Current Search: James, L. (x)
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Title
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Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) Population Changes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
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Creator
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Morton, Emily M.N., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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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
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2016
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003683
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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TERRESTRIAL ISOPODS (ISOPODA: ONISCIDEA) OF THE ROBERT J. HUCKSHORN ARBORETUM IN JUPITER, FLORIDA.
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Creator
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Quesnel, Julie D., Wetterer, James, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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Many terrestrial isopod species (Isopoda) are very tolerant of human disturbance and are common in synanthropic habitats of urban and suburban areas. I surveyed terrestrial isopod species in the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum on the Jupiter campus of Florida Atlantic University. This small arboretum (4003 m2) includes a variety of native trees and plants, potentially providing diverse resources for isopods. I found a surprisingly rich isopod fauna, totaling five species all in the suborder...
Show moreMany terrestrial isopod species (Isopoda) are very tolerant of human disturbance and are common in synanthropic habitats of urban and suburban areas. I surveyed terrestrial isopod species in the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum on the Jupiter campus of Florida Atlantic University. This small arboretum (4003 m2) includes a variety of native trees and plants, potentially providing diverse resources for isopods. I found a surprisingly rich isopod fauna, totaling five species all in the suborder Oniscidea, which have been identified as: Atlantoscia floridana (Van Name, 1940), Trichorhina tomentosa (Budde-Lund, 1893), Nagurus cristatus (Dollfus, 1889), Venezillo parvus (Budde-Lund, 1885), and Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833). Two (A. floridana and V. parvus) are considered native to Florida, while three (T. tomentosa, N. cristatus and P. pruinosus) are non-native.
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Date Issued
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2019
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00118
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Possible Threat of Stinging Ants to Captive Wildlife at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Florida.
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Creator
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Bewley, Anne, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Several species of stinging ants are known to attack vertebrates. In March and July 2018, I conducted ant surveys using tuna baits at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), in Jupiter, Florida, to assess possible threats to captive animals posed by such ants. BWS rehabilitates native Florida vertebrates that are injured or orphaned and houses others that cannot be released back into the wild. Of the 13 ant species found, two may pose a threat to the animals at BWS: the little fire ant (Wasmannia...
Show moreSeveral species of stinging ants are known to attack vertebrates. In March and July 2018, I conducted ant surveys using tuna baits at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), in Jupiter, Florida, to assess possible threats to captive animals posed by such ants. BWS rehabilitates native Florida vertebrates that are injured or orphaned and houses others that cannot be released back into the wild. Of the 13 ant species found, two may pose a threat to the animals at BWS: the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) and the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). W. auropunctata, known for stinging the eyes of vertebrates, was the most prevalent species, found at 40% of the baits. S. invicta, known for its powerful sting, occurred at 7% baits. Facilities that house animals outdoors, such as zoos and wildlife rehab centers, should take care to ensure the animals are kept safe from possible attack by ants.
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Date Issued
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2019
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00123
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Spread of the Invasive Brown Basilisk, Basiliscus vittatus, in Florida.
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Creator
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Wallington, John, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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The brown basilisk, Basiliscus vittatus, is large lizard native to coastal lowlands from central Mexico to Ecuador. In 1976, this species was first discovered in southern Florida, and it has been spreading since. My thesis documents the spread of B. vittatus through southern Florida using published and unpublished records. I mapped a total of 545 records of B. vittatus in Florida: 73 from published records, 15 from my own observations, and 457 from photographs uploaded to iNaturalist....
Show moreThe brown basilisk, Basiliscus vittatus, is large lizard native to coastal lowlands from central Mexico to Ecuador. In 1976, this species was first discovered in southern Florida, and it has been spreading since. My thesis documents the spread of B. vittatus through southern Florida using published and unpublished records. I mapped a total of 545 records of B. vittatus in Florida: 73 from published records, 15 from my own observations, and 457 from photographs uploaded to iNaturalist. Published reports of B. vittatus have been reported from 11 Florida counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Monroe, Collier, Lee, Hendry, and Manatee). In addition, there have been additional unpublished photographic records uploaded to iNaturalist from two more counties (Pinellas and Brevard). These additions expand the known northern range of B. vittatus on both the East and West coasts of Florida.
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Date Issued
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2019
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00131
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Plea bargaining, coercion, and fairness.
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Creator
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Jimenez, James R., Tunick, Mark, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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The process of plea bargaining in the American legal system has long been criticized for being coercive. I use Robert Nozick’s criteria for coercion to show that plea bargaining is not inherently coercive. However, prosecutors can introduce coercion into the process, and the possibility of uneven introduction of coercion in offering pleas makes the system of plea bargaining unfair. However, that plea bargaining can be unfair and often coercive does not mean that it must be abolished. Although...
Show moreThe process of plea bargaining in the American legal system has long been criticized for being coercive. I use Robert Nozick’s criteria for coercion to show that plea bargaining is not inherently coercive. However, prosecutors can introduce coercion into the process, and the possibility of uneven introduction of coercion in offering pleas makes the system of plea bargaining unfair. However, that plea bargaining can be unfair and often coercive does not mean that it must be abolished. Although the current state of plea bargaining is not ideal and does result in unfairness for many, there does not seem to be any viable options to radically reform the process at this time without losing efficiency, though standardizing some plea offers while leaving the discretion of whether to offer pleas to the prosecution could help remove some of the coerciveness and unfairness
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Date Issued
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2011
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003587
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Alarm pheromones in aquatic snail species: schreckstoff and stuff.
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Creator
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Apap, Ian, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Many aquatic organisms show alarm responses to chemical cues. For my thesis research, I tested whether two species of aquatic snail (one freshwater and one estuarine) show response to chemicals released by a crushed conspecific. I measured behavioral reaction of a freshwater snail and an estuarine snail species. I first tested the species from a freshwater pond, comparing the behavior of snail exposed to crushed snail extract with controls over a period of 24 h. In the first trial,...
Show moreMany aquatic organisms show alarm responses to chemical cues. For my thesis research, I tested whether two species of aquatic snail (one freshwater and one estuarine) show response to chemicals released by a crushed conspecific. I measured behavioral reaction of a freshwater snail and an estuarine snail species. I first tested the species from a freshwater pond, comparing the behavior of snail exposed to crushed snail extract with controls over a period of 24 h. In the first trial, significantly more snails climbed out of the water at the 8-h mark (χ2=8.86, p<.05) and the 24-h mark (χ2=4.98, p<.05). In the second trial, this difference was significant at the 2-h mark (χ2=4.43, p<.05). In one trial with estuarine snails, I found no evidence of an alarm response. The differences in response between the two species may relate to differences in environment. Alarm chemicals may supply useful information on local predation in a pond with little water movement, but not in an estuary, where water flow would quickly disperse these chemicals.
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Date Issued
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2011
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003555
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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NATIVE VERSUS EXOTIC ANTS AS A FOOD SOURCE FOR THE ANT LION, (Myrmeleon crudelis).
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Creator
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Brothers, David G., Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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Solenopsis invicta, a fire ant originally from South America, has become an important exotic pest in the southeastern US. Solenopsis invicta is well known for its powerful sting and are known to attack native wildlife, such as hatchling sea turtles. I examined the suitability of S. invicta as prey for a native antlion, Myrmeleon crudelis, in South Florida. I compared the growth and survival over 12 week period of 16 ant lions fed S. invicta and 16 fed a native pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni....
Show moreSolenopsis invicta, a fire ant originally from South America, has become an important exotic pest in the southeastern US. Solenopsis invicta is well known for its powerful sting and are known to attack native wildlife, such as hatchling sea turtles. I examined the suitability of S. invicta as prey for a native antlion, Myrmeleon crudelis, in South Florida. I compared the growth and survival over 12 week period of 16 ant lions fed S. invicta and 16 fed a native pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex bureni. I found antlions fed S. invicta had significantly lower growth and survival than antlions fed D. bureni. Thus, S. invicta does not appear to be suitable prey for M. crudelis, and may have a negative impact on M. crudelis in areas where it invades.
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Date Issued
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2015
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013648
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR CANINE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE.
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Creator
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Kruisland, Gillian Breanne, Wetterer, James, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, involves damage to the discs between vertebrae in the spinal column of vertebrates. The disease is progressive and has a significant genetic component as well as influences from the patient’s lifestyle. This thesis examines IVDD in canines, evaluating the cause, currently available and under research treatment options, and considers future research into mitigating the severity of disease progression. Results suggest that with current knowledge, a...
Show moreIntervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, involves damage to the discs between vertebrae in the spinal column of vertebrates. The disease is progressive and has a significant genetic component as well as influences from the patient’s lifestyle. This thesis examines IVDD in canines, evaluating the cause, currently available and under research treatment options, and considers future research into mitigating the severity of disease progression. Results suggest that with current knowledge, a combination of surgical correction and conservative management yields the best outcome for the patient, decreasing in effectiveness as the disease progresses. Novel treatment options include cell-based, gene, and growth factor therapies that have greater potential with severe cases. This paper suggests targeting the root of the problem to minimize the extent of treatment needed. Educating breeders and pet owners to catch the early onset of the disease will not only minimize detriment to the patient but also increase the number of cases seen by veterinarians, which will allow a greater understanding of the disease’s mechanisms and increased knowledge for laboratory work. The One Health concept allows the transfer of knowledge of the disease between human and veterinary medicine, which should be pushed to further expand the research of IVDD.
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Date Issued
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2020
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013660
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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TARGETING CANCER STEM CELLS USING ONCOLYTIC ADENOVIRUSES.
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Creator
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Rodriguez Suarez, Michelle, Wetterer, James, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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Cancer stem cells play a significant role in both cancer resurgence and progression. Because of this, it is essential to target cancer stem cells when treating cancer. Unfortunately, these cells can evade the cytotoxic effects of standard cancer therapeutics such as chemo- and radiotherapy. Oncolytic adenoviruses have emerged as a therapeutic that is capable of successfully eliminating cancer stem cells. These viruses can be engineered to target specific cell surface markers on the surface of...
Show moreCancer stem cells play a significant role in both cancer resurgence and progression. Because of this, it is essential to target cancer stem cells when treating cancer. Unfortunately, these cells can evade the cytotoxic effects of standard cancer therapeutics such as chemo- and radiotherapy. Oncolytic adenoviruses have emerged as a therapeutic that is capable of successfully eliminating cancer stem cells. These viruses can be engineered to target specific cell surface markers on the surface of cancer stem cells for infection. After infection, they can hijack the cell’s replication machinery to produce new progeny that will eventually lyse the cell. There are limitations to this therapeutic, most importantly that these viruses cannot hide themselves from the host’s immune system that recognizes them as a threat and eliminates them. However, various studies have provided encouraging results that demonstrate the effectiveness of these adenoviruses both in vitro and in vivo when injected intratumorally
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Date Issued
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2020
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013665
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Phylogeography of the Burrowing Four O’clock, Okenia hypogaea (Nyctaginaceae).
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Creator
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Depatie, Trinity Hope, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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The burrowing four o’clock or beach peanut, Okenia hypogaea (Nyctaginaceae), is a vine found on beaches of southeast Florida, Mexico, and Central America. This species was described from Mexico in 1830 and discovered in Florida near Miami in 1903. Since then, O. hypogaea has been considered a rare native species in Florida. For my thesis, I proposed to test the hypothesis that O. hypogaea is exotic to Florida by comparing the genetic diversity of populations in Florida with populations in...
Show moreThe burrowing four o’clock or beach peanut, Okenia hypogaea (Nyctaginaceae), is a vine found on beaches of southeast Florida, Mexico, and Central America. This species was described from Mexico in 1830 and discovered in Florida near Miami in 1903. Since then, O. hypogaea has been considered a rare native species in Florida. For my thesis, I proposed to test the hypothesis that O. hypogaea is exotic to Florida by comparing the genetic diversity of populations in Florida with populations in Mexico. The first gene I examined was identical across all populations tested in Mexico and Florida. I am currently working on examining a more variable gene.
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Date Issued
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2020
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003706
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Balancing speed and safety as the rush to find effective and prolonged treatments for COVID-19 continue.
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Creator
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Garcia, Alberto, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted life around the world. As of early December 2020, more than 69 million people have tested positive for the virus, and more than 1.6 million people have died from the disease. Researchers are now rushing to find effective means of treating and preventing this disease. The urgency of this problem requires speed, but this must be balanced with caution to avoid possible negative impacts of deploying treatments that have been insufficiently...
Show moreThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted life around the world. As of early December 2020, more than 69 million people have tested positive for the virus, and more than 1.6 million people have died from the disease. Researchers are now rushing to find effective means of treating and preventing this disease. The urgency of this problem requires speed, but this must be balanced with caution to avoid possible negative impacts of deploying treatments that have been insufficiently tested for effectiveness and safety. For my thesis, I consider challenges of the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to balance the urgency of finding quick treatment with the long-term safety of the treatments they approve. I first examine three historical examples where past treatments have been prematurely approved and discuss the lessons that were learned from these mistakes. Finally, I examine two examples from the current COVID-19 pandemic: the emergency use authorization to use hydroxychloroquine to treat severe COVID-19 patients and the new vaccines developed to prevent COVID-19 infection. It is pertinent to ensure that the benefits of any treatment outweigh the risks for the long-term benefit of society, which is of critical importance today as we face the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Date Issued
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2021
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00140
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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The Efficacy of Vaccines for SARS.CoV-2.
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Creator
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Ilamadi, Kartikk Musiri, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as the COVID-19, is the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease is first identified in Wuhan, China and has spread across the world causing a pandemic. With the majority of countries shutting down and the infection spreading exponentially, countries raced to find safe and effective vaccines. Nearly a year after the first confirmed case in the United States, vaccines were ready to be administered. The...
Show moreCoronavirus disease 2019, also known as the COVID-19, is the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease is first identified in Wuhan, China and has spread across the world causing a pandemic. With the majority of countries shutting down and the infection spreading exponentially, countries raced to find safe and effective vaccines. Nearly a year after the first confirmed case in the United States, vaccines were ready to be administered. The three major vaccines in the United States were Pfizer- BioNTech, Johnson and Johnson and the Moderna Vaccines. The Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna required two doses whereas the Johnson and Johnson required only one dose. Vaccines around the world were created and administered at an alarming rate, However, it is still insufficient, as only 5% of the global population has been administered as of April 9, 2021
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Date Issued
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2021
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00152
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Stinging Ants at Gopher Tortoise Burrows.
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Creator
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Viluan, Valerie, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Several predatory ant species are known to attack, injure, and even kill vertebrates. Perhaps the most notorious of these are the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta and the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata. In areas where they invade, both are most common in disturbed habitats. Solenopsis invicta often dominates open, grassy areas, while Wasmannia auropunctata more often dominates in forested areas. This study compares the distribution of ant species, including Solenopsis...
Show moreSeveral predatory ant species are known to attack, injure, and even kill vertebrates. Perhaps the most notorious of these are the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta and the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata. In areas where they invade, both are most common in disturbed habitats. Solenopsis invicta often dominates open, grassy areas, while Wasmannia auropunctata more often dominates in forested areas. This study compares the distribution of ant species, including Solenopsis invicta and Wasmannia auropunctata at the burrows of Gopher Tortoises at the Abacoa Greenway located in Jupiter, Florida. Wasmannia auropunctata replaced Solenopsis invicta as the dominating species at our study site in 2021, compared to the results gathered by Rich Jones in 2013. Although both species are not selective with their targets, this shift in pattern could result in a difference of injuries to the Greenway’s inhabitants and should be considered a potential threat in future wildlife schemes.
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Date Issued
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2021
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00163
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Ethical Issues Concerning “Savior Offspring.”.
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Creator
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Dorcin, Jemima, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Tissue transplantation is a procedure used to treat a wide range of medical disorders. Suitable tissue for transplant, however, is often in short supply. Thus, some people conceive offspring for the sole purpose of harvesting compatible tissue, e.g., for transplantation of multipotent hematopoietic stem cells in a sibling or parent. A 2004 survey found that most Americans approve of using genetic testing of in vitro fertilized embryos to allow for the selective implantation of an embryo with...
Show moreTissue transplantation is a procedure used to treat a wide range of medical disorders. Suitable tissue for transplant, however, is often in short supply. Thus, some people conceive offspring for the sole purpose of harvesting compatible tissue, e.g., for transplantation of multipotent hematopoietic stem cells in a sibling or parent. A 2004 survey found that most Americans approve of using genetic testing of in vitro fertilized embryos to allow for the selective implantation of an embryo with compatible tissue for use in a sick older sibling. However, while using stem cells from the umbilicus of a newborn for medical treatments is relatively well accepted, using from tissue from an aborted fetus remains controversial. In my thesis, I examine the ethical issues that arise from the use of tissue from "savior offspring" in medicine, employing both survey tools as well as literature review. When the values were added from their perspective categories, the P-values indicate that age, gender, religion and political affiliation had no effect on the how the survey was answered.
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Date Issued
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2021
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00167
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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THE SITNIKOV PROBLEM, LOW ENERGY TRANSFERS, AND THE ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF ASTEROID MINING.
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Creator
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Blanco, Dominic, Mireles-James, Jason, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Asteroid mining can be profitable; however, it is currently not economically feasible. Space companies have reduced the cost of missions by using low energy transfer. Low energy transfer uses connecting orbits requiring much less energy to move a spacecraft. To demonstrate low energy transfer, I investigate the Sitnikov Problem with eccentricity of 0.2 and 0.9. The Sitnikov Problem is a form of the gravitational three-body problem with two heavy bodies orbiting in a plane while a light third...
Show moreAsteroid mining can be profitable; however, it is currently not economically feasible. Space companies have reduced the cost of missions by using low energy transfer. Low energy transfer uses connecting orbits requiring much less energy to move a spacecraft. To demonstrate low energy transfer, I investigate the Sitnikov Problem with eccentricity of 0.2 and 0.9. The Sitnikov Problem is a form of the gravitational three-body problem with two heavy bodies orbiting in a plane while a light third body moves perpendicular to the plane. I compute the Poincaré map and find connecting orbits. I then compare past missions that used low energy transfer to similar missions which did not. In all cases, using low energy transfer lowered the cost. This shows that we should investigate the use of low energy transfer in asteroid mining missions to reduce cost.
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Date Issued
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2022
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00188
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIOR AMOUNG CAPTIVE CHIMPANZEES.
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Creator
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Ranaweera, Esha, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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Altruism plays an essential role in maintaining cooperative societies. From September 2021 to January 2022, I studied a group of seven chimpanzees (two males and five females) living in Lion Country Safari, recording acts of altruism related to grooming, food and water sharing, and border patrol. I found males on average both gave and received more grooming sessions. Among the few food and water sharing events I observed, males-males sharing was the most common. The two males performed almost...
Show moreAltruism plays an essential role in maintaining cooperative societies. From September 2021 to January 2022, I studied a group of seven chimpanzees (two males and five females) living in Lion Country Safari, recording acts of altruism related to grooming, food and water sharing, and border patrol. I found males on average both gave and received more grooming sessions. Among the few food and water sharing events I observed, males-males sharing was the most common. The two males performed almost all the border patrol. Altruistic behaviors among chimpanzees help bind their social groups in ways analogous to the human behaviors.
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Date Issued
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2022
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00213
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS (Solenopsis invicta) INFESTING AMERICAN ALLIGATOR (Alligator mississippiensis) NESTS.
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Creator
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Osuna, Ashley, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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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
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2022
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00210
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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A FLORAL SURVEY OF THE ABACOA GOPHER TORTOISE PRESERVE.
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Creator
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Bates, Malaika, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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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
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2023
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00244
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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THE STING THAT CURES: BEE VENOM AND ITS THERAPEUTIC FUTURE.
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Creator
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Sadek, Mark, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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The potential that honeybees hold to help treat or even cure chronic illnesses should not be overlooked. The venom from honeybees (Apis mellifera) includes enzymes and amino acids that can greatly affect different ailments. There has been research done in both in vivo and in vitro environments to determine if a direct bee sting or some type of injectable form of the venom can potentially treat several complications. There is an ongoing debate of whether it is morally acceptable for bee venom...
Show moreThe potential that honeybees hold to help treat or even cure chronic illnesses should not be overlooked. The venom from honeybees (Apis mellifera) includes enzymes and amino acids that can greatly affect different ailments. There has been research done in both in vivo and in vitro environments to determine if a direct bee sting or some type of injectable form of the venom can potentially treat several complications. There is an ongoing debate of whether it is morally acceptable for bee venom to be injected in the testing process of developing a plausible treatment option. With properties such as anti-protozoan, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer in it, the revolutionary discoveries that can come from bee venom therapy are endless.
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Date Issued
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2023
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00271
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF SPINY BACKED ORB WEAVER (Gasteracantha cancriformis) COLOR MORPHS IN THE AMERICAS.
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Creator
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King, Samuel, Wetterer, James, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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The spiny-backed orb weaver, Gasteracantha cancriformis, is widely distributed in the Americas. Females are recognizable by their crab-like back plate with six spines. The back plate may be white, red, yellow, or black, and the spines may be red or black. I analyzed the geographic distribution of various color morphs using geo-tagged photographs posted to the iNaturalist website. I found great differences in which color morphs are most prominent in certain areas. For example, morphs with...
Show moreThe spiny-backed orb weaver, Gasteracantha cancriformis, is widely distributed in the Americas. Females are recognizable by their crab-like back plate with six spines. The back plate may be white, red, yellow, or black, and the spines may be red or black. I analyzed the geographic distribution of various color morphs using geo-tagged photographs posted to the iNaturalist website. I found great differences in which color morphs are most prominent in certain areas. For example, morphs with white back and red spines are dominant in the Florida peninsula, yet appear to be almost nonexistent in South America. This analysis may be useful in further research to determine what genetic and/or environmental factors influence this geographic distribution.
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Date Issued
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2023
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00260
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Format
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Document (PDF)
Pages