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Title: EFFECTS OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACTS ON THE MICROBIOME OF THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FL, USA.
Creator: Bradshaw II, David J., McCarthy, Peter J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) FL, USA, is an Estuary of National Significance due to its economic and high biodiversity. Microbial populations are understudied in the IRL despite their numerous ecological services. A two-year, nineteen-site Lagoon-Wide Survey (LWS) was conducted to provide the first 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data on the microbiome of the sediment in the IRL and determine how the microbiome changed in response to environmental and anthropogenic factors. The most influential...
Show moreThe Indian River Lagoon (IRL) FL, USA, is an Estuary of National Significance due to its economic and high biodiversity. Microbial populations are understudied in the IRL despite their numerous ecological services. A two-year, nineteen-site Lagoon-Wide Survey (LWS) was conducted to provide the first 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data on the microbiome of the sediment in the IRL and determine how the microbiome changed in response to environmental and anthropogenic factors. The most influential variables that explained the variability between microbiomes were porewater salinity, total organic matter (TOM), and copper (Cu). These results correlated with some of the anthropogenic pressures the IRL faces such as freshwater discharges from St. Lucie Estuary (SLE), trace metal contamination, and the accumulation of fine-grained, highly organic sediment known as “IRL muck” (muck). Research then focused on determining the microbial differences between three sets of sample types: sediment from the IRL versus the SLE; sediment that had three muck characteristics versus those with zero; and high TOM sediment that had high Cu versus high TOM sediment that had low Cu. Differentially abundant prokaryotes between sample types were determined with novel indicator analysis techniques. One technique tested the effectiveness of an indicator list to separate samples based upon the product of the sensitivity and specificity of partitioning around medoids clustering in comparison to metadata classifications. The other technique allowed for the tracking of changes in the entire indicator microbiome. These new indicator analysis techniques were created using the original LWS data and tested to determine how sediment microbiomes responded during two opportunistic surveys: dredging of muck from an IRL tributary (Eau Gallie River) and Hurricane Irma. These studies have filled the knowledge gap regarding the unknown microbiome of the IRL and how sediment microbiomes respond to extreme events such as dredging and a hurricane. They also led to the development of new indicator analysis techniques that can be used by to track changes in the entire indicator microbiome.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013446
Subject Headings: Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Microbiota, Anthropogenic effects on nature, Estuarine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: VISUALIZING NANO-SCALE SYNAPTIC CHANGES DURING SINGLE DENDRITIC SPINE LONG-TERM POTENTIATION BY CORRELATIVE LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.
Creator: Sun, Ye, Yasuda, Ryohei, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Dendritic spines are the major sites for receiving excitatory synaptic inputs and play important roles in neuronal signal transduction, memory storage and neuronal circuit organization. Structural plasticity of dendritic spines is correlated with functional plasticity, and is critical for learning and memory. Visualization of the changes of dendritic spines at the ultrastructural level that specifically correlated with their function changes in high throughput would shed light on detailed...
Show moreDendritic spines are the major sites for receiving excitatory synaptic inputs and play important roles in neuronal signal transduction, memory storage and neuronal circuit organization. Structural plasticity of dendritic spines is correlated with functional plasticity, and is critical for learning and memory. Visualization of the changes of dendritic spines at the ultrastructural level that specifically correlated with their function changes in high throughput would shed light on detailed mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Here we developed a correlative light and electron microscopy workflow which combines two-photon MNI-glutamate uncaging, pre-embedding immunolabeling, Automatic Tape-collecting Ultramicrotome sectioning and scanning electron microscopy imaging. This method bridges two different visualization platforms, directly linking ultrastructure and function at the level of individual synapses. With this method, we successfully relocated single dendritic spines that underwent long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by two-photon MNI-glutamate uncaging, and visualized their ultrastructures and AMPA receptors distribution at different phases of LTP in high throughput.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013433
Subject Headings: Dendritic Spines, Neuroplasticity, Visualization, Microscopy, Long-Term Potentiation--physiology, Neurons--ultrastructure
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: WHAT MECHANISMS UNDERLIE SYNCHRONOUS HATCHING IN LOGGERHEAD TURTLE NESTS?.
Creator: Field, Angela, Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The goal of this study was to determine if hatching synchrony occurs in loggerhead sea turtle nests and if it does, what mechanism(s) promote that synchrony. Synchrony may occur because oviposition takes place during a single evening, and because incubation temperatures within the nest show relatively little variation; thus, rates of embryonic development among the eggs are similar ("temporal synchrony hypothesis"). Alternatively, synchrony might be enhanced through embryo-to-embryo...
Show moreThe goal of this study was to determine if hatching synchrony occurs in loggerhead sea turtle nests and if it does, what mechanism(s) promote that synchrony. Synchrony may occur because oviposition takes place during a single evening, and because incubation temperatures within the nest show relatively little variation; thus, rates of embryonic development among the eggs are similar ("temporal synchrony hypothesis"). Alternatively, synchrony might be enhanced through embryo-to-embryo communication that stimulates and synchronizes development ("coordinated hatching hypothesis"). Experiments were designed to distinguish between these two hypotheses. I found that if only a few embryos survive, temporal synchrony occurs. However, if many embryos survive, the duration of incubation and hatching shortens, presumably because embryonic movements inside soft-shelled eggs are detected by and transmitted between eggs and stimulate development, expediting hatching synchrony.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013505
Subject Headings: Loggerhead turtle, Nests, Eggs—Incubation, Synchrony
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ACCURATE HIGH ORDER COMPUTATION OF INVARIANT MANIFOLDS FOR LONG PERIODIC ORBITS OF MAPS AND EQUILIBRIUM STATES OF PDE.
Creator: Gonzalez, Jorge L., Mireles-James, Jason, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The study of the long time behavior of nonlinear systems is not effortless, but it is very rewarding. The computation of invariant objects, in particular manifolds provide the scientist with the ability to make predictions at the frontiers of science. However, due to the presence of strong nonlinearities in many important applications, understanding the propagation of errors becomes necessary in order to quantify the reliability of these predictions, and to build sound foundations for future...
Show moreThe study of the long time behavior of nonlinear systems is not effortless, but it is very rewarding. The computation of invariant objects, in particular manifolds provide the scientist with the ability to make predictions at the frontiers of science. However, due to the presence of strong nonlinearities in many important applications, understanding the propagation of errors becomes necessary in order to quantify the reliability of these predictions, and to build sound foundations for future discoveries. This dissertation develops methods for the accurate computation of high-order polynomial approximations of stable/unstable manifolds attached to long periodic orbits in discrete time dynamical systems. For this purpose a multiple shooting scheme is applied to invariance equations for the manifolds obtained using the Parameterization Method developed by Xavier Cabre, Ernest Fontich and Rafael De La Llave in [CFdlL03a, CFdlL03b, CFdlL05].
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013468
Subject Headings: Invariant manifolds, Nonlinear systems, Diffeomorphisms, Parabolic partial differential equations, Differential equations, Partial
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE NURSERY EFFECT OF SELECT REEF FISHES ALONG THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA COAST.
Creator: Pressly, Andrew, Hindle, Tobin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The nursery effect is a process where juvenile fish utilize coastal habitats to help them survive before moving to their adult habitat. This process establishes an important link between marine ecosystems. This study examines the nursery effect and nursery habitat utilization in the Indian River Lagoon and Florida Bay systems, and the coral reefs adjacent to them. Quantitative and spatial techniques were utilized to identify patterns of presence and abundance and the size structure of select...
Show moreThe nursery effect is a process where juvenile fish utilize coastal habitats to help them survive before moving to their adult habitat. This process establishes an important link between marine ecosystems. This study examines the nursery effect and nursery habitat utilization in the Indian River Lagoon and Florida Bay systems, and the coral reefs adjacent to them. Quantitative and spatial techniques were utilized to identify patterns of presence and abundance and the size structure of select fish species. Spatial analyses were also used to investigate distribution patterns. Findings from this study suggest that several species utilize to a high degree the Indian River Lagoon and Florida Bay as nurseries. Furthermore, the abundance of adults on coral reefs is strongly connected to the presence of nurseries. This study has implications in fisheries management such as locating where juveniles of species develop. With such knowledge, better management plans could be implemented to ensure healthy fish stocks.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013490
Subject Headings: Reef fishes, Florida Bay (Fla ), Indian River (Fla : Lagoon), Fisheries management, Marine nurseries
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF CERCOPITHECUS LOMAMIENSIS IN THE LOMAMI NATIONAL PARK AND BUFFER ZONE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO.
Creator: Korchia, Charlene S. Fournier, Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: In 2012, a new monkey species, Cercopithecus lomamiensis (lesula), was discovered in the Central Congo basin. Lesula is a semi-terrestrial rainforest guenon endemic to the area. Using a systematic grid approach, three terrestrial camera trap surveys (two inside the Lomami National Park; one in the buffer zone) were conducted over three years to capture the cryptic species. The objectives of my study were to expand knowledge on the behavioral ecology of lesula and evaluate lesula’s sensitivity...
Show moreIn 2012, a new monkey species, Cercopithecus lomamiensis (lesula), was discovered in the Central Congo basin. Lesula is a semi-terrestrial rainforest guenon endemic to the area. Using a systematic grid approach, three terrestrial camera trap surveys (two inside the Lomami National Park; one in the buffer zone) were conducted over three years to capture the cryptic species. The objectives of my study were to expand knowledge on the behavioral ecology of lesula and evaluate lesula’s sensitivity to hunting threats. The main findings from my study included: confirmation of terrestriality and diurnality, births clustering during the wet season, social group living of one male and multiple females, and high impact of hunting on group size. By studying the latest added species to the Cercopithecini tribe, my thesis helps to better understand the ecological diversity occurring within this radiation of African primates and contributes to the species’ long-term conservation efforts.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013479
Subject Headings: Cercopithecus lomamiensis, Cercopithecus--Behavior--Africa, Congo (Democratic Republic), Behavioral ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MEATBALL MEMORIES IN THE MODERN KITCHEN: ITALIAN AMERICANS NAVIGATING CULTURAL IDEALS WITHIN THE SOUTH FLORIDA FOOD LANDSCAPE.
Creator: Leoce, Daniele, Fadiman, Maria, Florida Atlantic University, Environmental Studies Program, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Many Italians characterize their food culture as respectful of tradition, favoring fresh, regional ingredients, prioritizing commensality and the group identity, and treating food as an aesthetic good. Many describe American food culture as one of speed and convenience, favoring quantity over quality, nurturing independence, and regarding food merely as a material good. Through in-depth interviews with a group of Italian Americans, this research explores the intersection between Italian and...
Show moreMany Italians characterize their food culture as respectful of tradition, favoring fresh, regional ingredients, prioritizing commensality and the group identity, and treating food as an aesthetic good. Many describe American food culture as one of speed and convenience, favoring quantity over quality, nurturing independence, and regarding food merely as a material good. Through in-depth interviews with a group of Italian Americans, this research explores the intersection between Italian and American food cultures, questioning how Italian Americans living in South Florida construct identity given the influence of the modern food system. Participants demonstrate that while a dichotomy exists between Italian cultural ideals and the reality of everyday life in the South Florida food system, many Italian Americans find ways to incorporate traditional culture into their modern lives. The results of this research offer perspective on the spaces where ethnic groups access the cultural value of food in an increasingly modern world.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013503
Subject Headings: Food cultures in America, Italian Americans--Food, Florida, Americans--Food
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INHIBITORY CONTROL PERFORMANCE AS A FUNCTION OF PREADOLESCENT ANXIETY AND RESTING-STATE NEUROPHYSIOLOGY.
Creator: Shanok, Nathaniel A., Jones, Nancy Aaron, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The aim of this study was to further examine the relationship between anxiety, inhibitory control (IC), and brain functioning (electroencephalogram) in a critical age-range for social and emotional development (8-12-year-olds). Depression was a secondary focus but was included in the analyses given the common anxiety/depression overlap. Additionally, the participants (N = 42) were assigned to 4 weeks of either an emotional training program (Emotional gFocus), a neutral training program ...
Show moreThe aim of this study was to further examine the relationship between anxiety, inhibitory control (IC), and brain functioning (electroencephalogram) in a critical age-range for social and emotional development (8-12-year-olds). Depression was a secondary focus but was included in the analyses given the common anxiety/depression overlap. Additionally, the participants (N = 42) were assigned to 4 weeks of either an emotional training program (Emotional gFocus), a neutral training program (Neutral gFocus), or a waitlisted control and were tested using cognitive, neurophysiological, and mood measures. Hierarchical regression models revealed that IC accuracy scores were significantly and negatively related to anxiety levels as indicated by the Screening For Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED), as well as depression levels (using the Child Depression Inventory (CDI)), controlling for age and gender. Additionally, increased resting-state right lateral frontal alpha asymmetry was predictive of increased anxiety as well as depression levels. To evaluate the intervention effects, a series of Multivariate Analyses of Covariance (MANCOVA) and contrast tests were conducted to determine if group differences existed from pre-to-post for any of the measures of interest. Overall, the emotional and neutral training conditions showed similar reductions in anxiety and depression compared to the waitlist condition. Both the emotional and neutral conditions also facilitated significant improvements in IC accuracy compared to the control. Minimal pre-to-post power and asymmetry changes occurred in frontal and parietal regions; however, a lateral frontal leftward activity shift was found in the emotional training group. These findings further demonstrated a relationship between IC and anxiety and showed preliminary evidence that training IC has the potential to mitigate negative emotional functioning in adolescents. Future research is necessary to determine the importance of emotional training versus neutral as well as whether longer training intervals will be needed to facilitate a long-term impact.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013486
Subject Headings: Preadolescents, Preteens, Anxiety, Neurophysiology, Inhibitory control
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EVALUATING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PHOTOGRAMMETRY FOR COASTAL FLORIDA EVERGLADES RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT.
Creator: Durgan, Sara D., Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Florida Everglades ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from anthropogenic modification of water flow, spread of invasive species, sea level rise (SLR), and more frequent and/or intense hurricanes. Restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating these ongoing and future disturbances are currently underway through the implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Efficacy of these restoration activities can be further improved with accurate and site-specific...
Show moreThe Florida Everglades ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from anthropogenic modification of water flow, spread of invasive species, sea level rise (SLR), and more frequent and/or intense hurricanes. Restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating these ongoing and future disturbances are currently underway through the implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Efficacy of these restoration activities can be further improved with accurate and site-specific information on the current state of the coastal wetland habitats. In order to produce such assessments, digital datasets of the appropriate accuracy and scale are needed. These datasets include orthoimagery to delineate wetland areas and map vegetation cover as well as accurate 3-dimensional (3-D) models to characterize hydrology, physiochemistry, and habitat vulnerability.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013501
Subject Headings: Everglades (Fla )--Environmental conditions--Remote sensing, Aerial photogrammetry, Wetland restoration--Florida--Everglades, Image analysis, Aerial photogrammetry--Data processing, Drone aircraft
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: GENETIC AND NEUROANATOMICAL MECHANISMS OF EVOLUTIONARY SLEEP LOSS IN THE MEXICAN CAVEFISH, ASTYANAX MEXICANUS.
Creator: Jaggard, James B., Keene, Alex, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Sleep is a complex behavioral state with ramifications on multiple levels of homeostasis including bodily function, neural activity, and molecular signaling. Sleep is conserved across evolution, though significant variations in sleep duration, architecture, and behavior are found across phyla. Decoding neural processing underlying behavior, including sleep, is a fundamental aim in neuroscience, and understanding how such behavior has evolved remains largely unknown. The encompassing goal of...
Show moreSleep is a complex behavioral state with ramifications on multiple levels of homeostasis including bodily function, neural activity, and molecular signaling. Sleep is conserved across evolution, though significant variations in sleep duration, architecture, and behavior are found across phyla. Decoding neural processing underlying behavior, including sleep, is a fundamental aim in neuroscience, and understanding how such behavior has evolved remains largely unknown. The encompassing goal of this dissertation is to elucidate the genetic and neuronal factors at play in the evolution of sleep loss in the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. To this end, the work found within will explore peripheral sensory systems regulating distinct mechanisms of sleep loss, demonstrate how evolved changes in specific hypothalamic circuits drive sleep reductions, apply computational techniques to understand whole-brain evolution, and finally, will show how the generation of transgenic tools in a novel model system can be harnessed to assist functional experimental paradigms in relation to evolution and behavior.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013476
Subject Headings: Astyanax mexicanus, Astyanax mexicanus--Evolution, Sleep, Fishes--Behavior--Evolution, Fishes--Behavior--Genetic aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION ABILITY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS.
Creator: Brooks, Katy, Jones, Nancy Aaron, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The present study aimed to gain a better understanding of the emotion processing abilities of children between the ages of 4 and 8 with ASD by examining their ability to correctly recognize dynamic displays of emotion. Additionally, we examined whether children with ASD showed emotion specific differences in their ability to accurately identify anger, happiness, sadness, and fear. Participants viewed a continuous display of neutral faces morphing into expressions of emotion. We aimed to...
Show moreThe present study aimed to gain a better understanding of the emotion processing abilities of children between the ages of 4 and 8 with ASD by examining their ability to correctly recognize dynamic displays of emotion. Additionally, we examined whether children with ASD showed emotion specific differences in their ability to accurately identify anger, happiness, sadness, and fear. Participants viewed a continuous display of neutral faces morphing into expressions of emotion. We aimed to measure observed power and asymmetry using EEG data in order to understand the neural activity that underlies the social aspects of ASD. Participants with ASD showed slower processing speed and decreased emotion sensitivity. On tasks that involved the recognition of expressions on the participants’ mothers’ faces, differences were less apparent. These results suggest that children with ASD are capable of recognizing facial displays of emotion after repeated exposure, this should be explored further in future research.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013463
Subject Headings: Children with autism spectrum disorders, Emotion recognition in children, Facial expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE CHANGE POINT PROBLEM FOR TWO CLASSES OF STOCHASTIC PROCESSES.
Creator: Ball, Cory, Long, Hongwei, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The change point problem is a problem where a process changes regimes because a parameter changes at a point in time called the change point. The objective of this problem is to estimate the change point and each of the parameters of the stochastic process. In this thesis, we examine the change point problem for two classes of stochastic processes. First, we consider the volatility change point problem for stochastic diffusion processes driven by Brownian motions. Then, we consider the drift...
Show moreThe change point problem is a problem where a process changes regimes because a parameter changes at a point in time called the change point. The objective of this problem is to estimate the change point and each of the parameters of the stochastic process. In this thesis, we examine the change point problem for two classes of stochastic processes. First, we consider the volatility change point problem for stochastic diffusion processes driven by Brownian motions. Then, we consider the drift change point problem for Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes driven by _-stable Levy motions. In each problem, we establish the consistency of the estimators, determine asymptotic behavior for the changing parameters, and finally, we perform simulation studies to computationally assess the convergence of parameters.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013462
Subject Headings: Stochastic processes, Change-point problems, Brownian motion processes, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, Computer simulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE RESILIENCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: HOW A BROWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT HELPS TO COMPLETE THE PICTURE.
Creator: Huston, Bridget, Polsky, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Environmental Studies Program, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Climate patterns over the past century served to amplify the frequency and intensity of environmental hazards, including flooding, wind and heat. While indicators like SoVi and BRIC begin to characterize how people and places fair against hazards, they can be limited in scope. Through the administration of household surveys, I investigate the usefulness of such indicators by examining the roles communication, infrastructure, institutional efforts, financial independence, knowledge, mobility...
Show moreClimate patterns over the past century served to amplify the frequency and intensity of environmental hazards, including flooding, wind and heat. While indicators like SoVi and BRIC begin to characterize how people and places fair against hazards, they can be limited in scope. Through the administration of household surveys, I investigate the usefulness of such indicators by examining the roles communication, infrastructure, institutional efforts, financial independence, knowledge, mobility and social capital play in producing resilience within the Estates of Fort Lauderdale Community in Dania Beach, FL. While results confirm BRIC’s Medium-High Resilience community classification, they push beyond Census data to pinpoint underlying resilience processes. Responses indicate community classification, they push beyond Census data to pinpoint underlying resilience processes. Responses indicate that place attachment and community connectedness encourage weather-related information sharing, limited experiences and skills impede weather preparedness and response actions, and weather preparedness and response experiences are associated with less evacuation than expected. Findings prove to be richer and more policy and program actionable.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013474
Subject Headings: Environmental hazards, Climate, Household surveys, Resilience, Hazard mitigation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES, FLORIDA PANTHER HABITAT CONNECTIVITY, AND DISPERSAL CORRIDORS.
Creator: Leskova, Olena V., Markwith, Scott, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The objective of this research was to study the impacts of large USSE facilities on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity in Florida to identify important habitat patches and movement corridors significant for potential Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dispersal, conservation, and recovery. Large carnivores (such as Florida panther) have often been examined as conservation umbrellas for large-scale connectivity planning due to their extensive spatial requirements (Beier et...
Show moreThe objective of this research was to study the impacts of large USSE facilities on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity in Florida to identify important habitat patches and movement corridors significant for potential Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dispersal, conservation, and recovery. Large carnivores (such as Florida panther) have often been examined as conservation umbrellas for large-scale connectivity planning due to their extensive spatial requirements (Beier et al., 2006, Thorne et al., 2006). In addition, Florida panther is relatively well-studied species that have been listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act for over 40 years, due to habitat fragmentation and reduction. Habitat suitability was compared before and after the installation of the USSE facilities using RandomForest model developed by Frakes and Knight (in prep). The connectivity study focused on comparing current density and effective resistance (resistance distance) before and after the installations of USSE facilities and was conducted using Circuitscape 4.0. The impacts on habitat connectivity were the most substantial in the areas where the USSE facilities were installed on or around wildlife corridors, near focal areas, and in large clusters. The study has identified important linkages and new pathways that animals may try to take in order to bypass the facilities. The study has also shown that installation of USSE facilities in areas not suitable as habitat for Florida panthers, but still permeable or semi-permeable (e.g., agricultural lands), can substantially impact connectivity between focal areas.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013500
Subject Headings: Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi, Habitat conservation, Solar energy--Environmental aspects, Solar energy--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: USE OF STABLE ISOTOPES TO INFER FORAGING NICHE IN TWO MARINE TURTLE SPECIES: CHELONIA MYDAS AND ERETMOCHELYS IMBRICATA.
Creator: Moorehouse, Melissa, Baldwin, John, Florida Atlantic University, Environmental Studies Program, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to describe a population’s foraging niche by identifying basal resource use, trophic feeding levels, environmental stability, seasonal ecological variation, important shifts in life history, ontogenetic shifts, intraspecific habitat use, and population dynamics. Describing these relationships in endangered marine turtle populations and their critical foraging grounds is essential for determining informed management decisions. This...
Show moreStable isotope analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to describe a population’s foraging niche by identifying basal resource use, trophic feeding levels, environmental stability, seasonal ecological variation, important shifts in life history, ontogenetic shifts, intraspecific habitat use, and population dynamics. Describing these relationships in endangered marine turtle populations and their critical foraging grounds is essential for determining informed management decisions. This study systematically describes the foraging niche of hawksbills Eretmochelys imbricata, and green turtles, Chelonia mydas in Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands, a critical habitat for nesting and foraging. It assesses the relationships within and between the species in terms of overlap, annual and seasonal variation, and life history and feeding strategies within the community. Most importantly it describes these relationships with metrics that can be used in global comparisons or to measure change in local conditions.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013456
Subject Headings: Stable isotopes, Stable isotopes--Analysis, Sea turtles--Ecology, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INFLUENCE OF UV LIGHT ON VITAMIN D AND IMMUNE FUNCTION OF GREEN (CHELONIA MYDAS) SEA TURTLES WITH FIBROPAPILLOMATOSIS.
Creator: Garefino, Victoria E., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are an endangered species prone to a debilitating disease called fibropapillomatosis (FP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of UV light on vitamin D levels and immune function in juvenile green sea turtles with FP. Phagocytosis, plasma vitamin D levels and viral load of ChHV5 were measured for FP- and FP+ turtles kept at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (GLNC) and for turtles caught at the St. Lucie power plant. Turtles kept at GLNC were...
Show moreGreen sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are an endangered species prone to a debilitating disease called fibropapillomatosis (FP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of UV light on vitamin D levels and immune function in juvenile green sea turtles with FP. Phagocytosis, plasma vitamin D levels and viral load of ChHV5 were measured for FP- and FP+ turtles kept at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (GLNC) and for turtles caught at the St. Lucie power plant. Turtles kept at GLNC were housed in tanks exposed to varying amounts of UV light. Turtles brought into GLNC had lower phagocytosis compared to turtles at the St. Lucie power plant. Individuals exposed to greater UV light had higher plasma vitamin D levels and a more successful recovery. The results of this project will provide rehabilitation facilities with a mechanism to improve the recovery of animals with this disease.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013467
Subject Headings: Chelonia mydas, Green turtle--Diseases, Fibropapillomatosis, Ultraviolet radiation, Vitamin D
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: REESTABLISHMENT OF A QUEEN CONCH, LOBATUS GIGAS, BREEDING POPULATION IN A MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN THE BAHAMAS.
Creator: Norton, Laura E. Issac, Davis, Megan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The queen conch, Lobatus gigas, is key to the Bahamian way of life. Recent studies suggest that commercial stocks will be depleted in The Bahamas in 10-15 years. In response to this, an egg farm was established in a historic breeding ground in Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, Exuma, Bahamas. Previously used for aquaculture, the egg farm concept was tested as a restoration method. Conch were tagged (n=251) and stocked in a 1,385 m2 (0.14 ha) circular enclosure at an equivalent density of 1...
Show moreThe queen conch, Lobatus gigas, is key to the Bahamian way of life. Recent studies suggest that commercial stocks will be depleted in The Bahamas in 10-15 years. In response to this, an egg farm was established in a historic breeding ground in Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, Exuma, Bahamas. Previously used for aquaculture, the egg farm concept was tested as a restoration method. Conch were tagged (n=251) and stocked in a 1,385 m2 (0.14 ha) circular enclosure at an equivalent density of 1,813/ha or 1 conch/5.5 m2. The egg farm was visited every 24-48 hours during the study period (May 26-August 14, 2019) to examine conch distribution, burial, predation, breeding, and egg mass laying. Queen conch Essential Fish Habitat was characterized in this study, contributing to a knowledge gap concerning conch spawning areas. No egg masses were laid, despite temperature, sediment solid-phase organics, calcium carbonate, and other seagrass habitat characteristics displaying similarities to previous studies in which conch spawned. It is speculated that egg laying did not occur due to handling disturbances, which may have caused the conch to resorb their gonads. Comprehensive recommendations are made for future egg farms intended for restoration.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013458
Subject Headings: Queen Conch, Bahamas, Marine protected areas, Ecosystem restoration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PUNCTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAUDAL SPINES FROM TWO COASTAL STINGRAYS, HYPANUS SAY AND HYPANUS SABINUS.
Creator: Shea-Vantine, Caitlin, Kajiura, Stephen, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: A diagnostic characteristic of stingrays in the Family Dasyatidae is the presence of a defensive, partially-serrated spine located on the tail. The objective of this study is to assess the impacts of caudal spine morphology on puncture and withdrawal performance from two stingrays, Hypanus sabinus and Hypanus say. Spines have highly variable morphology. I used an Instron E1000 materials tester to quantify the puncture and withdraw forces from porcine skin, a model for human skin. I found no...
Show moreA diagnostic characteristic of stingrays in the Family Dasyatidae is the presence of a defensive, partially-serrated spine located on the tail. The objective of this study is to assess the impacts of caudal spine morphology on puncture and withdrawal performance from two stingrays, Hypanus sabinus and Hypanus say. Spines have highly variable morphology. I used an Instron E1000 materials tester to quantify the puncture and withdraw forces from porcine skin, a model for human skin. I found no significant differences between puncture and withdraw or between the species. By incorporating micro-CT scanning to quantify mineralization density, I quantified more mineralization along the shaft of the spine. Equal puncture and withdraw forces and increased mineralization along the spine shaft may create a stiffer structure that can be a persistent predator deterrent.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013494
Subject Headings: Stingrays, Dasyatidae, Spines (Zoology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT AND HABITAT USE OF YOUNG WHITE SHARKS (CARCHARODON CARCHARIAS) IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC OCEAN.
Creator: Shaw, Rachel Lynn, Ajemian, Matthew, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Recent research confirmed white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) nursery habitat off Long Island, New York; however, additional research is required to determine the habitat use and fine-scale movements of young-of-the-year and juvenile white sharks within this nursery. Between 2016 and 2019, twenty-five white sharks were fitted with satellite and acoustic tags to better define habitat use. Individuals exhibited horizontal movements parallel to Long Island’s southern shoreline and coastal New...
Show moreRecent research confirmed white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) nursery habitat off Long Island, New York; however, additional research is required to determine the habitat use and fine-scale movements of young-of-the-year and juvenile white sharks within this nursery. Between 2016 and 2019, twenty-five white sharks were fitted with satellite and acoustic tags to better define habitat use. Individuals exhibited horizontal movements parallel to Long Island’s southern shoreline and coastal New Jersey. Log-likelihood chi-square analyses determined preference for water column depth, SSTs, sea surface salinities, and chlorophyll a concentration. Vertical analysis of diving behavior revealed swimming behavior primarily in the upper 20 m of the water column, in temperatures between 18°C and 20°C. Generalized additive mixed modeling suggested SSTs above 20.5°C affected dive depth. These results can help improve characterization of essential fish habitat for young white sharks and provide data to determine the species’ susceptibility to anthropogenic activities.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013440
Subject Headings: Carcharodon carcharias, White shark, Marine nurseries, Sharks--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Contribution of Bilingualism to Cognitive Functioning and Biological Markers in the Progression of Normal and Abnormal Aging.
Creator: Torres Solano, Valeria Lucia, Rosselli, Monica, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Controversy surrounds the idea that bilingualism leads to enhanced executive function (EF) and brain volume changes, potentially leading to delays in cognitive decline and dementia onset. The purpose of this research was to explore these claims in a sample of elderly monolinguals and bilinguals. This study explored gray matter volume (GMV) in 214 monolinguals and bilinguals (Mage = 71.21, SD = 7.53) who were cognitively normal (CN) or diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia...
Show moreControversy surrounds the idea that bilingualism leads to enhanced executive function (EF) and brain volume changes, potentially leading to delays in cognitive decline and dementia onset. The purpose of this research was to explore these claims in a sample of elderly monolinguals and bilinguals. This study explored gray matter volume (GMV) in 214 monolinguals and bilinguals (Mage = 71.21, SD = 7.53) who were cognitively normal (CN) or diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia. Neuropsychological performance was also examined between CN and MCI monolinguals and bilinguals (N = 153) across two visits. Scores from the Digit Span Backwards, Stroop interference, Trail Making Test A minus Trail Making Test B, and category fluency average scores were used. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain regions associated with memory, language, and EF were selected. Additionally, the study examined how a Bilingualism Index (BI) and the age of acquisition of English could predict GMV and EF in Spanish/English bilinguals whose native language was Spanish. Lastly, the initial age of cognitive decline across language groups was compared. Results suggested higher GMV in language and EF regions in bilinguals, but differences were not found in memory regions. Furthermore, neuropsychological performance over time did not vary across language groups; however, bilinguals exhibited reduced Stroop interference as well as lower scores on Digit Span Backwards and category fluency. The age of acquisition of English did not predict GMV or EF scores, while the BI predicted category fluency, with lower scores associated with a higher degree of balanced bilingualism. Overall, the influence of bilingualism appears to be reflected in increased GMV in specific language and EF regions relative to neuropsychological performance.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013497
Subject Headings: Bilingualism, Cognition, Aging, Gray Matter, Neuropsychological Tests, Executive Function
Format: Document (PDF)

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