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Title: A Bird’s Eye View: Assessing Sea Turtle Presence in Florida’s Gulf Stream and Coastal Waters.
Creator: Bovery, Caitlin M., Wyneken, Jeanette, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Assessing the presence or absence of marine turtles in an open system poses both observational and analytical challenges due to the migratory nature of marine turtles and their use of large current systems. Concentrations can shift as turtles shift between oceanic and neritic stages and migrate between breeding and foraging grounds. We conducted standard aerial surveys monthly from 2011-2012 to capture seasonal snapshots of sea turtle presence. Each survey covered the area from a northern...
Show moreAssessing the presence or absence of marine turtles in an open system poses both observational and analytical challenges due to the migratory nature of marine turtles and their use of large current systems. Concentrations can shift as turtles shift between oceanic and neritic stages and migrate between breeding and foraging grounds. We conducted standard aerial surveys monthly from 2011-2012 to capture seasonal snapshots of sea turtle presence. Each survey covered the area from a northern boundary near West Palm Beach, Florida 26°43′N to a southern boundary near Miami, Florida 25°40′N, USA with transects up to 20-50 km offshore. 218 turtles were observed during the course of this study 2011: n 79; 2012: n 139. We summarize our sightings by season: Winter December-February, Spring March-May, Summer June-August, and Fall September-November to examine trends in presence of sea turtles. A variety of sizes were observed throughout the year, indicating the presence of several life stages of marine turtles in Florida’s waters during all four seasons. While it is understood that marine turtles use the waters off the eastern coast of Florida, here we document the magnitude of the shift in turtle presence each season throughout two years and where the turtles occur most frequently. Our assessment of marine turtles in the waters off of southeast Florida provide valuable metrics describing the in-water biology of these turtles and for the first time, provide a quantitative assessment of annual and inter-annual fluctuations in presence in the major current and along our coast.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005804
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A bistable counterchange detector for the perception of third-order motion.
Creator: Norman, Joseph W., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2012-03-30
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3342461
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Age-dependent Neurodegeneration.
Creator: Jia, Kailiang, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: The probability of humans developing neurodegenerative diseases increases as one ages. So the purpose of this study is to use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a genetic model for determining if they develop age-dependent neuronal changes.
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005151
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A CALL TO ACTION: REMOVING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Creator: Lake, Kendyl
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000451
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A camera trap study of the cryptic, terrestrial guenon Cercopithecus lomamiensis in central Democratic Republic of Congo.
Creator: McPhee, Steven G., Ayali, Pablo, Graduate College, Hart, John A., Detwiler, Kate M.
Abstract/Description: From October-December 2013, we conducted a camera trap study of the newly discovered primate species lesula, Cercopithecus lomamiensis, in the Lomami River Basin, DR Congo. The primary aim of the study was to examine how lesula fares in the presence of uncontrolled bushmeat hunting. We placed 41 camera traps inside a 4-km2 grid located in the Yawende community conservation area outside the proposed Lomami National Park LNP. We compared an analysis of 72 lesula events over 842 camera trap days...
Show moreFrom October-December 2013, we conducted a camera trap study of the newly discovered primate species lesula, Cercopithecus lomamiensis, in the Lomami River Basin, DR Congo. The primary aim of the study was to examine how lesula fares in the presence of uncontrolled bushmeat hunting. We placed 41 camera traps inside a 4-km2 grid located in the Yawende community conservation area outside the proposed Lomami National Park LNP. We compared an analysis of 72 lesula events over 842 camera trap days from the heavily hunted Yawende site to a pilot camera trap study 38 lesula events over 462 camera trap days at the Losekola study site within the LNP. Our data show an unexpected result: capture probability of lesula 0.08 is the same at both the hunted and non-hunted sites. This is in contrast to the sharp decline in capture probability of all other medium to large terrestrial mammals at the Yawende site. These findings suggest lesula’s cryptic behavior is an important adaptation buffering the species from the impact of hunting. However, hunting pressure on lesula may increase in the near future as hunters adjust effort in response to the decline of less cryptic prey species. Our study also expands knowledge on lesula’s diet, group composition, minimum group size, phenotypic traits, and home range. These findings represent the first new data on lesula since its discovery.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005157
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A characterization of the Lap Aquarius Phantom of external lap laser alignment and MR Geometric distortion verification for the use of SRS patient simulation.
Creator: Vergara, Daniel, Graduate College
Date Issued: 2012-03-30
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3342454, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT3342454
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative analysis of environmental history programs.
Creator: Feinberg, Lindsay, Brewer, Ernest, Graduate College
Date Issued: 2011-04-08
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164527
Subject Headings: Human ecology --History, Environmental education, Palm Beach County (Fla.) --History, Local
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Comparative Stable Isotope Analysis of Two Archaeological Sites in Broward County.
Creator: Thomas, Alexandra N., Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Understanding people through the foods eaten has proven a formidable method to uncover subsistence patterns and infer lifestyle of the earliest inhabitants of an area. With previously examined paleodiet from East Okeechobee Area, Tatham Mound, and Fort Center, particular areas of Florida’s prehistory have begun to resurrect thorough the eye of the scientist. When we understand the foods consumed, we also corroborate that with the environment where the individual resided. Reconstructing foods...
Show moreUnderstanding people through the foods eaten has proven a formidable method to uncover subsistence patterns and infer lifestyle of the earliest inhabitants of an area. With previously examined paleodiet from East Okeechobee Area, Tatham Mound, and Fort Center, particular areas of Florida’s prehistory have begun to resurrect thorough the eye of the scientist. When we understand the foods consumed, we also corroborate that with the environment where the individual resided. Reconstructing foods eaten not only helps researchers understand the ecology of the habitat, but also the social structure of the group the person belonged to. The conglomeration of these factors enables investigators to understand the people, culture, and environment of a region when photographs and written records are unavailable and unaccountable. Using the stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, a molecular analysis of the collagen and apatite of bones and tooth enamel signifies the quantities and qualities of proteins and carbohydrates eaten by an individual. This method will be utilized and highlighted in the paleodietary analysis of two sites from the inland zone of southeastern Florida. Two South Florida archaeological sites were discovered housing human remains in the early 1970s. Markham Park and Lauderhill Mound are the two sites used for this analysis. Because of the pottery sherds associated in chronological stratigraphic layers, the date range for each site has been shown to differ by about 500 years. This is significant to assess if the diet compares or contrasts throughout the different time periods.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005916
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative survey of Gopherus polyphemus hemoparasites in two differing South Florida habitats.
Creator: Cooney, Brian, Elhassani, Dana, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog Preserve (PJP), differ in their management. The goal of this study is: (1) determine, if any, haemogregarina parasitemia levels of the gopher tortoise population in each site and (2) detect any additional hemoparasite species. We hypothesize that paristemia will be higher in BSP due to increased overcrowding and lack of prescribed fires. This study will benefit current conservation and management practices for gopher tortoises and provide a baseline study for intracellular parasites.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005182
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of the red fire ant and gopher tortoise burrow distribution within the FAU preserve.
Creator: Nenkova, Anzehla, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is considered a threatened species throughout much of its range. Their decline is mainly attributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction. These habitat disturbances commonly favor invasive species such as the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The red fire ant has been detected on aprons of gopher tortoise burrows at the FAU preserve and we would like to evaluate whether the distribution of red fire ants overlaps with that of the tortoises burrows...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is considered a threatened species throughout much of its range. Their decline is mainly attributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction. These habitat disturbances commonly favor invasive species such as the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The red fire ant has been detected on aprons of gopher tortoise burrows at the FAU preserve and we would like to evaluate whether the distribution of red fire ants overlaps with that of the tortoises burrows. Ant distribution was accessed at the FAU preserve by running 10 random 100m transect lines and placing sardine baits at every 20m interval. Preliminary data suggests that red fire ants were abundant in 70% of the transects; however, we were unable to establish a direct correlation between the distribution of gopher tortoise burrows and that of red fire ants. The ants were tentatively identified to subfamilies and further identification will be performed.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0005031
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A computational approach analyzing global dynamics.
Creator: Kasti, Dinesh, Van der Vorst, R.C.A.M., Kalies, William D., Graduate College
Abstract/Description: We describe the lattice structure of attractors in a dynamical system and the lifting of sublattices of attractors, which are computationally less accessible, to lattices of forward invariant sets and attracting neighborhoods, which are computationally accessible. We also show how the use of these algebraic structures of lattices to help us to capture the information about underlying dynamical system in a more elegant way and with lesser computational cost. For example, they can be used to...
Show moreWe describe the lattice structure of attractors in a dynamical system and the lifting of sublattices of attractors, which are computationally less accessible, to lattices of forward invariant sets and attracting neighborhoods, which are computationally accessible. We also show how the use of these algebraic structures of lattices to help us to capture the information about underlying dynamical system in a more elegant way and with lesser computational cost. For example, they can be used to develop a much efficient algorithm to compute a global lyapunov function that describes the overall gradient dynamics.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005888
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Computational Study on different penalty approaches for constrained optimization in radiation therapy treatment planning with a simulated annealing algorithm.
Creator: Mohammadi Khoroushadi, Mohammad Sadegh, Shang, Charles, Ouhib, Zoubir, Graduate College, Leventouri, Theodora, Kalantzis, Georgios
Abstract/Description: Simulated Annealing algorithm is utilized for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy IMRT optimization. The goal in IMRT is to give the prescribed radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing the dose given to normal organs.
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005891
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A conserved cysteine framework of toxins from Viola tricolor and Conus brunneus characterized in the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System.
Creator: Hoggard, Mickelene F., Mari, Frank, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Conotoxins are disulfide rich peptides present in the venom of cone snails, a genus of marine mollusks that prey upon fish, worms, and other mollusks. Conotoxins are promising drugs leads with great prospects in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Similar compounds can be found in plants; for example, cyclotides, which are cyclic peptides isolated from the Violaceae violet, Rubiaceae coffee, and...
Show moreConotoxins are disulfide rich peptides present in the venom of cone snails, a genus of marine mollusks that prey upon fish, worms, and other mollusks. Conotoxins are promising drugs leads with great prospects in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Similar compounds can be found in plants; for example, cyclotides, which are cyclic peptides isolated from the Violaceae violet, Rubiaceae coffee, and Cucurbitaceae cucurbit families and they have a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-HIV, uterotonic, and antimicrobial. Cyclotides have a cyclic cysteine knot motif characterized by a cyclic backbone and six conserved cysteine residues that form the three disulfide bridges of the “knot”. This motif provides cyclotides with superior stability against thermal, chemical, and enzymatic degradation; marking them as potential frameworks for peptide drug delivery. Cysteine framework IX conotoxins C-C-C-CXC-C, isolated from the venom of Conus brunneus, contain the same cysteine framework, homologous sequences, and similar 3D structures to cyclotides. Presented are details on the isolation of these conotoxins and cyclotides, from Viola tricolor, and the characterization of their activity in the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System GFS, which contains GAP, acetylcholine, and glutamate synapses.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005149
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Cross-Lingustic Analysis of Language Effects on Personality Measures in Spanish-English Bilinguals.
Creator: Gonzalez, Katherine, Velez-Uribe, Idaly, Rosselli, Monica, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Big Five inventory is a 44-item scale that classifies participants based on five dimensions of personality with versions available in English and Spanish. Previous studies have found differences in BFI dimensions of Spanish-English bilinguals. We asked if Spanish-English bilinguals described themselves differently when answering in different languages. The present study investigated how Spanish-English bilinguals are classified when answering the BFI in both languages. In a cross...
Show moreThe Big Five inventory is a 44-item scale that classifies participants based on five dimensions of personality with versions available in English and Spanish. Previous studies have found differences in BFI dimensions of Spanish-English bilinguals. We asked if Spanish-English bilinguals described themselves differently when answering in different languages. The present study investigated how Spanish-English bilinguals are classified when answering the BFI in both languages. In a cross-linguistic design, we assessed a sample of Spanish-English bilinguals. We hypothesized that we would find that bilinguals would score significantly different in both languages in the dimensions of extraversion and conscientiousness, with English scores being expected to be significantly higher than Spanish scores. Results revealed significantly different scores in Spanish and English in all five dimensions of the BFI. These results emphasize the issue of language in psychological evaluations, with the possibility of language dependence skewing the results for bilingual patients.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005193
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A forensic entomological and anthropological investigation into the decomposition rates in South Florida: the insecta that colonize sus scrofa.
Creator: Ebanks, Ryan, Schuss, Stephen, Unger, Jeremy, Frazier, Evelyn
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361080
Subject Headings: Decomposition (Biology), Biodegradation, Sus scrofa
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A formative evaluation of the grassy waters preserve aquatic connections and watershed awareness (acwa) environmental education program.
Creator: Hopler, Sarah, Meltzer, Carol, Graduate College
Date Issued: 2011-04-08
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164541
Subject Headings: Environmental sciences --Study and teaching, Environmental education, Wetland conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Generalized Population Model based on Indian River Lagoon Dolphins.
Creator: Stonger, Jon, Noonburg, Erik G., Graduate College
Abstract/Description: For over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have conducted surveys of the population of bottlenose dolphins, Tersiops truncatus, in Indian River Lagoon along the east coast of Florida. I have constructed a detailed 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used as a tool for conducting a viability analysis that projects the dolphin population into the future by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf survival and adult survival...
Show moreFor over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have conducted surveys of the population of bottlenose dolphins, Tersiops truncatus, in Indian River Lagoon along the east coast of Florida. I have constructed a detailed 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used as a tool for conducting a viability analysis that projects the dolphin population into the future by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf survival and adult survival rates. The model also includes a power analysis, which compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating abundance. The model shows a strong chance of viability over a 50 year time span, primarily due to the large population size of approximately 700 adult dolphins. The population is vulnerable to long periods of decline if birth, calf or adult survival rates fall below certain thresholds. The sensitivity analysis, based on the partial derivatives of the eigenvalue with respect to each matrix element, shows that the population is most sensitive to changes in adult survival, followed by birth rate and calf survival. Overall, the model simulates the future impacts of demographic change, and thereby provides a tool for conservation efforts.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005853
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Lime Softening System for Individual-Household Use Powered through Solar Energy.
Creator: Slater-Williams, Alexandria, Abtahi, Homayoon, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: In a study conducted by the World Health Organization WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, approximately 768 million people worldwide are not receiving sanitary drinking water suitable for consumption. The greatest levels of water contamination are within the less developed countries where individuals are unable to afford modern water treatment facilities. While there are many water treatment methods, lime softening proves to be one of the more effective approaches as it removes...
Show moreIn a study conducted by the World Health Organization WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, approximately 768 million people worldwide are not receiving sanitary drinking water suitable for consumption. The greatest levels of water contamination are within the less developed countries where individuals are unable to afford modern water treatment facilities. While there are many water treatment methods, lime softening proves to be one of the more effective approaches as it removes calcium, magnesium, arsenic, barium, beryllium, chromium, cooper, fluoride, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, uranium, radium, and radionuclides under the correct conditions. The US Environmental Protection Agency EPA has even defined lime softening as the best available technology BAT for removing uranium and radium. The issue with lime softening is that it is typically used for larger systems that serve whole communities. This project utilizes previous knowledge of lime softening to design a cost-efficient water clarification system with the ability to function on an individual-household basis while being powered by a solar unit. By condensing the system, we hope to make lime softening technology available for a wider spectrum of societies and expend the applications of lime softening.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005167
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Local Regression Approach to Computing the Cauchy Green Strain Tensor.
Creator: Kepley, Shane, Kalies, William D., Graduate College
Abstract/Description: The Cauchy Green strain tensor provides an effective tool for understanding unsteady flows. In particular, the dominant eigenvalue of this tensor has been seen to be a reliable estimator of the finite time Lyapunov exponent. We propose a new method for computing the CG strain tensor using a local quadratic regression LOESS technique. We compare this LOESS method with several classical methods using closed form flows, noisy flows, and simulated time series. In each case, the CG strain tensor...
Show moreThe Cauchy Green strain tensor provides an effective tool for understanding unsteady flows. In particular, the dominant eigenvalue of this tensor has been seen to be a reliable estimator of the finite time Lyapunov exponent. We propose a new method for computing the CG strain tensor using a local quadratic regression LOESS technique. We compare this LOESS method with several classical methods using closed form flows, noisy flows, and simulated time series. In each case, the CG strain tensor produced by the LOESS method is remarkably accurate and robust compared to classical methods.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005890
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A method for determining chemotypes of Briareum asbestinum.
Creator: Rondeau, Melody D., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2012-03-30
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3342435
Format: Document (PDF)

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