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Title: A FLORAL SURVEY OF THE ABACOA GOPHER TORTOISE PRESERVE.
Creator: Bates, Malaika, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The Abacoa Gopher Tortoise Preserve is a 60-ha section of the Abacoa Greenway (designated RangeⅠ) consisting of scrubby pine flatwood habitat. For this thesis, I used the iNaturalist app as a tool to identify and create a comprehensive list of all plant species in Range Ⅰ. I organized this information by IUCN conservation status to distinguish between invasive, native, and endemic species. I compare this list to similar floral surveys done in this preserve to obtain a view of how the...
Show moreThe Abacoa Gopher Tortoise Preserve is a 60-ha section of the Abacoa Greenway (designated RangeⅠ) consisting of scrubby pine flatwood habitat. For this thesis, I used the iNaturalist app as a tool to identify and create a comprehensive list of all plant species in Range Ⅰ. I organized this information by IUCN conservation status to distinguish between invasive, native, and endemic species. I compare this list to similar floral surveys done in this preserve to obtain a view of how the composition of the preserve is changing over time. I used the initial conservation targets for the Abacoa Greenway to determine whether the standards for percent penetration of invasive/exotic species and fire treatment were being upheld and how this may have influenced the floral composition. Lastly, I discuss the species found within the preserve that contain known nutritional or medicinal properties that could be valuable for human use.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00244
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Survey of Florida Bat Species Feeding at Highway Rest Areas.
Creator: Fernandez, Ariel, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Florida is home to 13 species of bats, all of which are insectivorous. As humans immigrated into areas that were previously natural, bats have had to adjust their habits to live alongside us. Bats in Florida are commonly seen foraging for insects attracted to artificial lights. For my thesis, I set up ultrasonic recording equipment at highway rest areas under large streetlights in Martin and Palm Beach County to see how frequently different bat species visited each area. I identified a total...
Show moreFlorida is home to 13 species of bats, all of which are insectivorous. As humans immigrated into areas that were previously natural, bats have had to adjust their habits to live alongside us. Bats in Florida are commonly seen foraging for insects attracted to artificial lights. For my thesis, I set up ultrasonic recording equipment at highway rest areas under large streetlights in Martin and Palm Beach County to see how frequently different bat species visited each area. I identified a total of 1598 calls, including 159 calls of rare or endangered species. I found most frequently recorded species at both sites was the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), a very common species in South Florida. My other findings suggest that the known rarity and range of some species should be reconsidered. The importance of streetlights to the survival of insectivorous bats certainly deserves additional attention.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00251
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Anti-Bacterial Properties in Venom of Albanian Acrobat Ants, Crematogaster schmidti.
Creator: Sawai, Guillermo G., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Bioprospecting’s main goal is to discover natural compounds with beneficial properties. Previous studies have shown diverse, bio-active organic compounds found in the venom of different species of ants. In my research, I tested the venom of an acrobat ant from Albania, Crematogaster schmidti, for anti-bacterial properties by using the disc diffusion method. I found a decrease in bacterial colony growth where the venom was applied onto the agar plate.
Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003692
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AUTOPHAGY IN DNA DAMAGE INDUCED ACCELERATED AGING.
Creator: Muravia, Mariya, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Autophagy, the cellular “recycling system” of unnecessary components, is a crucial mechanism for maintaining homeostasis inside the cell. Whereas impaired DNA repair function leads to accelerated aging and an early onset of several age-related diseases, it is not known whether autophagy plays a mediating role in this process. Here, we examined changes in autophagy in cells with progeria due to a disabled ERCC1-XPF, a nuclear DNA repair enzyme. We found that loss of ERCC1 function leads to DNA...
Show moreAutophagy, the cellular “recycling system” of unnecessary components, is a crucial mechanism for maintaining homeostasis inside the cell. Whereas impaired DNA repair function leads to accelerated aging and an early onset of several age-related diseases, it is not known whether autophagy plays a mediating role in this process. Here, we examined changes in autophagy in cells with progeria due to a disabled ERCC1-XPF, a nuclear DNA repair enzyme. We found that loss of ERCC1 function leads to DNA damage and a decrease in autophagic flux in cells. Low dose treatment with Rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, improved proliferation and delayed aging, or cellular senescence, in the cells. These data suggest that persistent DNA damage suppresses autophagic flux, thus contributing to early senescence and accelerated onset of age-related diseases. Therefore, therapeutics that improve autophagic flux, may prove beneficial for progeroid patients.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012630
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Bio-active organic compounds in the venom of an Endemic Jamaican Ant, Crematogaster vicina.
Creator: Burnett, Brian M, Wetterer, James K., Dragojlovic, Veljko, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Bioprospecting, the search for useful compounds found in nature, has led to the discovery of novel drugs and pharmaceuticals. For my thesis research, I analyzed the organic compounds in the venom of Crematogaster vicina Andre, an endemic Jamaican ant. Prior chemical analysis of Crematogaster species revealed diverse, bio-active organic compounds, which included long chained conjugated dienones, furanocembranoid, and diterpenes. I postulated that these types of compounds are characteristic of...
Show moreBioprospecting, the search for useful compounds found in nature, has led to the discovery of novel drugs and pharmaceuticals. For my thesis research, I analyzed the organic compounds in the venom of Crematogaster vicina Andre, an endemic Jamaican ant. Prior chemical analysis of Crematogaster species revealed diverse, bio-active organic compounds, which included long chained conjugated dienones, furanocembranoid, and diterpenes. I postulated that these types of compounds are characteristic of the Crematogaster venom. I used Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Sci-Finder database and SDBS database to test my hypothesis with C.vicina venom. I identified one bio-active organic compound of high abundance and similar characteristics of the organic compounds found in venom of the Crematogaster species from Europe: 1, 2 –Dihydro-4-ethylamino-1-methylpyrimidin-2-one, which I isolated as di (phosphate methyl ester).
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003508
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CELLULAR SENESCENCE INCREASES IN THE ERCC1-/Δ MOUSE MODEL OF ACCELERATED AGING.
Creator: Bukata, Christina, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Aging is the result of the progressive and intrinsic accumulation of detrimental changes in an organism over time. Understanding the molecular pathways that contribute to aging is critical for the development of therapeutic agents to treat age-related disorders. As an animal ages, it accumulates senescent cells, cells that are unable to grow or divide but remain metabolically active. They secrete Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) factors, which can disrupt tissue and cause age...
Show moreAging is the result of the progressive and intrinsic accumulation of detrimental changes in an organism over time. Understanding the molecular pathways that contribute to aging is critical for the development of therapeutic agents to treat age-related disorders. As an animal ages, it accumulates senescent cells, cells that are unable to grow or divide but remain metabolically active. They secrete Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) factors, which can disrupt tissue and cause age related diseases. The Ercc1-/Δ mice are an accelerated aging, progeriod model, and thus it was hypothesized that cellular senescence would increase in the Ercc1-/Δ mice. Through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, the expression of senescence biomarkers p16INK4a, p21, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured to confirm that Ercc1-/Δ mice do experience an increase in cellular senescence. Additionally, we were able to determine that there are gender differences regarding the accumulation of senescent cells in various body parts.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012609
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Cetacean Mortality Along the US East Coast Attributed to Morbillivirus.
Creator: Feliciano, Lyly, Wetterer, James K., Arrieta, Diane, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: In 2013-2014, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) experienced unusually high mortality along the East Coast of the US. Many deaths were attributed to Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV). My thesis research examined whether this high mortality could be attributed to the virus spreading more easily due to pollution, being picked up from a specific location, or unusual weather events. I found no evidence that pollutants or location corresponded with CeMV. There was the expected percentage of...
Show moreIn 2013-2014, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) experienced unusually high mortality along the East Coast of the US. Many deaths were attributed to Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV). My thesis research examined whether this high mortality could be attributed to the virus spreading more easily due to pollution, being picked up from a specific location, or unusual weather events. I found no evidence that pollutants or location corresponded with CeMV. There was the expected percentage of strandings based on the percentage of coastline therefore ruling out any linkage to location. Weather patterns appeared to have an effect on CeMV. When the temperatures were low, there were minimal strandings due to CeMV. Whereas, when temperatures were at their highest, there were also record numbers of CeMV. Thus, I concluded that high temperatures may have allowed increased spread of CeMV, which was compounded by increased movement of dolphins when waters are warmer.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003672
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DECISION-MAKING GAMES: EFFECTS ON FUTURE DECISIONS OF ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: Rivera, Dalian K., Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: I propose research that examines whether decision making video games have positive effects on the everyday decision of adolescents. The research will be conducted on 30 adolescents/young adults, ages 18-24, who have very little gaming experience. Subjects will complete a survey examining their decision-making capabilities, problem-solving ability, and their mental speed. They will be randomly placed into two groups of 15, the experimental and the control. The experimental group will...
Show moreI propose research that examines whether decision making video games have positive effects on the everyday decision of adolescents. The research will be conducted on 30 adolescents/young adults, ages 18-24, who have very little gaming experience. Subjects will complete a survey examining their decision-making capabilities, problem-solving ability, and their mental speed. They will be randomly placed into two groups of 15, the experimental and the control. The experimental group will participate in an online decision-making game, Imprisoned and Alter Ego, for a total of five hours over a three-week period. The control group will not play any online games. I will then retest all the subjects. I hypothesize that moderate play of decision-making games by adolescents and young adults can improve the decision-making abilities in their everyday lives as well as enhance their problem-solving skills, and increase the speed of their thought processing capabilities.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00045
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Demographic Survey of Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) at the Abacoa Greenway.
Creator: Sano, Tokio, Moore, Jon, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The Abacoa Greenway reserve is a 105 ha preserve in Jupiter, Florida. We investigated the demographics of the gopher tortoise population and their burrow distributions in a 9 ha portion of the greenway (Range VIa) used for the relocation of gopher tortoises. Range VIa currently houses at least 90 tortoises. According to state guidelines this reserve is considered to be a “support population” with ≤250 individuals living in an area ≤100 ha. We found that the tortoises in the reserve are...
Show moreThe Abacoa Greenway reserve is a 105 ha preserve in Jupiter, Florida. We investigated the demographics of the gopher tortoise population and their burrow distributions in a 9 ha portion of the greenway (Range VIa) used for the relocation of gopher tortoises. Range VIa currently houses at least 90 tortoises. According to state guidelines this reserve is considered to be a “support population” with ≤250 individuals living in an area ≤100 ha. We found that the tortoises in the reserve are showing signs of maturity at a younger age (7-10 years) and a larger size (25-35 cm carapace length) compared to more northern populations. We hypothesize that this is due to the latitudinal climate effects and warm winters allowing year-round foraging. For the gopher tortoise burrow distribution, we found that many tortoises are creating new burrows on the periphery due to the overgrowth of the vegetation in the interior of the reserve and a reduction mowing is needed.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003625
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EXAMINATION OF NATURAL AND CAPTIVE BEHAVIORS AND THEIRIMPLICATIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH IN OCTOPUS VULGARIS.
Creator: Odom, Justin, Moore, Jon, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: In an attempt to better understand the effects of environmental enrichments on captive octopods, specifically Octopus vulgaris, as conducted by aquariums, attempts have been made to collect wild octopus from various sites in the Indian River Lagoon. Collected specimen would have been observed in captivity in order to compare their behavior with that of their wild counterparts based on the data collected by Kayes in 1973. The research conducted would serve to investigate if the environmental...
Show moreIn an attempt to better understand the effects of environmental enrichments on captive octopods, specifically Octopus vulgaris, as conducted by aquariums, attempts have been made to collect wild octopus from various sites in the Indian River Lagoon. Collected specimen would have been observed in captivity in order to compare their behavior with that of their wild counterparts based on the data collected by Kayes in 1973. The research conducted would serve to investigate if the environmental enrichments, institutionalized by aquariums, encourage octopods to behave more closely to the natural or wild type behaviors or if the enrichments encourage less natural behavior. Due to complications in the collection process, the nature of research conducted was changed to look at behavior of 0. vulgaris in the wild at Blue Heron Bridge, while examining literature on implications of octopi behavior in captivity. Enrichment is used to guarantee the mental wellbeing and health of animals in captivity in the interests of maintaining a good quality of living. This thesis looks at whether the quality for life achieved by enrichment impacts behavior by either encouraging natural or unnatural behavior in octopi.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003620
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus): Feeding Activity and Bright Stadium Lights.
Creator: Harman, Selena, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) is an endangered species found only in southern Florida. There is little ecological information known for this species, making conservation work difficult in protecting it. What we do know, however, is that they are large, insectivorous, high-flying mammals that can travel over vast distances in a single night. With these characteristics it made me wonder if E. floridanus would find baseball stadiums an acceptable hunting ground. They have wide...
Show moreThe Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) is an endangered species found only in southern Florida. There is little ecological information known for this species, making conservation work difficult in protecting it. What we do know, however, is that they are large, insectivorous, high-flying mammals that can travel over vast distances in a single night. With these characteristics it made me wonder if E. floridanus would find baseball stadiums an acceptable hunting ground. They have wide-open spaces, the bright stadium lights attract insects, and the field lights themselves are hundreds of feet high. To test if this is true, I set up ultrasonic recording equipment at Roger Dean Stadium (and two other baseball fields with differing environmental factors) to see if there is a difference in activity between nights when the lights are on or off. With this information about E. floridanus feeding habits, current conservation practices could be improved upon.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00178
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) Population Changes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Creator: Morton, Emily M.N., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Each June, surveys are conducted at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in order to monitor the population status of the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the only avian species endemic to the state of Florida. These birds are limited to the rare oak scrub community, a habitat that is under constant threat due to human development. Florida Scrub-Jays are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and all of Florida’s populations are in decline. Jonathan Dickinson...
Show moreEach June, surveys are conducted at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in order to monitor the population status of the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the only avian species endemic to the state of Florida. These birds are limited to the rare oak scrub community, a habitat that is under constant threat due to human development. Florida Scrub-Jays are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and all of Florida’s populations are in decline. Jonathan Dickinson State Park organizes surveys that collect vital information about the species to better understand how to conserve the fire-dependent oak scrub that they inhabit. The results of this study indicate that efforts to restore the scrub habitat through prescribed burning have been successful at JDSP since the population of Florida Scrub-Jays has stabilized and the birds have dispersed into new areas of the park.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003683
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: HOW TO IMPROVE THE DIETS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Capi, Donald, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Numerous studies have found a significant correlation between diet and brain function in humans and other animals, indicating that a healthy diet can greatly enhance cognition and reduce oxidative stress, which impairs brain health. My thesis examines the policies of ten successful university nutrition programs in the United States, with the aim of improving nutrition for students at the Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I proposed that FAU should establish an on-...
Show moreNumerous studies have found a significant correlation between diet and brain function in humans and other animals, indicating that a healthy diet can greatly enhance cognition and reduce oxidative stress, which impairs brain health. My thesis examines the policies of ten successful university nutrition programs in the United States, with the aim of improving nutrition for students at the Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I proposed that FAU should establish an on- campus vegetable garden, partner with local fisheries to provide fresh fish to the campus dining room, and mandate that all freshman complete a course in “nutrition for cognition.”
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012601
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Impact of reduction mowing on fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formiciade) at Gopher tortoise (Testudines: Testudinidae) burrows.
Creator: Jones, Richard, Wetterer, James K., Moore, Jon, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Many species prey upon the threatened gopher tortoises, including the Red Imported Fir Ants Solenopsis invicta. While human alterations to native habitat have led to a decline in gopher tortoises, “disturbance specialists” like S. invicta often thrive on such changes. This study examines three ant surveys at gopher tortoise burrows within a section of residential “greenway” in southeastern Florida before and after “reduction mowing”. While the presence of S. invicta did decrease aftrer the...
Show moreMany species prey upon the threatened gopher tortoises, including the Red Imported Fir Ants Solenopsis invicta. While human alterations to native habitat have led to a decline in gopher tortoises, “disturbance specialists” like S. invicta often thrive on such changes. This study examines three ant surveys at gopher tortoise burrows within a section of residential “greenway” in southeastern Florida before and after “reduction mowing”. While the presence of S. invicta did decrease aftrer the reduction mowing, the numbers of native ants and ant species richness in general showed a significant decline. Another invasive ant, the Little Fire Ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863), showed a significant increase after the mowing. While not as destructive as S. invicta, W.auropunctata has been documented to be a significant pest to many terrestrial vertebrates and should be considered a potential threat in future gopher tortoise and land management schemes.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003519
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PRE-NATAL OXYCODONE EXPOSURE IN MICE.
Creator: Skaf, Daniel, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly emerging epidemic. One serious consequence of this abuse is increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS results from a pregnant mother abusing opiates during her gestation period. The short-term effects of in utero opiate exposure on newborns are well documented, but the long-term impacts are poorly known. Our project in the Miller Lab aimed to characterize the impacts of prenatal opiate exposure on the behavior of mice. Our data...
Show morePrescription drug abuse is a rapidly emerging epidemic. One serious consequence of this abuse is increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS results from a pregnant mother abusing opiates during her gestation period. The short-term effects of in utero opiate exposure on newborns are well documented, but the long-term impacts are poorly known. Our project in the Miller Lab aimed to characterize the impacts of prenatal opiate exposure on the behavior of mice. Our data indicates that mice exposed to oxycodone in utero show abnormal, impulsive-like behavior and had a lower seizure threshold compared to control mice. We can now work towards identifying possible underlying brain structural abnormalities producing this phenotype, and we are now more prepared to deal with the lifelong impact of this exposure.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012638
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS (Solenopsis invicta) INFESTING AMERICAN ALLIGATOR (Alligator mississippiensis) NESTS.
Creator: Osuna, Ashley, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is known for its impacts on Florida wildlife; hatchlings of ground-nesting herpetofauna are particularly vulnerable. This study examined factors correlated with fire ant infestation of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests. We were particularly interested in determining whether having floating nests afforded any protection from these ants. We surveyed ants on 24 alligator nests at Orange Lake located in Alachua County, Florida,...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is known for its impacts on Florida wildlife; hatchlings of ground-nesting herpetofauna are particularly vulnerable. This study examined factors correlated with fire ant infestation of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests. We were particularly interested in determining whether having floating nests afforded any protection from these ants. We surveyed ants on 24 alligator nests at Orange Lake located in Alachua County, Florida, using tuna baits left for ~2h. We found S. invicta was the most commonly observed species at nests, present at 12 of the 24 nests. There was no significant difference in the proportion of nests with S. invicta present for floating nests (8 of 14) versus land-based nests (4 of 10). This may have been influenced by the limited sample size of the study, something which future studies should aim to address.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00210
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The red imported fire ant versus humans.
Creator: Estep, Erica, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, originally from South America, has become a major pest in the southeastern US. Its painful stings can result in anaphylactic shock and even death. For my thesis research, I wished to examine how and where people are exposed to these stings and what could be done to minimize this exposure. I surveyed ants around and under picnic benches at four sites in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida. I compared the incidence of S. invicta and other ants...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, originally from South America, has become a major pest in the southeastern US. Its painful stings can result in anaphylactic shock and even death. For my thesis research, I wished to examine how and where people are exposed to these stings and what could be done to minimize this exposure. I surveyed ants around and under picnic benches at four sites in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida. I compared the incidence of S. invicta and other ants for picnic benches on artificial substrate (brick, concrete, gravel, or pavement) versus relatively natural substrate (grass or sand). I found that substrate had no significant effect on the occurrence of S. invicta and other ants; in all cases, incidence rates were very low. I found out, however, that ants were being controlled using chemical poisons at some sites. Future research should examine control methods for efficient elimination of S. invicta in areas where people are likely to be expose
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003512
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Therapeutic uses of cannabidiol (CBD).
Creator: Thomas, Georgia, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Cannabidiol (CBD) and its related derivatives are chemicals produced by Cannabis sativa plants (hemp and marijuana). One form of CBD has been approved in the U.S. for use as a drug to treat some types of epilepsy syndromes that often do not respond to other antiseizure medicines. In recent years, many different forms of CBD have been promoted as treatments for a wide variety of other health problems, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. For my thesis, I examine what forms of CBD...
Show moreCannabidiol (CBD) and its related derivatives are chemicals produced by Cannabis sativa plants (hemp and marijuana). One form of CBD has been approved in the U.S. for use as a drug to treat some types of epilepsy syndromes that often do not respond to other antiseizure medicines. In recent years, many different forms of CBD have been promoted as treatments for a wide variety of other health problems, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. For my thesis, I examine what forms of CBD are currently being sold, how are they are administered, in what dosages, and for what purpose. I then examine what research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of the different products and their therapeutic uses.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00183
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: TWO PARMOTREMA LICHEN SPECIES AS POLLUTION BIOINDICATORS IN FLORIDA.
Creator: Womble, Hunter, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Lichens are commonly used as bioindicators of air pollution. For my thesis, I tested the utility of two easily identified lichen species as bioindicators. Parmotrema perforatum is considered to be pollution intolerant, while Parmotrema subrigidium is considered to be somewhat pollution tolerant. I surveyed P. perforatum and P. subrigidum growing on the trunks of southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) at two sites on the John D. MacArthur campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter,...
Show moreLichens are commonly used as bioindicators of air pollution. For my thesis, I tested the utility of two easily identified lichen species as bioindicators. Parmotrema perforatum is considered to be pollution intolerant, while Parmotrema subrigidium is considered to be somewhat pollution tolerant. I surveyed P. perforatum and P. subrigidum growing on the trunks of southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) at two sites on the John D. MacArthur campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida that differed in exposure to road traffic. One site on the interior of campus (AOS1) was distant from any road, while the other site (AOS2) was along a busy road. I identified lichen samples from using keys and chemical spot tests. I found AOS1 had a higher density of P. perforatum, and whereas AOS2 had a higher density of P. subrigidum, confirming the utility of these two lichens as bioindicators of pollution.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00279
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Using C. elegans as a Model System to Discover Antiepileptic Drugs.
Creator: Merritt, Mckenzie D., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Novel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly tested using rats and mice as model systems. These animals, however, require a great deal of time, money, and lab space to maintain. In contrast, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) potentially can provide a faster, and less expensive model system for testing AEDs. C. elegans are simple to maintain and have a very short generation time, allowing high throughput assays to screen for new AEDs. For my thesis research, I used C. elegans...
Show moreNovel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly tested using rats and mice as model systems. These animals, however, require a great deal of time, money, and lab space to maintain. In contrast, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) potentially can provide a faster, and less expensive model system for testing AEDs. C. elegans are simple to maintain and have a very short generation time, allowing high throughput assays to screen for new AEDs. For my thesis research, I used C. elegans to test FDA approved AEDs. My tests support the contention that C. elegans can be a useful model system for AED discovery.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003682
Format: Document (PDF)

Florida Atlantic University (11)	+ -
Moore, Jon (3)	+ -
Arrieta, Diane (1)	+ -
Bates, Malaika (1)	+ -
Bukata, Christina (1)	+ -

Burnett, Brian M (1)	+ -
Capi, Donald (1)	+ -
Dragojlovic, Veljko (1)	+ -
Estep, Erica (1)	+ -
Feliciano, Lyly (1)	+ -
Fernandez, Ariel (1)	+ -
Harman, Selena (1)	+ -
Jones, Richard (1)	+ -
Merritt, Mckenzie D. (1)	+ -
Morton, Emily M.N. (1)	+ -
Muravia, Mariya (1)	+ -
Odom, Justin (1)	+ -
Osuna, Ashley (1)	+ -
Rivera, Dalian K. (1)	+ -
Sano, Tokio (1)	+ -
Sawai, Guillermo G. (1)	+ -
Skaf, Daniel (1)	+ -
Thomas, Georgia (1)	+ -
Womble, Hunter (1)	+ -

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