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- Title
- COMPARISON OF CLASSIFYING HUMAN ACTIONS FROM BIOLOGICAL MOTION WITH ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS.
- Creator
- Wong, Rachel, Barenholtz, Elan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The ability to recognize human actions is essential for individuals to navigate through their daily life. Biological motion is the primary mechanism people use to recognize actions quickly and efficiently, but their precision can vary. The development of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) has the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accomplishing common human tasks, including action recognition. However, the performance of ANNs in action recognition depends on the type of...
Show moreThe ability to recognize human actions is essential for individuals to navigate through their daily life. Biological motion is the primary mechanism people use to recognize actions quickly and efficiently, but their precision can vary. The development of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) has the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accomplishing common human tasks, including action recognition. However, the performance of ANNs in action recognition depends on the type of model used. This study aimed to improve the accuracy of ANNs in action classification by incorporating biological motion information into the input conditions. The study used the UCF Crime dataset, a dataset containing surveillance videos of normal and criminal activity, and extracted biological motion information with OpenPose, a pose estimation ANN. OpenPose adjusted to create four condition types using the biological motion information (image-only, image with biological motion, only biological motion, and coordinates only) and used either a 3-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (3D CNN) or a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to classify the actions. Overall, the study found that including biological motion information in the input conditions led to higher accuracy regardless of the number of action categories in the dataset. Moreover, the GRU model using the 'coordinates only' condition had the best accuracy out of all the action classification models. These findings suggest that incorporating biological motion into input conditions and using numerical format input data can benefit the development of accurate action classification models using ANNs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014164
- Subject Headings
- Neural networks (Computer science), Human activity recognition, Artificial intelligence
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- COMPARISON OF FUNDAMENTAL DIAGRAMS FOR TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN INTERNAL COMBUSTION VEHICLES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATION AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE.
- Creator
- Yagantekin, Kemal Ulas, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) system is the first widely offered automated functionality that regulates the longitudinal movement of the vehicle using onboard radar sensors, and they can maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. In most of the field experiments with ACC-equipped vehicles conducted with internal combustion engine vehicles, there is still a gap in research on how the automation systems such as ACC combined with electric powertrains will influence the...
Show moreAdaptive cruise control (ACC) system is the first widely offered automated functionality that regulates the longitudinal movement of the vehicle using onboard radar sensors, and they can maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. In most of the field experiments with ACC-equipped vehicles conducted with internal combustion engine vehicles, there is still a gap in research on how the automation systems such as ACC combined with electric powertrains will influence the traffic flow be examined. This study refined and recalibrated an ACC car-following model for EVs and integrated it into AIMSUN to realistically simulate ACC-equipped vehicles and their impact on the fundamental diagram of traffic flow. Simulations were conducted for various ACC market penetrations, and fundamental diagrams were constructed for those market penetrations using detector measurements at various locations along the simulated segment. Overall, the capacity and the jam density increase as the EV with ACC market penetration rises. EVs with ACC can achieve higher capacities compared to ICEs with ACC.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014202
- Subject Headings
- Traffic flow, Automated vehicles, Electric vehicles
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A NEW DECELLULARIZED MATRIX FOR ENGINEERING AN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER MODEL IN A PERFUSION BIOREACTOR.
- Creator
- Brennan, Jordan Michael, Kang, Yunqing, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The lack of physiologically relevant human esophageal cancer models has as a result that many esophageal cancer studies are encountering major bottleneck challenges in achieving breakthrough progress. To address the issue, here a 3D esophageal tumor tissue model was engineered using a biomimetic decellularized esophageal matrix in a customized bioreactor. To obtain a biomimetic esophageal matrix, a detergent-free, rapid decellularization method was developed to decellularize porcine esophagus...
Show moreThe lack of physiologically relevant human esophageal cancer models has as a result that many esophageal cancer studies are encountering major bottleneck challenges in achieving breakthrough progress. To address the issue, here a 3D esophageal tumor tissue model was engineered using a biomimetic decellularized esophageal matrix in a customized bioreactor. To obtain a biomimetic esophageal matrix, a detergent-free, rapid decellularization method was developed to decellularize porcine esophagus. The decellularized esophageal matrix (DEM) was characterized and the DEM was utilized for the growth of esophageal cancer cell KYSE30 in well plates and the bioreactor. Then the expression of cancerrelated markers of KYSE30 cells was analyzed and compared with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue biospecimens. Results show that the detergent-free decellularization method preserved the esophageal matrix components and effectively removed cell nucleus. KYSE30 cancer cells proliferated well on and inside the DEM. KYSE30 cells cultured on the DEM in the dynamic bioreactor show different cancer marker expressions than those in the static well plate, and also share some similarities to the FFPE-ESCC biospecimens.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014206
- Subject Headings
- Cancer, Esophageal Neoplasms, Biomimetics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- CONTEMPORARY ARCHEOLOGICAL VISUALIZATION: ANCIENT PALIKÉ IN THE DIGITAL AGE.
- Creator
- Babcock, Catherine J., Bargsten, Joey, Florida Atlantic University, School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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Exploring the intersection of archeological and artistic visualization and the impact of digital technologies on these disciplines, the author details an endeavor to communicate the essence of the sanctuary of Paliké in Catania, Sicily through digital reconstruction and animation. Emulating the creative process of the famous panoramic artist Yadegar Assisi, and drawing upon first-hand observation and research of the archeological site Rocchicella di Mineo, the author recounts the artistic...
Show moreExploring the intersection of archeological and artistic visualization and the impact of digital technologies on these disciplines, the author details an endeavor to communicate the essence of the sanctuary of Paliké in Catania, Sicily through digital reconstruction and animation. Emulating the creative process of the famous panoramic artist Yadegar Assisi, and drawing upon first-hand observation and research of the archeological site Rocchicella di Mineo, the author recounts the artistic journey of creating impactful archeological visualizations which, although driven by rapidly evolving technology, can remain relevant. This manuscript chronicles the process and describes the production methods used to convey the essence of the ancient city of Paliké both accurately and expressively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014169
- Subject Headings
- Archaeology, Visualization
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Childhood Stability and Adult Relationship Functioning.
- Creator
- Szabolcsi, Vanessa, Maniaci, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Previous research has demonstrated the harmful impacts of adverse childhood circumstances on adult romantic relationships. The current study examines the negative influence of childhood unpredictability on adult relationships and how this effect may be buffered and enhanced, respectively, by cognitive ability and Machiavellianism. A total of 256 participants completed measures of childhood unpredictability, Machiavellianism, cognitive ability, and relationship satisfaction. Individuals who...
Show morePrevious research has demonstrated the harmful impacts of adverse childhood circumstances on adult romantic relationships. The current study examines the negative influence of childhood unpredictability on adult relationships and how this effect may be buffered and enhanced, respectively, by cognitive ability and Machiavellianism. A total of 256 participants completed measures of childhood unpredictability, Machiavellianism, cognitive ability, and relationship satisfaction. Individuals who experienced childhood unpredictability reported lower adult romantic relationship satisfaction. Machiavellianism was found to significantly enhance the negative effects of childhood unpredictability on adult relationships for men only. Cognitive ability was not a significant moderator.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014199
- Subject Headings
- Interpersonal relations, Social psychology, Machiavellianism (Psychology), Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- I Would Rather Talk About Persimmons.
- Creator
- Feimi, Mary, McKay, Becka, Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
I Would Rather Talk About Persimmons aims to understand the roots of trauma, addiction, and lineage. A discovery of what it means to be half American, half Albanian. A discovery of loving the people in our lives no matter how imperfect, no matter how painful no matter the sacrifice. The work seeks to understand the existence of joy and pain in the ways they work together and by doing so we see that emotions of the human experience are not linear, rather chaotic.
- Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014208
- Subject Headings
- Creative writing, Poetry
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL DRUGS THAT MIMIC LETHAL ANTIBODY BINDING TO PfGARP IN P. FALCIPARUM.
- Creator
- Simkovitch, Ashley, Oleinikov, Andrew, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The current work investigates the identification of novel drugs that have the potential to be suitable anti-malarials against Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. The growing resistance to current therapeutic modalities necessitates the development of new emerging and effective compounds. The target of these compounds in this work will be PfGARP (P. falciparum glutamic-acid-rich protein), a surface antigen of infected erythrocytes (IEs) found only in P. falciparum that has been...
Show moreThe current work investigates the identification of novel drugs that have the potential to be suitable anti-malarials against Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. The growing resistance to current therapeutic modalities necessitates the development of new emerging and effective compounds. The target of these compounds in this work will be PfGARP (P. falciparum glutamic-acid-rich protein), a surface antigen of infected erythrocytes (IEs) found only in P. falciparum that has been recently recognized as a valuable drug target and vaccine candidate. Using a two-step approach designed in our lab, we were able to efficiently screen large libraries of small molecules provided by ChemBridge and the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies (TPIMS). We base the current work on our preliminary results, obtained with a subset of 6,400 compounds of DIVERSet library, reasoning that there may be other individual compounds that can be identified as having equal or greater parasiticidal activity. In this work, initial screening of the ChemBridge DIVERSet library subset of other 3,600 compounds organized into compound mixtures using Bio-Plex technology resulted in the identification of the most active mixtures (HITS-1), which were further deconvoluted into simpler mixtures (HITS-2). Screenings of HITS-2 yielded two mixtures of interest that did not portray any noticeable binding inhibition, and the deconvolution process was thus forfeited.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014197
- Subject Headings
- Plasmodium falciparum, Antimalarials, Antimalarials--Development
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ANIMACY EFFECTS IN SPANISH VISUAL WORD RECOGNITION: A CORPUS STUDY.
- Creator
- Martin, Micaela, Viktor Kharlamov, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis analyzes if animacy facilitates the visual recognition of words in Spanish. I compared native-speaker reaction times to Spanish words with animate and inanimate referents in a word-nonword identification task, also known as the lexical decision task. Responses were collected from a database and coded for animacy as well as six lexical and semantic variables known to affect reading times. Linear mixed effects modeling suggested that participants responded to animate words...
Show moreThis thesis analyzes if animacy facilitates the visual recognition of words in Spanish. I compared native-speaker reaction times to Spanish words with animate and inanimate referents in a word-nonword identification task, also known as the lexical decision task. Responses were collected from a database and coded for animacy as well as six lexical and semantic variables known to affect reading times. Linear mixed effects modeling suggested that participants responded to animate words significantly more quickly, independently of factors such as frequency and familiarity. The findings are interpreted from the perspective of parallel distributed processing model of word recognition in Seidenberg and McClelland (1989). The present study highlights the importance of animacy to language processing and presents one avenue through which we can understand which dimensions of the referential world are relevant to the processing and organization of language.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014145
- Subject Headings
- Animacy (Grammar), Spanish language, Grammar, Comparative and general--Animacy
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- OUR “HIDEOUS PROGENY”: MONSTROUS WOMANHOOD AT THE ADVENT OF THE FILM SEQUEL IN AMERICAN CINEMA, LITERATURE, AND POPULAR CULTURE.
- Creator
- Flint, Stephanie M., Hagood, Taylor, Florida Atlantic University, Comparative Studies Program, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
In 1935, as the first cinematic horror sequel in Hollywood, James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein helped ignite a new spark in cinema. Woman-gendered monsters, for the first time in cinema, were alive, in the flesh, and projected to massive proportions onto thousands of screens. While this was taking place on screen, women authors of the era of American literary modernism were producing works in which characters discussed, considered, and narrated their experience with monstrosity and their...
Show moreIn 1935, as the first cinematic horror sequel in Hollywood, James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein helped ignite a new spark in cinema. Woman-gendered monsters, for the first time in cinema, were alive, in the flesh, and projected to massive proportions onto thousands of screens. While this was taking place on screen, women authors of the era of American literary modernism were producing works in which characters discussed, considered, and narrated their experience with monstrosity and their experience with seeing themselves as monstrous in their own respective contexts. Zelda Fitzgerald, the infamously “mad” wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, published works in which her narrator experiences feeling “monstrous” and “sick.” Zora Neale Hurston, working in fields of anthropology, literature, and playwriting, integrated monstrous references (like the increasingly popular Haitian Zombie) to represent historical, political, racial and gendered oppressions of the time. Djuna Barnes, known for her theatrical columns in The New Yorker, in which she underwent physical pain and extreme conditions for her work, published Nightwood which is now celebrated as one of the first major works of queer literature. In it, characters consider their own monstrosity in the context of gender and sexuality. In this study, I pair three of the era’s films featuring monstrous women (Bride of Frankenstein, White Zombie, and Dracula’s Daughter) with readings of major works by Zelda Fitzgerald, Zora Neale Hurston, and Djuna Barnes, while also considering these writers’ representation in press and publication in the 1930s United States. I use this to trace what I am identifying as the emergence of a trend of monstrous womanhood at this time, in which women characters emerged who refer to themselves as monstrous and whose existence and surroundings (social, material, and language-based) provide critique of the time’s conception of identity (gender-based, ability-based, race-based, and sexuality-based in particular). I root this discussion in the modern era in order to highlight ways that this trend of monstrous womanhood was born out of 1930s America’s particular cultural moment of intersection of mass-produced literature and film, especially as popular films and horror sequels amplified their existence for widespread audiences.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014133
- Subject Headings
- American literature, Film studies
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Older Adults’ Perception of Relational Empathy in their Healthcare Provider and its Relationship to Medication Adherence.
- Creator
- Manresa, Beth, Cooley, Morgan, Florida Atlantic University, School of Social Work, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to explore older adults’ perception of relational empathy in their healthcare providers and its relationship to medication adherence. In addition, the study examined whether older adults’ perception of relational empathy in their healthcare providers was associated with medication adherence, beyond predictive factors including medication beliefs, gender, and level of education. The sample consisted of 72 participants in a community-based program in an adult day...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore older adults’ perception of relational empathy in their healthcare providers and its relationship to medication adherence. In addition, the study examined whether older adults’ perception of relational empathy in their healthcare providers was associated with medication adherence, beyond predictive factors including medication beliefs, gender, and level of education. The sample consisted of 72 participants in a community-based program in an adult day center setting in South Florida. Correlation and linear regression analysis were used to test the two research questions. The results indicated that there was no statistically significant relationship between older adults’ perception of relational empathy in their healthcare provider and medication adherence (p = .344) and no significant predictor variables of change in medication adherence, with all p values in the regression model greater than .202. Although present study findings were inconclusive in supporting the association between relational empathy and medication adherence, secondary findings or considerations related to the low perception of relational empathy with healthcare providers and moderately low medication adherence provided a context for a thoughtful consideration of the implications of this study. Ideas for designing future research initiatives, specifically initiatives that promote a framework for understanding and practice of empathy during the clinical encounters with older adults are also discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014142
- Subject Headings
- Empathy, Nursing, Medication Adherence, Older adults
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EXPANDING THE NARRATIVE: BLACK FEMALE DOCTORAL STUDENTS CREATING CULTURAL SAFE SPACES AS RESISTANCE.
- Creator
- Rodgers, Iris, Traci P. Baxley, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
This narrative research study focuses on the lived experiences of Black female doctoral students navigating predominantly White colleges and universities (PWIs) and their connections within cultural safe spaces. Through the lens of Black Feminist Theory and the application of a Black Feminist-Ecological Perspective, this study investigates how Black female doctoral students are defining cultural safe spaces and how these safe spaces support their academic and personal lives. Specifically,...
Show moreThis narrative research study focuses on the lived experiences of Black female doctoral students navigating predominantly White colleges and universities (PWIs) and their connections within cultural safe spaces. Through the lens of Black Feminist Theory and the application of a Black Feminist-Ecological Perspective, this study investigates how Black female doctoral students are defining cultural safe spaces and how these safe spaces support their academic and personal lives. Specifically, this study explored the narratives of nine Black female doctoral students and how they define and locate cultural safe spaces. This study expanded on the limited existing research on Black women in doctoral programs by delving into a more nuanced look into understanding the specific dynamics of Black female cultural safe spaces and the role they play in supporting Black women pursuing doctoral degrees at PWIs. Using the Rodgers 3-R Framework, three major themes unfold from this narrative, beginning with participants’ initial experiences in their doctoral programs (recognition phase), their journey towards finding a cultural safe space after recognizing that there was a deficit in their doctoral experience (reconciliation phase), and their recounts of how they interpreted their experience after becoming a part of a cultural safe space of their own (reflection phase). Implications for future research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014195
- Subject Headings
- Women, Black, Women doctoral students, Feminist theory, Women's studies, Safe spaces
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- FABRIC, AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL LYRIC: REPRINTING ‘AGENCY’.
- Creator
- Martin, Damara Christine, Furman, Andrew, Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation is an anthropological lyric, a work that utilizes various modes of writing to examine and reveal the present-day predicament of the African-American woman. By engaging with transatlantic diaspora studies and Black feminist scholarship, particularly Zora Neale Hurston’s literary and linguistic contributions, herstory is bridged with the contemporary moment, allowing for an intricate and intimate dialogue between my ancestors and me. Providing a space for nontraditional voices...
Show moreThis dissertation is an anthropological lyric, a work that utilizes various modes of writing to examine and reveal the present-day predicament of the African-American woman. By engaging with transatlantic diaspora studies and Black feminist scholarship, particularly Zora Neale Hurston’s literary and linguistic contributions, herstory is bridged with the contemporary moment, allowing for an intricate and intimate dialogue between my ancestors and me. Providing a space for nontraditional voices exposes the divergent and intersecting conflicts that have and continue to arise for the descendants of slaves. American culture is founded on war capitalism and an Africanist presence (a liberal modernity). Black women experience alarmingly high rates of discrimination, repression, oppression, and exploitation; fittingly, this work explores how haunting and trauma impact our livelihood and identity formation and functioning. Racial, monopolistic, and militaristic violences are exposed through the (re)telling of our stories, because the aftermath of colonial conquest and settlement most directly impacts our personhood. These stories portray the dynamic ways we have suffered and thrived in the face of imperialistic rule. Finally, this project aims to recompense my ancestors and me by reprinting our agencies through new forms of language. This lyric becomes a form of feminist knowledge production that questions hegemonic epistemologies by applying various narrations. An intersubjective and reflexive account of truth grapples with linguistic hegemony and other forms of identity politics. Diasporic subjects “speak for themselves,” acting to revoke the systems and events, past and present, that strive to maintain their liminal group status.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014143
- Subject Headings
- Writing, Creative writing, Orality, African-American studies
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Crafting Attractive Non-Covalent Interactions for the Study of β-Hairpins with Long Loops.
- Creator
- Richaud, Alexis D., Roche, Stéphane P., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
In this study, we developed a new peptide motif called β-strap (strap = strand + cap) used to fold β-hairpins of varying length. β-Straps are mean to be short sequences (4 to 8 a-amino acids) forming β-sheets using a judicious combination of non-covalent interactions (NCI) to overcome the entropic penalty inherent to long loop closure. Among those, we proved that a couple of CH-π / NH-π interactions from a tryptophan zipper motif were critical to create a stable packing of the structure. To...
Show moreIn this study, we developed a new peptide motif called β-strap (strap = strand + cap) used to fold β-hairpins of varying length. β-Straps are mean to be short sequences (4 to 8 a-amino acids) forming β-sheets using a judicious combination of non-covalent interactions (NCI) to overcome the entropic penalty inherent to long loop closure. Among those, we proved that a couple of CH-π / NH-π interactions from a tryptophan zipper motif were critical to create a stable packing of the structure. To optimize these interactions, we incorporated unnatural tryptophan derivatives having functionalized indole side chains. Finally, the innate ability of the β-strap to bring β-stand in close contact was exploited to promote macrocyclization of long coiled peptides (up to 16 residues). Then, we studied a more complex β-hairpin loop mimics found at the apex of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) complementary determining region 3 (CDR-H3). Using a set of bioinformatics tools, a search of PDB crystal structures revealed that a large set of mAb crystals possess a β-bulge, located at the edge of CDR-H3 loops. A cluster analysis revealed it has an impressive adaptability towards different H3-loop sizes and conformations. In order to evaluate its function in antibodies, we synthesized several β-hairpin models bearing a prototypical β-bulge. By combining short β-straps and the β-bulge, we were able to design β-hairpin peptides mimic of mAb with a variety of lengths and rigidity while retaining a high degree of folding. Starting from pembrolizumab, the most outstanding blocker of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint currently available in clinic, we scoped ~30 CDR-H3 mAb mimics (H3 loop). As a result, several novel β-hairpin peptide inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway were identified (IC50 <0.3 μM).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014154
- Subject Headings
- Antibodies, Peptides, Biochemistry, β-Hairpins
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- DEVELOPING PLASMA-BASED DIAGNOSTICS: FROM PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA TO HIV.
- Creator
- Makler, Amy, Asghar, Waseem, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Plasma-based diagnostics are ideal for detecting a variety of diseases because they offer a method of detection that is minimally invasive, readily available, and easy to use for monitoring patients as they progress through a disease or respond to treatment. The only serum marker for PDAC is CA19-9 which lacks specificity, has limited sensitivity, and is unreliable for early detection. It is therefore of great importance to develop a diagnostic that is viable for screening and early detection...
Show morePlasma-based diagnostics are ideal for detecting a variety of diseases because they offer a method of detection that is minimally invasive, readily available, and easy to use for monitoring patients as they progress through a disease or respond to treatment. The only serum marker for PDAC is CA19-9 which lacks specificity, has limited sensitivity, and is unreliable for early detection. It is therefore of great importance to develop a diagnostic that is viable for screening and early detection. Exosomal miRNA were determined via bioinformatics analyses and then examined in PDAC cell lines to identify markers with greatest potential. These markers were then examined in plasma from PDAC patients and control groups. Four markers, miR-93-5p, miR-339-3p, miR-425-5p, and miR-425-3p, emerged as the most viable biomarker panel with the ability to detect PDAC in 100% of the early stages (N=5) compared to CA19-9 which showed increased levels in only one patient with early stage PDAC. Additionally, the diagnostic has a specificity of 80% and a sensitivity of 94.7%, making it comparable to CA19-9, and may even be beneficial for use in conjunction with CA19-9. A plasma-based diagnostic was also developed for multi-strain HIV-1 detection utilizing the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. LAMP primers were developed against the integrase and vpr regions of the HIV-1 genome. They were tested first in cultured HIV samples and then examined for their ability to amplify HIV-1 subtypes A-G. The integrase primer set provided a reliable means of diagnosing all 55 strains and isolates in under 30 minutes, whereas vpr was inconsistent and exhibited high variability in detecting the HIV subtypes. Our limit of detection for B-subtype with integrase was 30 viral copies/reaction. This could provide the basis for a novel, point-of-care diagnostic for use in underdeveloped regions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014141
- Subject Headings
- Plasma, Biomarkers, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal, HIV-1, Diagnosis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Adolescents’ Equine-Assisted Experiences from a Unitary Caring Perspective.
- Creator
- Mygatt, Marla G., Smith, Marlaine, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
-
Although there appears to be heightened awareness of the alarming rise in adolescent mental health concerns, treatment initiation and adherence to traditional therapies remains low. Nurses are at the forefront of exploring innovative youth-friendly therapeutic options that engage adolescents who otherwise may be reluctant to care. Human-animal interactions (HAIs) are alternative approaches where animals are integrated as therapeutic partners to help break down barriers, build trust, uncover...
Show moreAlthough there appears to be heightened awareness of the alarming rise in adolescent mental health concerns, treatment initiation and adherence to traditional therapies remains low. Nurses are at the forefront of exploring innovative youth-friendly therapeutic options that engage adolescents who otherwise may be reluctant to care. Human-animal interactions (HAIs) are alternative approaches where animals are integrated as therapeutic partners to help break down barriers, build trust, uncover meaning, and foster transformation. Equine-assisted learning (EAL), a type of HAI, was the focus of this research. This study explored the lived experience of adolescents who participated in an equine-assisted learning program guided through the lens of the theory of unitary caring and the hermeneutic-phenomenological unitary-caring research method. Eleven participants between the ages of 11-19 were interviewed. The outcomes of improved self-confidence, better mood, healthier relationships, and an optimistic outlook were supported by the literature. Six essences evolved from the narratives: troubled by turbulent connections; embracing uncertainty and vulnerability; awakening to the shared human-horse condition; attuning as one; engaging harmonically; and cultivating peace and joy. These essences, blended with the theory of unitary caring, led to the discovery of the antecedents of transformational change defined in the conceptual representation of the Unitary Caring Relatedness Model. These findings contribute to nursing and HAI literature and suggest a model that may be implemented in adolescent practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014149
- Subject Headings
- Equine-Assisted Therapy, Teenagers--Mental health, Nursing
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- BARRIERS TO RADICAL HEALTH: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF HARM REDUCTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Moody, Tessa M., Harris, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
Harm Reduction is a public health practice and social justice philosophy which aims to reduce the harms associated with drug use through pragmatic health strategies and advocacy. This paper ethnographically details the experiences and challenges of Harm Reduction advocates in Palm Beach County, Florida for the purpose of exploring cultural and structural barriers for harm reduction in this local setting. Utilizing a lens of Critical Medical Anthropology, cultural and structural barriers...
Show moreHarm Reduction is a public health practice and social justice philosophy which aims to reduce the harms associated with drug use through pragmatic health strategies and advocacy. This paper ethnographically details the experiences and challenges of Harm Reduction advocates in Palm Beach County, Florida for the purpose of exploring cultural and structural barriers for harm reduction in this local setting. Utilizing a lens of Critical Medical Anthropology, cultural and structural barriers represent the shared beliefs and institutional realities which combine to create barriers for advocates in maintaining the Harm Reduction resource they provide, as well as barriers people who use drugs (PWUD) face when trying to access those resources. These issues are explored through ethnographic data featuring the knowledge and experience of Rebel Recovery and its associated syringe services program (SSP), Florida Access to Syringe and Health services (FLASH), as well as a private clinic, the Harm Reduction Center (HARC).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014187
- Subject Headings
- Harm reduction, Public health--Florida--Palm Beach County, Medical anthropology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A SAVANNA MONKEY IN THE RAINFOREST: FILLING CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE GAPS OF ONE OF AFRICA’S MOST ENIGMATIC PRIMATES, CHLOROCEBUS DRYAS.
- Creator
- Alempijevic, Daniel, Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
The dryas monkey Chlorocebus dryas, is one of Africa's most enigmatic primates. It was found in the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park (LNP) in 2014, approximately 400 km from its known range. This new record initiated much needed field research on the species’ distribution, habitat preference, behavior, and the validity of the conspecific Cercopithecus salongo. In Chapter 2, we used local knowledge to select sites for a camera trap survey to determine habitat use and relative abundance...
Show moreThe dryas monkey Chlorocebus dryas, is one of Africa's most enigmatic primates. It was found in the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park (LNP) in 2014, approximately 400 km from its known range. This new record initiated much needed field research on the species’ distribution, habitat preference, behavior, and the validity of the conspecific Cercopithecus salongo. In Chapter 2, we used local knowledge to select sites for a camera trap survey to determine habitat use and relative abundance and tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys are more abundant in the protected LNP than in the buffer zone. Dryas monkeys were detected most frequently in the buffer zone and less in the park, thus we rejected our hypothesis. In Chapter 3, we conducted a survey using a species-specific method to accumulate videos of C. dryas. We used these videos to determine if C. dryas and C. salongo are synonymous. Camera traps revealed an ontogenetic change in pelage pattern that supports the hypothesis that C. salongo is the adult of C. dryas. In Chapter 4, we investigated new occurrences of dryas monkeys in gallery forests in the southern LNP. We tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest using occupancy models. Despite considerable effort, only one adult male was detected. Estimated dryas monkey occupancy was 45-91 % in continuous forest and 0-7 % in gallery forest. We rejected our hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest. The dryas monkey Chlorocebus dryas, is one of Africa's most enigmatic primates. It was found in the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park (LNP) in 2014, approximately 400 km from its known range. This new record initiated much needed field research on the species’ distribution, habitat preference, behavior, and the validity of the conspecific Cercopithecus salongo. In Chapter 2, we used local knowledge to select sites for a camera trap survey to determine habitat use and relative abundance and tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys are more abundant in the protected LNP than in the buffer zone. Dryas monkeys were detected most frequently in the buffer zone and less in the park, thus we rejected our hypothesis. In Chapter 3, we conducted a survey using a species-specific method to accumulate videos of C. dryas. We used these videos to determine if C. dryas and C. salongo are synonymous. Camera traps revealed an ontogenetic change in pelage pattern that supports the hypothesis that C. salongo is the adult of C. dryas. In Chapter 4, we investigated new occurrences of dryas monkeys in gallery forests in the southern LNP. We tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest using occupancy models. Despite considerable effort, only one adult male was detected. Estimated dryas monkey occupancy was 45-91 % in continuous forest and 0-7 % in gallery forest. We rejected our hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest. The dryas monkey Chlorocebus dryas, is one of Africa's most enigmatic primates. It was found in the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park (LNP) in 2014, approximately 400 km from its known range. This new record initiated much needed field research on the species’ distribution, habitat preference, behavior, and the validity of the conspecific Cercopithecus salongo. In Chapter 2, we used local knowledge to select sites for a camera trap survey to determine habitat use and relative abundance and tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys are more abundant in the protected LNP than in the buffer zone. Dryas monkeys were detected most frequently in the buffer zone and less in the park, thus we rejected our hypothesis. In Chapter 3, we conducted a survey using a species-specific method to accumulate videos of C. dryas. We used these videos to determine if C. dryas and C. salongo are synonymous. Camera traps revealed an ontogenetic change in pelage pattern that supports the hypothesis that C. salongo is the adult of C. dryas. In Chapter 4, we investigated new occurrences of dryas monkeys in gallery forests in the southern LNP. We tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest using occupancy models. Despite considerable effort, only one adult male was detected. Estimated dryas monkey occupancy was 45-91 % in continuous forest and 0-7 % in gallery forest. We rejected our hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforestThe dryas monkey Chlorocebus dryas, is one of Africa's most enigmatic primates. It was found in the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park (LNP) in 2014, approximately 400 km from its known range. This new record initiated much needed field research on the species’ distribution, habitat preference, behavior, and the validity of the conspecific Cercopithecus salongo. In Chapter 2, we used local knowledge to select sites for a camera trap survey to determine habitat use and relative abundance and tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys are more abundant in the protected LNP than in the buffer zone. Dryas monkeys were detected most frequently in the buffer zone and less in the park, thus we rejected our hypothesis. In Chapter 3, we conducted a survey using a species-specific method to accumulate videos of C. dryas. We used these videos to determine if C. dryas and C. salongo are synonymous. Camera traps revealed an ontogenetic change in pelage pattern that supports the hypothesis that C. salongo is the adult of C. dryas. In Chapter 4, we investigated new occurrences of dryas monkeys in gallery forests in the southern LNP. We tested the hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest using occupancy models. Despite considerable effort, only one adult male was detected. Estimated dryas monkey occupancy was 45-91 % in continuous forest and 0-7 % in gallery forest. We rejected our hypothesis that dryas monkeys prefer the forest-prairie ecotone over continuous rainforest.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014121
- Subject Headings
- Savanna monkey, Chlorocebus dryas
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A SHOTGUN METAGENOMIC APPROACH TO THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF MARINE NATURAL PRODUCTS.
- Creator
- Miller-Xavier, René Kathleen, Mincer, Tracy, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Genomics has been revolutionized by improved sequencing technologies, allowing for the detailed exploration of microbial dark matter and complex microscopic ecosystems. The bottleneck in genomic workflows has shifted from high-throughput sequencing to data analysis. This dissertation developed the Florida Center for Coastal and Human Health Shotgun Metagenomics Workflow (FCHsm) that is easy to use and tailor to unique datasets. This work acts as the beta-testing for the workflow, as it...
Show moreGenomics has been revolutionized by improved sequencing technologies, allowing for the detailed exploration of microbial dark matter and complex microscopic ecosystems. The bottleneck in genomic workflows has shifted from high-throughput sequencing to data analysis. This dissertation developed the Florida Center for Coastal and Human Health Shotgun Metagenomics Workflow (FCHsm) that is easy to use and tailor to unique datasets. This work acts as the beta-testing for the workflow, as it analyzes disparate biomes (environmental and host microbiomes) at varying sequencing depths (shallow and deep). FCHsm was used to resolve molecular dynamics and mine trans-kingdom metagenomes for secondary metabolic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in two marine environments— Indian River Lagoon toxic harmful algal blooms (IRL HABs) and the medicinal Leiodermatium sponge holobiont. First, an in silico mock dataset was analyzed to benchmark the FCHsm workflow. Sourmash, coupled with the Genome Taxonomy Database, outcompeted the other taxonomic profilers by accurately predicting the size of the mock metagenome (450 genomes) and recalling the highest number of species (82 %) and strains (44 %). Nonpareil calculated the sequencing effort needed for 100 % coverage for all the datasets and correctly estimated the 75 Gbp of sequencing needed for almost 100 % coverage of the mock metagenomes (99.5 %). Next, the trans-kingdom metagenomes of the IRL were explored, and potential HAB biomarkers were identified.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014186
- Subject Headings
- Marine natural products, Metagenomics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- POSSIBLE MORPHOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES FOR TOLERATING HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY IN A SUBTROPICAL PASSERINE (PEUCAEA AESTIVALIS).
- Creator
- Abbott, Billy, Anderson, Rindy, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Animals face both natural and sexual selection pressures, and at times, these pressures conflict with one another. This results in a tradeoff between sexual and natural selection. In my thesis, I examine aspects of Bachman’s sparrows’ behavior and morphology in relation to weather conditions in light of these two conflicting pressures. Large bill size is selected for by the natural selection pressures of thermoregulation. Smaller bills are selected for by the sexual selection pressures of...
Show moreAnimals face both natural and sexual selection pressures, and at times, these pressures conflict with one another. This results in a tradeoff between sexual and natural selection. In my thesis, I examine aspects of Bachman’s sparrows’ behavior and morphology in relation to weather conditions in light of these two conflicting pressures. Large bill size is selected for by the natural selection pressures of thermoregulation. Smaller bills are selected for by the sexual selection pressures of song quality. Both thermoregulation and song are important behaviors/processes that have fitness implications. By looking at bill size in relation to thermoregulatory ability and song quality I examined the tradeoff between these two selection pressures acting on the bill of Bachman’s sparrows
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014203
- Subject Headings
- Bachman's sparrow, Peucaea aestivalis, Morphology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- POWER OF THE PEOPLE: HOW FOUR GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES CAPITALIZED ON THE COLLECTIVE IDENTITY FOUND IN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS.
- Creator
- Choate, Gail L., Nichols, Angela D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Political Science, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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Gubernatorial mansions are historically home to white men. Candidates with contrary identities, such as women and racial minorities have met limited success in their quest for office. Yet the number of women seeking executive level office has increased and these women represent a broader intersectional identity. The low percentage of women governors has been examined in detail, but that analysis largely holds gender as an isolated variable and does not consider the candidates' broader...
Show moreGubernatorial mansions are historically home to white men. Candidates with contrary identities, such as women and racial minorities have met limited success in their quest for office. Yet the number of women seeking executive level office has increased and these women represent a broader intersectional identity. The low percentage of women governors has been examined in detail, but that analysis largely holds gender as an isolated variable and does not consider the candidates' broader identity. This project posits gender is only one factor of candidate identity called into question when it is nonnormative and varies from historical office holders. I argue candidate identity interacts with the identity expressed by voters and the collective identity found in social movements. The ability of the candidate to navigate this interaction and use it to their advantage is paramount to their success. I find that structural differences in the Democratic and Republican parties provide opportunities and constraints for women candidates. Further, gender, race, and previous political experience are intersectional and create different responses by candidates. Ultimately, successful candidates align their political identity with the collective identity found in contemporary social movements as a mitigation mechanism for voters uncomfortable with who the candidate appears to be.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014129
- Subject Headings
- Collective identity, Group identity--Political aspects, Governors--Election, Social movements, Gender and politics
- Format
- Document (PDF)