Search results

Title: A Molecular and Acoustic Analysis of a Gray Treefrog (Hyla Versicolor) Hybrid Zone.
Creator: Zdyrski, Christopher
Abstract/Description: Polyploidy is widespread across the tree of life, yet there remain large gaps in our understanding of polyploid evolution. After their formation, the genome and gene expression architecture of polyploids may undergo rapid changes. What is unclear is how independent changes in isolated populations may affect the evolution of a polyploid species when these populations come into contact. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the area of contact between two tetraploid lineages of the gray treefrog...
Show morePolyploidy is widespread across the tree of life, yet there remain large gaps in our understanding of polyploid evolution. After their formation, the genome and gene expression architecture of polyploids may undergo rapid changes. What is unclear is how independent changes in isolated populations may affect the evolution of a polyploid species when these populations come into contact. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the area of contact between two tetraploid lineages of the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor). Although previous research provided a rough estimate of where these different lineages co-occur, we lack information about the extent of these lineage across large geographic regions and about the position of possible contact zones. In preliminary work, we sequenced a mitochondrial marker (containing fixed differences between lineages) along a transect spanning the putative contact region, to identify the exact zone where the lineages co-occur. Despite fine-scale sampling along a transect with multiple populations, we were unable to identify sites where the mitochondrial lineages co-occurred. This Honors in the Major project analyzed additional samples from the Northeast region of the United States. In this project, I aimed to locate populations of H. versicolor, determine their lineages, and characterize acoustic differences between previously and recently collected samples to further compare the characteristics of both lineages.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-23
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587685115_09bbeb2a_P
Format: Set of related objects

Title: A Mixed Methodological Approach to the Role of Rule of Law and Civil Society in Democracy Promotion: A case study from Jordan.
Creator: Reed, Courtney Nicole
Abstract/Description: During the neo-liberal era, efforts led by the Global North urged for strong investments into civil society as a means of democratic transition. However, recent literature has been unable to discern if these approaches have truly created more democratic societies in which citizens are engaged in decision making. While the late 20th century saw both an increase in democracies and civil society, it is possible this may reflect an endogenous relationship, not considering other explanatory...
Show moreDuring the neo-liberal era, efforts led by the Global North urged for strong investments into civil society as a means of democratic transition. However, recent literature has been unable to discern if these approaches have truly created more democratic societies in which citizens are engaged in decision making. While the late 20th century saw both an increase in democracies and civil society, it is possible this may reflect an endogenous relationship, not considering other explanatory variables such as political culture and rule of law. Additional concerns have been made about the efficacy of civil society to foster democratic transitions when operating in oppressive environments. To address this dilemma, this study integrates a mixed methodological approach. Firstly, in a case study in Jordan, it directly assesses the impact of policy and rule of law on civil society groups via field interviews with civil society stakeholders. Additionally, through a robust literature review and in running linear regressions, this paper assesses theories relating to democratization and civil society development at a macro-level. This serves to answer two research questions, “What is the role of rule of law and civil society in democracy?” and “To what extent does Jordanian rule of law and policy impact civil society organization projects?” Findings revealed that rule of law has a significant impact not only on the environment in which civil society operates, but also is more significantly correlated with democracy than the strength of civil society.
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Date Issued: 2019-04-26
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556304324_c96084c9
Format: Citation

Title: Behind the Numbers: Voices of Gorubathan: Artist Statement.
Creator: Miller, Savannah Gale
Abstract/Description: The film explores gender and education inequalities in the village of Gorubathan in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India by documenting the experience of two young women as they navigate traditional gender roles and higher education. The artist statement adds contextualization for the paradox of gender equality presented by international development organizations that use Western liberal ideology to define gender equality, and simultaneously discriminate against gender roles that...
Show moreThe film explores gender and education inequalities in the village of Gorubathan in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India by documenting the experience of two young women as they navigate traditional gender roles and higher education. The artist statement adds contextualization for the paradox of gender equality presented by international development organizations that use Western liberal ideology to define gender equality, and simultaneously discriminate against gender roles that were not supportive of the Western definition. Additionally, the artist statement gives a brief history of ethnographic films impact on anthropological knowledge and representation for marginalized communities. Because reflexivity is vital for capturing the emic perspective, the film discusses the construction and evolution of the film in order to bring visibility to the sociocultural complexities of gender and education in Gorubathan undermined by international organizations aimed at fostering development.
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Date Issued: 2017-12-04
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1512684949_f40743fc_P
Format: Set of related objects

Title: When Forgiveness Matters: Correlating Forgiveness with Achievement Motivation and Willingness to Disclose in the Workplace.
Creator: Belluccia, Anthony, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: A large body of literature demonstrates the effects of a forgiving employer. This study was the first to provide information about forgiveness in the workplace as it relates to achievement motivation. Specifically, the objective was to determine whether a supervisor's forgiveness for issues related to employee tasks can affect achievement motivation on those tasks; and additionally, forgiveness' predictive effect on willingness to disclose information in the workplace. Given the role of...
Show moreA large body of literature demonstrates the effects of a forgiving employer. This study was the first to provide information about forgiveness in the workplace as it relates to achievement motivation. Specifically, the objective was to determine whether a supervisor's forgiveness for issues related to employee tasks can affect achievement motivation on those tasks; and additionally, forgiveness' predictive effect on willingness to disclose information in the workplace. Given the role of operant conditioning in business relationships and the tendency for an offender to keep offending if forgiven consistently, this 220 participant correlative study tested the prediction that forgiveness and achievement motivation would be negatively correlated, and that forgiveness and willingness to disclose would be positively correlated. Two bivariate correlations conveyed a moderate positive correlation between forgiveness and achievement motivation, disproving my first hypothesis, but a stronger positive correlation between forgiveness and willingness to disclose information in the workplace, confirming my second hypothesis. These findings join others in displaying the potency of a forgiving culture on the honesty of employees, and contributes to the understanding of forgiveness as it relates to achievement motivation, which establishes an unprecedented correlation.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0561
Format: Set of related objects

Title: What Becomes Us: An Analysis of Costume and Clothing in a Performance Space.
Creator: Friedman, Katie M., School of Theatre
Abstract/Description: There is a frequently asked question among students studying costume design: When does clothing become costume? More acutely, is there reallya difference between the two? The definitions of clothing and costume are almost interchangeable, but some aspect separates them. In my research, I endeavored to answer this question by building an art installation. It was merchandised as an eclectic boutique in the moderate price scale, displaying men's and women's clothing. Through the presentation of...
Show moreThere is a frequently asked question among students studying costume design: When does clothing become costume? More acutely, is there reallya difference between the two? The definitions of clothing and costume are almost interchangeable, but some aspect separates them. In my research, I endeavored to answer this question by building an art installation. It was merchandised as an eclectic boutique in the moderate price scale, displaying men's and women's clothing. Through the presentation of my installation, I hope that I instigated an awareness of self-image, personal preconceptions people carry within themselves, and a realization of the effect of clothing on memory and emotion in my participants. Much like how an audience can walk away from a production with their personal pre-conceptions questioned, I wanted to ask those that attended: what defines clothing as costume, can shopping be theatrical, and what become's us?
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0533
Format: Set of related objects

Title: A Simplified Protein Folding Simulation Using a Metropolis Monte Carlo Algorithm.
Creator: Franklin, Robert D., Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The major outcome of this project is "Protein Folding Toy," an iPad program (app) which is designed to allow children (ages 10-18) to interact with a system that behaves like a single polymer chain on the molecular level. The user can design a single chain, specifying a sequence of beads that each could be neutral (black), hydrophobic (green), or charged (red/blue). The app can then perform a Metropolis Monte Carlo simulation and allows the user to vary temperature in real time. Observed...
Show moreThe major outcome of this project is "Protein Folding Toy," an iPad program (app) which is designed to allow children (ages 10-18) to interact with a system that behaves like a single polymer chain on the molecular level. The user can design a single chain, specifying a sequence of beads that each could be neutral (black), hydrophobic (green), or charged (red/blue). The app can then perform a Metropolis Monte Carlo simulation and allows the user to vary temperature in real time. Observed chain behavior depends on inter-bead interactions as well as temperature-dependent stochastic motions.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0521
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Acclimation of Red Tide Dinoflagellate Karenia Brevis to Higher Temperatures Results in Abnormal Morphology and Changes in Growth Rates.
Creator: Owen, Daniel P., Department of Biological Science
Abstract/Description: This paper addresses the effects of increased temperature on the Red Tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. A clonal strain of Karenia brevis was acclimated to the currently estimated increase in Gulf temperatures over a period of time long enough to ensure proper acclimation of the experimental cultures. A long acclimation time was used to avoid temperature shock conditions for the culture and to more closely mimic natural temperature increases, such as those seen during seasonal transitions....
Show moreThis paper addresses the effects of increased temperature on the Red Tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. A clonal strain of Karenia brevis was acclimated to the currently estimated increase in Gulf temperatures over a period of time long enough to ensure proper acclimation of the experimental cultures. A long acclimation time was used to avoid temperature shock conditions for the culture and to more closely mimic natural temperature increases, such as those seen during seasonal transitions. Over the course of the experiment, K. brevis cultures were acclimated from 25° C to 31° C. An abnormal, rounded, cell morphology was produced in K. brevis cultures acclimated to 28° C and persisted in cultures acclimated through 28° C to 31° C. As well, specific growth rates of cultures growing at 25° C and acclimated to 30° C differed depending on whether the average growth rates were derived from culture cell density or RFU measurements. K. brevis cultures grown in GP/2 media had significantly higher average growth rates based on RFU measurements than cultures growing in L1-Si media. Cultures growing at 25° C and 30° C did not have significantly different chlorophyll a content per cell. In conjunction with the rounded cell morphology, the reported higher maximum temperature range, and future physiological observations, the result of this experiment aim to help researchers understand what may be happening to populations of K. brevis throughout seasonal temperature variations.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0515
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Reviving Fantasia's Toccata and Fugue: An Imaginative Journey Thorugh Music, Multimedia and Concert Dance.
Creator: Lalor, Emma C., School of Dance
Abstract/Description: In 1940, Walt Disney and his associates presented their imaginative creation Fantasia, a masterpiece union of symphonic music and animation that employed "a new type of entertainment" -- a hybrid multisensory experience culminating in an abstract, animation motion picture. Although initially a flop, the film's subsequent altered re-releases led to its triumphant declaration American Film Institute in 1998: Fantasia was now considered one of the greatest American animated films. Most...
Show moreIn 1940, Walt Disney and his associates presented their imaginative creation Fantasia, a masterpiece union of symphonic music and animation that employed "a new type of entertainment" -- a hybrid multisensory experience culminating in an abstract, animation motion picture. Although initially a flop, the film's subsequent altered re-releases led to its triumphant declaration American Film Institute in 1998: Fantasia was now considered one of the greatest American animated films. Most significantly, Fantasia's newfound success with contemporary audiences provided revolutionary access to classical music whilst encouraging imaginative thinking through purely fantastic entertainment. In the opening scene, Leopold Stokowski shakes Mickey Mouse's hand before conducting his famous 1927 orchestral arrangement of Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BWV 565. This opening section of Fantasia captured my attention with beautifully moving vivid colors, dramatically lit musicians, and the painterly abstraction of instruments dancing through clouds. I fondly remember how this captivating spectacle inspired me to move as a young child, and my love for the delightful music and visuals of Fantasia guided my passions towards movement and improvisation, as well as my decision to seek a University degree in dance. Contemplating the shimmering abstract watercolors of the opening section, Toccata and Fugue, has led me to question what Fantasia would look like with the addition of my own imaginative discipline: dance. By studying Stokowski's arrangement of Bach's most recognizable organ piece and performing an "action analysis" of both the physical score and the animation itself, I hope to translate my conclusions into an all-inclusive multimedia reinterpretation that layers live dance performance and stage lighting techniques with the preexisting structure and patterns of the film. I will investigate, as an intelligent thinker and mover, how dance can enter the current stream as an equal part in the artistic work, ultimately adding to and reviving Fantasia for contemporary audiences with use of video projection and concert dance.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0504
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Fuck Everything: A Digital Game Questioning Gender Identity.
Creator: NW, Lena, Department of Art
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0411
Format: Set of related objects

Title: A Statistical Box-office Breakdown of Mainstream Cinema and an Analysis of the Trends and Successes of the 21st Century Motion Picture Industry.
Creator: Kluziak, Monika, College of Motion Picture Arts
Abstract/Description: With this project, I hope to statistically break down the current trends and successes of the domestic motion picture industry. Through 14 variables and a data set of 1,242 movies produced between 2001 and 2012, I hope to search for correlations, patterns, and statistically significant findings in order to get a first-hand grasp on the industry's recent development. It is my ultimate goal to gain knowledge that will be useful as a future producer in the entertainment industry.
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0408
Format: Set of related objects

Title: A Cross-Cultural Look at a Meaningful Life and a Happy Life.
Creator: Batista, Rafael, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: There are many characteristics of a good life including a sense of meaning and happiness. A historical introduction presented here illustrates this dual conceptualization as existing since ancient times. Recent work by Baumeister, Vohs, Aaker, and Garbinsky (2013) revealed key differences between a meaningful life and a happy life. Meaningfulness, for example, was associated with integrating past, present, and future thinking, whereas happiness was primarily present-oriented. While...
Show moreThere are many characteristics of a good life including a sense of meaning and happiness. A historical introduction presented here illustrates this dual conceptualization as existing since ancient times. Recent work by Baumeister, Vohs, Aaker, and Garbinsky (2013) revealed key differences between a meaningful life and a happy life. Meaningfulness, for example, was associated with integrating past, present, and future thinking, whereas happiness was primarily present-oriented. While meaningfulness and happiness have each been studied independently across cultures, a cross-cultural comparison of the two has yet to be published. Baumeister (1991) suggests purpose, values, efficacy, and self-worth are universal needs for meaningfulness. Surveying students from Turkey (n = 124) and the United States (n = 231) we replicate previous findings and present empirical data supporting universal needs for meaningfulness while arguing for the inclusion of a fifth universal need: belongingness.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0412
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Give Kids the World Cartoons.
Creator: Bustamante, Nestor, College of Motion Picture Arts
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0389
Format: Set of related objects

Title: TRAZOM Tableaux: The Family Unsilenced.
Creator: Vidic, Kelsey, School of Theatre
Abstract/Description: TRAZOM Tableaux: The Family Unsilenced refers to Mozart backwards, and this is where my thesis is rooted. Emily Wolfe and I have combined our undergraduate theses into one dance performance. Our theses look into the Mozart family that includes Wolfgang, Leopold (his father), Maria Anna (his mother), Nannerl (his sister) and Bäsle (his cousin). With Emily as the choreographer and myself as the costume designer, we have decided to base the choreography and costumes on these historical figures...
Show moreTRAZOM Tableaux: The Family Unsilenced refers to Mozart backwards, and this is where my thesis is rooted. Emily Wolfe and I have combined our undergraduate theses into one dance performance. Our theses look into the Mozart family that includes Wolfgang, Leopold (his father), Maria Anna (his mother), Nannerl (his sister) and Bäsle (his cousin). With Emily as the choreographer and myself as the costume designer, we have decided to base the choreography and costumes on these historical figures as well as on themes of family values, women in society, and relationships within family units. The music that we used for the piece is Mozart's "Concerto No. 23 in A Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 488: I. Allegro." Designing for five distinct characters that lived in the 18th century, I decided to conceptualize this century's fashion. This conceptualization has meant taking both the Early and Late Georgian periods in fashion history and making costumes not only modern for today's audience but also danceable. A majority of my research looked into the individual historical figures and what I believe they would have worn in daily life. My conceptualization was rooted in the characters, the 18th century, fashion today, and costumes wearable for dancers. My defense paper will take a look into my process as the costume designer. From the research to the fabric shopping and ending in construction and performance, my paper looks into the challenges I overcame and lessons I learned in creating a collaborative, creative thesis.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0339
Format: Set of related objects

Title: I Grew Up In Someone Else's Living Room.
Creator: Hamilton, Morgan, Department of Art
Abstract/Description: My honors thesis is an exploration of the fleeting aspects of memory, a nomadic childhood, and the relationship families share with TV. I have painted an image of the living room set from Roseanne as a way to express my nostalgia and personal experience with television. There is something fascinating about translating modern technology, like the TV, through something as ancient as oil paint. It removes the practicality and mass-audience of program broadcast, and gives an intimate setting,...
Show moreMy honors thesis is an exploration of the fleeting aspects of memory, a nomadic childhood, and the relationship families share with TV. I have painted an image of the living room set from Roseanne as a way to express my nostalgia and personal experience with television. There is something fascinating about translating modern technology, like the TV, through something as ancient as oil paint. It removes the practicality and mass-audience of program broadcast, and gives an intimate setting, like the living room, an even more intimate environment, like a gallery. The Meta relationship between TV family and my own is an important aspect of growing up in my generation and I have always found it interesting how families will come together and watch someone else's family; he back of our TV is the front of theirs. We watch them, and they'll never know we exist. I will use my experiences growing up in a nuclear family to interpret the role of the TV living room, and how that interaction is truly art.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0280
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Moments.
Creator: Middleton, Kelsey, Hendrickson, Dylan, College of Motion Picture Arts
Abstract/Description: There are certain inherent experiences which occur over the course of our lives, similarities that, while largely unknown, bind humankind together. The first steps, the first loves, searches for success, and the disappointment of failures -- there is no bias to these archetypes. No race, no culture, no ethnicity nor belief -- these experiences are the building blocks to each and every person's life. Rather than recognizing and appreciating these similarities, however, today's culture does...
Show moreThere are certain inherent experiences which occur over the course of our lives, similarities that, while largely unknown, bind humankind together. The first steps, the first loves, searches for success, and the disappointment of failures -- there is no bias to these archetypes. No race, no culture, no ethnicity nor belief -- these experiences are the building blocks to each and every person's life. Rather than recognizing and appreciating these similarities, however, today's culture does quite the opposite. A worldwide focus on the differences of our societies alternately breeds confusion, assumptions, and hatred. Wars are started and lives cut short, simply because societies today fail to acknowledge the fundamental sameness of our species. Because of this shortcoming, humanity's potential for greatness is ultimately stunted. We hope to make a documentary that focuses not on these dissimilar aspects, but instead on the common patterns and threads that connect the lives of all people. Presented in chapters, the film will illustrate various experiences and events typical of a human life: first jobs, marriage, growing old and the like. Each section, however, will focus on a person from a different culture, race, or ethnicity than the last. By bringing together these separate individuals, each of whom would be called radically different by today's standards, a single narrative of a familiar human life will be built.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0267
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Interactive Illustrations of Obscure Animals.
Creator: Grishchenko, Alice, Department of Art
Abstract/Description: am creating a website to display pen illustrations of obscure animals which are either difficult to classify in the taxonomic system or have no relatives among living animals (these are referred to as living fossils). I plan to research each animal's unique features that make them difficult to group with others and catalog them on the website. The highlighted features will be displayed in hidden boxes on the same page as the large illustrations and will be revealed when the user hovers over a...
Show moream creating a website to display pen illustrations of obscure animals which are either difficult to classify in the taxonomic system or have no relatives among living animals (these are referred to as living fossils). I plan to research each animal's unique features that make them difficult to group with others and catalog them on the website. The highlighted features will be displayed in hidden boxes on the same page as the large illustrations and will be revealed when the user hovers over a corresponding portion of the image. Each box will contain some text and a related illustration. Animals will be labeled with basic information including their names, habitat, diet, and current classification.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0266
Format: Set of related objects

Title: A Failed State of Enterprise: Communism and Corporate Crime in Chinese State-Owned Enterprise.
Creator: Daniels, Lucas, Program in International Affairs
Abstract/Description: The goal of this paper is to take a comprehensive look into the history and functioning of state-owned enterprise (SOEs) in China, in order to examine the extent of their role in the Chinese economy. After analyzing the size and productivity of these SOEs, the conclusion is one of pessimism toward the reality of China's economic growth rate, and the efficacy of SOEs. As a crucial part of China's economic planning, SOEs are destabilizing the Chinese economy, and are threatening the viability...
Show moreThe goal of this paper is to take a comprehensive look into the history and functioning of state-owned enterprise (SOEs) in China, in order to examine the extent of their role in the Chinese economy. After analyzing the size and productivity of these SOEs, the conclusion is one of pessimism toward the reality of China's economic growth rate, and the efficacy of SOEs. As a crucial part of China's economic planning, SOEs are destabilizing the Chinese economy, and are threatening the viability of China becoming a stable developed nation. First, the historical background from which SOEs rose to dominate the economy will be laid out to address how the foundations of the China's economic model are based in Communist protectionism. A basic description of state-owned enterprise will be presented, and the nature of economic reform in China will be addressed. Assertions laid out by Chinese optimists will be examined in the context of political imperatives. Second, a detailed analysis will examine the operations of China's state owned banks with regard to SOEs. The specific issue of non-performing loans (NPLs) and inequitable lending practices will be discussed as a major part of the Chinese financial sector. Third, the inefficiencies of SOEs will be explained through quantitative analysis and a political lens. A case study on the Chinese airline industry will be used as support for the evidence put forth. Fourth, the corruption of and within SOEs following the reform efforts of the Communist Party will be highlighted. Finally, the inconsistency the before mentioned facets have caused in the legal affairs of enterprises will be presented, and a prescription for future reform will be put forward.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0232
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Empires of Halcyon: An Online Nation Simulator with Macroeconomic Modeling.
Creator: Francis, Daniel, Department of Economics
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0155
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Why Did the Tabby Cross the Road?.
Creator: Syed, Tabinda, Communication
Abstract/Description: Too often, the reasoning behind why individuals choose to immigrate tends to be a most important side of the story that is neglected in the midst of the political discourse over the controversies surrounding the topic of immigration, especially the type that is deemed "illegal." This short animated film sets out to bring the viewers' attention to that very aspect in hopes of facilitating an understanding of many immigrants' situation and encouraging compassion in the dialogue over related...
Show moreToo often, the reasoning behind why individuals choose to immigrate tends to be a most important side of the story that is neglected in the midst of the political discourse over the controversies surrounding the topic of immigration, especially the type that is deemed "illegal." This short animated film sets out to bring the viewers' attention to that very aspect in hopes of facilitating an understanding of many immigrants' situation and encouraging compassion in the dialogue over related issues by making the situation more relatable. Through the anthropomorphic tale of two cats, the plight of undocumented immigrants most commonly depicted in the American media is paralleled and the point that all living beings are, at the core, striving to improve their lives is conveyed. The senselessness of the vicious cycle of rejection and retaliation that immigrants face is a key element to the telling of this parable of unconventional sorts.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0009
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Authigenic smectite clay mineral distribution in Cenozoic sediments of the Cape Roberts Project (CRP-3 Drillco RE), Victoria Land Basin, Antarctica.
Creator: Priestas, Anthony Michael
Date Issued: 2005-08-30
Identifier: FSDT160371_parent
Format: Set of related objects

Title: The Yiddishekite Concerto (for violin and chamber/reduced orchestra).
Creator: Pittard, Mai Li
Date Issued: 2005-08-03
Identifier: FSDT160357_parent
Format: Set of related objects

Title: Light scattering from solutions of nanoparticles.
Creator: Pawlikowski, Laura J., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Light scattering is a powerful technique for characterization of polymers. It can be used to characterize the polymer molecular weight, radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius and also the second virial coefficient of proteins or nanoparticles in a solvent. Knowledge of and the ability to control these properties are critical to any application and need to be determined before the polymer is put in use (membrane formation, coatings for monitors etc.). In this work, a novel light scattering...
Show moreLight scattering is a powerful technique for characterization of polymers. It can be used to characterize the polymer molecular weight, radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius and also the second virial coefficient of proteins or nanoparticles in a solvent. Knowledge of and the ability to control these properties are critical to any application and need to be determined before the polymer is put in use (membrane formation, coatings for monitors etc.). In this work, a novel light scattering apparatus, with an angular range of 15 - 155À has been setup for characterization of polymers and nanoparticles. Polystyrene particles of three different molecular weights (9x10p5s, 3.9x10p5 sand 1.7x10p5 sg/mol) have been characterized with this device. The molecular weight, radius of gyration and second virial coefficient have been determined for all the three different polymers when suspended in two different solvents -- decalin which is a poor solvent for polystyrene and tetrahydrofuran which is a good solvent. The measured properties in these two different solvents are in good agreement with literature values. In addition, mixtures of the 9x10p5 sand 3.9x10p5 sin THF have been analyzed and the cross virial coefficient has been found.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: 469186808, 341804, FSDT341804, fsu:19373
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Rheology of colloidal gels.
Creator: Breuer, Kristina K., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Nanoparticles of silica are used in a number of products such as toothpastes, hair gels, and even as drug delivery vehicles. In all of these applications, the particles are suspended in a liquid and then the resulting suspension is processed to give the desired product. A key property which affects these processes is the flow of these nanoparticle suspensions (viscosity and elastic modulus). Viscosity determines how easily the suspension flows while elastic modulus determines the rigidity of...
Show moreNanoparticles of silica are used in a number of products such as toothpastes, hair gels, and even as drug delivery vehicles. In all of these applications, the particles are suspended in a liquid and then the resulting suspension is processed to give the desired product. A key property which affects these processes is the flow of these nanoparticle suspensions (viscosity and elastic modulus). Viscosity determines how easily the suspension flows while elastic modulus determines the rigidity of the suspension. It is important to know how these properties change as the concentration of the silica particles and mixes particles of different kinds are changed. The goal of this work is to develop a model silica system with known interaction energies and to then systematically study the flow properties of the resulting gel. In this paper, 37, 89, and 165 sized particles were successfully synthesized, coated with octadecanol and suspended in decalin to form a model system. The flow properties were systematically studied using temperature as a variable to induce the formation of gels. By using the experimentally measured gel boundaries and elastic modulus, the strength and range of attraction between the particles were obtained by comparison with the recently developed naèive mode coupling theory with the Yukawa interaction potential. The experimental data showed an overlapping of the elastic modulus for the three particles, graphed on a scaled basis with respect to Dp3s/kT as suggested by the theory. This is in contrast to the very different values of the un-scaled elastic modulus of the varying particles at corresponding temperatures. Preliminary experiments are reported on mixtures of particles and suggestions are given for future work.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: 465232549, 341794, FSDT341794, fsu:19363
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Psychopathic personality traits and semantic processing of emotional Stroop stimuli.
Creator: Plonski, Jared.
Abstract/Description: Blunted reactions to distressing and fearful stimuli have long been implicated in the development of psychopathic personality traits. The emotional Stroop task is one of the hallmark measures of assessing attentional bias for emotional stimuli, but is has not been incorporated into research on psychopathic personality traits. The current study developed an emotional Stroop task to assess the hypothesis that individuals elevated in psychopathic personality traits would display less...
Show moreBlunted reactions to distressing and fearful stimuli have long been implicated in the development of psychopathic personality traits. The emotional Stroop task is one of the hallmark measures of assessing attentional bias for emotional stimuli, but is has not been incorporated into research on psychopathic personality traits. The current study developed an emotional Stroop task to assess the hypothesis that individuals elevated in psychopathic personality traits would display less interference of color naming for negative emotional word stimuli than individuals low in psychopathic personality traits. A mixed-gender sample of 68 college students was recruited from a larger screening sample characterized by high and low scores on the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. Participants took the emotional Stroop measure developed for this study, and average times for positive, negative, and neutral stimuli were converted to interference scores to determine emotional bias for positive and negative word stimuli relative to neutral word stimuli. Contrary to the prediction, there were no group differences for the Stroop interference scores. Implications of these findings for greater theoretical modeling are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: 469795514, 341786, FSDT341786, fsu:19355
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Controlling crystalline formation in selectively substituted polyethylenes.
Creator: Smith, Robert L., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Semi-crystalline polyethylene remains the most widely used polymer material because its properties can be tuned over a wide range by controlling the characteristics of amorphous and crystalline phases, respectively. In this context, understanding the effect of hetero-atom substituents along the polymer chain on the crystal formation is of particular interest since it could facilitate unprecedented control over the morphology and properties of the polymer. This work presents changes in the...
Show moreSemi-crystalline polyethylene remains the most widely used polymer material because its properties can be tuned over a wide range by controlling the characteristics of amorphous and crystalline phases, respectively. In this context, understanding the effect of hetero-atom substituents along the polymer chain on the crystal formation is of particular interest since it could facilitate unprecedented control over the morphology and properties of the polymer. This work presents changes in the crystalline structure of halogen substituted polyethylenes with fluorine, chlorine, and bromine along the chain. Polymers with a random halogen substitution or with halogens placed at a precise distance have been studied using small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). Structural data for the long spacing and thickness of the crystalline and amorphous regions, obtained from simple Lorentz intensity corrections and from the analysis of the one-dimensional correlation function, are evaluated and compared. A major conclusion for precisely substituted polymers is that decreasing the space between the substituents reduces the crystallinity and crystallite thickness while the amorphous region remains unaffected. With increasing the size of the substituents the fraction of the crystalline phase is found to decrease. A random distribution of the substituents causes a further decrease in the crystallinity of the material. Hence the controlled substitution with hetero atoms can be used to cause tunable changes in the properties of polyethylene and to ultimately extend its applications.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: 471439240, 341777, FSDT341777, fsu:19346
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MR analysis of structural contrast in a mouse model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a function of magnetic field.
Creator: Muniz, Jose., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: The main focus of this analysis is to utilize Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to define parameters that optimize regional contrast of neuroanatomical structures as a function of magnetic field strength. Once these parameters are defined, magnetic resonance images can be segmented to measure statistical information (e.g. volume) with respect to changes/abnormalities associated with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Furthermore, emphasis was placed on identifying neuronal...
Show moreThe main focus of this analysis is to utilize Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to define parameters that optimize regional contrast of neuroanatomical structures as a function of magnetic field strength. Once these parameters are defined, magnetic resonance images can be segmented to measure statistical information (e.g. volume) with respect to changes/abnormalities associated with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Furthermore, emphasis was placed on identifying neuronal features that might be more clearly delineated at high field. ADHD is a condition that becomes apparent in some children who have difficulty controlling their behavior and/or paying attention. The principle characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, often continuing into adulthood. The mouse model being used is a genetic mutant that alters dopamine-2 neurotransmitter receptors. This model has been developed to evaluate the effects of Ritalin and amphetamines on brain function and structure. Images were acquired at 11.75- and 21.1-T using a three-dimensional gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequence with an isotropic resolution of 50 (So(Bm. To evaluate contrast mechanisms in these fixed samples, images were acquired using T2*- and T1-weighting. CNRs (contrast-to-noise ratios) and SNRs (signal-to-noise ratios) were calculated for various segmented regions. Also, apparent T1 and T2* values were calculated to distinguish between tissue types. The following neuroanatomical structures were evaluated: the olfactory bulbs, caudate putamen (striatum), corpus callosum, hippocampus and cerebellum. Also, to evaluate contrast differences at the different field strengths, the hippocampus was segmented in depth to identify granular and pyramidal cell layers in the cornu ammonis and dentate gyrus.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: 469186801, 341761, FSDT341761, fsu:19330
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Navigating the Swarm: an oral history of Filipino World War II veterans after the 1946 Rescission Act, and their movement toward equity.
Creator: Diao, Alexis.
Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 2971634, FSDT2971634, fsu:19316
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of sarcopenic skeletal muscle using MR imaging and spectroscopy.
Creator: Howard, Aimee Kay., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Abstract: Sarcopenia, defined as the progressive loss of muscle tissue that occurs with aging, is primarily responsible for age-related decreases in muscle strength and power. Accelerating after age 50, sarcopenia leads to functional limitations that impact the quality of life for the elderly. Primary causes for sarcopenia include: (a) malnutrition, (b) deficits in anabolic and anticatabolic responsiveness, and (c) physical inactivity or reduced motor unit activation. Preventative treatments,...
Show moreAbstract: Sarcopenia, defined as the progressive loss of muscle tissue that occurs with aging, is primarily responsible for age-related decreases in muscle strength and power. Accelerating after age 50, sarcopenia leads to functional limitations that impact the quality of life for the elderly. Primary causes for sarcopenia include: (a) malnutrition, (b) deficits in anabolic and anticatabolic responsiveness, and (c) physical inactivity or reduced motor unit activation. Preventative treatments, such as exercise training, are effective in combating sarcopenia by enhancing strength and mobility while inducing at least partial hypertrophy in skeletal muscle. Although promising, current research has demonstrated that older adults (60-75 years) display reduced responses to resistance training when compared to the young. To investigate these issues, we are utilizing high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate sarcopenic muscle in vivo in aged rodent models. To conduct these investigations, we have built the necessary Radio Frequency (RF) coils and animal support apparatus necessary to perform MRI/S experiments in the 21.1-T, 900-MHz ultra-wide bore (900UWB) magnet at the NMHFL. For initial studies, an optimized surface coil arrangement, double-tuned to p1sH and p31sP frequencies (900 and 364 MHz, respectively), was constructed. These coils are used to interrogate the gastrocnemius, soleus and tibial anterior muscles of elderly Fisher 344 rats, a known model of sarcopenic muscle. The RF coil is part of a probe containing the animal support (temperature, anesthesia, etc.) and monitoring (ECG, respiratory, body temperature) apparatus to sustain the animal in the 900UWB for prolonged experimentation.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: 456103323, 244574, FSDT244574, fsu:19281
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Light scattering from solutions of mixtures of nanoparticles.
Creator: Duncan, Gregg A., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Abstract: Light scattering is a technique used to characterize the physical properties of solutions of nanoparticles. Properties such as the molecular weight, the radius of gyration, and the second virial coefficient can be found with the experiment. Determining these properties can be useful in practical applications involving polymers such as in forming gels and coatings. This work is focused on binary mixtures of nanoparticles in solution. Mixtures of polystyrene suspended in...
Show moreAbstract: Light scattering is a technique used to characterize the physical properties of solutions of nanoparticles. Properties such as the molecular weight, the radius of gyration, and the second virial coefficient can be found with the experiment. Determining these properties can be useful in practical applications involving polymers such as in forming gels and coatings. This work is focused on binary mixtures of nanoparticles in solution. Mixtures of polystyrene suspended in tetrahydrofuran were studied in this research. The molecular weight, the radius of gyration and second virial coefficient were found for each mixture. In addition, the interaction coefficient between the different-sized molecules, the cross virial coefficient, was determined for each mixture. Mixtures of at the following molecular weights: 1.7 x 10p5 sand 3.9 x 10p5 sg/mol and 1.7 x 10p5 sand 9.0 x 10p5 sg/mol were characterized at different weight fractions. A mixture in decalin was also created for comparison for comparison of the interactions in the different solvents.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: 456103315, 244569, FSDT244569, fsu:19276
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Synthesis and characterization of the self-assembling Alzheimer's [beta]-amyloid protein.
Creator: McLaughlin, Cory., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: The self-assembling beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein has long been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It may exist in various amino acid lengths, two of which (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) are most commonly found in vivo. The 35th residue, methionine-35 (Met-35), is known to be prone to oxidation which may be involved in AD pathology. We show that the use of tert-butyl ammonium bromide (Bu4NBr) can be effective in either preventing or reversing Met-35 oxidation. Dense, senile plaques which accumulate in AD...
Show moreThe self-assembling beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein has long been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It may exist in various amino acid lengths, two of which (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) are most commonly found in vivo. The 35th residue, methionine-35 (Met-35), is known to be prone to oxidation which may be involved in AD pathology. We show that the use of tert-butyl ammonium bromide (Bu4NBr) can be effective in either preventing or reversing Met-35 oxidation. Dense, senile plaques which accumulate in AD brains are chiefly composed of aggregated, fibrillar Aβ1-40. Still, little is known of the assembly pathways which govern amyloid deposition. We investigate the structure of monomeric Aβ1-40 and oligomeric Aβ1-42 using both liquid and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (lsNMR and ssNMR, respectively). Our results show that both 1D and 2D total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) 1H-1H lsNMR of monomeric Aβ1-40 are possible at concentrations as low as 0.1 mM. In addition, we find that 1D 13C ssNMR of both monomeric and oligomeric Aβ1-42 is quite viable. Oligomers are shown to be stabilized by the introduction of water, yielding spectral similarities to the monomeric form. We propose that further NMR studies of these, and similar, samples will further our knowledge of amyloid structure and self-assembly; which may prove instrumental in understanding AD pathology, prevention, and therapeutic interventions.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646810632, 2181970, FSDT2181970, fsu:19257
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hunter S. Thompson: a popular culture icon.
Creator: DiFiore, Danielle.
Abstract/Description: Why do certain things achieve widespread popularity and what are the effects of gaining popularity? This research thesis will attempt to analyze how pieces of text and certain personas gain acceptance in the popular culture community. Unlikely candidates become accepted in the mainstream due to unique individualism. Through analyzing the life and works of Hunter S. Thompson, it will become apparent that popular culture does not necessarily mean being in the "mainstream". This paper attempts...
Show moreWhy do certain things achieve widespread popularity and what are the effects of gaining popularity? This research thesis will attempt to analyze how pieces of text and certain personas gain acceptance in the popular culture community. Unlikely candidates become accepted in the mainstream due to unique individualism. Through analyzing the life and works of Hunter S. Thompson, it will become apparent that popular culture does not necessarily mean being in the "mainstream". This paper attempts to analyze the process by which Hunter S. Thompson a representative for the rebellious holds a place in the popular culture community and the effects of his fame. Due to the variety of methods, forms, definitions of popular culture and what exactly is popular culture there has been an academic debate if this is a subject, which merits attention.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646193478, 2181964, FSDT2181964, fsu:19252
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Single cell analysis of osmosis as assessed using high-field 1H and 23Na magnetic resonance imaging.
Creator: Walsh, John James., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Vital to every living organism is a delicate homeostatic balance of intracellular and extracellular ion concentrations critical for regulating osmosis. The resulting concentration gradients are the driving forces for transport across the cell membrane and basis of signal transduction in excitable cells, such as neurons. By examining cellular response to alterations of the extracellular environment, much can be observed concerning cell volume regulation through osmosis and the influence of...
Show moreVital to every living organism is a delicate homeostatic balance of intracellular and extracellular ion concentrations critical for regulating osmosis. The resulting concentration gradients are the driving forces for transport across the cell membrane and basis of signal transduction in excitable cells, such as neurons. By examining cellular response to alterations of the extracellular environment, much can be observed concerning cell volume regulation through osmosis and the influence of fluctuating ionic concentration distributions on cell swelling in disease states. Changes in the MRI relaxation parameters (T1, T2 and T2*) as well as the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in isolated neural ganglia and cells can be used to assess changing cellular environments under osmotic perturbation.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646191143, 2181960, FSDT2181960, fsu:19248
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Temperature control of a hydrogen fuel cell stack.
Creator: O'Keefe, Daniel Brian., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Theoretical models continue to be developed to gain a better understanding of the inner workings and interactions involved in the operation of fuel cell stacks. Very little, however, has been done to investigate how to maintain a fuel cell stack at an optimum temperature with a water cooling system even though such an optimum has been established. This optimum has a major effect on how efficiently the stack can produce power. In this research, a thermal model is designed in which the flow...
Show moreTheoretical models continue to be developed to gain a better understanding of the inner workings and interactions involved in the operation of fuel cell stacks. Very little, however, has been done to investigate how to maintain a fuel cell stack at an optimum temperature with a water cooling system even though such an optimum has been established. This optimum has a major effect on how efficiently the stack can produce power. In this research, a thermal model is designed in which the flow rate of cooling water determines the temperature at which the fuel cell stack operates. This model is then analyzed from both a steady-state and a dynamic standpoint. These analyses are used to determine the thermal characteristics and responses of the stack as a whole. The "watercooled" model is also compared to other thermal models to ensure the accuracy of the simulations. Finally, foundations are laid for the development of a controller that uses the cooling water flow rate to affect the stack temperature.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646189759, 2181959, FSDT2181959, fsu:19247
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A prototype of a centimeter-scale biomimetic fish using buckypaper composite actuators.
Creator: Porter, Spencer, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Presently, robotic fish are being used to demonstrate the functional range of various types of actuators. Since buckypaper composite actuators (BCAs) are lightweight, easy to manufacture and require low voltage and power to drive, they are ideal to power small biomimetic fish. This study was aimed to design, fabricate and test a prototype of a biomimetic fish using BCAs to establish functionality. The mechanism used for propelling the robotic fish involved actuation from a force enhanced BCA....
Show morePresently, robotic fish are being used to demonstrate the functional range of various types of actuators. Since buckypaper composite actuators (BCAs) are lightweight, easy to manufacture and require low voltage and power to drive, they are ideal to power small biomimetic fish. This study was aimed to design, fabricate and test a prototype of a biomimetic fish using BCAs to establish functionality. The mechanism used for propelling the robotic fish involved actuation from a force enhanced BCA. A centimeter-scale biomimetic fish that utilizes this new actuation material was developed and tested. Different tail shapes, actuator sizes and actuation frequencies were studied to determine the optimal power and speed created by each actuator and fin design. The 14 cm long fish was designed to be controlled with a microcontroller and contains two lithium ion batteries which provide a total of 7.4 volts. Preliminary tests were conducted to identify technical issues and discuss possible engineering solutions. From these tests it was determined that in order to produce a fish using BCAs, more force is required from the actuators. Also, the battery's capacity will need to be increased.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646166912, 2181954, FSDT2181954, fsu:19242
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Calibrating triboluminescent light to cracking in concrete structures.
Creator: Sullivan, William Garrett., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Due to their luminescence upon mechanical excitation, triboluminescent (TL) materials have the capacity to produce valuable data on structural health. Among these crystals, ZnS:Mn has shown efficient light emission properties. Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) mixed with these materials are already being studied and proven to luminesce when the plastics are broken. Transferring the use of TL materials from reinforced plastics to concrete is an interesting and original idea. This could be...
Show moreDue to their luminescence upon mechanical excitation, triboluminescent (TL) materials have the capacity to produce valuable data on structural health. Among these crystals, ZnS:Mn has shown efficient light emission properties. Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) mixed with these materials are already being studied and proven to luminesce when the plastics are broken. Transferring the use of TL materials from reinforced plastics to concrete is an interesting and original idea. This could be an effective approach to structural health monitoring for civil engineering applications, since the presence of cracks is included in the criteria of whether a structure is considered "healthy". Experimentation was conducted in order to determine how concentrations of ZnS:Mn affected the ultimate flexural stress capacity and triboluminescent properties of a cement and fly ash cementious paste. Results suggest that, with embedded plastic optical fiber connected to a photo-multiplier tube, large cracks can be detected in hardened cementious pastes containing ZnS:Mn in crystal to cementious materials (cr/cm) ratios of greater than 0.05. In addition, the cementious paste will gain strength with increased cr/cm ratios of up to 0.2. Of the cr/cm ratios studied, 0.25 consistently yielded more intense light emissions. Curing age does drastically affect light intensity for c/cm 0.15 and 0.25, but only after 3 days curing. Concrete strength does seem positively affected by the presence of crystal up until 0.20, but drastically decreases for greater cr/cm concentrations. More experimentation is needed to determine if fracture due to gradual loading can produce detectable light emissions.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646069388, 2181949, FSDT2181949, fsu:19237
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Kenetics of the phase and chemical changes of cellulose in NMMO/H20 solutions.
Creator: Morales, Daniel Humphrey., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Cellulosic biomass is an appealing alternative energy source due to its abundance in nature and the various available feed sources it can be obtained from. Efficient utilization of this feed source would lessen dependence on foreign fuel sources and reduce wastes that accrue in current industrial and agricultural processes. In order convert cellulose into sugars used to create fuels, the cellulose chains must be susceptible to enzymatic attack. To create an efficient conversion process, the...
Show moreCellulosic biomass is an appealing alternative energy source due to its abundance in nature and the various available feed sources it can be obtained from. Efficient utilization of this feed source would lessen dependence on foreign fuel sources and reduce wastes that accrue in current industrial and agricultural processes. In order convert cellulose into sugars used to create fuels, the cellulose chains must be susceptible to enzymatic attack. To create an efficient conversion process, the complex structure of the cellulose, reinforced by it hydrogen bonding and crystalline structure, must be broken down. This is achieved by pretreating the cellulose in a solution that will break down its crystalline structure. The solvent of interest for this study is N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO). The results demonstrated the utility of employing NMR and MRI techniques for studying the regeneration characteristics of cellulose from a pre-treatment solvent.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646069315, 2181947, FSDT2181947, fsu:19235
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Feasibility of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields.
Creator: Pilkington, Olivia Louise., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Being inspired by the current research on the greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, we began to look at other greenhouse gas sources. As the result, we have begun to take a deeper look into rice paddies and coal mines. Both produce mass amounts of methane and release it into the atmosphere, they are not monitored or regulated and seem to have the potential to be mitigated or trapped. The objective of this research is to study a look at the possibility of altering a part of the farming...
Show moreBeing inspired by the current research on the greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, we began to look at other greenhouse gas sources. As the result, we have begun to take a deeper look into rice paddies and coal mines. Both produce mass amounts of methane and release it into the atmosphere, they are not monitored or regulated and seem to have the potential to be mitigated or trapped. The objective of this research is to study a look at the possibility of altering a part of the farming practices within rice production to significantly reduce the methane either created or released without causing a large inconvenience to current farmers. Presently there are studies done that show a reduction in methane emissions but increase water use by a significant amount. This is costly and inefficient in the long run, especially in lands where there is a natural flooding and others where water is sparse.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646069672, 2181946, FSDT2181946, fsu:19234
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effective music therapy applications for persons with sensory processing disorder.
Creator: Morrow, Lauren.
Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 646066401, 2181939, FSDT2181939, fsu:19227
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Enzymatic hydrolysis of pulp dissolved in n-methyl morpholine n-oxide and ionic liquids: a comparative study.
Creator: Li, Elizabeth Yau., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: The first step in the conversion process of biomass to biofuels or hydrogen lies in identifying an environmentally friendly solvent, which is capable of breaking up the crystalline microstructure of cellulose. Once the cellulose is in suspension, enzymes are added to a reactor to hydrolyze the cellulose to simple sugars that can then be converted to other hydrocarbons. Currently, a number of solvents have been used for dissolving cellulose and for re-precipitating it by the addition of an...
Show moreThe first step in the conversion process of biomass to biofuels or hydrogen lies in identifying an environmentally friendly solvent, which is capable of breaking up the crystalline microstructure of cellulose. Once the cellulose is in suspension, enzymes are added to a reactor to hydrolyze the cellulose to simple sugars that can then be converted to other hydrocarbons. Currently, a number of solvents have been used for dissolving cellulose and for re-precipitating it by the addition of an antisolvent, thus making it a multi-stage process. In this work, it was shown that the number of processing steps can be reduced by directly carrying out the enzymatic hydrolysis in NMMO and the ionic liquids (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [Emim]Ac and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate [Emim]DEP), which are excellent solvents for dissolving crystalline cellulose. Dissolving pulp of degree of polymerization 1160 was used as the substrate, and Accellerase 1000 was the enzyme used to carry out the reactions. The rates of enzymatic hydrolysis and total sugars released were studied as a function of time and solution conditions - solution pH and enzyme loading. These studies revealed that the enzymes were active in NMMO and ionic liquids, with the yields of sugars higher in NMMO than the other two solvents. After 24 hours of reaction at an enzyme loading of 122 FPU/g, the maximum sugar yield observed in NMMO was 5.81 mg/mL (73.5% conversion assuming all sugars were glucose), 3.95 mg/mL (48.8%) in [Emim]DEP, and 2.50 mg/mL (31.5%) in [Emim]Ac. It is hypothesized that this reduced yield was due to the inactivation of enzymes by the anion in the ionic liquids.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 645162874, 2181923, FSDT2181923, fsu:19212
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of rheological response of high molecular weight cyclic polymer melts to percolation caused by trace contamination from linear chains.
Creator: Lombardo, Rafael Vasquez., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: Melts of cyclic polymers intentionally contaminated with linear polymer fractions were studied using the bond-fluctuation model and sol-gel transition theory analysis to determine the threshold concentration at which percolation spans these melts. These results were then compared to recent experimental results that reported the threshold concentration of a sample of cyclic polystyrenes to be approximately 50 times below the overlap concentration of the chains. The experimental study mentioned...
Show moreMelts of cyclic polymers intentionally contaminated with linear polymer fractions were studied using the bond-fluctuation model and sol-gel transition theory analysis to determine the threshold concentration at which percolation spans these melts. These results were then compared to recent experimental results that reported the threshold concentration of a sample of cyclic polystyrenes to be approximately 50 times below the overlap concentration of the chains. The experimental study mentioned also attempted to explain why the threshold concentration found experimentally was that low, by suggesting that the end-to-end distance of the linear chains was a relevant factor in the capture of the surrounding cyclic chains. Our results showed some agreement with the percolation threshold values found experimentally; however, our theoretical estimations on the enhanced entrapment volume with which linear chains capture cyclic chains resulted in a concentration approximately 20 times smaller than the overlap concentration of linear chains. Our study was then expanded to look for an improved estimate of the distance required for entanglement in linear chains, this time omitting the presence of rings. Our results provide two important conclusions; first, the existence of a bridging mechanism that allows distant linear chains to interconnect by means of a common cyclic chain seems to be evident, in agreement with previous studies; second, the use of the end-to-end distance as an indicator of linear chain entanglement results in an underestimation of this condition. It is proposed that a more appropriate parameter would be the critical distance, which was found in this study to be approximately 1.09 times greater than the end-to-end distance for each chain. We also suggest that this parameter be treated as a radius rather than an end-to-end vector, in the same way as the radius of gyration is employed to calculate the overlapping concentration.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 645070645, 2181922, FSDT2181922, fsu:19211
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of data analysis for the investigation of the physical properties of polystyrene mixtures.
Creator: De Jesus, Nicole Marie., FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Abstract/Description: The use of light scattering theory for the characterization of polymers has been of interest in recent years. The ability for static light scattering measurements to determine physical and thermodynamic properties, such as the molecular weight, radius of gyration, and second virial coefficient, of polymers is important for future research and industrial applications. Knowledge of a polymer's chemical and physical properties, could lead to innovative changes in polymer formulation. The control...
Show moreThe use of light scattering theory for the characterization of polymers has been of interest in recent years. The ability for static light scattering measurements to determine physical and thermodynamic properties, such as the molecular weight, radius of gyration, and second virial coefficient, of polymers is important for future research and industrial applications. Knowledge of a polymer's chemical and physical properties, could lead to innovative changes in polymer formulation. The control of polymer formulation can allow for variations in polymer structure which can result in new functions and applications, such as new drug delivery or improvements in contact lenses.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: 644660926, 2181919, FSDT2181919, fsu:19208
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Capital Punishment and Political Affiliation.
Creator: Wollschlager, Nicholas
Abstract/Description: This paper outlines several popular utilitarian stances in addition to moral reasoning for a person’s decision on where they fall in regards to the argument of capital punishment. Using outside materials from accredited sources as well as personal advances, the construction of these ideals appears to be quite strong in the decision process. After giving insight on the background surrounding popular rationale of choice, the paper then seeks to discover what drives individuals the most in that...
Show moreThis paper outlines several popular utilitarian stances in addition to moral reasoning for a person’s decision on where they fall in regards to the argument of capital punishment. Using outside materials from accredited sources as well as personal advances, the construction of these ideals appears to be quite strong in the decision process. After giving insight on the background surrounding popular rationale of choice, the paper then seeks to discover what drives individuals the most in that choice. With a uniquely constructed survey for the purposes of this study alone, a sample that is representational to the demographics of society was able to be tested for the research. Inspired by the return of political importance the years of 2007 and 2008 have brought, a renaissance of sorts, the testing of political affiliation within the criminal justice system seemed only logical. The project was undertaken to determine whether or not political affiliation had an effect on where people stand on the issue of the death penalty. It was ascertained that there was in fact a strong relationship between which political party individuals aligned themselves with, most notably Democrats and Republicans and how they felt about the death penalty.
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Date Issued: 2008-12-01
Identifier: 210378, FSDT210378, fsu:19184
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Other Side of the Magic Fire: An Exploration of Jewish Bioethics Through Twilight of the Golds.
Creator: Guidry-Grimes, Laura K.
Date Issued: 2008-12-01
Identifier: 210377, FSDT210377, fsu:19183
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Phenomenon of Dan Flavin.
Creator: Spivey, Jean D.
Abstract/Description: American artist Dan Flavin quickly gained notoriety in the art scene of the 1960’s working in the medium of light arrangements. Using only fluorescent lights in a variety of colors and tube lengths, Flavin’s works fully exploit light for its objective qualities and situate the fluorescent as a concrete element. From the beginning, the artist was immediately grouped into the emerging Minimalism movement, aligning him with artists such as Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt and Robert Morris....
Show moreAmerican artist Dan Flavin quickly gained notoriety in the art scene of the 1960’s working in the medium of light arrangements. Using only fluorescent lights in a variety of colors and tube lengths, Flavin’s works fully exploit light for its objective qualities and situate the fluorescent as a concrete element. From the beginning, the artist was immediately grouped into the emerging Minimalism movement, aligning him with artists such as Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt and Robert Morris. Flavin’s work is easily associated with the movement because his art concerns with the same aesthetic and conceptual issues as the art of his contemporaries.In this essay, the author first identifies the main characteristics that constitute Minimalism, placing particular emphasis on the role of spectator interaction. These characteristics are established as aesthetic precedents for Minimalist art through Donald Judd’s 1965 essay, “Specific Objects.” The second part of the essay is concerned with placing Flavin’s work within a Minimalist context, and then exploring a Minimalist reading of his works. Through the writings of Barbra Rose (ABC Art), Maurice Merleau- Ponty (The Theory of the Body Is Already a Theory of Perception), Robert Morris (Notes on Sculpture), and Rosalind Krauss (Allusion and Illusionism), the author establishes the heightened importance of the perceptual relationship between spectator and object to this genre of art. From this, the aforementioned theories of spectator interaction within other Minimalists works are paralleled with Flavin’s fluorescent lights by using the texts that were analyzed in the first section.
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Date Issued: 2008-12-01
Identifier: 210376, FSDT210376, fsu:19182
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Integration of Communication Techniques and Mediums to Develop Both a Resource Website and an Awareness Campaign to Promote Education and Healing concerning Child Sexual Abuse.
Creator: Sipes, Victoria M.
Abstract/Description: My thesis is the creation of a website for the Beary Beautiful Foundation, LLC as well as a marketing plan for extended awareness of child sexual abuse. By using talents I have acquired through my major, I was able to integrate public relations writing with website copy and produce a website that is suitable for publishing. I incorporated an executive summary, the target market, and measurement levels in order to successfully gage the progress of the marketing campaign.
Date Issued: 2008-12-01
Identifier: 210375, FSDT210375, fsu:19181
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influences on migrant policy in Germany: the role of identity, economy, and institutions on citizenship and asylum law between 1990 and 2000.
Creator: Nasehi, Carly S.
Date Issued: 2009-02-02
Identifier: 210374, FSDT210374, fsu:19180
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Social Anxiety and Progesterone: Maladaptive Responses to Social Rejection.
Creator: McClure, Christopher
Abstract/Description: Several previous studies suggest that people high in social anxiety respond to rejection with heightened distress and social avoidance. The current research investigated one possible biological process that might underlie the responses of socially anxious individuals. The study examined manipulated rejection (using a lab interaction paradigm) and measures the release of progesterone – a hormone involved in social bonding. I predicted that, in response to rejection, people high in social...
Show moreSeveral previous studies suggest that people high in social anxiety respond to rejection with heightened distress and social avoidance. The current research investigated one possible biological process that might underlie the responses of socially anxious individuals. The study examined manipulated rejection (using a lab interaction paradigm) and measures the release of progesterone – a hormone involved in social bonding. I predicted that, in response to rejection, people high in social anxiety would display deficits in the release of progesterone, possibly reflecting an inclination toward social avoidance and withdrawal. Findings showed that people with low to moderate levels of social anxiety displayed an increase in progesterone in response to social rejection, whereas individuals high in social anxiety did not. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2008-11-05
Identifier: 210373, FSDT210373, fsu:19179
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: You've Earned It! Searching for a Defensible Basis for Desert in Wages.
Creator: Jenkins, Ryan
Abstract/Description: In my thesis, I propose a new theory of wages as deserved income. I take a look at two prominent philosophers’ discussions on the subject, and find they are both lacking. George Sher believes that desert in wages can best be explained by appealing to the violation of moral standards that dictate how we believe the world should be. He says that, because subordinating our labor to another’s ends (i.e. ‘working’) violates some “independent standard,” wages are deserved to offset this loss of...
Show moreIn my thesis, I propose a new theory of wages as deserved income. I take a look at two prominent philosophers’ discussions on the subject, and find they are both lacking. George Sher believes that desert in wages can best be explained by appealing to the violation of moral standards that dictate how we believe the world should be. He says that, because subordinating our labor to another’s ends (i.e. ‘working’) violates some “independent standard,” wages are deserved to offset this loss of autonomy. A wage is “uniquely suited” to allow a worker to pursue his own goals in turn, says Sher. Joel Feinberg argues that, as far as wages are deserved at all, they are deserved only as compensation for especially difficult, dangerous or unpleasant work, and that they can only explain deserved differentials in pay. He rejects the idea that deserved wages can be explained as a reward. My own theory, briefly, is this: wages are deserved as a reward after a worker has (1) put forth an effort that (2) has been directed toward the end of another and (3) is socially valuable. Finally, I survey the literature in the living wage movement. Finding it lacking in the language of desert, I propose that the proponents of a living wage adopt an argument like mine. That is, I suggest they give to desert a more central role in their discussions about why workers should receive a living wage.
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Date Issued: 2008-11-12
Identifier: 210372, FSDT210372, fsu:19178
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Total Recall: A Study of Reaction Time to M.C. Escher Prints.
Creator: Hennion, Melissa L.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in recalling spatial details of images. According to Arlington, Leaf, & Monaghan (1992) men typically outperform women in tasks that require the use of spatial ability, which these investigators argue is paramount in the success of certain high status professions (e.g., engineering, physics and chemistry). If men outperform women in spatial recognition abilities it may be expected that men will recall more details from M.C. Escher...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in recalling spatial details of images. According to Arlington, Leaf, & Monaghan (1992) men typically outperform women in tasks that require the use of spatial ability, which these investigators argue is paramount in the success of certain high status professions (e.g., engineering, physics and chemistry). If men outperform women in spatial recognition abilities it may be expected that men will recall more details from M.C. Escher prints. As these prints are spatial in nature, they should be suitable for assessing spatial recognition. This hypothesis will be tested by requiring (N=120) men and women ranging from age 18 to 50 to recall as many objects in the picture as much as possible within a thirty second time frame. It is hypothesized that women will score lower on image recall of the M.C. Escher prints. Hypothesis confirmed that males outperform women when presented with this task in spatial recognition. A surprisingly significant effect that was also found was that Non-Caucasian participants outperformed Caucasian participants.
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Date Issued: 2008-11-21
Identifier: 210371, FSDT210371, fsu:19177
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Do Social Norms in Posture Contribute to Gender Differences in Confidence?.
Creator: Gould, Crystal
Date Issued: 2008-12-01
Identifier: 210370, FSDT210370, fsu:19176
Format: Document (PDF)

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