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Title: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPLICATION OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY ON THE AUDIT PROFESSION.
Creator: Jackson, Brittany, Reinking, Jeff, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research is to identify the implications of blockchain technology on the auditing profession. By conducting interviews with current professionals in the auditing profession, as well as those in academic with a background in auditing, primary data was collected to aggregate what potential effects will be on the auditing profession in the next five years and the next decade. The data includes assumptions of how the accounting major itself, the auditing planning phase,...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to identify the implications of blockchain technology on the auditing profession. By conducting interviews with current professionals in the auditing profession, as well as those in academic with a background in auditing, primary data was collected to aggregate what potential effects will be on the auditing profession in the next five years and the next decade. The data includes assumptions of how the accounting major itself, the auditing planning phase, assumptions of risk, and audit completions will change with the developing technology. The goal of this research is a better understanding of how auditing will be affected by blockchain technology for students, current audit professionals, and those in academia. With the results, it was concluded that training of new and current employees will need to evolve with more emphasis on IT skills and analytical reasoning, blockchain's development is on a precipice of adoption within the next decade, and that there is a current gap regarding regulation of blockchain technology.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000421, ucf:45738
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000421

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF A HEMERYTHRIN-LIKE PROTEIN IN MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS.
Creator: Herndon, Caitlyn, Rohde, Kyle, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8 million people each year are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) leading to 1.5 million deaths annually. This staggering number calls for advancements in understanding this bacterium so progress can be made in treating and preventing the disease. It is particularly important to understand mechanisms by which TB survives inside hostile host immune cells known as macrophages and within hypoxic granuloma lesions of...
Show moreAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8 million people each year are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) leading to 1.5 million deaths annually. This staggering number calls for advancements in understanding this bacterium so progress can be made in treating and preventing the disease. It is particularly important to understand mechanisms by which TB survives inside hostile host immune cells known as macrophages and within hypoxic granuloma lesions of the lung. Preliminary microarray data has shown that a TB gene known as Rv2633c is induced upon macrophage invasion. Bioinformatic analysis of Rv2633c coding sequence shows the product of Rv2633c has homology with hemerythrin-like proteins. Hemerythrins are a class of proteins commonly used to bind oxygen and sense nitric oxide and iron, leading us to hypothesize a role for Rv2633c in surviving hypoxic or nitrosative stress encountered within macrophages and granulomas. My first aim will be to generate a reporter strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm) expressing the mCherry fluorescent protein driven by the Rv2633c promoter. This tool will allow us to determine the stress conditions (i.e. hypoxia, nitric oxide treatment, acid pH) that activate expression of this gene by measuring the change in fluorescence. Linking the regulation of Rv2633c to specific environmental cues relevant to infections in vivo will provide insight into the role of this unique protein. Secondly, a knockout mutant of Rv2633c in the attenuated M. bovis BCG will be constructed and characterized to determine the importance and function of this protein during TB infections.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004647, ucf:45291
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004647

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM VAMP8 SNARE HOMOLOGUE.
Creator: Camacho Ferreira, Katherine, Chakrabarti, Debopam, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Malaria is one of the worlds most deadly infectious diseases and results in almost a million deaths each year, largely in children under the age of five in Sub-Saharan Africa. Outside Africa, malaria is responsible for a large number of cases in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Middle East, and in some areas of Asia . According to the World Health Organization, there was an estimated 655, 000 deaths from malaria in 2012. Malaria is caused by a eukaryotic Apicomplexan parasite, Plasmodium,...
Show moreMalaria is one of the worlds most deadly infectious diseases and results in almost a million deaths each year, largely in children under the age of five in Sub-Saharan Africa. Outside Africa, malaria is responsible for a large number of cases in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Middle East, and in some areas of Asia . According to the World Health Organization, there was an estimated 655, 000 deaths from malaria in 2012. Malaria is caused by a eukaryotic Apicomplexan parasite, Plasmodium, which has three distinct life cycles occurring in the midgut of the female Anopheles mosquito, the liver of the human host, and human erythrocytes. When the parasite infects the erythrocyte, some induced cell host modifications are made in order to accommodate growth. During its intra-erythrocytic life cycle, the malaria parasite traffics numerous proteins to a set of unique destinations within its own plasma membrane including the digestive vacuole, the apicoplast, rhoptries, and micronemes. Vesicular transport is an essential process in eukaryotic cells. This coordinated process is responsible for moving thousands of proteins between compartments within the cell. Essential to the targeting and fusion of protein transport vesicles in eukaryotes are SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors), a family of fusogenic proteins that are localized to distinct intracellular compartments . Studies performed in our laboratory have identified 18 proteins putatively belonging to the PfSNARE family . To date the exact role of PfSNAREs in the unique trafficking pathways of malaria is undetermined. Of particular interest to our study is PfVAMP8. In model eukaryotic organisms, VAMP8 containing vesicles deliver cargo to lysosomes and are involved in endocytosis. The food vacuole of the parasite is very similar to that of lysosomes and is essential to parasite survival. The study aims to identify the organelle(s) to which PfVAMP8 is localized and characterize membrane-association properties of this parasite's R-SNARE protein. We believe that PfVAMP8 would localize to unique compartments in the parasite protein network flow. An in depth understanding of its mechanisms and localizations could be a key in developing novel anti-malarials. This study aims to identify the organelle(s) to which PfVAMP8 are localized, determine the trafficking determinants of this protein and determine this proteins' expression and membrane association during the intra-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Our immunofluorescence studies with known biological markers reveals that, PfVAMP8 passes through the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and localizes to the food vacuole during trophozoite and schizont stage. Further characterization of the membrane association properties of the protein in this study reveals that PfVAMP8 is a soluble integral membrane protein with amphipathic characteristics.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004525, ucf:45157
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004525

Title: UNIFICACION: THE THINGS THAT BIND US.
Creator: Muriel, Kaylani E, Milanes, Cecilia Rodr�guez, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Unificacion: The Things That Bind Us is a collection of poetry and prose, using New York City's Spanish Harlem and Carolina, Puerto Rico as its backdrop. Each work in this collection revolves around a young man and his family, based on the real-life stories and experiences of the writer's grandfather, Luis. They are crafted with the intent of sharing aspects of Puerto Rican life both in and out of the continental United States with a diverse audience, including those who might not have...
Show moreUnificacion: The Things That Bind Us is a collection of poetry and prose, using New York City's Spanish Harlem and Carolina, Puerto Rico as its backdrop. Each work in this collection revolves around a young man and his family, based on the real-life stories and experiences of the writer's grandfather, Luis. They are crafted with the intent of sharing aspects of Puerto Rican life both in and out of the continental United States with a diverse audience, including those who might not have encountered any elements of the Hispanic culture. Using techniques inspired by writers like Jes�s Colon, Esmeralda Santiago, and Piri Thomas, each of the pieces focus on a different element of the Puerto Rican culture. The intent is to give audiences an idea of the cultural values, familial structures, and other norms typical of the Puerto Rican culture by providing glimpses into the everyday lives of the same family on the island and the mainland. The works capture their struggle to make the most of the life they've found themselves in, and emphasize one boy's growth as he attempts to find his role in the family. Overall, the goal of this work is to craft a story that can appeal to all audiences, bringing the Puerto Rican culture to life for all who encounter it.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000430, ucf:45829
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000430

Title: UNPLUGGING: A PARENT'S HANDBOOK FOR CHILDREN'S TECHNOLOGY USE.
Creator: Taylor, Victoria R, Gresham, Gina, Jennings-Towle, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to explore children's technology usage, technology's effects, and what can be done to regulate technology use for children and families. The overuse of technology by children has been proven to be detrimental to a child's emotions and health and wellness. Children need rules and regulations for proper use of technology as well as instruction on how to positively use technology. In a world of growing technologies and the creation of new digital devices, research is...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore children's technology usage, technology's effects, and what can be done to regulate technology use for children and families. The overuse of technology by children has been proven to be detrimental to a child's emotions and health and wellness. Children need rules and regulations for proper use of technology as well as instruction on how to positively use technology. In a world of growing technologies and the creation of new digital devices, research is needed for assist parents and guardians of children of all ages. This thesis focuses on the negative effects of technology on the developing child and will produce a handbook for parents. The handbook includes a letter to parents, reasons for regulation, guidelines, activities for technology replacement, strategies, and lessons on digital citizenship. This tool for parents is the start to raising responsible digital citizens. With this handbook, parents will gain insight on what they can do for their children and with their children in order to effectively use technology in a positive and beneficial way. The handbook includes a list of books and websites for parents to complete more research and provides an extensive list of activities and guidelines for technology and technology replacement. The purpose of this handbook is help parents to better understand what technology does to their children and how they can work with technology in the most positive and educational ways.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000243, ucf:45974
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000243

Title: UPBUILDING OPPOSITIONS: KIERKEGAARD, CAMUS, AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE.
Creator: Luzardo, Jesus, Strawser, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Despite the fact that they are both known as leading figures of existentialism, the relationship between 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard and 20th century French philosopher and novelist Albert Camus has largely gone unexplored in secondary scholarship. In the few times that their relationship is discussed, focus is heavily placed on the most obvious difference between the two thinkers: their religious orientations, which tends to prevent any further analysis or discussion....
Show moreDespite the fact that they are both known as leading figures of existentialism, the relationship between 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard and 20th century French philosopher and novelist Albert Camus has largely gone unexplored in secondary scholarship. In the few times that their relationship is discussed, focus is heavily placed on the most obvious difference between the two thinkers: their religious orientations, which tends to prevent any further analysis or discussion. Furthermore, popular conceptions of each thinker-largely informed by their most popular works, arguably Fear and Trembling and The Myth of Sisyphus, respectively-tend to depict them as pessimistic and individualistic figures, the former basing his philosophy on an irrational leap of faith and the latter basing his own on the world's meaninglessness and absurdity. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an alternative, or rather a corrective, to these aforementioned views on the two thinkers. Through literary and philosophical analyses, I will attempt to demonstrate not only that there is a concrete, fecund relationship between Kierkegaard and Camus, but furthermore that this relationship is grounded in a practical, duty-based philosophy of love. The thesis will look at three concepts that play a key role in both philosophies: the absurd, love, and aesthetic creation. As the analysis progresses, it is repeatedly shown that the thinkers' opposing views on theology do not prevent us from finding similar conceptions and practical manifestations of selfhood, neighborly and romantic love, and the social role of the artist. Thus, I shall argue that they are most properly understood as philosophers of love who saw themselves as social critics whose main goal was to help eradicate the corrupting and dangerous nihilism of their respective eras rather than as traditional philosophers.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004410, ucf:45122
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004410

Title: URINALYSIS SCREENING OF DRUGS IN ADULTERATED SAMPLES VIA DIRECT ANALYSIS IN REAL TIME -- HIGH RESOLUTION/ MASS SPECTROMETRY (DART-HR/MS).
Creator: Olivieri, Bianca E, Bridge, Candice, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Current screening methods for drug analysis with urine samples includes examination of the sample with an immunoassay. These methods are used to determine the concentration of drug metabolites contained within the sample prior to further confirmatory testing. Drug testing plays a crucial role in maintaining safe workplace environments and safety of individuals. However, a positive result can lead to heavy consequences for the employee including suspension or removal from the workplace....
Show moreCurrent screening methods for drug analysis with urine samples includes examination of the sample with an immunoassay. These methods are used to determine the concentration of drug metabolites contained within the sample prior to further confirmatory testing. Drug testing plays a crucial role in maintaining safe workplace environments and safety of individuals. However, a positive result can lead to heavy consequences for the employee including suspension or removal from the workplace. Therefore, a majority of individuals add commonly known products into the sample to evade detection by developing a false negative result. Although specimen integrity examinations are performed to identify tampering of the sample, these results are typically biased on the experience of the examiner. The purpose of this study was to develop an analytical screening technique that will detect the drug of interest as well as the presence of any additional products that may be added into the sample via Direct Analysis in Real Time � High Resolution/Mass Spectrometry (DART-HR/MS) which is an ambient ionization source that produces fast mass spectrum results that can provide semi-quantitative information of the target metabolite concentration. Although there are various studies that indicate the ability of the DART to detect drug compounds, there are no known studies that have examined how real-world urine samples are analyzed. Additionally, there are no current studies that take into consideration adulteration of the urine sample using the DART method. The results obtained in the study showed the ability for DART to identify molecular protonated peaks indicative of dextroamphetamine and/or the presence of masking agents. While the other target drugs could not be identified using this method, the identification of dextroamphetamine, adulterant products and the deuterated internal standard show promise in using this as a screening technique prior to confirmatory tests. Future work is currently being conducted to optimize the protocol for the evaluation of THC, cocaine and benzodiazepines.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000538, ucf:45623
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000538

Title: USABILITY OF VARIOUS INPUT DEVICES ON A STEERING TASK.
Creator: Fund, Ian, McConnell, Daniel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this study we examined the differences of performance of various input devices on a steering task. Two paths were created, one easy and one hard, with the harder path having more turning points to navigate with one of three different input devices: mouse and keyboard, Xbox 360 controller, and a joystick. Participants were also exposed to low or high stress conditions. High stress was caused by playing loud short bursts of music over headphones worn by participants during testing. Results...
Show moreIn this study we examined the differences of performance of various input devices on a steering task. Two paths were created, one easy and one hard, with the harder path having more turning points to navigate with one of three different input devices: mouse and keyboard, Xbox 360 controller, and a joystick. Participants were also exposed to low or high stress conditions. High stress was caused by playing loud short bursts of music over headphones worn by participants during testing. Results indicated the mouse and keyboard performed better in all cases. There was no significant difference between the Xbox controller and joystick. No differences were found in the low and high stress conditions. Differences in sex were found, even when controlling for video game experience. These findings indicate that the mouse and keyboard is the best device to use on a steering task.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004763, ucf:45362
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004763

Title: USE OF A MUSIC AND MEMORY PROGRAM BY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA.
Creator: Mendez Campos, Barbara, Gammonley, Denise, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although use of personal music devices by persons with dementia and their caregivers is now widespread, there is limited literature concerning music and memory's effects on caregivers for persons with dementia. Caregivers were provided an iPod by two respite agencies and were encouraged to use it with their care recipient. A mailed survey of 50 caregivers who received an IPod explored: (a) associations between use of an iPod and caregiver self-efficacy, burden, and care recipient functional...
Show moreAlthough use of personal music devices by persons with dementia and their caregivers is now widespread, there is limited literature concerning music and memory's effects on caregivers for persons with dementia. Caregivers were provided an iPod by two respite agencies and were encouraged to use it with their care recipient. A mailed survey of 50 caregivers who received an IPod explored: (a) associations between use of an iPod and caregiver self-efficacy, burden, and care recipient functional abilities, and; (b) if the method of presenting the music playlist was associated with use of the iPod. Associations were examined for 10 complete surveys returned by caregiver respondents using non-parametric methods. There was no relationship between self-efficacy, burden, functional abilities and use of the iPod. A content analysis was conducted of caregiver open-ended responses to questions about factors associated with use of the device. Mean caregiver age in this study was 75 years of age, care recipient mean was 79 years of age. On average caregivers used the IPods 2-3 times per month. Scores on caregiver burden measured by the 12-item Zarit Burden Interview had a mean of 12.5 which suggests a moderate level of burden. Emergent themes from caregiver open-ended responses about using the device revealed care recipients as primary users, use mostly in the evening, and in response to caregiving tasks or difficult care recipient behaviors. Keywords: Music and memory, dementia caregiver burden, self-efficacy
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000181, ucf:46046
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000181

Title: USE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: A PILOT SURVEY.
Creator: Ortiz Cintron, Hector, Allred, Kelly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Meeting patient expectations in relation to pain management is an essential component of palliative and end-of-life care. However, previous research has demonstrated that pain is highly prevalent, especially during the four months prior to death. Poorly controlled pain contributes to cognitive failure, depression and an inability to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, pain and symptom management are often inadequate for patients placed in hospice care. The purpose of this study is to...
Show moreMeeting patient expectations in relation to pain management is an essential component of palliative and end-of-life care. However, previous research has demonstrated that pain is highly prevalent, especially during the four months prior to death. Poorly controlled pain contributes to cognitive failure, depression and an inability to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, pain and symptom management are often inadequate for patients placed in hospice care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perspectives of hospice nurses on complementary and alternative therapies to determine if there is an educational need in order to aide in the management of chronic pain in older adults. A survey was developed in order to determine the nursing perceptions of complementary and alternative therapies. A total of 24 participants were recruited. The survey targeted 28 complementary and alternative therapies most commonly used as defined by National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (NCCAM). Each therapy was ranked on several aspects including perceptions, personal experience, and present knowledge and training. After completing the survey it was found that all participants were either eager or open to use some complementary and alternative therapies in their workplace, in spite of having an educational barrier on how to implement them, and wanted these therapies to become available to patients, families, and staff.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004567, ucf:45167
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004567

Title: USING ANTENNA TILE-ASSISTED SUBSTRATE DELIVERY TO IMPROVE THE DETECTION LIMITS OF DEOXYRIBOZYME BIOSENSORS.
Creator: Cox, Amanda, Kolpashchikov, Dmitry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: One common limitation of enzymatic reactions is the diffusion of a substrate to the enzyme active site and/or the release of the reaction products. These reactions are known as diffusion-controlled. Overcoming this limitation may enable faster catalytic rates, which in the case of catalytic biosensors can potentially lower limits of detection of specific analyte. Here we created an artificial system to enable deoxyribozyme (Dz) 10-23 based biosensor to overcome its diffusion limit. The sensor...
Show moreOne common limitation of enzymatic reactions is the diffusion of a substrate to the enzyme active site and/or the release of the reaction products. These reactions are known as diffusion-controlled. Overcoming this limitation may enable faster catalytic rates, which in the case of catalytic biosensors can potentially lower limits of detection of specific analyte. Here we created an artificial system to enable deoxyribozyme (Dz) 10-23 based biosensor to overcome its diffusion limit. The sensor consists of the two probe strands, which bind to the analyzed nucleic acid by Watson-Crick base pairs and, upon binding re-form the catalytic core of Dz 10-23. The activated Dz 10-23 cleaves the fluorophore and quencher-labeled DNA-RNA substrate which separates the fluorophore from the quencher thus producing high fluorescent signal. This system uses a Dz 10-23 biosensor strand associated to a DNA antenna tile, which captures the fluorogenic substrate and channels it to the reaction center where the Dz 10-23 cleaves the substrate. DNA antenna tile captures fluorogenic substrate and delivers it to the activated Dz 10-23 core. This allows for lower levels of analyte to be detected without compromising the specificity of the biosensor. The results of this experiment demonstrated that using DNA antenna, we can create a synthetic environment around the Dz 10-23 biosensor to increase its efficiency and allow for lower levels of analyte to be detected without using amplification techniques like PCR.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004887, ucf:45432
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004887

Title: USING GIS TO DETERMINE THE INFLUENCE OF WETLANDS ON CAYUGA IROQUOIS SETTLEMENT LOCATION STRATEGIES.
Creator: Birnbaum, David, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The archaeological record of the Iroquois supports that settlements were regularly relocated during the protohistoric period (1500-1650 A.D.). With the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer software, archaeologists may analyze variables potentially resulting in or influencing the movement of settlements. Through the use of spatial analysis, I argue that Cayuga Iroquois settlement locations were influenced by the environmental characteristics of their surrounding landscape....
Show moreThe archaeological record of the Iroquois supports that settlements were regularly relocated during the protohistoric period (1500-1650 A.D.). With the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer software, archaeologists may analyze variables potentially resulting in or influencing the movement of settlements. Through the use of spatial analysis, I argue that Cayuga Iroquois settlement locations were influenced by the environmental characteristics of their surrounding landscape. Specifically, wetlands are believed to have influenced settlement location choices in central New York state. This study examines the spatial relationships between wetland habitats and protohistoric period Cayuga Iroquois settlements where swidden maize agriculture comprised most of the diet. Considering previous research that has linked the movement of settlements to Iroquois agricultural practices, I hypothesize that wetlands played a significant role in the Iroquois subsistence system by providing supplementary plant and animal resources to a diet primarily characterized by maize consumption, and thereby influenced the strategy behind settlement relocation. Nine Cayuga Iroquois settlements dating to the protohistoric period were selected for analysis using GIS. Two control groups, each consisting of nine random points, were generated for comparison. Distance buffers show the amount of wetlands that are situated within 1-, 2.5-, and 5-kilometers from Cayuga settlements and random points. The total number of wetlands within proximity of these distances to the settlements and random points are recorded and analyzed. The results indicate a statistical significance regarding the prominence of wetlands within the landscape which pertains to the Cayuga Iroquois settlement strategy.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0004118, ucf:44873
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004118

Title: USING LOW-COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY TO MONITOR CELL INVASION IN AN IN-VITRO MODEL SYSTEM.
Creator: Davoudi Nasab, Behnaz, Dogariu, Aristide, Andl, Claudia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In an optically random system, such as naturally occurring and man-made media, light undergoes pronounced multiple scattering. This phenomenon has shown a remarkable potential in characterizing complex materials. In this regime, scattering occurs from each individual center of the scattering and independent scattering events lead to multiple light scattering. This phenomenon is often described as a random walk of photons and can be modeled in terms of a diffusion equation based on the...
Show moreIn an optically random system, such as naturally occurring and man-made media, light undergoes pronounced multiple scattering. This phenomenon has shown a remarkable potential in characterizing complex materials. In this regime, scattering occurs from each individual center of the scattering and independent scattering events lead to multiple light scattering. This phenomenon is often described as a random walk of photons and can be modeled in terms of a diffusion equation based on the radiative transfer theory. In this thesis, we used optical path-length spectroscopy (OPS), which is an experimental method to obtain the path-length probability density of the propagating light in multiple scattering media, with a low-coherence optical field to investigate the distribution of photon path lengths in a skin cell model system. This method is capable of measuring the transport mean free path of light in a highly scattering medium and depth-resolved profiles of the backscattered light. Our OPS experimental configuration is based on a fiber-optic Michelson interferometer geometry using single mode optical fibers. We performed OPS based on low-coherence interferometry (LCI) on three-dimensional organotypic models of esophageal cell invasion by measuring the optical path-length distribution of backscattered light in normal and invasive conditions. The optical path-length distribution of light waves inside the cell samples provides information on how a change in the extracellular matrix affects invasiveness of the esophageal cells and induction of signaling pathways. Also, we demonstrated the compatibility to study the structural changes during a two-week period for in vitro cell samples.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000219, ucf:45955
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000219

Title: USING PICTUREBOOKS TO ENHANCE THIRD GRADE SCIENCE INSTRUCTION AND MEET THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS.
Creator: Chippa, Onaiza, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Teachers are constantly being asked to use innovative ways to teach core subjects, especially science. Teachers need to get students engaged and actively learning, at all times and that is not an easy task. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of quality children's literature in enhancing science instruction in the third grade curriculum while implementing and helping students meet the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS). I researched how using children...
Show moreTeachers are constantly being asked to use innovative ways to teach core subjects, especially science. Teachers need to get students engaged and actively learning, at all times and that is not an easy task. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of quality children's literature in enhancing science instruction in the third grade curriculum while implementing and helping students meet the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS). I researched how using children's literature in the science curriculum may be beneficial for students. I have created a handbook that third grade teachers can use as a resource to enhance their science curricula. This handbook breaks down the four bodies of knowledge (Life Science, Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Nature of Science) and eleven big ideas for the third grade NGSSS. It includes titles and short descriptions of picturebooks that relate to those benchmarks. It also relates the third grade science benchmarks to the ELA CCSS through activities teachers can use to teach any given benchmark.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004520, ucf:45182
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004520

Title: USING THE KETOGENIC DIET AS AN ADJUVANT TO CANCER THERAPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Risola, Melanie L, Lee, Eunkyung, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and...
Show moreCancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Web of Science using the following key terms: ketogenic diet, high fat and low-carbohydrate diet, Atkins diet, cancer or neoplasms+. The search limitations included clinical studies among adult cancer patients. A total of 544 publications were initially identified. After the first title/abstract screening, 22 articles were eligible for full-text screening; finally, 3 were eligible for data extraction. We synthesized the effects of the ketogenic diet on cancer progression and safety by extracting and summarizing data on 4 items: 1) study characteristics, 2) characteristics of study participants, 3) diet composition and duration, and 4) key findings for efficacy and safety. Although only 3 studies were included, it was observed that more patients who adhered to the ketogenic diet than patients who did not experienced stability of disease and response to treatment. Patients who received the ketogenic diet also experienced a decrease in tumor size, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels at 90 days. No statistically significant anthropometric changes were experienced; patients weight was maintained. However, more clinical evidence is necessary before applying the ketogenic diet in an oncological setting.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000499, ucf:45661
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000499

Title: USING THE YEAST TWO-HYBRID SYSTEM TO DETERMINE THE FUNCTION OF PARKIN E3 UBIQUITIN LIGASE.
Creator: Nguyen, Vanessa, Zervos, Antonis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Parkin is a cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase that is recruited to the mitochondria during cellular stress and has been suggested to be involved in a variety of biological processes such as mitophagy. The recruitment of Parkin (PARK2) to the mitochondria is dependent upon the kinase activity and the accumulation of PINK1 on damaged mitochondria. Mutations in either PINK1 or Parkin genes disrupt this protective pathway and lead to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. From a clinical...
Show moreParkin is a cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase that is recruited to the mitochondria during cellular stress and has been suggested to be involved in a variety of biological processes such as mitophagy. The recruitment of Parkin (PARK2) to the mitochondria is dependent upon the kinase activity and the accumulation of PINK1 on damaged mitochondria. Mutations in either PINK1 or Parkin genes disrupt this protective pathway and lead to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. From a clinical standpoint, mutations in the PARK2 gene have been associated with the progression and onset of autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. Without the presence of a quality control system such as that of the PINK1/Parkin pathway, the accumulation of damaged mitochondria could lead to increased levels of oxidative stress, a decrease in ATP, and the progression towards cellular death. However, many of the details regarding the mechanism of Parkin-mediated ubiquitination and its involvement in mitophagy are not fully established. The intent of this thesis is to further explore the function of Parkin by utilizing the yeast-two hybrid system to identify novel Parkin interactors/substrates. A HeLa (cervical cell carcinoma) cDNA library was screened using Parkin124-465 as the "bait" protein. From this screening, six positive Parkin interactors were isolated and characterized. Using this approach it is possible to gain a better understanding of the function of Parkin in regulating cellular processes such as mitophagy.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004679, ucf:45269
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004679

Title: USING YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE TO TEACH THE CLASSICS: A STUDY ON PAIRING YOUNG ADULT NOVELS WITH THE CLASSIC WORKS IN SECONDARY ENGLISH CLASSROOMS.
Creator: Velazquez, Deanna, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Young adult literature is a genre of literature that is often overlooked. Adolescents would greatly benefit from reading young adult novels, academically and also for enjoyment. Educators are not using young adult literature as often as they should in the classrooms as a tool, due to strict curricula. However, young adult literature is a perfect tool for aiding with comprehension of the classic works. Pairing certain young adult books with classics would help adolescents understand the...
Show moreYoung adult literature is a genre of literature that is often overlooked. Adolescents would greatly benefit from reading young adult novels, academically and also for enjoyment. Educators are not using young adult literature as often as they should in the classrooms as a tool, due to strict curricula. However, young adult literature is a perfect tool for aiding with comprehension of the classic works. Pairing certain young adult books with classics would help adolescents understand the classic novel, but also assist in intriguing the student enough to pick up both books. After an online survey given to nine Seminole County school English or Reading teachers, I found that high school teachers today do feel as though young adult literature would benefit the students greatly.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003819, ucf:44732
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003819

Title: VALIDATING DRUG TARGETS THROUGH INHIBITION OF PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS.
Creator: Driscoll, Erin C, Rohde, Kyle, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death by single infectious disease worldwide; novel antibiotics are needed to continue to treat this disease. To goal of this project is to provide proof-of-principle support for the idea that targeting protein-protein interactions (PPI) is an appropriate course for the discovery of new drugs. This study optimized the M-PFC assay, which allows detection of PPI in Mycobacteria, through the use of stronger promoters and inducible expression of a peptide...
Show moreTuberculosis is the leading cause of death by single infectious disease worldwide; novel antibiotics are needed to continue to treat this disease. To goal of this project is to provide proof-of-principle support for the idea that targeting protein-protein interactions (PPI) is an appropriate course for the discovery of new drugs. This study optimized the M-PFC assay, which allows detection of PPI in Mycobacteria, through the use of stronger promoters and inducible expression of a peptide blocker by riboswitch. To accomplish this, promoter induction studies were used to find stronger promoters for the M-PFC, optimization of the riboswitch as a method for inducible protein expression within this system, and the addition of both elements to the existing version of the M-PFC. This M-PFC targets DosR homodimerization; this process is known to be essential for survival within the host. This study optimizes a system that may be used to screen for drugs that are capable of interrupting this interaction.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000190, ucf:46030
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000190

Title: VARIABLES INFLUENCING MISOGYNY.
Creator: McPherson, Rachel E, Modianos, Doan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Misogyny, a hatred against women, is an attitude that causes emotional distress and can negatively affect women's psychological and physical health. It has shown itself in extreme ways and can be crippling to women. Studies have shown that psychological distress is heightened when women are subjected to sexist events. Misogyny exists in the classroom, workplace, and politics, and is virtually inescapable from women. It is not uncommon for women in positions of power are often unjustly branded...
Show moreMisogyny, a hatred against women, is an attitude that causes emotional distress and can negatively affect women's psychological and physical health. It has shown itself in extreme ways and can be crippling to women. Studies have shown that psychological distress is heightened when women are subjected to sexist events. Misogyny exists in the classroom, workplace, and politics, and is virtually inescapable from women. It is not uncommon for women in positions of power are often unjustly branded with cruel epithets. Despite the modernity of today's culture, misogyny is still a prevalent issue. This study seeks to assess the underlying predictors that are related to misogyny. In order to identify these predictors, factors such as Big Five personality traits, spirituality, and moral reasoning will be examined. Factors such as demographics were also considered. Participants consisted of university students within a general psychology course who completed an online questionnaire for course credit. The study title was deceptive in order to obtain more accurate results. Results indicate that there is a relationship between misogyny and the predicted variables.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000343, ucf:45870
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000343

Title: VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, AND PESCETARIAN CONSUMERS AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE GREEN MOVEMENT.
Creator: King, Cory, Massiah, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Entering into the 21st century, sustainable living has become a popular topic of concern for scientists and engineers, politicians, news reporters and individuals alike. Most importantly though, sustainable living has become popular to the modern consumer, and many firms are attempting to understand and cater their efforts to the ecologically conscious consumer. Previous studies have shown that the use of psychographics, as opposed to demographics, result in more significant results that can...
Show moreEntering into the 21st century, sustainable living has become a popular topic of concern for scientists and engineers, politicians, news reporters and individuals alike. Most importantly though, sustainable living has become popular to the modern consumer, and many firms are attempting to understand and cater their efforts to the ecologically conscious consumer. Previous studies have shown that the use of psychographics, as opposed to demographics, result in more significant results that can help firms identify ecologically conscious consumers. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship between consumers who identify as pescetarian, vegetarian, or vegan, and their respective participation in the green movement in terms of their pro-environmental attitudes and their purchase behaviors. Consumers' reason for choosing an alternative diet, their relative commitment to the alternative diet, as well as their level of green participation based on the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale and the Ecologically Conscious Consumer Behavior (ECCB) scale was measure and analyzed. Additionally, a conclusion and discussion of the study, potential marketing implications, and suggestions for future studies will be reviewed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004582, ucf:45195
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004582

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