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Title: The Effect of Time on Visual Search Patterns.
Creator: Tamir, Daniel, Higgen, Bonnie, Paredes, Luis, Taner, Utku, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Spatial intelligence is the ability to conceptualize and comprehend complicated visual scenes. Previous studies have shown that scanning patterns change based on the content and the layout viewed. For example, subjects will scan a webpage differently when imagery is present as opposed to reading text-only pages. This study proposes the question: Does the element of time have a crucial effect on scanning patterns and the degree of comprehension? With the aid of eye-tracking technology, this...
Show moreSpatial intelligence is the ability to conceptualize and comprehend complicated visual scenes. Previous studies have shown that scanning patterns change based on the content and the layout viewed. For example, subjects will scan a webpage differently when imagery is present as opposed to reading text-only pages. This study proposes the question: Does the element of time have a crucial effect on scanning patterns and the degree of comprehension? With the aid of eye-tracking technology, this paper will explore subjects’ fixation durations and saccade patterns in a timed environment. The results may potentially influence methods for administering timed evaluations in the educational system.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005575
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The infinite gravity of a black hole.
Creator: Younan, Mark, Nikolova-Popova, Daniela, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The black hole is one of the most interesting phenomena’s that exist in our world, it’s said that the gravity of a black hole is super strong that in can literally pull anything including light, but the speed of the light is said to be infinite because nothing in the known physical form can actually stay in the form on reaching the speed of light. That means that for the light to be pulled the gravity of whatever the object that’s pulling it has to be infinite as well , which can only come as...
Show moreThe black hole is one of the most interesting phenomena’s that exist in our world, it’s said that the gravity of a black hole is super strong that in can literally pull anything including light, but the speed of the light is said to be infinite because nothing in the known physical form can actually stay in the form on reaching the speed of light. That means that for the light to be pulled the gravity of whatever the object that’s pulling it has to be infinite as well , which can only come as a result of having so much mass condensed in a singular point, called “black hole”.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005608
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Creation of a bacteria surrogate to accelerate research on Ebolavirus Zaire.
Creator: Varghese, Reen, Holmes, Douglas, Coarsey, C., Singkorat, D., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) is a devastating illness with high infectivity and mortality rates. The 2014 West African EVD outbreak was unprecedented in case numbers and fatalities, and has highlighted the need to develop rapid Point of Care detection devices. Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of highly virulent pathogens like the Ebola virus is often limited by the small number of labs adequately equipped to handle them. This study is one of the first to aim at developing a non-pathogenic...
Show moreEbola Viral Disease (EVD) is a devastating illness with high infectivity and mortality rates. The 2014 West African EVD outbreak was unprecedented in case numbers and fatalities, and has highlighted the need to develop rapid Point of Care detection devices. Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of highly virulent pathogens like the Ebola virus is often limited by the small number of labs adequately equipped to handle them. This study is one of the first to aim at developing a non-pathogenic bacterium surrogate, containing a stable EBV gene for subsequent detection studies. Our approach entailed the use of synthetic biology, to design a recombinant vector containing the Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP) gene. The synthetic gene was spliced into a E.coli pUC19 plasmid vector by ligation and subsequently transformed into competent E. coli by cloning techniques. This Ebola virus surrogate will assist in further Ebola diagnostic platform design and testing.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005605
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: 2-Hydroxychalcone as a Unique Luminescent Probe (ESIPT) for Peptides Labeling.
Creator: Kempton, Thomas G., Samanta, Shyam S., Roche, Stéphane P., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Peptides and proteins with photochemical sensors are valuable tools when analyzing biochemical processes and peptide properties. Recent work on fluorescent α-amino acids (FlAAs) proved extremely useful in studying protein folding, conformational changes and reactivity. When fluorescent tags are appropriately attached to proteins they allow for the detection of their environment and changes therein. Research on the topic of site-specific fluorescent molecules is in its early stages. Several...
Show morePeptides and proteins with photochemical sensors are valuable tools when analyzing biochemical processes and peptide properties. Recent work on fluorescent α-amino acids (FlAAs) proved extremely useful in studying protein folding, conformational changes and reactivity. When fluorescent tags are appropriately attached to proteins they allow for the detection of their environment and changes therein. Research on the topic of site-specific fluorescent molecules is in its early stages. Several challenges face the topic of selectively excitable fluorescent probes. These include limits on the size and lifetime of synthesized proteins and enzymes, attaching the tag at the target location on a peptide chain which will take advantage of the photochemical properties of the tag, and developing molecules that will readily exhibit environment-sensitive fluorescence.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005580
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Graphic Novels: Comprehension of Text and Image.
Creator: Bermudez, Angel, Rodriguez, Oscar, Duenas, Ana Maria, Taylor, Amanda, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Research suggests that, instinctively, humans follow a Z-shaped pattern when reading graphic novels. Studies have also revealed that readers organize information through Gestalt’s theory of proximity when the panel structure is altered. This paper explores the separation of text and image from the constraints of the traditional comic book format. Through the utilization of an eye-tracking system, this experiment will examine the limitations of the Gestalt theory and the effectiveness of...
Show moreResearch suggests that, instinctively, humans follow a Z-shaped pattern when reading graphic novels. Studies have also revealed that readers organize information through Gestalt’s theory of proximity when the panel structure is altered. This paper explores the separation of text and image from the constraints of the traditional comic book format. Through the utilization of an eye-tracking system, this experiment will examine the limitations of the Gestalt theory and the effectiveness of comprehension. The task of processing the plot of the novels relies heavily on the efficiency of the reader’s ability to apply context by using the accompanying imagery and text via data collected from saccadic patterns, fixations, and gaze analysis. This study coincides with the idea of universal communication by acknowledging that there are multiple ways to comprehend information, with the expectation of gaining further insight on the conscious and subconscious methods of visual processing.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005558
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Adaptive Control of In-Stream Ocean Current Turbines for Load Reduction.
Creator: Lee, Louis M., VanZwieten, James H., Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The ocean currents off Florida are a renewable and energy dense resource capable of providing Florida with about 25% of its electricity needs. This current is strongest at the sea surface and decreases in strength with depth such that the individual rotor blades on ocean current turbines (OCT) deployed to harness this resource will operate in stronger currents when positioned vertically upwards than when vertically downwards. This current shear will induce cyclic loadings on the rotor blades...
Show moreThe ocean currents off Florida are a renewable and energy dense resource capable of providing Florida with about 25% of its electricity needs. This current is strongest at the sea surface and decreases in strength with depth such that the individual rotor blades on ocean current turbines (OCT) deployed to harness this resource will operate in stronger currents when positioned vertically upwards than when vertically downwards. This current shear will induce cyclic loadings on the rotor blades unless active control is used to reduce these load variations. A direct adaptive individual blade pitch controller is implemented into a numerical model simulating an OCT operating in the Gulf Stream. The adaptive controller is analyzed with the OCT simulated in both stationary and moored configurations. The results concluded that the IBP controller reduced the amplitude of the loads in the stationary and moored simulations by 91.18% and 92.3%, respectively.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005582
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Improvement of Cooling Efficiency for Data Centers using Heat Pipes.
Creator: Hoo-Fatt, Stephan, Stepien, Danielle, Hawkins, Patrick, Ashfaq, Ahmed, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Data centers are one of key components in success of many IT companies such as Google. Cooling of data centers has been a decade-long problem since tremendous heat emitted from multiple racks of computing facilities typically overwhelms the cooling magnitude by traditional air-based cooling schemes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of heat pipe-based cooling technologies for data center thermal management. For the feasibility, three different cooling systems are...
Show moreData centers are one of key components in success of many IT companies such as Google. Cooling of data centers has been a decade-long problem since tremendous heat emitted from multiple racks of computing facilities typically overwhelms the cooling magnitude by traditional air-based cooling schemes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of heat pipe-based cooling technologies for data center thermal management. For the feasibility, three different cooling systems are tested: conventional air cooling system, air-cooled heat pipe system, and water-cooled heat pipe system. The mock-up systems were already fabricated and tests are currently ongoing. Temperature measurements will be used to estimate the overall cooling performance of each system. Experimental results will also be validated with FEM-based 3D simulations. The outcomes of the project and the perspective of advanced cooling methodologies will be discussed.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005576
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring Beliefs and Opinions about Vaping on the College Campus.
Creator: Mesa, Katherine, Attonito, Jennifer, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Vaping refers to the inhale and exhale of water vapor through a vaporizer or electronic cigarette. It has become increasingly popular within the last 5 years and is common indoors and outdoors. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) protects people from the health hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke by having implemented a no tobacco policy. Due to the undiscovered health risks caused by vaping and its no tobacco nature, it is unclear whether or not FAU should ban vaping in their policy. In order...
Show moreVaping refers to the inhale and exhale of water vapor through a vaporizer or electronic cigarette. It has become increasingly popular within the last 5 years and is common indoors and outdoors. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) protects people from the health hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke by having implemented a no tobacco policy. Due to the undiscovered health risks caused by vaping and its no tobacco nature, it is unclear whether or not FAU should ban vaping in their policy. In order to gauge how college students, faculty, and staff feel about vaping, I will be conducting a university wide survey that will show 1) previous knowledge of vaping 2) stigma associated with vaping and 3) policies that should be implemented concerning indoor vaping. This will be done by creating a pilot first. The results from the survey could be used to influence FAU policy.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005591
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining Faces: Transgender and Subconscious Perceptions.
Creator: Salcedo, Israel, Brady, Danielle, Garcia, Denise, Londono, Samantha, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Transgender women are a marginalized group in society. Research suggests there are specific parts of the brain, such as the fusiform face area, dedicated to recognizing faces. Subsequently, cisnormative facial structures are the standard by which attractiveness is determined. Studies have shown that the upper third region including the glabellar is a determining facial feature when recognizing gender. The objective of this paper is to determine whether the glabellar serves as an indicator of...
Show moreTransgender women are a marginalized group in society. Research suggests there are specific parts of the brain, such as the fusiform face area, dedicated to recognizing faces. Subsequently, cisnormative facial structures are the standard by which attractiveness is determined. Studies have shown that the upper third region including the glabellar is a determining facial feature when recognizing gender. The objective of this paper is to determine whether the glabellar serves as an indicator of social stigma via eye-tracking technology. Subjects will view portraits varying in transgender and cisgender women with a questionnaire to rate the models’ attractiveness. The data acquired may provide insight to the differences in perception when comparing the faces of trans women and cis women.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005559
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Corruption in the Pharmaceutical Industry.
Creator: Roman, Abel, Arflin, Cheryl, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: On November 4th, 2013, global health care giant Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries reached a settlement amount of $2.2 billion dollars. Johnson & Johnson settled to pay this amount to resolve the civil and criminal allegations of promotions not approved as safe and effective, kickbacks to physicians, and violations based on the False claim act. This type of offense has been common with pharmaceutical companies for the past ten years, but the federal government still gives pharmaceutical...
Show moreOn November 4th, 2013, global health care giant Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries reached a settlement amount of $2.2 billion dollars. Johnson & Johnson settled to pay this amount to resolve the civil and criminal allegations of promotions not approved as safe and effective, kickbacks to physicians, and violations based on the False claim act. This type of offense has been common with pharmaceutical companies for the past ten years, but the federal government still gives pharmaceutical companies tax breaks which represent billions of dollars in lost revenue for the federal government. With this type of exemption, pharmaceutical companies are given an incentive to commit fraud for corporate greed while neglecting to put funds towards research and development.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005633
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Taxation and the Separation of Church and State.
Creator: Roman, Abel, Arflin, Cheryl, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The separation of church and state was passed under the First Amendment in 1791. However, Since its inception the United States has not followed through with this philosophy. Since colonial times, churches have been privileged with tax exemptions. Nine out of the thirteen colonies had some form of tax relief to aid their churches. This right was granted to all religious organizations with the expectation that they would contribute to their communities by providing aid to the poor. Through...
Show moreThe separation of church and state was passed under the First Amendment in 1791. However, Since its inception the United States has not followed through with this philosophy. Since colonial times, churches have been privileged with tax exemptions. Nine out of the thirteen colonies had some form of tax relief to aid their churches. This right was granted to all religious organizations with the expectation that they would contribute to their communities by providing aid to the poor. Through their constant reformation, tax laws have achieved a more rigorous stance on religious tax exemptions, yet lack the integrity needed to prevent religious organizations from taking advantage of the current tax laws. The objective of this project is to analyze how the church went from being humble, to a corporation that exploits the current tax exemptions law, and how we need reconstruct the current tax exemptions on religious organization.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005602
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Potential Influences of Rape Myth Acceptance in Police Judgement.
Creator: Branscum, Caralin, Carreno-Lukasik, Gina, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: I explore the influence and potential effects of rape myth acceptance on police decision making, specifically the likelihood that an officer recommends that a case goes to court. From officers’ perspectives, notable characteristics of “legitimate” cases are identified. Next, the relationship between a case’s legitimacy and acceptance of specific rape myths are analyzed. A conclusion that can be drawn is that, police officers endorse few rape myths that affect their judgement in recommending...
Show moreI explore the influence and potential effects of rape myth acceptance on police decision making, specifically the likelihood that an officer recommends that a case goes to court. From officers’ perspectives, notable characteristics of “legitimate” cases are identified. Next, the relationship between a case’s legitimacy and acceptance of specific rape myths are analyzed. A conclusion that can be drawn is that, police officers endorse few rape myths that affect their judgement in recommending cases. However, another study demonstrates that cases that do not go to court also correlate with negative experiences between the victim and officer. I explore a possible explanation that would suggest rape myth acceptance plays a more influential role in policing than previous studies suggest. Lastly, I conclude with general weaknesses in existing literature as well as potential areas of further study.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005560
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Quantifying Wading Bird Activity in Drying Wetlands Using Time Lapse Imagery.
Creator: Campbell, Hannah, Dorn, Nathan, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research was to quantify wading bird hourly and daily foraging activity in a drying wetland. We sought to determine the hours of peak activity and identify water depths that facilitate high foraging activity. Our results indicated that 56% of daily activity occurred between 0600 – 0800 h and >95% of the daily activity was found in images taken between 0600 and 1400 h. The wading bird activity showed little variation and no obvious correlation with water depth fluctuations ...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to quantify wading bird hourly and daily foraging activity in a drying wetland. We sought to determine the hours of peak activity and identify water depths that facilitate high foraging activity. Our results indicated that 56% of daily activity occurred between 0600 – 0800 h and >95% of the daily activity was found in images taken between 0600 and 1400 h. The wading bird activity showed little variation and no obvious correlation with water depth fluctuations (highest recorded density = 2.1 birds/ha at 14.9 cm depth; lowest recorded density = 0.05 birds/ha at 35.1 cm depth). The wading bird activity occurring between 0600 – 1400 h accounts for >95% of daily activity. We conclude that a study of water depth and average wading bird density earlier in the nesting season is needed for a clearer effect of water depth on wading bird foraging activity.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005562
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Regulatory Pattern of PUN Promoter for Gene Expression.
Creator: Velez, Stephanie, Kirke, Justin, Zhang, Xing-Hai, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research was to analyze the regulatory pattern of the PUN promoter in the expression of a marker gene, β-glucoronidase (GUS), within regenerated tobacco plants. The genes for neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT II) and GUS were included in the coding region of the Ti plasmid construct. The NPTII gene drove antibiotic resistance and was used to select and identify homozygous lines through the segregation of the progeny. Analysis through histochemical staining and genetic...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to analyze the regulatory pattern of the PUN promoter in the expression of a marker gene, β-glucoronidase (GUS), within regenerated tobacco plants. The genes for neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT II) and GUS were included in the coding region of the Ti plasmid construct. The NPTII gene drove antibiotic resistance and was used to select and identify homozygous lines through the segregation of the progeny. Analysis through histochemical staining and genetic assays rendered putative transgenic lines that were cultivated for further assessment of progeny. First generation histochemical analysis of 14-day tissue formation resulted in no levels of expression for the GUS gene, which demonstrated that the flower-specific PUN promoter was not active in the leaf tissue. Further testing of gene activity throughout all stages of tissue formation for the first generation lines is required in order to assess regulatory pattern of the PUN promoter.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005606
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Rational and Emotional Advertising is most persuasive to Tile GPS locating device’s Target Market.
Creator: Potenza, Alex, Hill, Linda, Cenizal, Roman, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This study analyzes which advertising techniques would best entice consumers to purchase a “Tile”. Tile, a portable GPS device, connects to a smartphone app to make the process of finding lost or valuable items quick and easy. We researched which advertising techniques would best attract customers and enable them to see Tile as a need not a want. Secondary, research shows that Americans lose $5,591 worth of belongings over their lifetime. In fact, one in five people misplace something every...
Show moreThis study analyzes which advertising techniques would best entice consumers to purchase a “Tile”. Tile, a portable GPS device, connects to a smartphone app to make the process of finding lost or valuable items quick and easy. We researched which advertising techniques would best attract customers and enable them to see Tile as a need not a want. Secondary, research shows that Americans lose $5,591 worth of belongings over their lifetime. In fact, one in five people misplace something every week. Our findings are a work in progress as we will conduct qualitative and inferential research by hosting focus groups and questionnaires to study purchase patterns. If consumers see Tile as a need more than a want it is more likely they will buy the product. This study’s objective is to perform a systematic review of research, while maintaining ethical standards and full disclosure to research subjects involved.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005597
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Treatment Options for Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Creator: Melero, Blanca, Nevin, Angelica, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common form of epilepsy seen in adults. Most mesial temporal lobe epilepsy have an association with hippocampal sclerosis. Patients suffering from MTLE have had seizures or experienced a serious injury during critical brain growth periods of their childhood. Research to date on MTLE has not elicited the discovery of a pharmaceutical treatment. Therefore, MTLE is currently treatable through only surgery. Patients who are eligible for surgery are...
Show moreMesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common form of epilepsy seen in adults. Most mesial temporal lobe epilepsy have an association with hippocampal sclerosis. Patients suffering from MTLE have had seizures or experienced a serious injury during critical brain growth periods of their childhood. Research to date on MTLE has not elicited the discovery of a pharmaceutical treatment. Therefore, MTLE is currently treatable through only surgery. Patients who are eligible for surgery are already in the advanced stages of MTLE, although recently there has been a discovery that post surgery, has shown some risk of memory lost. Now, laser ablation therapy is being looked at as an alternative treatment for those who are suffering from MTLE. The focus of this study is on the current research on MTLE with a concentration on possible connections of the diagnosis and treatment options for patients experiencing different types of epilepsy.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005590
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Geological Lab-on-a-Chip for Salt Precipitation in Deep Saline Aquifers.
Creator: Crawford, Heather, Asfour, Chris, Seo, Seokju, Kim, Mike, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep saline aquifers is a promising strategy for mitigation of global atmospheric CO2 levels-a main cause of climate change. These aquifers have the capacity to safely store significant amounts of CO2 and are available worldwide. As such, reaction dynamics and multiphase transport accompanying CO2 injection in deep aquifers are important to understanding CO2 sequestration processes and therefore they have been extensively studied. Despite the...
Show moreGeologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep saline aquifers is a promising strategy for mitigation of global atmospheric CO2 levels-a main cause of climate change. These aquifers have the capacity to safely store significant amounts of CO2 and are available worldwide. As such, reaction dynamics and multiphase transport accompanying CO2 injection in deep aquifers are important to understanding CO2 sequestration processes and therefore they have been extensively studied. Despite the comprehensive findings, there are still urgent needs for understanding of interactions between injected CO2 and resident fluids since these interactions could determine the total CO2 storage rate and capacity. The objective of this study is to investigate fundamental physics of water evaporation at different salinities under the CO2-rich environment. Microfluidic techniques visualize and quantify evaporation behavior of water in real-time in a simple 1D microchannel geometry. The detailed CO2-water interactions and underlying physics will be discussed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005619
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Analysis of Gopherus polyphemus Reproduction at the Florida Atlantic University Preserve.
Creator: Nguyen, Thuymi, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Gopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened keystone species whose burrows benefit over 350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010- 2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of nests. To update the demographic survey and to examine the population’s reproduction and health, we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to locate...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened keystone species whose burrows benefit over 350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010- 2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of nests. To update the demographic survey and to examine the population’s reproduction and health, we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to locate burrows and measurements were taken to determine population structure. Wire-probing was used to locate nests and feces were tested for endo-parasites. From a total of 261 marked burrows and fecal sampling, results indicated a continuous age range, one nest, and presence of intestinal parasites. Future work will focus on health and reproductive behavior that will improve our understanding of the FAUP gopher tortoise population and may ultimately aid in future conservation methods.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005631
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Isolation and Biomimetic Synthesis of Marine Natural Products.
Creator: Williams, Shakia, Gulino, Stephanie, Bari, Arafat, West, Lyndon, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: While natural products have served as a prolific source of unique chemistry, supply remains a significant obstacle for drug discovery. The overall goal of this project is to determine whether isolation and semi-synthesis can provide adequate quantities for biological evaluation. Erythropodium caribaeorum is an abundant gorgonian in the Caribbean that produces two unique marine diterpenoids, erythrolides A and B, which have been shown to undergo photochemical transformations to yield more...
Show moreWhile natural products have served as a prolific source of unique chemistry, supply remains a significant obstacle for drug discovery. The overall goal of this project is to determine whether isolation and semi-synthesis can provide adequate quantities for biological evaluation. Erythropodium caribaeorum is an abundant gorgonian in the Caribbean that produces two unique marine diterpenoids, erythrolides A and B, which have been shown to undergo photochemical transformations to yield more complex chemistry. In this project, erythrolides A and B will be isolated from E. caribaeorum collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. These compounds will be exposed to ultraviolet light and analyzed to identify any chemical changes. New compounds will then be subjected to biological screening for cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines. This project will not only identify new bioactive compounds but also provide a novel route for the large-scale production of medically relevant marine natural products.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005640
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Chemical-Assisted Recovery of Heavy Oil.
Creator: Linares, Natalia, Seo, Seokju, Kim, Mike, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Abstract/Description: More than 1 trillion barrels of oil deposited worldwide is heavy oil and natural bitumen. Due to their high viscosity and high density, extraction efficiency of heavy oil and bitumen from natural reservoirs is known to be less than 5% with the conventional primary recovery methods. To increase their recovery efficiency, a technique, known as enhanced oil recovery, has been developed using nanoparticles, surfactant, dispersant, and polymers. Among these materials, surfactants and dispersants...
Show moreMore than 1 trillion barrels of oil deposited worldwide is heavy oil and natural bitumen. Due to their high viscosity and high density, extraction efficiency of heavy oil and bitumen from natural reservoirs is known to be less than 5% with the conventional primary recovery methods. To increase their recovery efficiency, a technique, known as enhanced oil recovery, has been developed using nanoparticles, surfactant, dispersant, and polymers. Among these materials, surfactants and dispersants lower interfacial tension between oil and the resident fluid; therefore enhance mobilization of oil. The objective of this project is to further improve the recovery efficiency of heavy oil by a combined effect of surfactant and dispersant. When the mixture of surfactant and dispersant in an aqueous solution is injected to oil-rich porous media, microfluidic visualization techniques will be employed to investigate the overall recovery rate. The possibility and effectiveness of the proposed idea will be discussed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005626
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

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