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- Title
- Dscam1 Regulates Synapse Formation and Function in the Giant Fiber System of Drosophila.
- Creator
- Spencer, Casey L., Murphey, Rodney, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Proper formation of synapses in the developing nervous system is critical to the expected function and behavior of an adult organism. Neurons must project neurites, in the form of axons or dendrites, to target areas to complete synaptic circuits. The biochemical tool that cells use to interact with the external environment and direct the guidance of developing neurites are guidance receptors. One such guidance receptor that is extensively studied to uncover its roles in developmental...
Show moreProper formation of synapses in the developing nervous system is critical to the expected function and behavior of an adult organism. Neurons must project neurites, in the form of axons or dendrites, to target areas to complete synaptic circuits. The biochemical tool that cells use to interact with the external environment and direct the guidance of developing neurites are guidance receptors. One such guidance receptor that is extensively studied to uncover its roles in developmental disorders and disease is DSCAM (Down-Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule). To better understand the role of DSCAM in humans, a fly homolog Dscam1 was extensively characterized in the giant fiber system (GFS) of Drosophila to further explore its roles in axon guidance, synapse formation, and synapse function. The UAS-Gal4 system was used to alter the protein levels of Dscam1 within the giant fiber interneurons (GFs). A UAS-RNAi construct against Dscam1 was used to knockdown translation of all possible isoforms within the GFs. A UAS-Dscam1(TM2) construct was used to overexpress a single isoform of Dscam1 that is specifically trafficked to the axons. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the morphological changes associated with dysregulated Dscam1 levels. Visualization via fluorescent markers was accomplished of both pre- and post-synaptic cells, the GFs and tergotrochanteral motorneurons (TTMns), respectively, and synapse interface was determined as colocalization of the two cells. Additionally, the functional components of the GF-TTMn synapse, both gap-junctions, and presynaptic chemical active zones were tagged via fluorescent antibodies and quantified.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014364
- Subject Headings
- Drosophila, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Nervous System, Synapses
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- RAISING THE BAR: HISPANIC/LATIN* HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN AN EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM.
- Creator
- Taylor, Pilar Forero, Willems, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
As the Hispanic/Latin* population in the United States experiences rapid growth, a concerning decline in college completion rates among these students demands further investigation. This study aims to establish an understanding of historical disparities that pervade the provision of advanced education and experiences, which consequently impact access to postsecondary education for Hispanic/Latin* students. Given the heightened likelihood of encountering such disparities within this...
Show moreAs the Hispanic/Latin* population in the United States experiences rapid growth, a concerning decline in college completion rates among these students demands further investigation. This study aims to establish an understanding of historical disparities that pervade the provision of advanced education and experiences, which consequently impact access to postsecondary education for Hispanic/Latin* students. Given the heightened likelihood of encountering such disparities within this demographic, the pursuit of college degree attainment goals may necessitate particular emphasis. Utilizing Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a foundation, the satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs—competence, autonomy, and relatedness—can be examined to elucidate how students’ intrinsic motivations are influenced by their interests and needs. As the nation grapples with equity challenges, identifying opportunities to expedite progress toward academic goals is crucial. This phenomenological study delves into the lived experiences of Hispanic/Latin* high school students who have opted for accelerated university curricula. The research investigates the impetus behind participation in dual-enrollment/early-college programs and the subsequent impact on undergraduate degree attainment. Employing an SDT framework, the motivational constructs affecting persistence are analyzed to address the question, "How does participation in a dual-enrollment/early-college curriculum influence undergraduate degree attainment?" Answering this query provides an essential foundation for educational researchers, policymakers, and school personnel to address the factors contributing to the low undergraduate degree attainment rates among Hispanic/Latin* students. A comprehensive understanding of SDT’s core tenets can reveal the significance of self-efficacy and motivation, as well as the adjustment experiences of Hispanic/Latin* high school students attending university full-time. By eliminating barriers to accelerated programs such as dual enrollment, positive implications for employment and socioeconomic equity are likely to ensue, propelling the United States toward becoming a global leader in college degree attainment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014335
- Subject Headings
- Hispanic American high school students, Dual enrollment, Educational attainment
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ESTABLISHMENT AND APPLICATION OF WORKFLOWS FOR STRUCTURE-FUNCTION ANALYSIS OF SYNAPTIC COMPONENTS.
- Creator
- Thomas, Connon I., Kamasawa, Naomi, Murphey, Rodney, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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At the site of neuronal communication, multiple interacting components drive synapse structure and function. Synaptic vesicle pools, membrane proteins, mitochondria, and perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) are all structures that can be altered through naturally occurring plasticity mechanisms to modulate neurotransmission, and disruption of these structures can result in synapse dysfunction and disease. Due to the minute size of the synapse, electron microscopy (EM) remains the gold...
Show moreAt the site of neuronal communication, multiple interacting components drive synapse structure and function. Synaptic vesicle pools, membrane proteins, mitochondria, and perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) are all structures that can be altered through naturally occurring plasticity mechanisms to modulate neurotransmission, and disruption of these structures can result in synapse dysfunction and disease. Due to the minute size of the synapse, electron microscopy (EM) remains the gold standard for ultrastructural characterization; however, due to the complexity of EM datasets, extraction of information has become a bottleneck which places limits on the amount of data that can be collected and analyzed. A need exists for easy-to-use workflows that automate and enhance analysis throughput, to keep up with the streams of image data that are able to be produced. Here, I develop the use of AI algorithms, correlative microscopy techniques, and novel structural analysis methods to characterize postsynaptic mitochondria, PAPs, synaptic vesicles, and integral membrane proteins and their impact on synapse structure and function. I show that both postsynaptic mitochondria and PAPs in the visual cortex are positioned to support synapse structure and function; cleavage of a synaptic adhesion molecule affects synaptic vesicle accumulation in the amygdala; and presynaptic voltage gated calcium channels aggregate near active zone machinery in the brainstem. In addition, I highlight the use of virtual reality as a fast and intuitive tool for the identification and isolation of individual neurites in 3D EM. Thus, my work establishes novel technical approaches for EM and advances our understanding of neuronal communication through original research of several synaptic components.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014315
- Subject Headings
- Synapses, Artificial intelligence, Astrocytes
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EFFECTIVENESS OF MEMES PREDICTED BY MORAL CONTENT AND AFFECTIVE POLARIZATION.
- Creator
- Thompson, Jordan L., Wetherell, Geoffrey, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Memes have become a staple in political communication. However, the relationship between individuals’ political orientation, their level of affective polarization, the moral content of memes, and meme effectiveness is underexplored. I expected that polarized partisans would rate ingroup memes as more effective than outgroup memes. In line with moral foundations theory, I expected that polarized liberals would rate individualizing foundation memes as more effective than less polarized memes...
Show moreMemes have become a staple in political communication. However, the relationship between individuals’ political orientation, their level of affective polarization, the moral content of memes, and meme effectiveness is underexplored. I expected that polarized partisans would rate ingroup memes as more effective than outgroup memes. In line with moral foundations theory, I expected that polarized liberals would rate individualizing foundation memes as more effective than less polarized memes and that polarized conservatives would rate binding foundation memes as more effective than less polarized conservatives. Participants (N = 467) rated moral political memes for meme effectiveness. Results indicated that more polarized conservatives, but not liberals, rated ingroup memes as more effective than outgroup memes. Polarized liberals rated purity/sanctity as more effective than less polarized liberals. Polarized conservatives rated fairness/reciprocity plus the binding foundations memes as more effective than less polarized conservatives. These results indicate that polarized partisans react to memes differently.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014316
- Subject Headings
- Memes, Political communication, Social psychology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TACKLING BIAS, PRIVACY, AND SCARCITY CHALLENGES IN HEALTH DATA ANALYTICS.
- Creator
- Wang, Shuwen, Zhu, Xingquan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
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Health data analysis has emerged as a critical domain with immense potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, disease management, and medical research. However, it is confronted by formidable challenges, including sample bias, data privacy concerns, and the cost and scarcity of labeled data. These challenges collectively impede the development of accurate and robust machine learning models for various healthcare applications, from disease diagnosis to treatment recommendations. Sample...
Show moreHealth data analysis has emerged as a critical domain with immense potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, disease management, and medical research. However, it is confronted by formidable challenges, including sample bias, data privacy concerns, and the cost and scarcity of labeled data. These challenges collectively impede the development of accurate and robust machine learning models for various healthcare applications, from disease diagnosis to treatment recommendations. Sample bias and specificity refer to the inherent challenges in working with health datasets that may not be representative of the broader population or may exhibit disparities in their distributions. These biases can significantly impact the generalizability and effectiveness of machine learning models in healthcare, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes for certain patient groups. Data privacy and locality are paramount concerns in the era of digital health records and wearable devices. The need to protect sensitive patient information while still extracting valuable insights from these data sources poses a delicate balancing act. Moreover, the geographic and jurisdictional differences in data regulations further complicate the use of health data in a global context. Label cost and scarcity pertain to the often labor-intensive and expensive process of obtaining ground-truth labels for supervised learning tasks in healthcare. The limited availability of labeled data can hinder the development and deployment of machine learning models, particularly in specialized medical domains.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014336
- Subject Headings
- Data analytics, Data mining, Ensemble learning (Machine learning), Machine learning, Health
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EXTENDING THE EFFECT OF PRIOR ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPOSURE ON ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSISTENCE: AN INTENTION BASED MODEL.
- Creator
- Washington, Rozita B., Neubaum, Donald O., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Management Programs, College of Business
- Abstract/Description
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This research investigates the impact of prior entrepreneurial exposure on an entrepreneur’s intention to persist. The objective of this study was to employ the Theory of Planned Behavior based logic to investigate its mediating effect of prior entrepreneurial exposure on entrepreneurial persistence intention among entrepreneurs, and whether their perception of the quality of that exposure or experience influences entrepreneurs’ intention to persist. Specifically, this study explores five...
Show moreThis research investigates the impact of prior entrepreneurial exposure on an entrepreneur’s intention to persist. The objective of this study was to employ the Theory of Planned Behavior based logic to investigate its mediating effect of prior entrepreneurial exposure on entrepreneurial persistence intention among entrepreneurs, and whether their perception of the quality of that exposure or experience influences entrepreneurs’ intention to persist. Specifically, this study explores five exogenous influences on persistence intention. This study examines a final sample of 231 entrepreneurs from three data sources. The findings of this study indicate that subjective norms play a mediating role in the relationship between prior founding experience and persistence intention. The relationship between the perceived quality of prior entrepreneurial exposure and persistence intention behavior is also explained by subjective norms. Overall, it is not the exposure that leads to persistence intention, but the quality of the exposure that influences entrepreneur’s intention to remain in business. This study extends entrepreneurship literature on how exogenous variables impact entrepreneurial persistence intention through attitudinal factors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014337
- Subject Headings
- Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship--Research, Business
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TOWARD A FRAMEWORK FOR CREATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION.
- Creator
- Williams, Luke, Sembiante, Sabrina, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
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This mixed methods study investigated the effectiveness of a novel educational framework, Creative Teacher Preparation (CTP), in enhancing the creative teaching abilities of undergraduate education students during field-based learning. The study focused on pre-service teachers enrolled in an undergraduate program designed for initial certification. The CTP framework is a synthesis of Lin's Creative Pedagogy and elements from traditional teacher preparation models. Within the CTP framework,...
Show moreThis mixed methods study investigated the effectiveness of a novel educational framework, Creative Teacher Preparation (CTP), in enhancing the creative teaching abilities of undergraduate education students during field-based learning. The study focused on pre-service teachers enrolled in an undergraduate program designed for initial certification. The CTP framework is a synthesis of Lin's Creative Pedagogy and elements from traditional teacher preparation models. Within the CTP framework, teacher candidates engaged in an eight-week seminar designed to improve their understanding of creative pedagogy and prepare them to implement creative teaching strategies during field-based learning. Employing an bb, the study consisted of two phases: an initial phase utilizing semi-structured interviews and field notes for data collection, followed by a final phase using a modified version of the Creativity Fostering Teacher Behaviors Index (CFTBIndex) (Soh, 2000). A control group was also observed to assess the statistical significance of the impact of the CTP framework, implemented through the eight-week seminar, on participants' creative teaching approaches.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014338
- Subject Headings
- Teachers--Training of, Creative teaching, Education--Study and teaching
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- INTERNAL OXYGEN DYNAMICS AND RHIZOSPHERE OXIDATION IN TROPICAL SEAGRASS, THALASSIA TESTUDINUM.
- Creator
- Winn, Nathaniel, Koch-Rose, Marguerite, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Large-scale seagrass mortality events have been linked to internal hypoxia and exposure to phytotoxins in the sediment, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Although seagrasses can transport oxygen (O2) to belowground tissues (rhizomes and roots) and into surrounding sediment to prevent H2S intrusion, reoccurring seagrass mortality events from H2S exposure continue. In the present study, I examined the potential of tropical seagrass Thalassia testudinum to transport O2 effectively to belowground...
Show moreLarge-scale seagrass mortality events have been linked to internal hypoxia and exposure to phytotoxins in the sediment, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Although seagrasses can transport oxygen (O2) to belowground tissues (rhizomes and roots) and into surrounding sediment to prevent H2S intrusion, reoccurring seagrass mortality events from H2S exposure continue. In the present study, I examined the potential of tropical seagrass Thalassia testudinum to transport O2 effectively to belowground tissues and diffuse O2 into Florida Bay sediment around the root rhizosphere or sediment-root interface to constrain H2S diffusion into the roots. My approach was to (1) examine the spatial distribution of O2 in the rhizosphere during the light and dark with 2-D planar optode sensors, (2) examine patterns of root O2 loss (ROL) with O2 dye tracing experiments, and (3) measure O2 and H2S dynamics in internal tissues and rhizospheres. My results indicate that T. testudinum effectively sustains oxidation in belowground tissues to constrain H2S, but minimal evidence of ROL into the rhizosphere.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014365
- Subject Headings
- Turtle grass Seagrasses, Thalassia testudinum, Hydrogen sulfide--Environmental aspects, Rhizosphere
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dosimetric Influence of Dose due to the PTV Dose Uniformity on the Critical Organs.
- Creator
- Yigit, Erdem, Pella, Silvia, Theodora Leventouri, Theodora Leventouri,, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Dose uniformity in the Planning Target Volume (PTV) can induce a higher-than-expected dose distribution in the nearby critical organs. The goal of this study is to evaluate the influence of the Planning Target volume dose uniformity on the surrounding critical organs (OAR). Ten cases of anonymized patients’ data were selected for our study including: Breast cancer, Brain cancer, Head and Neck cancer, Lung and Prostate calculations of Conformity indices, Biological Effective Doses (BED), Tumor...
Show moreDose uniformity in the Planning Target Volume (PTV) can induce a higher-than-expected dose distribution in the nearby critical organs. The goal of this study is to evaluate the influence of the Planning Target volume dose uniformity on the surrounding critical organs (OAR). Ten cases of anonymized patients’ data were selected for our study including: Breast cancer, Brain cancer, Head and Neck cancer, Lung and Prostate calculations of Conformity indices, Biological Effective Doses (BED), Tumor Control Probability (TCP) and Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) were used to calculate the dose distribution in PTV as well as the dose delivered to the surrounding critical organs of each PTV. We assume that the tumors PTVs have homogeneous density as well as the surrounding normal tissue. Conformity indices (CI) for Breast (PTV) are between 1.8 – 1.9, for Brain (PTV) are between 1.6 – 2.0, for Lungs are 1.5 – 1.6, for Prostate are between 0.4 – 0.5, for Head and Neck are 0.3 – 0.4. Dose uniformity in all the PTVs is 1.089 which is a good indication of the quality of treatment delivered to the tumor. TCP is averaging of value of 87.94 and NTCP is 3.4445.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014339
- Subject Headings
- Radiation dosimetry, Biophysics, Cancer
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE CAUSAL ROLE OF THETA OSCILLATIONS IN THE FRONTOPARIETAL NETWORK ON COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY.
- Creator
- Yoon, Yosun, Hong, Sang Wook, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Cognitive flexibility is crucial for efficient goal-directed behavior, especially in rapidly changing environments. While recent studies have consistently shown enhanced theta power and synchronization in the frontoparietal network during flexible task-switching, direct evidence establishing a causal link between theta-rhythm brain oscillation and cognitive flexibility remains limited. In this study, we applied transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to the frontoparietal network...
Show moreCognitive flexibility is crucial for efficient goal-directed behavior, especially in rapidly changing environments. While recent studies have consistently shown enhanced theta power and synchronization in the frontoparietal network during flexible task-switching, direct evidence establishing a causal link between theta-rhythm brain oscillation and cognitive flexibility remains limited. In this study, we applied transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to the frontoparietal network at a theta frequency (6 Hz) with a phase difference of either 0° (inphase) or 180° (antiphase) to explore its impact on task-switching performance. The results showed no significant tACS modulation effects on switch costs or neural oscillatory synchronization in the frontoparietal network. However, a consistent negative correlation was observed between frontoparietal theta power in the early time window of cue-target interval and task switching performance, implying the close relationship between proactive control in task switching and frontoparietal theta activities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014340
- Subject Headings
- Theta Rhythm, Cognition, Cognitive psychology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- WOMEN IN MOSQUE: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF MUSLIM WOMEN EXPERIENCES AT TWO MOSQUES IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Akhter, Afsana, Harris, Michael S., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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Women's participation and roles in contemporary mosques in Western nations differ from that of many Muslim-majority countries. Yet, women’s presence and function are contentious within and outside Muslim communities, and research on the issue is limited. Most extant research on Muslim communities and religious institutions comes from Europe. Moreover, while seeking an opinion or firsthand knowledge of religious opinions in Muslim communities, the male voice takes precedence. This qualitative...
Show moreWomen's participation and roles in contemporary mosques in Western nations differ from that of many Muslim-majority countries. Yet, women’s presence and function are contentious within and outside Muslim communities, and research on the issue is limited. Most extant research on Muslim communities and religious institutions comes from Europe. Moreover, while seeking an opinion or firsthand knowledge of religious opinions in Muslim communities, the male voice takes precedence. This qualitative research investigates Muslim women’s experiences at two mosques in south Florida. I aimed to gain a better understanding of mosques’ impact on women’s religious practices, their adaptation to American society, and their views on male-dominated religious places, including the topic of gender segregation. By using narrative data collected from participant observation and interviews with informants, this study demonstrates that Muslim women at these south Florida mosques engage in their religious and social activities, creating a meaningful space to worship in the mosque while following the dominant patriarchal norms in the religious institution. The findings from this study also highlight the need for a more extensive quantitative analysis of women's demands for inclusion and equality in mosques and Muslim men's (including imams') responses to such requests as well as the significance of generational, age, and national-ethnic differences when it comes to the issue of gender in mosques.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014219
- Subject Headings
- Muslim women, Islam, Feminism
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Immersive Journalism: An overview.
- Creator
- Barmaiya, Palak, 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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This thesis provides an overview of immersive journalism (IJ), focusing on its theoretical and conceptual framework, objectives, ethical concerns, and evolving landscape. IJ is defined as the production of news in a form in which people can gain first-person experiences of the events or situation described in news stories through the use of immersive technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. While the initial objective of IJ was to enhance empathy and...
Show moreThis thesis provides an overview of immersive journalism (IJ), focusing on its theoretical and conceptual framework, objectives, ethical concerns, and evolving landscape. IJ is defined as the production of news in a form in which people can gain first-person experiences of the events or situation described in news stories through the use of immersive technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. While the initial objective of IJ was to enhance empathy and transport users to distant places, recent scholars note the limitations and challenges of this approach. Therefore, media outlets are shifting from empathy-based journalism to other objectives. The thesis also discusses the ethical concerns that come with such a degree of immersion and reviews principles of traditional journalistic forms such as objectivity and accuracy in the context of IJ. The last section explores the process of creating a 360-degree project and the required skill set and production process. Overall, the thesis provides insights into the evolving landscape of IJ and its potential to reshape journalism.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014273
- Subject Headings
- Immersive journalism, Multimedia communications
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- PSYCHEDELIC FUTURES: A PSYCHEDELIC FEMINIST AUTOETHNOGRAPHY OF WESTERN PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY.
- Creator
- Barnett, Cassidy, Morse, Nicole, Florida Atlantic University, Center for Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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From a critical feminist perspective, this thesis analyzes the claims currently being made in mainstream Western research and media about the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics. By utilizing autoethnography, an autobiographical methodology that synthesizes personal experience with scholarship, I analyze my own experience with legal psychedelic therapy in the West to reveal the systemic sociocultural barriers that complicate the rhetoric touting psychedelic therapy’s potentials for healing...
Show moreFrom a critical feminist perspective, this thesis analyzes the claims currently being made in mainstream Western research and media about the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics. By utilizing autoethnography, an autobiographical methodology that synthesizes personal experience with scholarship, I analyze my own experience with legal psychedelic therapy in the West to reveal the systemic sociocultural barriers that complicate the rhetoric touting psychedelic therapy’s potentials for healing. After introducing the “psychedelic renaissance” and the psychedelic feminist rationale behind this thesis, I share a narrative of my ketamine IV therapy experience as recalled from memory, detailing my need for the therapy and aspects of the therapy experience that are of interest in Western psychedelic research. I then move into an analysis of my experience, utilizing my narrative as a literary text that serves as my object of analysis. I address the social structures that contributed to my need for the therapy; compare my therapy experience to Western psychedelic therapy research and feminist therapy models; and make suggestions for the possible psychedelic futures in Western culture. I conclude by emphasizing the importance of tending to the sociocultural causes of poor mental health in tandem with psychedelic decriminalization and legalization efforts, reminding the reader that although psychedelics do have healing potential, psychedelic medicalization is not the only route to healing in the West.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014285
- Subject Headings
- Psychedelic drugs, Ketamine--therapeutic use, Autoethnography
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Infant Socioemotional Responses When Faced with Social Threat: Implications For Neurophysiological and Bio-hormonal Processing.
- Creator
- Bernardo, Angela Maria, Jones, Nancy Aaron, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Infants have an innate desire to form social bonds and jealousy protests are an attempt to regain exclusive maternal attention from a social usurper. The current study examined neurophysiological and bio-hormonal processes related to jealousy responses during the first year and a half of life. Prior to and after the first year of life, infants express jealousy protest behavior when faced with a social threat. Resting-state frontal EEG coherence indicated a developmental shift from bilateral...
Show moreInfants have an innate desire to form social bonds and jealousy protests are an attempt to regain exclusive maternal attention from a social usurper. The current study examined neurophysiological and bio-hormonal processes related to jealousy responses during the first year and a half of life. Prior to and after the first year of life, infants express jealousy protest behavior when faced with a social threat. Resting-state frontal EEG coherence indicated a developmental shift from bilateral connectivity in younger infants to increased frontal specialization in older infants in relation to jealousy responses. Furthermore, 6- to 9-month-old infants exhibited more frontal neuroconnectivity in the right hemisphere (i.e., an area related to negative emotions) of the brain compared to left when faced with social threat. Lastly, social threat activated HPA reactivity in infants higher in temperamental distress. This study provides further evidence for the emerging links between physiological and socioemotional responses in infancy due to loss of exclusive maternal attention.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014230
- Subject Headings
- Infant psychology, Jealousy, Infants--Development, Electroencephalography
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- UTILIZATION OF ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS BY AXENIC MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA.
- Creator
- Breeden, Kelley L., Baldwin, John, Louda, J. William, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in severity and frequency. These blooms are devastating to the communities surrounding these bodies of water due to their numerous health, economic, and environmental impacts (Hallegraeff et al. 1995; Smith 2003; O’Neil et al. 2012; Bláha et al. 2009; V. H. Smith et al. 1999). In Florida, runoff containing fertilizers, human wastes, or industrial wastes contribute to the eutrophication in these lakes and contribute to these freshwater...
Show moreFreshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in severity and frequency. These blooms are devastating to the communities surrounding these bodies of water due to their numerous health, economic, and environmental impacts (Hallegraeff et al. 1995; Smith 2003; O’Neil et al. 2012; Bláha et al. 2009; V. H. Smith et al. 1999). In Florida, runoff containing fertilizers, human wastes, or industrial wastes contribute to the eutrophication in these lakes and contribute to these freshwater blooms (Val H. Smith 2003; Heisler et al. 2008; O’Neil et al. 2012). M. aeruginosa, a toxic cyanobacterium, often devastates Lake Okeechobee. M. aeruginosa die off creates anoxic conditions and produces a toxin that causes major environmental loss. This project is aimed to increase knowledge on how organic phosphorus compounds affect the growth of the axenic M. aeruginosa and investigate the postulated interactome (Cook et al. 2020). Through these experiments, it was shown that axenic M. aeruginosa cannot utilize organic phosphorus compounds and therefore shows no growth when grown in this media. This research is critical to furthering our understanding of the mechanisms behind these blooms and to mitigating them.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014249
- Subject Headings
- Microcystis aeruginosa, Harmful Algal Bloom, Organophosphorus Compounds
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP OF GENE EXPRESSION, STRESS, DEPRESSION, AND THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.
- Creator
- Brennen, Marlene Brown, Tappen, Ruth, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to explore differences in perceived stress, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the expression of histone acetylation (HAT) of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Black women are 2–3 times more likely to experience preterm birth (PTB) and maternal mortality than White women (Hoyert, 2022; Martin et al., 2019). Researchers have reported chronic stress associated...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore differences in perceived stress, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the expression of histone acetylation (HAT) of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Black women are 2–3 times more likely to experience preterm birth (PTB) and maternal mortality than White women (Hoyert, 2022; Martin et al., 2019). Researchers have reported chronic stress associated with factors such as experiencing discrimination, financial hardship, and abuse may induce dysregulation of the stress hormones (Kramer et al., 2013; Shapiro-Mendoza et al., 2016). Likewise, the stress hormones glucocorticoid and CRH dysregulation have been linked to early labor, preeclampsia, and maternal death (Kramer et al., 2013; Shapiro-Mendoza et al., 2016; Yu et al., 2013). Additionally, social status, gender, education, and income are recognized as social determinants of health. This study used an observational, cross-sectional design to analyze the differences in perceived stress, depression, GR, and HAT of the CRH gene between a group of Black and White pregnant women in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. This study analyzed perceived stress, depression, and peripheral blood monocytes cells (PMBC) using secondary, deidentified data from pregnant women. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure stress, the profile in Mood Depression Scale measured depression, a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was used to measure GR and HAT of the CRH gene. The data were analyzed using correlation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to examine relationships and the differences between groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014286
- Subject Headings
- Social Determinants of Health, Gene expression, Pregnancy--Health aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- NITROGEN ENRICHMENT, EUTROPHICATION, AND BOTTOM-UP TROPHIC SHIFTS IN ECOSYSTEMS OF THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON.
- Creator
- Brewton, Rachel A., Lapointe, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Eutrophication of urbanized estuaries is a global issue that continues to worsen as coastal development increases. The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) on Florida’s east-central coast is a eutrophic estuary that is experiencing harmful algal blooms of macroalgae and phytoplankton, as well as widespread seagrass losses. This is concerning as seagrasses provide many ecosystem services, including the provision of essential habitat. These alterations in benthic cover can have ecosystem level effects and...
Show moreEutrophication of urbanized estuaries is a global issue that continues to worsen as coastal development increases. The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) on Florida’s east-central coast is a eutrophic estuary that is experiencing harmful algal blooms of macroalgae and phytoplankton, as well as widespread seagrass losses. This is concerning as seagrasses provide many ecosystem services, including the provision of essential habitat. These alterations in benthic cover can have ecosystem level effects and require further investigation. Thus, drivers and effects of primary producer alterations in the IRL were investigated through analysis of long-term monitoring data, field surveys of faunal densities inhabiting macroalgae and bare bottom habitats, and stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) analyses of primary producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers. Long-term monitoring data from the northern IRL (NIRL) and Banana River Lagoon (BR) demonstrated there have been major seagrass losses coupled with increases in occurrence of the rhizophytic green macroalgae Caulerpa prolifera, which is now the dominant benthic cover in many locations. Multivariate analyses of long-term monitoring data spanning 2011-2020 suggested that the carbon to phosphorus ratio (C:P) of macroalgae is an important factor related to annual changes in benthic cover in the NIRL and BR; increased P-availability is correlated with these primary producer shifts. In situ collections of macroinvertebrates and resident fishes showed the current function and importance of macroalgae as habitat in the NIRL and BR, particularly in the relative absence of seagrass.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014231
- Subject Headings
- Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Estuarine eutrophication, Nitrogen, Harmful Algal Bloom, Estuarine ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- QUANTIFICATION OF PERMAFROST THAW DEPTH AND SNOW DEPTH IN INTERIOR ALASKA AT MULTIPLE SCALES USING FIELD, AIRBORNE, AND SPACEBORNE DATA.
- Creator
- Brodylo, David, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Much of Interior Alaska contains permafrost, which is a permanently frozen layer found within or at the surface of the Earth. Historically, this permafrost has experienced relative stability, with limited thaw during warmer summer months and fire events. However, largely due to the impact of a warming climate, among other factors, permafrost that would typically experience limited thawing during the summer season has recently been thawing at an unprecedented rate. Trapped by this layer of...
Show moreMuch of Interior Alaska contains permafrost, which is a permanently frozen layer found within or at the surface of the Earth. Historically, this permafrost has experienced relative stability, with limited thaw during warmer summer months and fire events. However, largely due to the impact of a warming climate, among other factors, permafrost that would typically experience limited thawing during the summer season has recently been thawing at an unprecedented rate. Trapped by this layer of permafrost is a large quantity of carbon (C), which could be released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Due to the remoteness of the Arctic, there is a lack of yearly recorded permafrost thaw depth and snow depth values across much of the region. As such, the focus of this research was to establish a framework to identify how permafrost thaw depth and snow depth can be predicted across both a 1 km2 local scale and a 100 km2 regional scale in Interior Alaska by a combination of 1 m2 field data, airborne and spaceborne remote sensing products, and object-based machine learning techniques from 2014 – 2022. Machine learning techniques Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbor, Multiple Linear Regression, and Ensemble Analysis were applied to predict the permafrost thaw depth and snow depth. Results indicated that this methodology was able to successfully upscale both the 1 m2 field permafrost thaw depth and snow depth data to a 1 km2 local scale before successfully further upscaling the estimated results to a 100 km2 regional scale, while also linking the estimated values with ecotypes. The best results were produced by Ensemble Analysis, which tended to have the highest Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, alongside the lowest Mean Absolute Error and Root Mean Square Error. Both Random Forest and k-Nearest Neighbor also provided encouraging results. The presence or absence of a thick canopy cover was strongly connected with thaw depth and snow depth estimates. Image resolution was an important factor when upscaling field data to the local scale, however it was overall less critical for further upscaling to the regional scale.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014229
- Subject Headings
- Permafrost--Alaska, Remote sensing, Machine learning
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- DOES EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY INVESTOR SKEPTICISM DISSIPATE BEFORE THE FIRST REPORTED INDEPENDENT INTERNAL CONTROL AUDIT RESULTS? AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION.
- Creator
- Burke, Lawrence S., Kohlbeck, Mark, Florida Atlantic University, School of Accounting, College of Business
- Abstract/Description
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This study examines whether emerging growth company (EGC) investors respond to the annual required internal control disclosures over financial reporting (ICFR). I develop three hypotheses to test across the EGC lifecycle. Specifically, I investigate whether the first year ICFR disclosure, the remediation of a previously reported material weakness ICFR disclosure and the EGC exit are associated with the firm’s cumulative abnormal return over a three-day event window. Prior literature has...
Show moreThis study examines whether emerging growth company (EGC) investors respond to the annual required internal control disclosures over financial reporting (ICFR). I develop three hypotheses to test across the EGC lifecycle. Specifically, I investigate whether the first year ICFR disclosure, the remediation of a previously reported material weakness ICFR disclosure and the EGC exit are associated with the firm’s cumulative abnormal return over a three-day event window. Prior literature has observed that ICFR disclosures by management and the ICFR audit opinion can be shown to be informative to investors. However, I am not aware of any study investigating whether the EGC investors respond to this type of information. I find that the reported ICFR disclosures are not associated with cumulative abnormal returns during their initial ICFR report disclosure or upon exit as informative but do respond to the reporting of material weakness remediation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014246
- Subject Headings
- Financial statements, Accounting
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF STRUCTURED VERSUS UNSTRUCTURED TEXT DATA.
- Creator
- Cardenas, Erika, Khoshgoftaar, Taghi M., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
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In today’s world, data is generated at an unprecedented rate, and a significant portion of it is unstructured text data. The recent advancements in Natural Language Processing have enabled computers to understand and interpret human language. Data mining techniques were once unable to use text data due to the high dimensionality of text processing models. This limitation was overcome with the ability to represent data as text. This thesis aims to compare the predictive performance of...
Show moreIn today’s world, data is generated at an unprecedented rate, and a significant portion of it is unstructured text data. The recent advancements in Natural Language Processing have enabled computers to understand and interpret human language. Data mining techniques were once unable to use text data due to the high dimensionality of text processing models. This limitation was overcome with the ability to represent data as text. This thesis aims to compare the predictive performance of structured versus unstructured text data in two different applications. The first application is in the field of real estate. We compare the performance of tabular real-estate data and unstructured text descriptions of homes to predict the house price. The second application is in translating Electronic Health Records (EHR) tabular data to text data for survival classification of COVID-19 patients. Lastly, we present a range of strategies and perspectives for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014220
- Subject Headings
- Natural language processing (Computer science), Text data mining
- Format
- Document (PDF)