Current Search: Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (x)
View All Items
Pages
- Title
- Emergence of epilepsy in a transgenic mouse strain that over-expressesbrain- derived neurotrophic factor in theforebrain.
- Creator
- Zhou, Wei Hui, Isgor, Ceylan, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Structural changes that alter hippocampal functional circuitry are implicated in learning impairments, mood disorders and epilepsy. Failure to properly gate neuronal activity arriving in hippocampus may be critical in developing synaptic circuits that generate seizures due to sustained elevations in hippocampal BDNF. Our data shows higher number of synaptic contact points (spines) on dendritic surfaces of granule cells in 2-3 month-old TgBDNF mice compared to WT mice, suggesting that there is...
Show moreStructural changes that alter hippocampal functional circuitry are implicated in learning impairments, mood disorders and epilepsy. Failure to properly gate neuronal activity arriving in hippocampus may be critical in developing synaptic circuits that generate seizures due to sustained elevations in hippocampal BDNF. Our data shows higher number of synaptic contact points (spines) on dendritic surfaces of granule cells in 2-3 month-old TgBDNF mice compared to WT mice, suggesting that there is increased cortical input onto granule cells. The dysregulation in mature GC circuitry in seizure dormant period in TgBDNF mice indicates early seizure susceptibility. Both mature GCs and immature GCs will show structural alterations in their input and/or output regions in TgBDNF mice long before full motor seizures are detectable pinpointing early dysregulations in the gating properties of these input neurons to hippocampus, favoring enhanced information processing and propagation. These collective results will help pinpoint intervention targets for seizure prevention.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005609
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Consumer Motivation: The Craft Beer Boom.
- Creator
- Harris, Devon, Boone, Taylor, Sly, Henry, Mendiola, Sofia, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
In the world of business, advertising is essential to success. With all of the technological clutter that consumers face every day, creating impact can only be achieved through deep understanding of what the target audience’s motivation for purchasing is. Our research team has been watching a monumental rise in demand for craft beer, and to reach that market successfully, we have set out to find what the emotional motivation behind this surge is. We have come to the educated belief that it is...
Show moreIn the world of business, advertising is essential to success. With all of the technological clutter that consumers face every day, creating impact can only be achieved through deep understanding of what the target audience’s motivation for purchasing is. Our research team has been watching a monumental rise in demand for craft beer, and to reach that market successfully, we have set out to find what the emotional motivation behind this surge is. We have come to the educated belief that it is driven by a generational desire for new experiences. Using a systematic research method, we set out to answer our question. We began with secondary research in the form of descriptive statistics, and using these we ran a focus group to develop qualitative research. In complying with ethical research standards, consent, privacy, and right-to-record forms were used. Lastly, results are pending for our inferential statistics questionnaire.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005573
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Community-based research to address dementia & Parkinson’s disease in older adults.
- Creator
- Alam, Khosnur, Martini, Jessica, Perez, Yolanda, Sonin, Jaclyn, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
There are increasing numbers of older adults living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Many of these residents are living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. CCRCs are challenged to provide therapies that enhance ability to carry out activities of daily living for these residents. The purpose of this project is to identify effective therapies. The Stinger Action research model is being used to guide the project. Students have met with a community representative who has...
Show moreThere are increasing numbers of older adults living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Many of these residents are living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. CCRCs are challenged to provide therapies that enhance ability to carry out activities of daily living for these residents. The purpose of this project is to identify effective therapies. The Stinger Action research model is being used to guide the project. Students have met with a community representative who has focused attention on falls, behavioral problems and pharmacological management of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. An exhaustive literature search has been undertaken to provide evidence. There are pharmacological approaches to manage symptoms. However, there is less evidence supporting non-pharmacological approaches addressing behavioral problems and falls. Models of CCRC care are evolving and integration of person- centered non-pharmacological, evidence-based approaches will be critical and best developed with resident input.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005584
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Autonomous Projectile Firing System.
- Creator
- Miller, Devon, Correa, Alyssa, Jordan, Craig, Quinones, Chris, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Modern devices such as the projectile t-shirt launching cannon is consisted of a handheld cannon with a tank of compressed air attached at the base. Our team explored new innovative designs in order to revamp current state of the art products on the market. The team took initiative to focus on a more autonomous functioning device rather than a user-controlled system. The design would have capabilities to locate and transport to pre-determined locations for optimal proficiency to launch t...
Show moreModern devices such as the projectile t-shirt launching cannon is consisted of a handheld cannon with a tank of compressed air attached at the base. Our team explored new innovative designs in order to revamp current state of the art products on the market. The team took initiative to focus on a more autonomous functioning device rather than a user-controlled system. The design would have capabilities to locate and transport to pre-determined locations for optimal proficiency to launch t-shirts to fans in all ranges of the venue/stadium. Similarly, alongside with automatic dynamic abilities, the device must control the pitch and rotation of the barrel while firing t-shirts and launch multiple rounds of shirts in one trial run. The device will provide an overall better experience for corporate or private investors to interact with their fan-base delivering free merchandise within the limitations of the respected venues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005600
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Crashworthiness of Low Speed Vehicles.
- Creator
- Cusano, Emma, Francis, Sherwin, Pinto, Michael, Masory, Oren, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The Crashworthiness of Low Speed Vehicles is to be determined using a custom built crash testing apparatus. The safety of golf carts is often overlooked because they are considered “low risk” vehicles. The danger of these vehicles lies in the fact that they aren’t mandated to have safety features outside of seatbelts. A test rig that sufficiently tested how these vehicles react under extreme conditions as well as the risk to the occupants was designed and operated through several iterations....
Show moreThe Crashworthiness of Low Speed Vehicles is to be determined using a custom built crash testing apparatus. The safety of golf carts is often overlooked because they are considered “low risk” vehicles. The danger of these vehicles lies in the fact that they aren’t mandated to have safety features outside of seatbelts. A test rig that sufficiently tested how these vehicles react under extreme conditions as well as the risk to the occupants was designed and operated through several iterations. The main components of the rig was be a motorized variable speed pulley system, concrete barrier, and a simple quick release mechanism to detach the cart, and crash dummies with sensors to record the experienced acceleration/ deceleration and gyration. The main parameters that were studied in relation to crashworthiness are structural performance, injury measures and dummy movement. It was the goal of the experimenters to show just how important it is to design LSVs with higher safety standards.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005565
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Arabian Women of the Jahiliyya(Early Islamic) Times.
- Creator
- Douglas, Nora, Kanter, Douglas, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
In the Jahiliyya (Pre- Islamic period), only women of the elite classes who were related to men of influence in the tribe were the women who had power in society. The men of the elite prized their prowess in defending their tribal pagan traditions, which defined their place in society. Once Islam was established, those who were most respected in pagan times, instead, became the ones who were most looked down upon because they were against the new order. Islam effectively shifted the center of...
Show moreIn the Jahiliyya (Pre- Islamic period), only women of the elite classes who were related to men of influence in the tribe were the women who had power in society. The men of the elite prized their prowess in defending their tribal pagan traditions, which defined their place in society. Once Islam was established, those who were most respected in pagan times, instead, became the ones who were most looked down upon because they were against the new order. Islam effectively shifted the center of power from those who were wealthy in the tribe, to those who embraced Islam first; who were disproportionately women and slaves.It is crucial to put early Islamic traditions under the lens of cultural continuity from Pre- Islamic tradition to understand the development of power in tribal society and how this affected gender relations and patriarchy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005566
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- What Are The Legalities of Accepting or Refusing Refugees and Asylum Seekers?.
- Creator
- Cichoracki, Caitlin, Kahook, Sama, Arflin, Cheryl, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
In the wake of contemporary events, such as the Syrian refugee crisis, and recalling historical events such as the Holocaust, it is important to understand the dynamic between states and international law. In the midst of the current refugee crisis, how might countries decide who accepts and denies refugees into their borders? We answer this by focusing on the laws and regulations that have been implemented since the 1951 Refugee Convention. The attitudes toward refugees and how the crisis is...
Show moreIn the wake of contemporary events, such as the Syrian refugee crisis, and recalling historical events such as the Holocaust, it is important to understand the dynamic between states and international law. In the midst of the current refugee crisis, how might countries decide who accepts and denies refugees into their borders? We answer this by focusing on the laws and regulations that have been implemented since the 1951 Refugee Convention. The attitudes toward refugees and how the crisis is handled are an accurate reflection of the discrepancy between states’ responsibilities and states’ needs. We investigate the history of the laws and how states have found loopholes through the rules and regulations through court cases. Through this research, we are able to understand the legalities of how refugees reach safety and who takes responsibility when a government ultimately fails its people.mitter in the brain. Therefore, an investigation into the properties of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which could be the potential cause of this neurodegenerative disease, will help elucidate the role of this amino acid in ALS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005579
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Genetic Engineering of Tomato Plants Expressing β-Glucuronidasethrough Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation.
- Creator
- Justs, Adriana, Kaplan, Noah, Zhang, Xing-Hai, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Advancements in biotechnology have allowed us to study genetics and plant physiology by engineering transgenic plants. For our research we transformed Micro-Tom, a tomato variety developed for use in genetic research, using Agrobacterium mediated transformation. Within a time span of fourteen weeks, we inserted two distinct plasmid constructs (pCAMBIA2301 and E1492). Plants have the unique ability to regenerate their tissue and we took advantage of this ability to regenerate the transgenic...
Show moreAdvancements in biotechnology have allowed us to study genetics and plant physiology by engineering transgenic plants. For our research we transformed Micro-Tom, a tomato variety developed for use in genetic research, using Agrobacterium mediated transformation. Within a time span of fourteen weeks, we inserted two distinct plasmid constructs (pCAMBIA2301 and E1492). Plants have the unique ability to regenerate their tissue and we took advantage of this ability to regenerate the transgenic plants with antibiotic selection. Approximately one third of the explants endured the infection process and fourteen of these survived in the presence of kanamycin. By the end of the fourteenth week, eleven out of our fourteen plantlets had fully developed roots but only four survived to maturity. After verification with PCR and qPCR, we found that we generated two transgenic plants. Here we describe all the methods and techniques used to achieve these compelling results.could be the potential cause of this neurodegenerative disease, will help elucidate the role of this amino acid in ALS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005578
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Photo Documentary: Frog Alley Community Garden.
- Creator
- Lightbody, Lauren, Hart, Sharon, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Frog Alley Community Garden is located in the historic neighborhood of Frog Alley in Delray Beach. The garden’s philosophy believes in “sowing community through organic practices”. They advocate the importance of sustainable life practice by providing the community an open space in which to cultivate and grow their own food. Through documenting the ins and outs of the Frog Alley Community Garden, I wish to raise awareness on sustainable and practical life practice through Organic cultivation....
Show moreFrog Alley Community Garden is located in the historic neighborhood of Frog Alley in Delray Beach. The garden’s philosophy believes in “sowing community through organic practices”. They advocate the importance of sustainable life practice by providing the community an open space in which to cultivate and grow their own food. Through documenting the ins and outs of the Frog Alley Community Garden, I wish to raise awareness on sustainable and practical life practice through Organic cultivation. This means documenting methods that require a relatively small amount of energy to yield a high amount of outcome. An example of this would be permaculture, agricultural design in alignment with the patterns of nature, plays a large role for many of these dedicated gardeners. With the intent of implementing gardening methods that seek to coexist with the natural ecosystem, the ability to grow and share food, as well as contributing little to no environmental impact, establishes Frog Alley as a sustainable garden. The diversity of gardeners at Frog Alley, a handful of who are new to gardening in general, are egger to learn and experiment with various methods of organic cultivation. The sharing of information from gardener to gardener pertaining to the growth of their plots, when to seed and harvest, the identification of native plants, and assorted solutions to pest problems is what makes Frog Alley a community garden. Candid shots focusing in on the gardeners, the conscious design of space, the plants, and the tremendous amount of work involved have been the highlights of this project. The significance of each composition is to mirror the earthy element, depicting a combination of labor and love. The choice of paper and size, such as a cold press natural matte 13 x 19, coincide with the natural aspect echoing throughout.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005583
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Increasing Students’ Academics Through the Use of Whole Brain Strategies.
- Creator
- Hernandez, Christina, Dassa, Lori, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The objective of my research was to determine if whole brain teaching strategies could help increase students’ academic scores in an urban elementary classroom. To test this hypothesis, I created a pre/ post assessment cycle design focusing on whole brain chants and gestures taught during a science unit on the states of matter. Participants included 20 first grade ELL students at Park Lakes Elementary school. Students took a pretest, were involved in 5 whole brain based lessons and posttest....
Show moreThe objective of my research was to determine if whole brain teaching strategies could help increase students’ academic scores in an urban elementary classroom. To test this hypothesis, I created a pre/ post assessment cycle design focusing on whole brain chants and gestures taught during a science unit on the states of matter. Participants included 20 first grade ELL students at Park Lakes Elementary school. Students took a pretest, were involved in 5 whole brain based lessons and posttest. The lessons included whole brain strategies like “mirror me”, “teach, okay”, and other interactive activities. At the conclusion of the lesson, a posttest was issued. All 20 students earned a passing score as compared to the low scores on the pretest. Therefore, I concluded that using whole brain teaching strategies throughout lessons increase students’ academic scores. My intent is to continue this technique with future lessons to improve students’ Florida Standardized assessment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005574
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Angiographic Changes of Blood Vessels in the Photoreceptor Degenerative Mouse Retina.
- Creator
- Nguyen, Matthew, Shen, Wen, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Tortuous, or twisted, arteries and veins are commonly observed in humans and animals diagnosed with diseases caused by the degeneration of photoreceptor cells. However, the mechanisms of their formation and development are poorly understood. We used immunocytochemical, confocal imaging and computer remodeling techniques to map the angiographic changes in the photoreceptor degenerative mouse model, pde6d (rd1) mice. We found that mechanical instability and rewiring in the distal retina of rd1...
Show moreTortuous, or twisted, arteries and veins are commonly observed in humans and animals diagnosed with diseases caused by the degeneration of photoreceptor cells. However, the mechanisms of their formation and development are poorly understood. We used immunocytochemical, confocal imaging and computer remodeling techniques to map the angiographic changes in the photoreceptor degenerative mouse model, pde6d (rd1) mice. We found that mechanical instability and rewiring in the distal retina of rd1 mice could be mechanisms for the initiation and development of these tortuous vessels. We also found that in the late stages of retinal degeneration, severe tortuosity leads to ischemic attack in the distal retina. This study provides valuable insights into understanding the pathologic changes of retinal blood vessels in the development of diseases in humans and animals.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005594
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Improvement of Solar Energy Conversion Efficiency by Solar Tracking.
- Creator
- Rochd, Amine, Griffin, Joshua, Dereje, Dawit, Rangel, Guillermo, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The goal of this research project is to increase the energy conversion efficiency of current commercial solar panels using an innovative solar tracking method. To maximize the solar conversion efficiency, three different control mechanisms were identified: 1) a conventional system with a fixed panel location, 2) a chronological tracking system with a fixed angular velocity, and 3) an active tracking system with an UV light sensor. All three panels were securely assembled into specially...
Show moreThe goal of this research project is to increase the energy conversion efficiency of current commercial solar panels using an innovative solar tracking method. To maximize the solar conversion efficiency, three different control mechanisms were identified: 1) a conventional system with a fixed panel location, 2) a chronological tracking system with a fixed angular velocity, and 3) an active tracking system with an UV light sensor. All three panels were securely assembled into specially-designed PVC frames and installed on the roof of the Engineering West building. Fine control of the panels and output measurements were accomplished by an Arduino microcontroller and a voltmeter/ammeter breakout board, respectively. Field tests are currently on-going and photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of the three solar-panel systems will be compared on a daily as well as weekly basis. Outcomes of this project will be useful to design cost-effective solar panel installation, specifically applicable to locations in Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005601
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Applications of Calculus In the Real World.
- Creator
- Gray, Danielle, Nikolova-Popova, Daniela, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Calculus is a division of mathematics that involves finding derivatives, integrals, and properties of functions. One subdivision of calculus is differential calculus which deals with continuous change and its applications. Another subdivision is differential calculus which deals with the rates at which quantities change. Although calculus was not discovered until the 1670’s, by Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz, it still is relevant today and can be used in the “real world”. For example,...
Show moreCalculus is a division of mathematics that involves finding derivatives, integrals, and properties of functions. One subdivision of calculus is differential calculus which deals with continuous change and its applications. Another subdivision is differential calculus which deals with the rates at which quantities change. Although calculus was not discovered until the 1670’s, by Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz, it still is relevant today and can be used in the “real world”. For example, calculus can be applied to the physical interactions in the game of baseball, the shape and color of rainbows as well as finding the area under a bridge. This project will prove that calculus is not something that can be just learned in the classroom but can be applied to everyday life.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005571
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Role of Persuasion Theory and Advertising Message Strategy: Implications for attacking a market Leader.
- Creator
- Salcedo, Joseph, Berkheimer, Blake, Smith, Allen E., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Competitive theory suggests market challengers embrace either a head-to-head attack or flanking maneuver as alternative strategies to attack the market leader. Our research-in-progress, a threephase systematic research plan of action, will reveal whether Monster Energy drink should convey action sports (head-to-head attack) or academic performance (flanking strategy) in advertising targeting college students to challenge Red Bull, the market leader. Phase I, Content Analysis of Red Bull...
Show moreCompetitive theory suggests market challengers embrace either a head-to-head attack or flanking maneuver as alternative strategies to attack the market leader. Our research-in-progress, a threephase systematic research plan of action, will reveal whether Monster Energy drink should convey action sports (head-to-head attack) or academic performance (flanking strategy) in advertising targeting college students to challenge Red Bull, the market leader. Phase I, Content Analysis of Red Bull Advertising, revealed emphasis on action sports. However, Phase II (i.e., secondary, qualitative, and survey research) revealed college students use energy drinks to increase academic performance. Phase III, Experimental Research, estimates the relative persuasive effectiveness of action sports versus academic themes in Monster advertisements. Ho: no different in persuasive effectiveness among action sports, academic performance, and neutral theme (control) on dependent variables (likeability, relevance, intention to buy). Ethical standards were met by using valid scales borrowed from scholarly marketing journals, consent form, and APA standards.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005635
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Laboratory Industry Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Creator
- Estriplet, Ed, Cox, Kevin, Koku, Paul Sergius, Smith, Allen E., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Laboratory testing has been significantly changed by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which has influenced reimbursements, patient choice, and direct access testing policies. However, the impact of the ACA on individual laboratory facilities is unclear. The focus of this research initiative is to identify how this regulatory change has influenced laboratory facilities. We hypothesize that the ACA has had a positive impact on the healthcare system by providing more Americans...
Show moreLaboratory testing has been significantly changed by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which has influenced reimbursements, patient choice, and direct access testing policies. However, the impact of the ACA on individual laboratory facilities is unclear. The focus of this research initiative is to identify how this regulatory change has influenced laboratory facilities. We hypothesize that the ACA has had a positive impact on the healthcare system by providing more Americans access to care which increases patient laboratory testing services while reducing cost. All U.S. laboratories are required to have a Medical Director who is usually an MD, DO, or PhD. This research will directly survey key personnel in order to shed insight into how the ACA has directly influenced the industry. The questionnaire has already been deployed electronically using Qualtrics survey software. Preliminary findings suggest that the ACA has indeed influenced laboratory revenues, Medicare, and Insurance reimbursement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005567
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Should an Innovator Embrace the Prototypical, Authentic, or the High-Design Form? Insights into Initial Perceptions of Functionality, Ergonomics, Hedonism, Self-Expression, Authenticity, and Information Search of Dune Buggy Product Design Forms.
- Creator
- Smith, Hunter, Gordon, Danielle, Llanos, Katherine, Smith, Allen E., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The outward appearance of a product and product design form underlies successful innovation. Design form creates initial impressions impacting buyer judgments. Prototypical designs provide assurance and familiarity. High-designs signal superior quality, exclusiveness, and prestige. Continued high performance gives authentic designs the real deal reputation. Results contributed to product design literature by revealing buyer’s initial impressions of prototypical, authentic, and high-design...
Show moreThe outward appearance of a product and product design form underlies successful innovation. Design form creates initial impressions impacting buyer judgments. Prototypical designs provide assurance and familiarity. High-designs signal superior quality, exclusiveness, and prestige. Continued high performance gives authentic designs the real deal reputation. Results contributed to product design literature by revealing buyer’s initial impressions of prototypical, authentic, and high-design forms, the independent variables. The dependent variables were functionality, ergonomics, hedonism, self-expression, authenticity, and information search. Plan of action included a convince sample of 60 millennials, personal distribution/ collection, manipulation check, and questionnaire pretest. Methods included secondary, survey, and experimental research. Ethical practice conformed to APA style, and consent forms. Reliability/validity was heightened by items borrowed from scholarly journals. Key findings: 1) high-design scored highest on self-expression, hedonism, and information search but lowest on ease of use; 2) prototypical design posed the greatest injury hazard; 3) Authentic design signaled highest functionality.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005637
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Challenging Source Effects Theory: The Case of High-Technology Computers.
- Creator
- Simon, Judie, Smith, Allen E., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Consumer insights and persuasion theories enable advertisers to make better message strategy decisions. In recommending message strategy for high technology products, existing source effects theory appears challenged by insights into the freshman college student market. Traditional theory posits credible spokespersons (e.g., trained experts) be used in advertising complex products, such as high-technology computers. However, findings of our experiment contested existing theory by revealing...
Show moreConsumer insights and persuasion theories enable advertisers to make better message strategy decisions. In recommending message strategy for high technology products, existing source effects theory appears challenged by insights into the freshman college student market. Traditional theory posits credible spokespersons (e.g., trained experts) be used in advertising complex products, such as high-technology computers. However, findings of our experiment contested existing theory by revealing that although newly-entering freshman believed experts provided more cognitive information about a high-tech computer, they questioned their ability to understand and use expert advice in selecting the best computer. Moreover, results indicated that a referent - an upper-class college student - would be more able to convey a computer’s: 1) usefulness, 2) relatedness, and 3) association with the freshmen college experience. Finally, the referent out performed a celebrity in source likeability. The experiment used a manipulation check, questionnaire pretest, a survey, chi-square method, and consent form.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005636
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Aesthetic, Functional, Symbolic, and Ergonomic Impressions: Implications for HoverboardProduct Design Form.
- Creator
- Smith, Hunter, Gordon, Danielle, Llanos, Katherine, Smith, Allen E., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Product design, a product’s outward appearance, associates with successful innovation when the design triggers buyers to develop positive impressions. The project assessed impressions of forty respondents to four distinctive hoverboard designs: 1) a prototypical design, 2) an ornate design, 3) an atypical design, and 4) a radical design. The original research extended extant research into design impressions of functionality, aesthetics, and symbolism to add an assessment of ergonomic...
Show moreProduct design, a product’s outward appearance, associates with successful innovation when the design triggers buyers to develop positive impressions. The project assessed impressions of forty respondents to four distinctive hoverboard designs: 1) a prototypical design, 2) an ornate design, 3) an atypical design, and 4) a radical design. The original research extended extant research into design impressions of functionality, aesthetics, and symbolism to add an assessment of ergonomic impressions. The systematic research method entailed a literature review, qualitative research, manipulation check, questionnaire pretest, convenience sample, and Chi-Square method enabling inferences with 90% confidence. A consent form and adherence to FAU’s academic integrity provided an ethical foundation. Results suggest that designers of hoverboards conform to the prototypical design to increase positive functional impressions, avoid ornate designs, and consider buyers’ skill level and self-expression when developing atypical designs due to respondents’ negative impressions of safety risks and ability to control a hoverboard.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005604
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Selected TLR Agonists Act in Synergy to Reprogram DC-NK Cross-talk and Generate Effector T cells in Nicotinic Environment.
- Creator
- Abu-Nuwar, Emily, Tamjidi, Saba, Nouri-Shirazi, Mahyar, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The magnitude of immune responses to vaccination is a critical factor in determining protection from diseases. We reported that nicotine disrupts the properties of DCs that are pivotal in the initiation of immune response to vaccines. Here we investigated whether TLR agonist(s) could overcome the effects of nicotine on human DC and DC-NK cross-talk essential for effector T cell generation. nicDC, nicDC-NK, and nicDC-NK-T cultures exposed to TLR agonists were evaluated for expression of...
Show moreThe magnitude of immune responses to vaccination is a critical factor in determining protection from diseases. We reported that nicotine disrupts the properties of DCs that are pivotal in the initiation of immune response to vaccines. Here we investigated whether TLR agonist(s) could overcome the effects of nicotine on human DC and DC-NK cross-talk essential for effector T cell generation. nicDC, nicDC-NK, and nicDC-NK-T cultures exposed to TLR agonists were evaluated for expression of costimulatory molecules, cytokines, and intracellular cytokine IFN-g using ELISA and flow cytometry. Our data shows that among the TLR agonists, TLR3 and TLR8/7 synergistically optimized nicDC maturation co-cultured NK cell activation. Importantly, similar to DC-NK, nicDC-NK treated with TLR3 and TLR8/7 and co-cultured with naïve T cells promoted a comparable number of effector T cells. Our data suggest that the addition of appropriate TLR agonist(s) to vaccine formulation could potentially improve the smokers’ immune response to vaccination.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005554
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Seasonal Patterns of Frequently Observed Manatees in the Harbor Branch Channel Using Photo-Identification Techniques.
- Creator
- Goldsworthy Gomez, Lauren, Moore, Jon, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The manatee project at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute was established in 2009. Land-based observations and photo-identification techniques have been used over the last seven years. This has allowed observers to recognize specific resident manatees that visit this location season after season. The photographs have been shared with the Manatee Photo- Identification System database and several matches were found, indicating some of the manatees are migrants. This project focuses on the...
Show moreThe manatee project at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute was established in 2009. Land-based observations and photo-identification techniques have been used over the last seven years. This has allowed observers to recognize specific resident manatees that visit this location season after season. The photographs have been shared with the Manatee Photo- Identification System database and several matches were found, indicating some of the manatees are migrants. This project focuses on the seasonal patterns of frequently observed manatees in the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute channel. Knowing which manatees are residents allows observers to preliminarily identify specific individuals that will be part of a future acoustic tagging project.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005569
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)