Current Search: info:fedora/islandora:personCModel (x)
View All Items
(1 - 20 of 23,395)
Pages
- Title
- Therapeutic strategies for tauopathies and drug repurposing as a potential approach.
- Creator
- Islam, Majedul, Shen, Fengyun, Regmi, Deepika, Du, Deguo
- Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/flvc_fau_islandoraimporter_10.1016_j.bcp.2022.114979_1648572231
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Size-Frequency Distributions of Experimentally Reproduced Levallois Debitage.
- Creator
- Hutchison, Diana, Brown, Clifford T., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
In archaeology, size distributions of lithic debitage can convey information about reduction stage and possibly other aspects of reduction trajectories and activities. Previous investigations have used inadequately robust methods to identify and characterize fractal power law size distributions in experimental and archaeological debitage assemblages. In this study, weights and maximum dimensions of individual, experimentally reproduced “preferential” Levallois debitage specimens were recorded...
Show moreIn archaeology, size distributions of lithic debitage can convey information about reduction stage and possibly other aspects of reduction trajectories and activities. Previous investigations have used inadequately robust methods to identify and characterize fractal power law size distributions in experimental and archaeological debitage assemblages. In this study, weights and maximum dimensions of individual, experimentally reproduced “preferential” Levallois debitage specimens were recorded by core and preparation-exploitation stage. Rigorous statistical methods were used to assess distribution conformities to power law (fractal), lognormal and exponential models. Results show that Levallois debitage size distributions are complex and do not fit any simple model closely; however, MLE derived power law parameters coarsely but effectively describe most data, while exponential distributions characterize the extreme right tails. Moreover, distributions tend to form a “characteristic shape” when graphed, which persists across cores and stages. These findings may aid in identifying and evaluating Levallois materials in the archaeological record.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013927
- Subject Headings
- Debitage, Experimental archaeology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL EATING AND BODY IMAGE SCREENING FOR LGBTGEQIAP+ INDIVIDUALS.
- Creator
- Labarta, Adriana C., Emelianchik-Key, Kelly, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Counselor Education, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
Research has consistently shown that LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals experience pervasive health disparities, including eating disorders (ED; e.g., Mensinger et al., 2020). Unfortunately, LGBTGEQIAP+ people report negative ED treatment experiences, particularly concerning cultural sensitivity, gender-affirming care, and other barriers to diagnosis and treatment (Duffy et al., 2016; Hartman-Munick et al., 2021; The Trevor Project, 2020). Sonneville and Lipson (2018) advocated for developing inclusive...
Show moreResearch has consistently shown that LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals experience pervasive health disparities, including eating disorders (ED; e.g., Mensinger et al., 2020). Unfortunately, LGBTGEQIAP+ people report negative ED treatment experiences, particularly concerning cultural sensitivity, gender-affirming care, and other barriers to diagnosis and treatment (Duffy et al., 2016; Hartman-Munick et al., 2021; The Trevor Project, 2020). Sonneville and Lipson (2018) advocated for developing inclusive screening tools to address current deficits in multicultural ED research and practice. The present study sought to fill this gap by developing and validating a new screening tool for LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals: the Multidimensional Eating and Body Image Screening (MEBIS). Following Lambie et al.’s (2017) guidelines, the researcher developed an initial item pool based on a comprehensive ED literature review. An expert panel of reviewers and a small sample of LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals provided additional feedback to enhance item clarity, content validity, and affirming language. The researcher began the recruitment process after receiving approval from the university’s Institutional Review Board. Participants included LGBTGEQIAP+ adults (18 years of age or older) from the community. Two separate samples were collected via an online survey for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; N=400) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; N=339) procedures. The EFA revealed a nine-factor structure accounting for 61.1% of the variance in the model. The factors were labeled as follows: (1) Gender, Media, and Disconnection; (2) Binging and Emotional Eating; (3) Compassion and Awareness; (4) Communities of Support; (5) Relationship with Food; (6) Affectional Orientation Sociocultural Factors; (7) Restriction, Dieting, and Compensatory Behaviors; (8) Racial/Ethnic Sociocultural Factors; and (9) Family and Cultural Support. According to CFA results, the nine-factor model suggested adequate fit (robust x2 (df = 866)=2479.62; CFI=.903; RMSEA=0.74; SRMR=.084). Additional psychometric analyses revealed acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.888) and evidence of convergent validity with the well-established ED screening, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26; Garner et al., 1982). These results pose significant implications for culturally responsive and inclusive ED treatment, which are addressed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013883
- Subject Headings
- Sexual minorities, Sexual minorities--Counseling, Eating disorders--Treatment, Body image, Screening
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE INFLUENCE OF MUSICAL TRAINING AND BILINGUALISM ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION: AN ERP STUDY.
- Creator
- Lang, Merike K., Rosselli, Mónica, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an influence of bilingualism as well as musical experience and training on performance during tasks of executive function using electrophysiological (EEG) measures. The aims included: 1) analyzing differences across groups of bilinguals, monolinguals, bilingual musicians, and monolingual non-musicians on executive function tasks in their performance as well as in their corresponding event-related potentials (ERPs) to evaluate the effects...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if there is an influence of bilingualism as well as musical experience and training on performance during tasks of executive function using electrophysiological (EEG) measures. The aims included: 1) analyzing differences across groups of bilinguals, monolinguals, bilingual musicians, and monolingual non-musicians on executive function tasks in their performance as well as in their corresponding event-related potentials (ERPs) to evaluate the effects of experience-dependent neuroplasticity, and 2) correlating the ERP measures during executive function tasks with measures of bilingualism and musical training. We used three questionnaires to determine the level of bilingualism, years of instrument use, and musical experience, which were provided online in the first phase of the study through Qualtrics. For the second in-person testing phase of the study, three cognitive tasks that measured stimulus evaluation and working memory (Oddball), response inhibition (Go/No-Go), and cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; WCST) were administered. Also, three behavioral tasks: Digit Span, Short Term Visual Memory Binding, and Corsi block tapping test assessed differences in working memory across the groups. Latency differences were observed for bilingual musicians in Standard trials at frontal electrodes, and faster reaction times to Deviant stimuli were observed in bilingual musicians compared to bilinguals, with no other significant results in response inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Therefore, this study demonstrated that musical experience may influence an individual’s speed in performing a task that uses working memory and stimulus evaluation of unexpected stimuli, as well as in their cognitive efficiency of updating as reflected by earlier peaks in the P300 ERP component.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013951
- Subject Headings
- Executive Function, Bilingualism, Music--Instruction and study
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLORIDA ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAMS AND MERIT-BASED PAY IN TWO LARGE URBAN BASED SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
- Creator
- Walkinshaw, Nicole Michelle, Mountford, Meredith, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to ascertain insightful knowledge through the analysis of teacher pay across two similar K-12 public school districts that reflect the current evaluation methodology being utilized within the State of Florida. The two districts were selected because they are among the largest public school districts in the nation (Florida Department of Education [FLDOE], 2021a), have comparable student demographics and utilize contrasting weighted merit pay salary schedule...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to ascertain insightful knowledge through the analysis of teacher pay across two similar K-12 public school districts that reflect the current evaluation methodology being utilized within the State of Florida. The two districts were selected because they are among the largest public school districts in the nation (Florida Department of Education [FLDOE], 2021a), have comparable student demographics and utilize contrasting weighted merit pay salary schedule profiles and algorithms which could provide insights into the relationship between accountability and merit-based pay. The Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) student assessments in (English [R%H] and Mathematics [M%H]) as well as the District School Grades (DSGs) were analyzed. The DSGs were commensurate with an approximation to the Value-Added Model (VAM) and Learning Growth Model (LGM) scores. Since the FLDOE does not release individual K-12 public school teacher VAM and LGM scores, the DSGs were the most appropriate comparative score to utilize when comparing these two districts. These are the primary variables utilized by the Florida K-12 Public School Accountability Programs that directly impact merit pay salary schedule placement. Quantitative methods employed statistical tests and analyses that included Independent Samples t-tests, Intercorrelation Matrices, Independent Correlation Contrasts, and Overlapping Dependent Correlation Contrasts between correlations that were calculated in the two K-12 public school districts. The study found that the input variables (R%H, M%H, and DSGs) had no statistically significant differences of the means between districts tested. Each input variable was commensurate over the 7-year study. Yet, there were statistically significant differences of the percentage mean in the output variables in regard to the percentage of K-12 public school teachers rated Highly Effective and Effective between both districts. The study also determined that the remaining input variable of the teacher classroom observation Instructional Practice (IP) score was significantly related to an educator’s placement on annual merit pay-for-performance salary schedules. Both districts utilized the assessment tool iObservation ®. The results of all of the statistical analyses served to call into question the accuracy, legitimacy, and the efficacy of the methodology utilized to incentivize, compensate, and produce more Highly Effective educators.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013893
- Subject Headings
- Educational leadership--Florida, Education and state, Merit pay
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- RESOLVING HABITAT GAPS FOR BONEFISH CONSERVATION ACROSS FLORIDA AND THE BAHAMAS.
- Creator
- Lombardo, Steven Michael, Ajemian, Matthew J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Bonefish Albula vulpes are an economically important sport fish that has historically bolstered the recreational flats fisheries of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas; an industry with an annual economic impact of US$465 million and US$169 million, respectively. Analyses of fishing guide logbooks and guide interviews indicate that the population of bonefish in south Florida has declined. Due to the economic and cultural importance of these fisheries, protection of spawning and nursery habitats...
Show moreBonefish Albula vulpes are an economically important sport fish that has historically bolstered the recreational flats fisheries of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas; an industry with an annual economic impact of US$465 million and US$169 million, respectively. Analyses of fishing guide logbooks and guide interviews indicate that the population of bonefish in south Florida has declined. Due to the economic and cultural importance of these fisheries, protection of spawning and nursery habitats is integral to population recovery and stability. However, knowledge gaps persist in how abiotic and biotic habitat factors influence reproduction and recruitment. Without clear delineation of spawning and recruitment habitats, bonefish populations remain vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. Bonefish partake in a unique three-point spawning migration, migrating from shallow-water home flats to form nearshore pre-spawning aggregations (PSA) before moving offshore to spawn. Using active acoustic telemetry, sonar imagery, and CTD profiles, the first complete account of offshore spawning movements and novel deep diving behavior was accomplished. Bonefish reached depths of 137.9 m and spawned at 67.3 m, a depth associated with the pycnocline/thermocline. Previous efforts show spatiotemporal plasticity in spawning, a behavior counter to other aggregation forming fishes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013899
- Subject Headings
- Bonefish, Bonefish fisheries, Habitat conservation, Florida, Bahamas
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SCLERACTINIAN CORAL COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS AND RECRUITMENT PATTERNS IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Haymaker, Caroline, Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Quantifying and understanding coral community dynamics, including recruitment, is critical for developing effective ecosystem management strategies, particularly in areas that have experienced significant coral losses such as Southeast Florida’s Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area. While several federal, state, and regional efforts effectively track annual changes in juvenile and adult coral colonies, few coral reef monitoring programs are designed to track new coral...
Show moreQuantifying and understanding coral community dynamics, including recruitment, is critical for developing effective ecosystem management strategies, particularly in areas that have experienced significant coral losses such as Southeast Florida’s Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area. While several federal, state, and regional efforts effectively track annual changes in juvenile and adult coral colonies, few coral reef monitoring programs are designed to track new coral recruitment. This study’s aims were to assess potential differences in community composition of adult and recruit stony corals in southeast Florida using phototransects, and to test the efficacy of eDNA approaches for monitoring coral recruitment. Replicate phototransects demonstrated significant differences in recruit density and community composition across sites. This photogrammetry approach was more applicable than eDNA and indicates that site specific management and restoration strategies in a regional context may be warranted for the study area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013946
- Subject Headings
- Corals--Florida, Scleractinia, Coral communities, Photogrammetry
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- STOCHASTIC METHODOLOGY TO QUANTIFY FLOOD-RISK FOR COASTAL AND INLAND AREAS.
- Creator
- Suarez, Eva L., Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Current flood-risk models lack fidelity at the neighborhood level. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develops flood maps based on experts’ experience and estimates on the probability of flooding. First Street Foundation evaluates flood risk with regional and subjective measures, without impact from torrential rain and nuisance flooding. The purpose of this research is to develop a data-driven method to determine a comprehensive flood-risk that accounts for severe, moderate, and...
Show moreCurrent flood-risk models lack fidelity at the neighborhood level. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develops flood maps based on experts’ experience and estimates on the probability of flooding. First Street Foundation evaluates flood risk with regional and subjective measures, without impact from torrential rain and nuisance flooding. The purpose of this research is to develop a data-driven method to determine a comprehensive flood-risk that accounts for severe, moderate, and nuisance flood events at the single-family home level, while also estimating the recovery time from the specified flood event. The method developed uses the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method from the American Society of Quality (ASQ) to determine the Consequence of Flooding (CoF), following the 1-day 100-yr storm for the Probability of Flooding (PoF). The product of CoF and PoF provides an estimate of the flood-risk. An estimated Resilience Index value derived from flood-risk, is used to determine the recovery time after a severe or moderate
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013945
- Subject Headings
- Floods--Risk assessment, United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Floods
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SOCIAL GHOSTS OF THE DOMESTIC SPHERE: THE HAUNTING PRESENCE OF THE MONSTROUS MOTHER IN CONTEMPORARY FICTION.
- Creator
- Dvorak, Alicia, Miller, Timothy, Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis argues that the numerous widespread fears about deviant domestic behavior that rose to prominence in Western nations during the post-World War II era can still be observed in contemporary fictional representations of what I term the “monstrous domestic”: when mothers and the domestic spaces that they occupy are depicted as “bad,” “evil,” or otherwise threatening. Using psychoanalytic, feminist, and monster theory, as well as sociocultural context, I examine four works that...
Show moreThis thesis argues that the numerous widespread fears about deviant domestic behavior that rose to prominence in Western nations during the post-World War II era can still be observed in contemporary fictional representations of what I term the “monstrous domestic”: when mothers and the domestic spaces that they occupy are depicted as “bad,” “evil,” or otherwise threatening. Using psychoanalytic, feminist, and monster theory, as well as sociocultural context, I examine four works that prominently display and condemn the monstrous domestic: Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House (1959), Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook (2014), and Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects (2007). Ultimately, I contend that the continued presence of wicked mothers who utilize their domestic power to control and harm their children within fiction indicates that, despite social progress, an unconscious cultural uneasiness about (un)acceptable maternity and domesticity still remains.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013892
- Subject Headings
- Jackson, Shirley, 1916-1965. Haunting of Hill House, Gaiman, Neil. Coraline, Kent, Jennifer, 1951-, Flynn, Gillian, 1971-, Fiction--Criticism and interpretation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SPATIOTEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF THE FLORIDA BAY ECOSYSTEM IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND EVERGLADES RESTORATION.
- Creator
- Smith, Mason J., Markwith, Scott H., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
One of the largest restoration programs in the world, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to restore freshwater flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay estuary. Coupled with climate change, future changes from restoration highlight the need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach in Florida Bay. The Ecopath framework was used to develop and apply a mass-balanced food web model to the spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological restoration and...
Show moreOne of the largest restoration programs in the world, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to restore freshwater flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay estuary. Coupled with climate change, future changes from restoration highlight the need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach in Florida Bay. The Ecopath framework was used to develop and apply a mass-balanced food web model to the spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological restoration and climate change through time. Results suggest Florida Bay is stabilized through large detrital energy pathways and low nutrient inputs, but subject to species distribution shifts due primarily to sea-level rise and salinity variation. A suite of winners and losers predicted provide an opportunity to ensure management strategies are designed appropriately to best achieve desired results for the future of the Florida Bay ecosystem.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013913
- Subject Headings
- Florida Bay (Fla.), Restoration ecology, Climate change
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- NO SUBSTITUTION FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHING EXPERIENCES: A CASE STUDY EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES OF NEW SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS.
- Creator
- Barnes, Linda S., Vaughan, Michelle, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
Substitute teachers organize the classroom and instruct students in the absence of the regular teacher. An expectation placed on substitute teachers is to ensure learning experiences continue (Duggleby & Badali, 2007); however, this charge may exceed the preparation. Three central research questions and four sub-questions guided this case study. The questions focused on initial experiences of new substitute teachers in a Kindergarten through twelfth grade public school, the factors they...
Show moreSubstitute teachers organize the classroom and instruct students in the absence of the regular teacher. An expectation placed on substitute teachers is to ensure learning experiences continue (Duggleby & Badali, 2007); however, this charge may exceed the preparation. Three central research questions and four sub-questions guided this case study. The questions focused on initial experiences of new substitute teachers in a Kindergarten through twelfth grade public school, the factors they believed influenced their confidence for instruction and perceived strengths and weaknesses of the required training in a large urban public school system. This case study explored perspectives of 32 new substitute teachers. An online survey, semi-structured interviews, and artifact reviews captured data. Online tools organized data for coding and analysis to discover themes and answer research questions. Findings indicated that the initial experiences substitute teachers had while working were varied, significant and often had a direct impact on their own performance and perceptions of school community members. Lesson plans, student activities and classroom management contributed to a new substitute teacher’s success in the classroom. Opportunities to interact with school community members strengthened a sense of belonging. These feelings were reflected in their own confidence as a substitute teacher. Additional factors impacting confidence included a personal knowledge of subject areas being taught, consistency with job assignments and building relationships with students in the classroom. The required training for the new substitute teachers highlighted more strengths than weaknesses along with a few recommendations for improvement. Implications from this study can uncover, design and implement a pipeline to full-time teaching - experience as a substitute teacher. There are no substitutes for an optimistic, well-prepared, engaged substitute teacher. By understanding the perceptions of new substitute teachers, a new direction improving the work of this instructional position as a valuable school community member is justified.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013905
- Subject Headings
- Substitute teachers, Teachers—Training of
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Narco Corridos & Violence.
- Creator
- Robertson, John William George, Dario, Lisa, Florida Atlantic University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
- Abstract/Description
-
A set of informal street codes that govern inner city environments in the U.S. have been identified by scholar Elijah Anderson. Anderson’s street code has been analyzed in a variety of ways, including via rap lyrics. This analysis documented how reflective culture and the street code is within a nontraditional source - music. By researching a Mexican sub-genre of music known as narco corridos, I extend this work with a qualitative lyrical content analysis. Using a sample size of 100 narco...
Show moreA set of informal street codes that govern inner city environments in the U.S. have been identified by scholar Elijah Anderson. Anderson’s street code has been analyzed in a variety of ways, including via rap lyrics. This analysis documented how reflective culture and the street code is within a nontraditional source - music. By researching a Mexican sub-genre of music known as narco corridos, I extend this work with a qualitative lyrical content analysis. Using a sample size of 100 narco corridos sourced via the music application Spotify, Anderson’s framework was used as a starting point to uncover themes of violence, poverty, and respect. Findings support the existence of the street code in a violent Mexican subculture. To conclude, using music as a nontraditional academic source can be a powerful way to analyze and comprehend crime and culture in other areas of the world.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013948
- Subject Headings
- Inner cities, Violence in music, Corridos
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- POPULATION ECOLOGY AND VITAL RATES OF APPLE SNAILS (POMACEA SPP.) IN WETLANDS.
- Creator
- Barrus, Nathan T., Dorn, Nathan J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
In this thesis, I explored the abiotic and biotic factors that explain the variation in reproduction, survival, and individual growth of the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), and I combined reproduction, survival, and individual growth to determine the factors limiting Florida Apple Snail populations. First, I examined how the variation in reproduction of the Florida Apple Snail and another non-native congener (P. maculata) can be explained by depth, temperature, photoperiod, and adult...
Show moreIn this thesis, I explored the abiotic and biotic factors that explain the variation in reproduction, survival, and individual growth of the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), and I combined reproduction, survival, and individual growth to determine the factors limiting Florida Apple Snail populations. First, I examined how the variation in reproduction of the Florida Apple Snail and another non-native congener (P. maculata) can be explained by depth, temperature, photoperiod, and adult densities. I also examined how metaphyton total phosphorus (TP) influenced individual growth rates of both species. I found that P. paludosa optimally reproduce in shallower water than P. maculata, that both species respond positively to increased metaphyton TP, and that P. paludosa respond weaker to variation in metaphtyon TP than P. maculata. Then, I examined individual growth across seasons, and examined how size-dependent survival varied across seasons in and out of the presence predators. I also investigated predators that strongly influence survival rates. I found that individual growth was slower in the dry season than the wet season, that survival was not size-dependent nor seasonal when predators were excluded from cages, and that survival was size-dependent in the dry season but not the wet season when in the presence of predators. Greater Sirens and Giant Water Bugs were found to be strong predators of P. paludosa < 10 mm Shell Length (SL), Greater Siren and Giant Water Bugs seasonal abundances were responsible for the differences in size-dependent survival across seasons. Finally, I incorporated differences in ideal hydrological and temperature conditions for reproduction, seasonal differences in individual growth, and changes in survival in and out of the presence of predators onto a zero-population growth isocline. I found that optimal hydrological and temperature conditions, and increased growth in the dry season, could not make up for losses of snails < 10 mm SL by predators which suggested that predators are limiting P. paludosa populations in our study area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013919
- Subject Headings
- Florida applesnail, Population ecology, Everglades (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- PRESERVING KNOWLEDGE IN SIMULATED BEHAVIORAL ACTION LOOPS.
- Creator
- St.Clair, Rachel, Barenholtz, Elan, Hahn, William, Florida Atlantic University, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
One basic goal of artificial learning systems is the ability to continually learn throughout that system’s lifetime. Transitioning between tasks and re-deploying prior knowledge is thus a desired feature of artificial learning. However, in the deep-learning approaches, the problem of catastrophic forgetting of prior knowledge persists. As a field, we want to solve the catastrophic forgetting problem without requiring exponential computations or time, while demonstrating real-world relevance....
Show moreOne basic goal of artificial learning systems is the ability to continually learn throughout that system’s lifetime. Transitioning between tasks and re-deploying prior knowledge is thus a desired feature of artificial learning. However, in the deep-learning approaches, the problem of catastrophic forgetting of prior knowledge persists. As a field, we want to solve the catastrophic forgetting problem without requiring exponential computations or time, while demonstrating real-world relevance. This work proposes a novel model which uses an evolutionary algorithm similar to a meta-learning objective, that is fitted with a resource constraint metrics. Four reinforcement learning environments are considered with the shared concept of depth although the collection of environments is multi-modal. This system shows preservation of some knowledge in sequential task learning and protection of catastrophic forgetting in deep neural networks.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013896
- Subject Headings
- Artificial intelligence, Deep learning (Machine learning), Reinforcement learning, Neural networks (Computer science)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SENTIMENT ANALYSIS OF TWEETS FROM THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
- Creator
- Williams, Joseph M., Nowak, Andrzej, Vallacher, Robin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
We collected approximately 60 million tweets over a 6-month period during the 2020 presidential election, starting from the conventions through the inauguration. Each tweet referenced either the Republican incumbent Donald Trump or the Democrat challenger Joe Biden. The tweets were analyzed for sentiment and the frequency of the moral foundations using the standard LIWC2015 dictionary and the Moral Foundations Dictionary 2.0. We found that the tweets had an overall negative sentiment for both...
Show moreWe collected approximately 60 million tweets over a 6-month period during the 2020 presidential election, starting from the conventions through the inauguration. Each tweet referenced either the Republican incumbent Donald Trump or the Democrat challenger Joe Biden. The tweets were analyzed for sentiment and the frequency of the moral foundations using the standard LIWC2015 dictionary and the Moral Foundations Dictionary 2.0. We found that the tweets had an overall negative sentiment for both candidates, with tweets referencing Trump being more negative than tweets about Biden. Additional analyses showed that the Authority (Virtue) and Loyalty (Virtue) were the most frequently used moral foundations. This study provides an overview into social media discussions during a heated election cycle that ultimately culminated in the Jan. 6th Insurrection and the second impeachment of Donald Trump.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013954
- Subject Headings
- Sentiment analysis, Presidential elections--2020, Tweets (Microblogs), Twitter
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SETTLER COLONIALISM ON THE DISCURSIVE FRONTIER: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS CLIMATE JUSTICE LEADERS AND THE CARCERAL SETTLER-STATE.
- Creator
- Kibsey, Talia E., Miller, Andrea, Florida Atlantic University, School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis examines Indigenous environmental justice discourse within the context of the U.S. carceral settler-state to advance a conceptual framework I name discursive frontierism. I use rhetorical analysis informed by critical and cultural theory to help make visual—and visible—the ways in which colonial frontierism operates in discursive spaces. I analyze the language of the carceral settler-state, including embodiment and affect as communicative language, as well as the language of...
Show moreThis thesis examines Indigenous environmental justice discourse within the context of the U.S. carceral settler-state to advance a conceptual framework I name discursive frontierism. I use rhetorical analysis informed by critical and cultural theory to help make visual—and visible—the ways in which colonial frontierism operates in discursive spaces. I analyze the language of the carceral settler-state, including embodiment and affect as communicative language, as well as the language of Indigenous and Indigenous-led resistance. In the first half of the thesis, I argue that the language of the settler-state discursively constitutes Indigenous peoples as criminals and colonial subjects in order to justify their removal. The second half of this analysis finds the language of Indigenous land and water protectors to model and declare “survivance”—an active and continuing “sense of presence over absence” that both renounces dominance and victimry, and preserves traditional knowledge systems and ancestral connections (Vizenor 2018). I conclude that discursive iterations of Indigenous survivance meaningfully thwart the U.S. state’s efforts to advance occupation of discursive territory and further settle the discursive frontier.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013961
- Subject Headings
- Settler colonialism, Rhetoric
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF THE COLLEGE CHOICE PROCESS FOR CONTINUING-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
- Creator
- Perez, Georgette T., Floyd, Deborah L., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
A review of the literature revealed the need to further explore continuing-generation college students attending community colleges. This case study sought to understand the choice process of continuing-generation, direct-entry college students who enrolled in Miami Dade College (MDC), a baccalaureate community college. This research was planned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet was conducted during the pandemic, creating a unique context for the study. A total of 25 participants were...
Show moreA review of the literature revealed the need to further explore continuing-generation college students attending community colleges. This case study sought to understand the choice process of continuing-generation, direct-entry college students who enrolled in Miami Dade College (MDC), a baccalaureate community college. This research was planned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet was conducted during the pandemic, creating a unique context for the study. A total of 25 participants were interviewed, including continuing-generation students, parents/family members, and high school personnel. This study used Hossler and Gallagher’s (1987) choice model as the conceptual framework to address how and why continuing-generation college students decided to pursue higher education in a community college rather than a traditional four-year college or university. The study derived five findings: financial considerations, addressing affordability and cost in the choice process; family influence and support, describing the role family play in the college selection process; proximity and accessibility, addressing how MDC is a good choice for being “close to home” and being accessible to students who may not have otherwise accessed higher education; institutional reputation, and its importance in the selection process as related to students’ knowledge of MDC, transferability options, faculty and opportunities; and college preparedness, addressing the choice process in terms of student exposure, academic readiness, and college transfer preparedness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013923
- Subject Headings
- College students, College choice, COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-, Miami Dade College
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CORRELATIONAL ANALYSIS OF TEACHER JOB SATISFACTION AND JOB STRESS IN BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS.
- Creator
- Rodney-Hillaire, Renee, Shockley, Robert, Bogotch, Ira, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
This study aimed to analyze factors that predict job satisfaction and stress among Broward County teachers. A modified version of the WeBS survey was used to collect data on teachers' demographics, attitudes, and experiences related to job satisfaction. The sample used in this study was delimited to include only full-time teachers in Broward County Schools. Six research questions provided the foundation of the study, which was operationalized by Astin's (1993) input environment outcome model ...
Show moreThis study aimed to analyze factors that predict job satisfaction and stress among Broward County teachers. A modified version of the WeBS survey was used to collect data on teachers' demographics, attitudes, and experiences related to job satisfaction. The sample used in this study was delimited to include only full-time teachers in Broward County Schools. Six research questions provided the foundation of the study, which was operationalized by Astin's (1993) input environment outcome model (IEO). A descriptive analysis described the sample's individual and institutional characteristics and demographics. Correlational analyses were conducted to determine the strength of the relationship between variables. Finally, the data were analyzed using hierarchical, multiple regression. The regression model explored factors predicting job satisfaction and job stress among teachers. This study reported statistically significant results for each regression model. Statistically significant at p < .001, the factors that explained 55% of the variance in the final job satisfaction model included: How do background characteristics (e.g., sex, ethnic origin, and age), behavioral factors (e.g., openness, intrinsic motivation), and institutional variables (autonomy, student behavior, leadership, and school climate and culture) predict teacher job stress in Broward County? Implications for policy, practice and future research regarding job satisfaction and stress are included.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013959
- Subject Headings
- Teachers--Job satisfaction, Broward County (Fla.), Teachers--Job stress
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF DEEP CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR IMAGE CLASSIFICATION.
- Creator
- Clark, James Alex, Barenholtz, Elan, Florida Atlantic University, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Within Deep CNNs there is great excitement over breakthroughs in network performance on benchmark datasets such as ImageNet. Around the world competitive teams work on new ways to innovate and modify existing networks, or create new ones that can reach higher and higher accuracy levels. We believe that this important research must be supplemented with research into the computational dynamics of the networks themselves. We present research into network behavior as it is affected by: variations...
Show moreWithin Deep CNNs there is great excitement over breakthroughs in network performance on benchmark datasets such as ImageNet. Around the world competitive teams work on new ways to innovate and modify existing networks, or create new ones that can reach higher and higher accuracy levels. We believe that this important research must be supplemented with research into the computational dynamics of the networks themselves. We present research into network behavior as it is affected by: variations in the number of filters per layer, pruning filters during and after training, collapsing the weight space of the trained network using a basic quantization, and the effect of Image Size and Input Layer Stride on training time and test accuracy. We provide insights into how the total number of updatable parameters can affect training time and accuracy, and how “time per epoch” and “number of epochs” affect network training time. We conclude with statistically significant models that allow us to predict training time as a function of total number of updatable parameters in the network.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013940
- Subject Headings
- Neural networks (Computer science), Image processing
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- BELIEFS, ATTITUDES, AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE INTERVENTIONS AMONG LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTITIONERS.
- Creator
- Vitolo, Tina, Cooley, Morgan, Florida Atlantic University, School of Social Work, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
- Abstract/Description
-
There is an increasing trend of using Complementary and Alternative Interventions (CAI) to address mental health conditions. This research aims to bring awareness to how social workers integrate and utilize CAI in practice with clients. This study examined the following questions: (1) Do LCSWs use CAI in professional assessment and practice with clients, as well as in their own lives (i.e., in their personal/non-professional practice)?; (2a) What levels of CAI beliefs, attitudes, and...
Show moreThere is an increasing trend of using Complementary and Alternative Interventions (CAI) to address mental health conditions. This research aims to bring awareness to how social workers integrate and utilize CAI in practice with clients. This study examined the following questions: (1) Do LCSWs use CAI in professional assessment and practice with clients, as well as in their own lives (i.e., in their personal/non-professional practice)?; (2a) What levels of CAI beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge do LCSWs report?; (2b) What demographic characteristics are associated with CAI beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge?; and (3) Controlling for relevant demographic characteristics (years of post-master’s practice, personal use of CAM/CAI, gender), what beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge are associated with CAI use in assessment and practice?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013880
- Subject Headings
- Social work, Social workers, Complementary Therapies, Alternative therapies
- Format
- Document (PDF)
