Osvaldo da Costa Lacerda (March 23, 1927-July 18, 2011), one of the most significant Brazilian composers of the twentieth century, wrote more than 250 compositions. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a history and analysis of the Brazilian genres characterized in Osvaldo Lacerda’s, Sonata for Flute and Piano. Written in 1959, the sonata represents traditional Brazilian rhythms within a classical structure and modern harmony. The work provides a basis for the exploration of the embolada, the serestas, and the baião, examples of Brazilian typical song forms and rhythms. Analysis of the historical roots of these nationalistic elements will provide appropriate performance practice considerations when playing Brazilian rhythms; and because this sonata only exists in manuscript form, the historical analysis and performance guide will be of service to disseminate this important Brazilian work. As a basis for a critical edition of the Sonata for Flute and Piano, this initial effort will provide performers with a context for Brazilian flute music. Chapters include the Lacerda’s biography, a background of the nationalistic movement in Brazil and the composers who have influenced Osvaldo Lacerda. Definitions of embolada, serestas, and baião is also provided.

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) represent a class of miniaturized information systems designed to monitor physical environments. These smart monitoring systems form collaborative networks utilizing autonomous sensing, data-collection, and processing to provide real-time analytics of observed environments. As a fundamental research area in pervasive computing and envisioned as large-scale autonomous networks of communicating nodes capable of monitoring conditional metrics over vast geographic areas, WSNs have the potential to provide researchers and conservationists with increased knowledge of the intricacies and interrelationships of disparate environments. The author addressed the problem of developing a methodology for the design and deployment of WSNs in uncontrolled and harsh outdoor environments. Within the context of a research and conservation field study of flora, the author developed a model for deployment of WSNs within the domain of microclimate habitat monitoring. The goal of this study was to contribute to the body of knowledge in WSN research by developing a model for deployment that was scientifically sound and replicable. To accomplish this goal, the author conducted an investigation of current technologies associated with WSNs, their capabilities, and their applications specific to the stated domain. To validate this model, the author deployed a WSN for monitoring the microclimate habitats of a population of Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis, common name, slender ladies' tresses. During this field study, the WSN performed according to design and produced sufficient data to provide an accurate representation of the microclimate habitats of the objects of study. As a contribution to the WSN research body of knowledge, the author used an SDLC methodology to provide a pragmatic approach to deployment focused on the elements of nuance specific to WSNs for microclimate habitat monitoring.