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Title: A SURVEY OF THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS AMONG ELEMENTARY TEACHERS.
Creator: Rohani, Afrina R, Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research examined the possibility that personality traits play a part in career longevity and job satisfaction in the education field. The current study examined trends among the Big Five personality traits (Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) and their relation to job satisfaction in the elementary classroom. This researcher hypothesized that some common personality traits that are shared by teachers who persist in the classroom for...
Show moreThis research examined the possibility that personality traits play a part in career longevity and job satisfaction in the education field. The current study examined trends among the Big Five personality traits (Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) and their relation to job satisfaction in the elementary classroom. This researcher hypothesized that some common personality traits that are shared by teachers who persist in the classroom for five or more years, who are satisfied with their jobs and do not intend to leave. This researcher hypothesized that more experienced teachers would be high in Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness. This researcher hypothesized that less experienced teachers would have Big Five personality scores that are more diverse than those of experienced teachers and that are more representative of the personalities of the general population. This researcher also hypothesized that teachers who score higher in the areas of Neuroticism and lower on Conscientiousness and Extraversion, would be dissatisfied with their jobs. The survey was completed by 202 participants. Experienced teachers (those working in the classroom for five or more years), and less experienced teachers (those working in the classroom for four years or less) completed the Big Five personality survey, along with additional survey questions that assess job satisfaction, and intent to leave. This research found no trend among personality traits in experienced teachers compared to inexperienced teachers. There was, however, a correlation between intention to leave and Neuroticism as well as a correlation between job satisfaction and Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000257, ucf:45965
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000257

Title: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW TO ASSESS THE METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY OF INTERVENTION RESEARCH DESIGNED TO INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS.
Creator: Winn, Jolene, Tucker, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In comparison to normally developing children, many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do not possess the same opportunities to be physically active due to the impairments exhibited by their disorder. A systematic review using the Downs and Black checklist and the PEDro scale was conducted to assess the methodological quality of the literature on promoting physical activity in children with ASD. The following inclusion criteria had to be met: (1) subjects must include children with...
Show moreIn comparison to normally developing children, many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do not possess the same opportunities to be physically active due to the impairments exhibited by their disorder. A systematic review using the Downs and Black checklist and the PEDro scale was conducted to assess the methodological quality of the literature on promoting physical activity in children with ASD. The following inclusion criteria had to be met: (1) subjects must include children with a clinical ASD diagnosis (2) the children have to be under the age of thirteen years old (3) the interventions must target physical activity; lastly, (4) they must be a relevant peer-reviewed English language study. The search was conducted using four electronic databases: MEDLINE, ERIC, PsycInfo, and CINHL with no restriction on the publication year. The following keywords were utilized: "Autism", "ASD/ Autism Spectrum Disorder", "Asperger", "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" Those terms were paired with "physical activity", "physical exercise", "exercise", "fitness", "aerobic", "swim", "aquatic", "jog", "walk", "recreational activity" Which were also paired with the terms "school age", "child", "toddler", "preadolescent". This multi-step search procedure occurred during February 2013. The methodological quality of six studies was evaluated in February 2013. Overall, the conclusive scores determined by the Downs and and Black checklist and the PEDro scale varied greatly. The scores reported by the Downs and Black checklist ranged from 19 to 21 on a 27-point scale. PEDro scale yielded scores ranging between two and six on a 10-point scale. A vote count revealed that the exercise interventions increased the physical fitness, aquatic skills, social behaviors, and sensory integration children with ASD. In summary, the variation within the scores and the quality of the studies leads to a demand for future research. In order to adequately determine what exercise interventions effectively increase physical activity in children with ASD, future researchers should conduct randomized controlled trials in order to produce the highest quality of evidence.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004404, ucf:45092
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004404

Title: A SYSTEMIC LITERATURE REVIEW EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY REHABILITATION AND MOTIVATION ON GERIATRIC PATIENTS.
Creator: Buckman, Melissa A, Biddle, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of occupational therapy rehabilitation on geriatric patients by reviewing studies conducted on motivation in occupational therapy. In occupational therapy it is important that you set goals for your patients (Creek & Lougher, 2008). It is also important to understand what motivates a patient to achieve those goals because goals and valued activities are intimately connected to motivation. Motivation deals with why we perform certain...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of occupational therapy rehabilitation on geriatric patients by reviewing studies conducted on motivation in occupational therapy. In occupational therapy it is important that you set goals for your patients (Creek & Lougher, 2008). It is also important to understand what motivates a patient to achieve those goals because goals and valued activities are intimately connected to motivation. Motivation deals with why we perform certain behaviors. It can predict physical performance and how well a person might recover from an illness and has been suggested to be predictive for rehabilitation success (Carlson, 1997). Because the geriatric population has more longevity, it is important to ensure that they receive the appropriate care necessary to improve and maintain their quality of life (Mason, 1994). After reviewing multiple studies the results reinforced the importance of motivation in occupational therapy treatment. Self-efficacy was found to highly influence a person�s motivation and was a recurring theme throughout this review (Peralta-Catipon & Hwang, 2011). One key to understanding and studying motivation in older adults was to identify what occupations matter to them (Teitelman, Raber, & Watts, 2010). It is important that occupational therapists understand how occupations become meaningful for the geriatric population as participation in those occupations plays an important role in promoting productive aging. When the occupational therapist was able to understand how occupations became meaningful to the patient, they were more equipped to help motivate the patient to participate in their rehabilitation (Janssen & Stube, 2013).
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000007, ucf:45575
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000007

Title: A TIME OF TRANSITION: FROM WOLSEY TO CROMWELL IN ENGLAND.
Creator: Raphael, Brandon, Larson, Peter, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The period between 1527 and 1534 in England was a period of transition. King Henry VIII up until this time period had been faithfully served by his chief minister Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. The English nobility had increasingly become unsatisfied and jealous of the absolute power Wolsey had commanded for so many years. Wolsey had done a good job solidifying his position as well as maintaining his monopoly over the ears of the King. A faction against Wolsey emerges at a crucial juncture for Henry...
Show moreThe period between 1527 and 1534 in England was a period of transition. King Henry VIII up until this time period had been faithfully served by his chief minister Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. The English nobility had increasingly become unsatisfied and jealous of the absolute power Wolsey had commanded for so many years. Wolsey had done a good job solidifying his position as well as maintaining his monopoly over the ears of the King. A faction against Wolsey emerges at a crucial juncture for Henry, his divorce from Catherine of Aragon. The faction is successful in removing Wolsey from notoriety and influence. However, the ineptitude and lack of skill in administration that existed from those that had removed Wolsey paved the way for a new single chief minister, Thomas Cromwell. The intent of this thesis is to examine the transition from Wolsey to Cromwell. Using various primary sources including letters, parliamentary records, and observations of foreign ambassadors in addition to various secondary sources, the thesis follows the coming together of the faction against Wolsey to the collapse of that faction and the rise of Cromwell. Through analysis of these numerous sources it is shown that the failures of the anti-Wolsey faction to satisfy the King's greatest desire in addition to their overall weakness in governance paved the way for Cromwell.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004105, ucf:44868
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004105

Title: A TRANSCULTURAL PERSPECTIVE ON NONPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Leyva, Amanda W, Edwards, Joellen, Upvall, Michele, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Despite PPD's global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic...
Show moreDespite PPD's global extent, scarce research that addresses culturally competent alternative interventions exists. The purposes of this thesis were to 1) analyze the existing literature on non-pharmacological treatment of PPD in the US and across selected cultures; 2) determine the effectiveness of cross-cultural non-pharmaceutical therapy; and 3) examine and suggest ways health care providers can integrate non-pharmacologic interventions into PPD treatment in the US. The systematic electronic search comprised the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsycINFO and SAGE Research Methods. Searches were limited to English language, peer reviewed, and research articles between 2007 and 2017. A second search was performed through global Healthcare Organizations websites. The World Bank's country classifications by income level were adopted to present the findings. This review found that passing el calor to the newborn, yoga; and cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, family, and bright light therapies are successful interventions. Further, seclusion periods were identified as adequate interventions only when women voluntarily adopt the practice and have family support, with less social restrictions. While other non-pharmacological treatments' effectiveness was not ascertained, this thesis encourages healthcare professionals to integrate cultural traditions congruent with clients' preferences. Recommended nursing interventions and suggestions for improvement of current practice are also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000370, ucf:45916
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000370

Title: A TRIPARTILE BIOSENSOR FOR REAL-TIME SNPS DETECTION IN DNA HAIRPIN MOTIF.
Creator: Nguyen, Camha, Kolpashchikov, Dmitry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The hybridization between two complementary strands of nucleic acid is the basis for a number of applications in DNA and RNA analysis, including in vivo RNA monitoring, microarrays, SNPs detection, and so on. The short oligonucleotide probes form Watson/Crick base pairs (A-T and G-C) with the analyzed nucleic acid. Molecular beacon (MB) probe is one of the most advantageous tools for nucleic acid analysis in real-time. A traditional MB probe consists of a DNA strand folded in hairpin motif...
Show moreThe hybridization between two complementary strands of nucleic acid is the basis for a number of applications in DNA and RNA analysis, including in vivo RNA monitoring, microarrays, SNPs detection, and so on. The short oligonucleotide probes form Watson/Crick base pairs (A-T and G-C) with the analyzed nucleic acid. Molecular beacon (MB) probe is one of the most advantageous tools for nucleic acid analysis in real-time. A traditional MB probe consists of a DNA strand folded in hairpin motif with a fluorophore attached to the 5'end and a quencher attached to the 3' end. The loop segment is complementary to the analytes. Upon hybridization to a complementary single-stranded nucleic acid, MB probe switches to the elongated conformation, which separates the fluorophore from the quencher, resulting in high fluorescence signal. However, DNA or RNA folded in hairpin motifs are difficult to analyze by a conventional MB probes. Inefficient formation of the duplex between the secondary analyte and the MB probe results in low or undetectable fluorescent signal. In this project, we developed a tripartite probe consisting of one MB probe and two adaptor strands to genotype single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in DNA hairpin motifs in real-time fluorescent assays. Each adaptor strand contains a fragment complementary to the analyte and a fragment complementary to an MB probe. One adaptor strand hybridizes to the analyte and unwinds its secondary structure, and the other strand forms stable complex only with the fully complementary analyte sequence. The tri-component probe promises to simplify nucleic acid analysis at ambient temperatures in such application as in vivo RNA monitoring and isothermal detection of specific DNA/RNA targets.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003768, ucf:44722
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003768

Title: ACADEMIC COMPETENCE, SELF-EFFICACY, AND ACHIEVEMENT EXPECTATIONS AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Creator: Hynson, Emily, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the vast and continued growth of international students in the U.S., it is important to focus on this expanding group and identify factors that aid or hinder academic performance, achievement, expectations, and competence. Factors known to affect academics among international students, such as language barriers, acculturation to American society, university support and structure, social integration at the university, family support, and motivating factors to study in the U.S were...
Show moreWith the vast and continued growth of international students in the U.S., it is important to focus on this expanding group and identify factors that aid or hinder academic performance, achievement, expectations, and competence. Factors known to affect academics among international students, such as language barriers, acculturation to American society, university support and structure, social integration at the university, family support, and motivating factors to study in the U.S were examined. It was hypothesized that these known factors would negatively correlate with the academic outcomes of international students examined in the current study. It was also hypothesized that these factors can combine to best predict the academic outcomes of international college students. First, intercorrelations were conducted with the independent and dependent variables to determine if the factors examined in the study (i.e., language barriers, acculturation to American society, university support and structure, social integration at the university, family support, and motivating factors to study in the U.S.) are negatively correlated with the academic outcomes of international students. Then a series of linear regressions was conducted to test the hypothesis that these factors can combine to best predict the academic outcomes of international college students. Results found significant relationships between the predictor variables and the outcome variables in this study, specifically among support (university, familial, and social), acculturation, language barriers, motivating factors to study, and self-efficacy.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000541, ucf:45637
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000541

Title: ACCULTURATION FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN IMMIGRANT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: Desir, Suzeline, Quelly, Susan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Childhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and...
Show moreChildhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and lifestyles, has been shown to be associated with the increased obesity rate among immigrant children and adolescents. Understanding the association between acculturation factors and CO is necessary to effectively combat obesity among children and adolescents in immigrant populations. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the association of acculturation factors on the prevalence of CO among U.S. immigrant children and adolescents. Only articles that examined CO and at least one aspect of acculturation were included in this review. Twelve articles meeting the criteria were retrieved from CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Academic Search Premier, and ERIC. The review identified the following acculturation factors to be associated with CO: parental immigration factors, child immigration factors, country of birth, generational status and primary home language, parental level of acculturation, and CO related lifestyle practices. There is modest evidence to suggest that a combination of acculturation factors is associated with increasing CO rate in immigrant populations. This review enhances the knowledge and awareness of public and pediatric healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions that promote healthy weight in immigrant children and adolescents at increased risk for obesity.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004776, ucf:45357
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004776

Title: ACTIVATION AND EXPANSION OF NATURAL KILLER CELLS FOR CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH EX21 EXOSOMES.
Creator: Khederzadeh, Sara, Copik, Alicja, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the field of cancer immunotherapy, NK cells are recognized for their ability to provide a form of innate immunity against tumor cells. However, the average abundance of NK cells in the blood can be as low as 5% of the total lymphocyte population. As a result, it has been a focus to find novel therapies to expand NK cells in vitro while subsequently enhancing the cytotoxicity of these cells. Previously-defined methods include the minimal expansion of NK cells with high levels of cytokines...
Show moreIn the field of cancer immunotherapy, NK cells are recognized for their ability to provide a form of innate immunity against tumor cells. However, the average abundance of NK cells in the blood can be as low as 5% of the total lymphocyte population. As a result, it has been a focus to find novel therapies to expand NK cells in vitro while subsequently enhancing the cytotoxicity of these cells. Previously-defined methods include the minimal expansion of NK cells with high levels of cytokines such as IL-2 and IL-15, as well as co-culturing NK cells with feeder cell populations that are genetically modified to express NK-stimulating factors. Another method involves the use of artificially-derived plasma membrane nanoparticles (PM21) that express membrane-bound IL-21 (mb21) to successfully expand NK cells by a factor of 103 in 14 days. Exosomes, which are cell-derived vesicles naturally secreted by cancer cells, may reveal a novel way to expand NK cells and enhance their cytotoxicity by taking advantage of the exchange of genetic information within the tumor microenvironment. To test this hypothesis, NK cells have been cultured with varying concentrations of exosomes derived from modified K562-mb21-41BBl (a chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line) and shown to achieve 200-fold expansion of NK cells from other PBMCs in 14 days, a growth comparable to that of PM-21 particles. In vitro assays as well as co-culturing with various tumor cell lines will determine the cytotoxicity of these expanded cells. Potentially, exosomes may be applied as an in vivo therapy for NK cell expansion.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000262, ucf:45963
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000262

Title: ACTIVITY BUDGETS AND BEHAVIOR OF CAPTIVE BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEYS (ATELES GEOFFROYI) AT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS.
Creator: Hargrave, Stephanie, Mansfield, Kate, Logiudice, Frank, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Establishing baseline activity budgets for zoo-housed captive animals can be important in tracking behavior changes that may indicate medical or other concerns, as well as assessing overall welfare and the need for implementation of interventions such as increased amounts of enrichment. This study sought to calculate activity budgets for the current spider monkeys residing at the Central Florida Zoo, a father-daughter pair of Ateles geoffroyi. Having a baseline activity budget is also...
Show moreEstablishing baseline activity budgets for zoo-housed captive animals can be important in tracking behavior changes that may indicate medical or other concerns, as well as assessing overall welfare and the need for implementation of interventions such as increased amounts of enrichment. This study sought to calculate activity budgets for the current spider monkeys residing at the Central Florida Zoo, a father-daughter pair of Ateles geoffroyi. Having a baseline activity budget is also valuable because major changes in behavior may accompany the upcoming introduction of new individuals to this particular group of spider monkeys. BORIS behavior coding software was used to log behavior continuously over 58.3 hours of observation. The individuals in this zoo setting spent significantly more time stationary (resting or still and awake) and less time engaged in feeding behavior than wild spider monkeys. However, they spent as much or more of their time moving than Ateles species in natural settings. Temperature and exhibit renovation had minimal to no observed effects on activity budgets. Human presence usually has the effect of increasing activity and vigilance of animals while decreasing resting time, but on busier days at the zoo, one subject (a pet-reared male spider monkey) spent more time resting and less time moving than when there were fewer zoo visitors. No aggression was observed, but affiliative social behavior like allogrooming and embracing was observed infrequently. The study animals appeared to lack the bimodal pattern of activity (with activity peaking early and late in the day) common in wild spider monkeys, a finding that is consistent with activity budgets of other spider monkeys that are frequently exposed to humans. Time of day affected activity budgets to a small degree; the monkeys became more active later in the day and spent more time resting in the morning.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000518, ucf:45607
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000518

Title: ADDING CEREBRAL AUTOREGULATION TO A LUMPED PARAMETER MODEL OF BLOOD FLOW.
Creator: Gentile, Rusty, Kassab, Alain, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A mathematical model of blood flow in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) was improved by adding cerebral autoregulation. This is the process by which blood vessels constrict or dilate to keep blood flow steady in certain organs during pressure changes. The original lumped parameter model transformed the fluid flow into an electrical circuit. Its behavior is described using a system of thirty-three coupled differential equations that are solved numerically using a fourth-order...
Show moreA mathematical model of blood flow in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) was improved by adding cerebral autoregulation. This is the process by which blood vessels constrict or dilate to keep blood flow steady in certain organs during pressure changes. The original lumped parameter model transformed the fluid flow into an electrical circuit. Its behavior is described using a system of thirty-three coupled differential equations that are solved numerically using a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method implemented in MATLAB. A literature review that includes a discussion of autoregulation mechanisms and approaches to modeling them is followed by a description of the model created for this paper. The model is based on the baroreceptor or neurogenic theory of autoregulation. According to this theory, nerves in certain places within the cardiovascular system detect changes in blood pressure. The brain then compensates by sending a signal to blood vessels to constrict or dilate. The model of the control system responded fairly well to a pressure drop with a steady state error of about two percent. Running the model with or without the control system activated had little effect on other parameters, notably cardiac output. A more complete model of blood flow control would include autonomic regulation. This would vary more parameters than local autoregulation, including heart rate and contractility. This is suggested as a topic of further research.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004214, ucf:44933
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004214

Title: ADDRESSING NEED FOR RESEARCH-FOCUSED NURSES BY INCREASING INTEREST AND SOCIALIZATION AT THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL.
Creator: Thomas, Sarah, Norris, Anne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The U.S. shortage of qualified nursing teachers and researchers is affecting national health care outcomes. Methods such as fast-tracking Baccalaureate nurses into graduate programs and embedding leadership development early into nursing curricula have been proposed to address faculty and research shortages. Early interest in nursing research careers increases likelihood of enrollment in graduate education. One way undergraduate nursing students may develop an interest in research careers is...
Show moreThe U.S. shortage of qualified nursing teachers and researchers is affecting national health care outcomes. Methods such as fast-tracking Baccalaureate nurses into graduate programs and embedding leadership development early into nursing curricula have been proposed to address faculty and research shortages. Early interest in nursing research careers increases likelihood of enrollment in graduate education. One way undergraduate nursing students may develop an interest in research careers is through a mentored apprenticeship with research-active faculty. In this thesis, the author uses an autoethnography methodology to examine the benefits that a mentored research apprenticeship model brought to her undergraduate experience. Her experience incorporated a variety of roles in an adolescent intervention program with Dr. Anne Norris (PI) at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing. Several themes about the experience were defined in the results. Early research exposure that socializes a student to the nursing research world may provide a means for addressing the nursing faculty shortage. This socialization can generate interest in a research career and promote undergraduate students with the essential tools and insights needed to pursue this career pathway. However, findings from this study suggest a student-mentor relationship early in the undergraduate education experience is essential.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004594, ucf:45232
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004594

Title: ADOLESCENT MOTHERS IN AN INTERVENTION STUDY: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VARIABLES RELATING TO THEIR TEACHING INTERACTIONS WITH THEIR INFANTS.
Creator: Guzman, Janisse, Culp, Anne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis was to study, in depth, the experiences of four adolescent mothers who underwent a home intervention program. I studied two mothers who did well with teaching their 12-month old children during play, and two mothers who did not do as well. All four mothers received weekly intervention from the time of their child's birth through 12-months of age. I studied the following variables: 1) how much time the home visitors spent on selected child development and parenting...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis was to study, in depth, the experiences of four adolescent mothers who underwent a home intervention program. I studied two mothers who did well with teaching their 12-month old children during play, and two mothers who did not do as well. All four mothers received weekly intervention from the time of their child's birth through 12-months of age. I studied the following variables: 1) how much time the home visitors spent on selected child development and parenting topics; 2) the mother's perceived social support; 3) how many community resources the mother used; and 4) if the infant was healthy and within normal developmental range. All of the mothers struggled in their lives, yet varied in the quality and time of most of the variables. It was striking how different each one was from the other. The implications of the study are important for child development specialists who can use the qualitative data within this document to better understand first time adolescent mothers in order to improve the outcomes of the home visitation services that they provide to mothers and infants. After spending time studying these four adolescent mothers, I would recommend that adolescent women not get pregnant. Adolescence is a time that is meant for experiences and self-discovery and should be spent free from a dependent child who critically needs them. Future research and funding should be spent on preventing adolescent pregnancy and ensuring that flexible curriculum be utilized by the home visitors in order to meet the varying needs of adolescent mothers.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004251, ucf:44934
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004251

Title: ADOLESCENT MOTHERS' IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THEIR CHILDREN'S EARLY LANGUAGE AND EMERGENT LITERACY SKILLS.
Creator: Canty, Meredith C, Towson, Jacqueline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous studies have examined how the language skills of children with adolescent mothers differs from children of older mothers. However, there is limited information on what specific strategies adolescent mothers utilize to increase early language and emergent literacy skills in their children. The aim of the present study is to examine adolescent mothers' use of strategies to increase the early language and emergent literacy skills of their young children. A sample of 14 adolescent...
Show morePrevious studies have examined how the language skills of children with adolescent mothers differs from children of older mothers. However, there is limited information on what specific strategies adolescent mothers utilize to increase early language and emergent literacy skills in their children. The aim of the present study is to examine adolescent mothers' use of strategies to increase the early language and emergent literacy skills of their young children. A sample of 14 adolescent mothers enrolled in a teen parenting program were surveyed on their use of common strategies that are shown to facilitate early development of language and literacy skills in young children, and they provided a self-report of their child's language development using a norm-referenced tool. A researcher developed questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of strategies used by the adolescent mothers. The MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories were used to gather child language development data to compare with the frequency of strategy usage. The measures were analyzed with ANOVAs, Pearson Correlations and Spearman's rank-order correlations to determine the significance and relationship between variables. Adolescent mothers were found to generally score low on the Self-Assessment of Language and Literacy Implementation (SALLI), with deficits specifically in the areas of Directiveness and Home Environment. The CDIs showed that the children were reported to have below average language development, and their scores were significantly related to aspects of the adolescent mother's reported implementation.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH0000234, ucf:44677
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000234

Title: ADULT ATTACHMENT PATTERNS, ETHNIC EXPERIENCE, AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE: COMPARING AFRICAN AMERICAN AND CAUCASIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Robin, Melissa, Chin, Matthew, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this thesis was to examine adult attachment patterns and ethnic experience and the relationship on social competence. There are limited studies that have examined the differences among racially and ethnically diverse populations. A total of 60 university undergraduate students completed the Relationship Questionnaire, Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, Measure of Adolescent Hetersocial Competence, and the Scale of Ethnic Experience. Results showed that some differences...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis was to examine adult attachment patterns and ethnic experience and the relationship on social competence. There are limited studies that have examined the differences among racially and ethnically diverse populations. A total of 60 university undergraduate students completed the Relationship Questionnaire, Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, Measure of Adolescent Hetersocial Competence, and the Scale of Ethnic Experience. Results showed that some differences existed between the two groups in terms of attachment patterns. Ethnic identity was related to social competence with both groups. It is suggested that ethnic experience may be useful for studying social competence.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004403, ucf:45135
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004403

Title: AEROBIC EXERCISE AS A MEANS OF REDUCING LOW BACK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Privett , Theresa, Schellhase , Kristen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Low back pain (LBP) is considered the leading cause of inactivity and lost employment time. It can be extremely difficult to treat as most conventional therapies have poor success rates. People with LBP need to be made more aware of the diverse and economical treatments available in order to save on expenses and diminish stress. Patients and healthcare professionals have many choices when deciding on the best plan of care; however, it is often difficult to determine which option...
Show moreBackground: Low back pain (LBP) is considered the leading cause of inactivity and lost employment time. It can be extremely difficult to treat as most conventional therapies have poor success rates. People with LBP need to be made more aware of the diverse and economical treatments available in order to save on expenses and diminish stress. Patients and healthcare professionals have many choices when deciding on the best plan of care; however, it is often difficult to determine which option is best. Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if aerobic exercises play a role in reducing pain in the low back. Methods: A computerized electronic search was performed using CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with key words including low back pain or lumbar pain combined with aerobic and exercise. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that were randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials, peer reviewed, published in the English language, identified low back pain as the primary concern, and identified aerobic exercises as one of the treatment options. Results: The initial search of the database revealed a total of 40 studies. Hand searching of the references had also revealed an additional 7. Of those 47 studies, 13 were selected as potentially meeting the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 10 studies were retained for the final results of the systematic review. Conclusion: The evaluations provided evidence to suggest that aerobic exercise has positive effects on subjects with LBP. Aerobic exercise encourages strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. This outcome has also shown to promote levels of activity, leaving the subject feeling better both physically and mentally.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004174, ucf:44847
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004174

Title: AEROMONAS HYDROPHILA IN AMPHIBIANS: HARMLESS BYSTANDER OR OPPORTUNISTIC PATHOGEN.
Creator: Rivas, Zachary P, Savage, Anna Evangeline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: For several decades amphibian populations have been declining. Historically, the bacterium A. hydrophila (Ah) was hypothesized to be the causal factor in amphibian disease and population declines. However, with the discovery of a chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in 1998, which was identified on the skin of amphibians during documented mortality events, Ah research became of minor interest as focus shifted to Bd. Recent studies into the immunocompromising abilities of Bd,...
Show moreFor several decades amphibian populations have been declining. Historically, the bacterium A. hydrophila (Ah) was hypothesized to be the causal factor in amphibian disease and population declines. However, with the discovery of a chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in 1998, which was identified on the skin of amphibians during documented mortality events, Ah research became of minor interest as focus shifted to Bd. Recent studies into the immunocompromising abilities of Bd, however, have opened new questions about its relationship with Ah and their combined effects on a host. In this study, I explore the relationship between infection with these two pathogens, Bd and Ah, in two amphibian species from distinct regions of the United States. I developed a novel qPCR assay to measure the microbial load of Ah on the skin of two anuran species, Lithobates yavapaiensis (N=232) and Pseudacris ornata (N=169), which have confirmed Bd infections. I use a logistic regression model to identify whether significant relationships exist between these two pathogens, disease, and death. I find that even amongst the most severely infected frogs, Ah is not detectable on the skin and only appears post-mortem. I therefore conclude that Ah is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, scavenging on anurans only after mortality events. This research is the first known study to quantitatively assess Ah in amphibians in conjunction with Bd. While there is no causal relationship between these pathogens, future work will examine potential Ah infections in other organs to more fully understand the relationship between Bd and Ah.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000013, ucf:45589
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000013

Title: AFRICAN AMERICAN MOTHERS' NARRATIVES OF BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT FROM HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.
Creator: Treadwell, Tessa, Carter, Shannon Dr., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research indicates that African American women breastfeed at the lowest rates of any racial/ethnic group in the U.S. Breastfeeding has shown to have numerous health benefits for both mother and baby, making the lower rates of breastfeeding among African Americans a public health concern. Racial disparities in healthcare may contribute to these discrepancies. This research will analyze the perceptions of information and social support for breastfeeding provided by healthcare providers among a...
Show moreResearch indicates that African American women breastfeed at the lowest rates of any racial/ethnic group in the U.S. Breastfeeding has shown to have numerous health benefits for both mother and baby, making the lower rates of breastfeeding among African Americans a public health concern. Racial disparities in healthcare may contribute to these discrepancies. This research will analyze the perceptions of information and social support for breastfeeding provided by healthcare providers among a sample of African American mothers who breastfed their babies. The study asks: Do participants regard their healthcare providers as supportive of breastfeeding? Data were collected through in-depth qualitative interviews with 22 African American mothers. Participants interpreted their providers' opinions on breastfeeding and formula and discussed whether they felt supported to breastfeed. Findings reveal which healthcare providers were perceived to be the most supportive of breastfeeding and themes within the time-frame codes: pregnancy, labor and birth, immediately after birth, and postpartum. The majority of participants felt supported during the first three stages. However, during the postpartum period, there was a lack of assistance from healthcare providers, resulting in limited breastfeeding support. Participants that did receive postpartum support typically received verbal affirmation, rather than given useful information.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000260, ucf:45924
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000260

Title: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN AND A JOURNEY THROUGH MUSICAL THEATRE AND OPERA.
Creator: McCloud, Shonn, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study is to outline the origins of African-American men in musical theatre, uncover their contributions to the art form, and explore how their legacy is continued today. I was inspired to do this research because through my undergraduate curriculum I have only narrowly studied African-American men in musical theatre and opera history. Upon realizing the lack of attention to this subject matter, not only in my curriculum but in historical resources, I was inspired to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to outline the origins of African-American men in musical theatre, uncover their contributions to the art form, and explore how their legacy is continued today. I was inspired to do this research because through my undergraduate curriculum I have only narrowly studied African-American men in musical theatre and opera history. Upon realizing the lack of attention to this subject matter, not only in my curriculum but in historical resources, I was inspired to address the need for this research. The courses I have taken included Theatre History 1 and 2 and Musical Theatre History 1 and 2; recognition of African-Americans in the theatrical arts has been discussed at a minimal level. The majority of African-American studies in these classes focus on minstrelsy and its contribution to American musical theatre. Minstrelsy was an American form of entertainment consisting of variety acts, dancing, and music during the early 1900s. The shows were a mockery of African-Americans with white (Sometimes Black) men dressing themselves in clown-like costumes and black face paint to depict a caricature of blacks. Throughout my coursework I have found there is still a presence of Minstrelsy in the framework of American musical theatre today. Understanding how minstrelsy influenced musical theatre led me to research Bert Williams, a pioneer African-American performer both in minstrelsy and American theatre. Bert Williams broke racial barriers, allowing African-Americans to perform alongside whites and gain proper show billing. This not only influenced theatre, but the social temperature of the time as well, as the stereotype of African-Americans in society slowly began to be broken down, and whites having the opportunity to see African-Americans as normal people aided in the seeding and progression of the civil rights movement. To further study the works and life of Bert Williams, I learned and performed his iconic song, "Nobody." The song is a commentary of how Williams is overlooked because he is an African-American man. It talks about how he is expected to be funny and make a mockery of himself at the expense of himself. In researching the historical context and gaining an understanding of the content within the song, I was able to better understand other roles I have played in various musicals. This gave me a different perspective to the subject matter of racism within a show. Furthermore, it allowed me to view the evolution of African-American roles in musical theatre, and how they originated in vaudevillian shows. A subject of which I had never explored within my classes. Williams had a very successful and influential career and became the basis for my research. However, as I began my exploration, I realized there were a vast variety of men of color who either contributed as much, if not more, to the progression of African-American men in musical theatre and opera. Bert Williams, Todd Duncan, and Paul Robeson all forged careers in musical theatre and/or opera. These men aided in presenting African-American men in realistic settings and not as stereotyped caricatures. African-American men in musical theatre and opera are typically overlooked for their contribution to the art forms. However, Bert Williams, Todd Duncan, and Paul Robeson were trailblazers for African-American men in musical theatre and opera; utilizing their status and fame to make political change and fight for equal rights, both on and off stage. Their legacy is seen in the art form through the structure of musical theatre, the content of the musical comedy that led to the musical drama, and through the integration of the African-American performer in both musical theatre and opera. In continuation of their legacy, we see more roles in shows for African-American men and a growing interest in shows with African-Americans. The recent opening and revivals of shows like Porgy and Bess, Motown: The Musical, and Kinky Boots all feature leading African-American men on stage. My duty as a young African-American practitioner of both musical theatre and opera is to continue their legacy through both my studies and performance. I am honored to be a part of their legacy, furthering their contributions, and bringing light to their stories through my research and analysis.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004588, ucf:45193
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004588

Title: AFTER HURRICANE MARIA: PUERTO RICAN MIGRANTS AND RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION IN THE ORLANDO MSA.
Creator: Ospina, Gabriella, Cox, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to analyze the racial attitudes of residents in the Orlando MSA towards Puerto Rican migrants that have moved as a result of Hurricane Maria and analyze the effects these attitudes may have on racial residential segregation in Central Florida. As the state with the third largest population of Latinos, Florida's residential landscape continues to be uniquely formed by a diverse, and markedly Latino, population. Florida's location in relation to South American and...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to analyze the racial attitudes of residents in the Orlando MSA towards Puerto Rican migrants that have moved as a result of Hurricane Maria and analyze the effects these attitudes may have on racial residential segregation in Central Florida. As the state with the third largest population of Latinos, Florida's residential landscape continues to be uniquely formed by a diverse, and markedly Latino, population. Florida's location in relation to South American and Caribbean countries has made it an opportune destination for immigrants and refugees. Therefore, it came as no surprise that when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in late 2017, thousands of Puerto Ricans sought refuge in Florida. This thesis examines racial attitudes towards this group of Puerto Rican migrants and the ways in which they could potentially affect neighborhood demographics. The study proceeds by collecting survey responses from participants living in the Orlando areas being analyzed. The survey asks participants about their general views of Puerto Rican migrants, it tests their knowledge of racial residential patterns in Orlando, and it analyzes their neighborhood preferences using a show card method.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000563, ucf:45691
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000563

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