMONG HISPANIC AND AFRICAN AMERICAN SUBSTANCE ABUSERS.
- Creator
-
Meehan, Dawna-Cricket-Martita, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Alcohol and drug use and abuse are significant concerns in the United States, yet few studies have investigated how cultural factors, such as acculturative type and acculturative stress, impact substance abuse treatment outcomes. In this study, African American (n = 171) and Hispanic (n = 101) substance abusers' acculturative type and acculturative stress levels were compared to substance abuse treatment outcome. Although the results indicated that acculturative type did not predict...
Show moreAlcohol and drug use and abuse are significant concerns in the United States, yet few studies have investigated how cultural factors, such as acculturative type and acculturative stress, impact substance abuse treatment outcomes. In this study, African American (n = 171) and Hispanic (n = 101) substance abusers' acculturative type and acculturative stress levels were compared to substance abuse treatment outcome. Although the results indicated that acculturative type did not predict substance abuse treatment outcome, a positive correlation between acculturative stress and alcohol and substance abuse problems emerged among the combined and Hispanic samples. In the combined and Hispanic groups, participants experiencing higher levels of acculturative stress demonstrated higher levels of substance use consequences at baseline. Additionally, Hispanic participants experiencing higher levels of pressure to acculturate related to difficulty in interpersonal interactions due to language or cultural barriers and encountering prejudice had higher levels of substance use consequences at the outcome of treatment. These findings suggest that cultural factors play a role in substance abuse treatment outcome. Recommendations on how substance abuse treatment facilities can respond to the unique needs of African American and Hispanic clients are provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001379, ucf:47014
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001379
- Title
- MECHANISMS OF NANOFILTER FOULING AND TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR SURFACE WATER SUPPLIES.
- Creator
-
Reiss, Charles, Taylor, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation addresses the role of individual fouling mechanisms on productivity decline and solute mass transport in nanofiltration (NF) of surface waters. Fouling mechanisms as well as solute mass transport mechanisms and capabilities must be understood if NF of surface waters is to be successful. Nanofiltration of surface waters was evaluated at pilot-scale in conjunction with advanced pretreatment processes selected for minimization of nanofilter fouling, which constituted several...
Show moreThis dissertation addresses the role of individual fouling mechanisms on productivity decline and solute mass transport in nanofiltration (NF) of surface waters. Fouling mechanisms as well as solute mass transport mechanisms and capabilities must be understood if NF of surface waters is to be successful. Nanofiltration of surface waters was evaluated at pilot-scale in conjunction with advanced pretreatment processes selected for minimization of nanofilter fouling, which constituted several integrated membrane systems (IMSs). Membrane fouling mechanisms of concern were precipitation, adsorption, particle plugging, and attached biological growth. Fouling was addressed by addition of acid and antiscalent for control of precipitation, addition of monochloramine for control of biological growth, microfiltration (MF) or coagulation-sedimentation-filtration (CSF) for control of particle plugging, and in-line coagulation-microfiltration (C/MF) or CSF for control of organic adsorption. Surface water solutes of concern included organic solutes, pathogens, and taste and odor compounds. Solute mass transport was addressed by evaluation of total organic carbon (TOC), Bacillus subtilis endospores, gesomin (G), 2-methlyisoborneol (MIB), and threshold odor number (TON). This evaluation included modeling to determine the role of diffusion in solute mass transport including assessment of the homogeneous solution diffusion equation. A cellulose acetate (CA) NF was less susceptible to fouling than two polyamide (PA) NFs. NF fouling was minimized by the addition of monochloramine, lower flux, lower recovery, and with the use of a coagulant-based pretreatment (C/MF or CSF). NF surface characterization showed that the low fouling CA film was less rough and less negatively charged than the PA films. Thus the theory that a more negatively charged surface would incur less adsorptive fouling, due to charge repulsion, was not observed for these tests. The rougher surface of the PA films may have increased the number of sites for adsorption and offset the charge repulsion benefits of the negatively charged surface. The addition of monochloramine significantly reduced biodegradation and integrity loss of the CA membrane. PA membranes are inherently not biologically degradable due to their chemical structure. Monochloramination reduced the rate of fouling of the PA membrane but resulted in a gradual increase in water mass transfer coefficient and a decrease in TDS rejection over time, which indicated damage and loss of integrity of the PA membrane. Based on surface characterization by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), the PA membrane degradation appeared to be chemically-based and initiated with chlorination of amide nitrogen and/or aromatic rings, which ultimately resulted in disruption of membrane chemical structures. The recommended Integrated Membrane System to control fouling of a surface water nanofiltration system is CSF monochloramine/acid/antiscalent„³monochloramine-tolerant NF. This IMS, at low flux and recovery, operated with no discernable fouling and is comparable to a groundwater nanofiltration plant with cleaning frequencies of once per six months or longer. A significant portion of the organic solutes including total organic carbon (TOC) passing through the membranes was diffusion controlled. Permeate concentration increased with increasing recovery and with decreasing flux for both PA and CA membranes. The influence was diminished for the PA membrane, due to its high rejection capabilities. Total rejection of spores used as pathogen surrogates was not achieved as spores were indigenous and high spore concentrations were used in all challenge studies; however, Integrated Membrane System spore rejection exceeded credited regulatory rejection of similar sized microorganisms by conventional treatment by several logs. Spore rejection varied by NF but only slightly by MF as size-exclusion controlled. There was no difference among spore rejection of IMS with and without in-line coagulation. Consequently, these results indicate membrane configuration (Hollow fiber>Spiral Wound) and membrane film (Composite Thin Film>CA) significantly affected spore rejection. Geosmin and methylisoborneol have molecular weights of 182 and 168 respectively, and are byproducts of algal blooms, which commonly increase taste and odor as measured by the threshold odor number (TON) in drinking water. Although these molecules are neutral and were thought to pass through NFs, challenge testing of IMS unit operations found that significant removal of TON, G and MIB was achieved by membrane processes, which was far superior to conventional processes. A CA NF consistently removed 35 to 50 percent of TON, MIB, and G, but did not achieve compliance with the TON standard of 3 units. A PA NF provided over 99 percent removal of MIB and G. Challenge tests using MIB and G indicated that size-exclusion controlled mass transfer of these compounds in NF membranes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000630, ucf:46506
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000630
- Title
- SEXUAL OFFENDER TREATMENT: A PARADIGM ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC JOURNALS.
- Creator
-
Chillar, Vijay, Potter, Roberto, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Many criminologists and psychologists have theorized the possible causes behind an individual who engages in sex offenses; some of which will be reviewed. Through this paradigm analysis, I hope to identify how each discipline addresses the causes of sex offending and what treatments they offer in response to their theories. Additionally, this thesis will examine the Good Lives, Relapse Prevention, and the Risks, Need, Responsivity (RNR) models of treatment. The main objective of this thesis...
Show moreMany criminologists and psychologists have theorized the possible causes behind an individual who engages in sex offenses; some of which will be reviewed. Through this paradigm analysis, I hope to identify how each discipline addresses the causes of sex offending and what treatments they offer in response to their theories. Additionally, this thesis will examine the Good Lives, Relapse Prevention, and the Risks, Need, Responsivity (RNR) models of treatment. The main objective of this thesis is to address the different facets of sex offending, so that the importance of finding an effective treatment model can be understood. By raising awareness to the multiple typologies of sex offenders and differentiating contact and non-contact offenses, this thesis aims to allow for a better understanding of the causes of sexual offending so that we may develop effective treatment options that address such issues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004543, ucf:45173
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004543
- Title
- BLACK CAREGIVER RESPONSES TO AND PERCEPTIONS OF SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS AT THE END OF LIFE.
- Creator
-
Sermarini, Samantha M, Connor, Norma E., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Individuals in the final stages of life are often cared for by informal caregivers whose interpretation of the patient�s signs, symptoms and treatment needs and options may be incongruent with that of healthcare providers (Docherty et al., 2008). Nurses need to fully understand the scope of this disparity. The purpose of this study was to determine how Black caregivers interpreted signs, symptoms, and treatments for symptom relief during the last months of their loved one�s life. The effect...
Show moreIndividuals in the final stages of life are often cared for by informal caregivers whose interpretation of the patient�s signs, symptoms and treatment needs and options may be incongruent with that of healthcare providers (Docherty et al., 2008). Nurses need to fully understand the scope of this disparity. The purpose of this study was to determine how Black caregivers interpreted signs, symptoms, and treatments for symptom relief during the last months of their loved one�s life. The effect on caregiver decision making was explored. This project is a secondary analysis of preexisting qualitative data. Transcripts from 5 focus groups encompassed 53 participants. All participants were Black and informal caregivers or decision makers for a loved one at their loved one�s end of life. Eighty-seven percent of caregivers were female, and a majority had a high school education. The mean age was 66. Transcripts were coded for themes independently by two researchers. To allow for the most open interpretation, no a priori set of codes was utilized. 3 main categories of signs, 4 main categories of symptoms, 4 themes of the interpretation of signs and symptoms, 4 main categories of treatments and interventions, 5 themes of the interpretation of treatments, and 3 themes describing the effect of signs, symptoms, and treatments on decision making were identified. Case examples of the caregiver interpretation process are included. Health care providers need to provide time, clear and simplified language, and additional explanation in communication. Further research combining health literacy measures and qualitative data on interpretations should be conducted.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000017, ucf:45584
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000017
- Title
- DOES BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER CHANGE VOCAL CHARACTERISTICS?.
- Creator
-
Kroytor, Anya, Beidel, Deborah, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Children with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) characterized by persistent shyness and anxiety in social or performance situation, exhibit social skills deficits. These deficits include difficulty initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and taking turns when speaking, which in turn leads to impairments in their daily interactions and development of peer relationships (Greco, 2005; Miers, 2010). Although there are many subjective assessments for treatment outcomes for children with SAD...
Show moreChildren with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) characterized by persistent shyness and anxiety in social or performance situation, exhibit social skills deficits. These deficits include difficulty initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and taking turns when speaking, which in turn leads to impairments in their daily interactions and development of peer relationships (Greco, 2005; Miers, 2010). Although there are many subjective assessments for treatment outcomes for children with SAD, in order to become more thorough and effective when assessing treatment outcomes, more objective measures of actual behaviors are needed. This study uses digital vocal analysis to examine vocal parameters associated with anxiety such as pitch and volume in children with SAD pre and post treatment. Measuring vocal parameters during role-play behavioral assessment tasks allowed us to examine whether the software was capable of detecting differences in vocal characteristics that are consistent with the clinical presentation of the disorder. Children with SAD showed differences in vocal characteristics pre to post treatment, in regards to pitch, pitch variability, volume, and volume variability. There were significant changes in volume pre to post treatment, however the changes in pitch, pitch variability, and volume variability were not significant. These results suggest that post SET-C treatment, certain vocal characteristics, (one of the social skills deficits exhibited by children with SAD) improved. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004148, ucf:44819
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004148
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF SELF-CARE MODALITIES FOR THE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA.
- Creator
-
Major, Amber, Heglund, Stephen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the most effective forms of self-care that patients can perform to reduce swelling caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur secondary to lymph node trauma, which makes it difficult for lymph fluid to leave an extremity. Even though lymphedema is more recognized as a side effect of breast cancer treatment, it can also be the result of many other ailments or treatments and can be present in any part of the body. By knowing which...
Show moreThe purpose of this literature review is to investigate the most effective forms of self-care that patients can perform to reduce swelling caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur secondary to lymph node trauma, which makes it difficult for lymph fluid to leave an extremity. Even though lymphedema is more recognized as a side effect of breast cancer treatment, it can also be the result of many other ailments or treatments and can be present in any part of the body. By knowing which therapies are most effective, nurses and other health care professionals can educate patients to help ease the burden caused by this debilitating condition. This thesis discusses the results of clinical trials that studied different methods of self-care including exercises, bandaging, compression garments, sequential compression devices, and performing manual lymphatic drainage. The conclusion derived from the review of multiple studies is that participating in a combination of multiple therapies is the most effective means of lymphedema management and should be considered the ideal standard of care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004065, ucf:44812
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004065
- Title
- Evaluating Hydrologic Fluxes Through Stormwater Treatment Systems: Implication to Freshwater Springs in a Karst Environment.
- Creator
-
Rice, Nyle, Kibler, Kelly, Wang, Dingbao, Chang, Ni-bin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In recent years, concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have increased in surface and groundwater resources, due in part to non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff. The elevated nutrient concentrations found in stormwater runoff have prompted the design of best management practices (BMP's) to mitigate the problem. The overall objective within this thesis is to analyze the performance of innovative surface BMPs and investigate connections between the...
Show moreIn recent years, concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have increased in surface and groundwater resources, due in part to non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff. The elevated nutrient concentrations found in stormwater runoff have prompted the design of best management practices (BMP's) to mitigate the problem. The overall objective within this thesis is to analyze the performance of innovative surface BMPs and investigate connections between the BMPs and groundwater flows to freshwater springs within a karst environment. The performance of two stormwater BMPs, blanket filters and vertical reactors containing Bio-sorption Activated Media (BAM), are assessed in terms of hydraulic retention time. Capture efficiency is also evaluated for the blanket filters. Blanket filters captured, at minimum 68% of the stormwater runoff entering a stormwater basin in one year. Water content monitoring indicates that BAM is affected by the surrounding water table. The vertical reactors are more appropriate technologies for small contributing areas. Tracking a conservative tracer from an injection point within a stormwater basin to nearby Silver Springs reveals several unique flowpaths and velocities of groundwater. Subsurface velocities observed in the basin ranged from 0.1 m/d to 1.4 m/d, while velocities from the injection well to the spring vary from 2.3 m/d to 13.5 m/d. The fastest travel times observed in the spring may represent flowpaths that include macropore/conduit flow through karst features, while the slower peaks may be more representative of matrix flow. Interaction with karst features may reduce retention time of stormwater in aquifers, altering expected nutrient transformations. Understanding the variable pathways stormwater may take from the surface to spring discharge may assist environmental managers in preserving water quality in springs and other waterbodies in karst systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007241, ucf:52219
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007241
- Title
- A DIRECT COMPENSATOR PROFILE OPTIMIZATION APPROACH FOR INTENSITY MODULATED RADIATION TREATMENT PLANNING.
- Creator
-
Erhart, Kevin, Divo, Eduardo, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Radiation therapy accounts for treatment of over one million cancer patients each year in the United States alone, and its use will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. Recently, many important advancements have been developed that greatly improve the outcomes and effectiveness of this treatment technique, the most notable being Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a sophisticated treatment technique where the radiation dose is conformed to the tumor volume, thereby...
Show moreRadiation therapy accounts for treatment of over one million cancer patients each year in the United States alone, and its use will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. Recently, many important advancements have been developed that greatly improve the outcomes and effectiveness of this treatment technique, the most notable being Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a sophisticated treatment technique where the radiation dose is conformed to the tumor volume, thereby sparing nearby healthy tissue from excessive radiation dose. While IMRT is a valuable tool in the planning of radiation treatments, it is not without its difficulties. This research has created, developed, and tested an innovative approach to IMRT treatment planning, coined Direct Compensator Profile Optimization (DCPO), which is shown to eliminate many of the difficulties typically associated with IMRT planning and delivery using solid compensator based treatment. The major innovation of this technique is that it is a direct delivery parameter optimization approach which has adopted a parameterized surface representation using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBs) to replace the conventional beamlet weight optimization approach. This new approach brings with it three key advantages: 1) a reduced number of parameters to optimize, reducing the difficulty of numerical optimization; 2) the ability to ensure complete equivalence of planned and actual manufactured compensators; and 3) direct inclusion of delivery device effects during planning with no performance penalties, eliminating the degrading fluence-to-delivery parameter conversion process. Detailed research into the affects of the DCPO approach on IMRT planning has been completed and a thorough analysis of the developments is provided herein. This research includes a complete description of the DCPO surface representation scheme, inverse planning process, as well as quantification of the manufacturing constraint control procedure. Results are presented which demonstrate the performance and innovation offered by this new approach and show that the resulting compensator shapes can be manufactured to nearly 100 percent of the designed shape.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002800, ucf:48099
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002800
- Title
- CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG: INVESTIGATING THE PREFERENCES IN ERROR CORRECTION AMONG ADULT ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
- Creator
-
Smith, Hillary, Mihai, Florin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence the educational backgrounds of adult English Language Learners and their preferences in error correction. Fifty participants completed surveys of their educational and demographic backgrounds and beliefs about error correction, and then ranked video clips of different types of error correction in terms of perceived usefulness. The survey examined the affective impact of oral error correction and studentsÂÂ'...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the existence the educational backgrounds of adult English Language Learners and their preferences in error correction. Fifty participants completed surveys of their educational and demographic backgrounds and beliefs about error correction, and then ranked video clips of different types of error correction in terms of perceived usefulness. The survey examined the affective impact of oral error correction and studentsÂÂ' preferences regarding which errors merited correction and when and how these errors should be corrected. Participants with differing educational backgrounds expressed similar beliefs concerning the error correction and similar perceptions of the affective impact of CF. The findings of this study indicated that teachers may run more risk of disappointing students by not meeting their expectations than they do of causing them a negative emotional experience through correction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003062, ucf:48326
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003062
- Title
- Using Technology in the Treatment of Selective Mutism: The Incorporation of Mobile Applications.
- Creator
-
Bunnell, Brian, Beidel, Deborah, Rapport, Mark, Neer, Sandra, Hundley, Gulnora, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Selective mutism (SM) is a diagnosis marked by withdrawal of speech in certain social situations. The treatment of SM is often a difficult and lengthy process and there are many barriers to successful intervention. Behavioral therapy is most effective in the treatment of SM and the addition of therapeutic activities such as games and mobile devices may provide distinct advantages to this treatment (i.e., decreased patient anxiety levels and more active engagement). The current investigation...
Show moreSelective mutism (SM) is a diagnosis marked by withdrawal of speech in certain social situations. The treatment of SM is often a difficult and lengthy process and there are many barriers to successful intervention. Behavioral therapy is most effective in the treatment of SM and the addition of therapeutic activities such as games and mobile devices may provide distinct advantages to this treatment (i.e., decreased patient anxiety levels and more active engagement). The current investigation examined the utility of mobile applications during the behavioral treatment of SM as well as the effect of using mobile applications on child-reported and physiological indicators of anxious responding. Results indicated that children made remarkable treatment gains in just two treatment sessions (i.e., spoke to the clinician within 22 minutes of treatment and held five, five-minute conversations with additional adults during a second session) regardless of modality of delivery (using mobile applications, other activities, or reinforcement alone). Children shaped to speak with the inclusion of mobile applications reported less anxiety and exhibited decreased physiological anxious distress during treatment. The utility of mobile applications during the treatment of SM is discussed in addition to areas for future research (e.g., mobile-based treatment dissemination initiatives).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005767, ucf:50087
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005767
- Title
- Examining the influence of personal and environmental factors on treatment outcomes in opioid dependent medication-assisted treatment patients.
- Creator
-
Placide, Vierne, Unruh, Lynn, Atkins, Danielle, Chisholm, Latarsha, Scott, Blake, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Opioid abuse has become a global epidemic and is now a huge public health concern here in the US. Non-medicinal use of opioid prescription drugs is at the forefront of the epidemic and considered the (")gateway(") drug to other illicit opioid use. As opioid prescribing has increased over the last decade in the US, so has opioid-related deaths, surpassing car accidents and suicide as the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is fundamental in decreasing...
Show moreOpioid abuse has become a global epidemic and is now a huge public health concern here in the US. Non-medicinal use of opioid prescription drugs is at the forefront of the epidemic and considered the (")gateway(") drug to other illicit opioid use. As opioid prescribing has increased over the last decade in the US, so has opioid-related deaths, surpassing car accidents and suicide as the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is fundamental in decreasing opioid abuse overdose and mortality. Therefore, the research study aims to determine if counseling adherence, opioid abstinence, and retention in MATs are influenced by personal characteristics, socio-economic factors, readiness to change, social support, and integrated care. Guided by social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and theory of reasoned action, the study will employ a retrospective cohort design utilizing opioid dependent patients from a MAT Program in West Florida. Analysis of three cox regression models indicated for personal factors: an increase in age was associated with patients being more likely to adhere to counseling (p=.001) and retention (p=.034), full-time employment (p=.043) was positively associated with opioid abstinence, whereas part-time employment (p=.037) was positively associated with retention, having insurance (public: p=.000) was positively associated with counseling adherence, opioid abstinence (public: p=.000, private: p=.035) and retention (public: p=.000, private: p=.000). With regards to environmental influences, social support was positively associated with opioid abstinence (p=.022) and integrated care was positively associated with opioid abstinence (p=.027) and retention (p=.000). Examining these factors are necessary to improve treatment adherence and expand MAT programs. Additionally, providing funding is crucial for practitioners to continually create educational intervention strategies to engage patients in treatment, thereby reducing the opioid overdose epidemic. This study extends the literature contributing to understanding personal factors and environmental influences in MATs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007074, ucf:52018
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007074
