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- Title
- Letter concerning the sugar trade from Francis Lewis.
- Creator
- Lewis, Francis 1713-1802
- Abstract/Description
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A handwritten letter from Francis Lewis. As a representative from New York, Lewis signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/fauwdlb1f15_p
- Format
- Set of related objects
- Title
- Embodied Biological Computers: Closing The Loop on Sensorimotor Integration of Dexterous Robotic Hands.
- Creator
- Ades, Craig, Engeberg, Erik D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The sensation of touch is an integral part of using our hands. As different researchers work toward the restoration of afferent sensation in prosthetic hands, it becomes urgent to better understand how an artificial hand’s afferent inputs are affected by the efferent muscular outputs, and vice-versa. Current methods of neuroprosthetic research have many regulatory hurdles, time, cost, and associated risk to the patient. To circumvent these hurdles, we developed a non-invasive, closed-loop (CL...
Show moreThe sensation of touch is an integral part of using our hands. As different researchers work toward the restoration of afferent sensation in prosthetic hands, it becomes urgent to better understand how an artificial hand’s afferent inputs are affected by the efferent muscular outputs, and vice-versa. Current methods of neuroprosthetic research have many regulatory hurdles, time, cost, and associated risk to the patient. To circumvent these hurdles, we developed a non-invasive, closed-loop (CL) neuroprosthetic research platform, integrating artificial tactile signals from an artificial hand with biomimetically-stimulated biological neuronal networks (BNNs) cultured in a multielectrode array (MEA) chamber. These living embodied biological computers (EBCs) can provide a non-invasive alternative for investigating invasive neuroprosthetic interfaces. With them we can explore a variety of control techniques, tactile sensation encoding methods, and neural decoding methods to increase the rate of research in this area with minimal regulatory approval, greatly reduced cost and time, and no risk to the patients. In the first stage of this integration, our EBC was programmed to embody neuronal spiking from spontaneously active “efferent” receptive fields in cultured BNNs as intentional signals for movement. Bursts were transferred to a robotic hand and initiated a tapping motion of the index finger laid in proximity to a surface. Contact elicited artificial sensations, which were registered by a biotac tactile sensor array fit to the robotic fingertip.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014092
- Subject Headings
- Artificial hands, Neuroprostheses, Neurotechnology (Bioengineering), Robotics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, RESILIENCE, AND PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ADULTS IN SAUDI ARABIA.
- Creator
- Alanbry, Toqa, Smith, Marlaine, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
-
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), involving abuse, neglect, and violence exposure, have been connected to undesirable physical and mental health consequences across the life span. With regards to the range of factors that moderates the impact of ACEs on life course health, resilience is suggested as a quality that can lead to better health and quality of life outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between adult-reported ACEs, resilience, and mental and physical...
Show moreAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), involving abuse, neglect, and violence exposure, have been connected to undesirable physical and mental health consequences across the life span. With regards to the range of factors that moderates the impact of ACEs on life course health, resilience is suggested as a quality that can lead to better health and quality of life outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between adult-reported ACEs, resilience, and mental and physical health in Saudi Arabia. The study was a predictive/correlational design. A total of 328 participants completed the online questionnaire through (Qualtrics). The independent variables were ACEs and resilience while the dependent variable was physical and mental health. The variables were measured by: 1) The ACE International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). 2) The Physical and Mental Health Checklist. 3) The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale -25 (CD-RISC-25). Descriptive statics showed that 97% of participants were medically diagnosed with some health illnesses and they were under the age of 45 years old.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014107
- Subject Headings
- Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mental Health, Resilience (Personality trait), Saudi Arabia
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE INFLUENCE OF NURSE-CARING FACTORS ON PATIENT SAFETY CULTURE.
- Creator
- Alfahd, Hanan, Longo, Joy, 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 is to examine the influence of technology perception and caring nurse-patient interactions on patient safety culture from the perception of critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia and to assess the mediating role of compassion fatigue on the relationship between technology perception and patient safety culture and between caring nurse-patient interactions and patient safety culture. A cross-sectional study was conducted in July and August 2022, in three hospitals...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to examine the influence of technology perception and caring nurse-patient interactions on patient safety culture from the perception of critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia and to assess the mediating role of compassion fatigue on the relationship between technology perception and patient safety culture and between caring nurse-patient interactions and patient safety culture. A cross-sectional study was conducted in July and August 2022, in three hospitals located in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A convenience, purposive sample of critical care nurses who provides direct care to patients in critical care units, stepdown, and emergency departments were recruited. one hundred and eighty-three nurse participated in this study with an overall response rate of 51.69%. Nurse participants completed the Survey of Patient Safety Culture for Hospitals, the Technological Influences Questionnaire subscale of the Caring Attributes, Professional Self-Concept, and Technological Influences scale, the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions scale, and the Compassion Fatigue subscale from the ProQOL scale which contained the Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout subscales. Descriptive statistics and a linear regression model were used to analyze the research data. A significant relationship was found between technology perception and patient safety culture and between caring nurse patient interaction and patient safety culture. There is no significant mediating role of the Secondary Traumatic Stress on the relationship between technology perception and patient safety culture and between caring nurse patient interaction and patient safety culture. The burnout has a full mediating effect on the relationship between technology perception and patient safety culture and a partial mediating effect on the relationship between caring nurse patient interaction and patient safety culture. The research findings have established the foundation of the relationship between nursing caring factors (perception of technology and caring nurse-patient interaction) and patient safety culture. However, more research is needed to understand the direct effect of these relationships on patient outcomes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014063
- Subject Headings
- Intensive care nursing, Saudi Arabia, Nurse-Patient Relations, Patient Safety, Compassion Fatigue
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- REAL-TIME HIGHWAY TRAFFIC FLOW AND ACCIDENT SEVERITY PREDICTION IN VEHICULAR NETWORKS USING DISTRIBUTED MACHINE LEARNING AND BIG DATA ANALYSIS.
- Creator
- Alnami, Hani Mohammed, Mahgoub, Imadeldin, 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 recent years, Florida State recorded thousands of abnormal traffic flows on highways that were caused by traffic incidents. Highway traffic congestion costed the US economy 101 billion dollars in 2020. Therefore, it is imperative to develop effective real-time traffic flow prediction schemes to mitigate the impact of traffic congestion. In this dissertation, we utilized real-life highway segment-based traffic and incident data obtained from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for...
Show moreIn recent years, Florida State recorded thousands of abnormal traffic flows on highways that were caused by traffic incidents. Highway traffic congestion costed the US economy 101 billion dollars in 2020. Therefore, it is imperative to develop effective real-time traffic flow prediction schemes to mitigate the impact of traffic congestion. In this dissertation, we utilized real-life highway segment-based traffic and incident data obtained from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for real-time incident prediction. We used eight years of FDOT real-life traffic and incident data for Florida I-95 highway to build prediction models for traffic accident severity. Accurate severity prediction is beneficial for responders since it allows the emergency center to dispatch the right number of vehicles without wasting additional resources.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014089
- Subject Headings
- Traffic flow, Traffic accidents, Machine learning, Big data, Traffic estimation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS IN SAUDI ARABIA.
- Creator
- Alqhtani, Samirh Said, King, Beth, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
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Global research on family caregivers’ experiences with individuals who have serious mental illnesses has increased in different cultures. However, less research has been conducted on caregivers’ experiences within cultural contexts by using transcultural theory. Further, limited studies explored family caregivers’ lived experiences of people with serious mental illnesses in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of family...
Show moreGlobal research on family caregivers’ experiences with individuals who have serious mental illnesses has increased in different cultures. However, less research has been conducted on caregivers’ experiences within cultural contexts by using transcultural theory. Further, limited studies explored family caregivers’ lived experiences of people with serious mental illnesses in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of persons with serious mental illnesses in Saudi Arabia in a home environment. Guided by Ray’s (2016) Transcultural Caring Dynamics in Nursing and Health-Care Model and Diekelmann’s seven-stage analysis, this study interpreted the meaning of the family caregivers’ lived experiences for individuals with serious mental illness within Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and demographic data with participants. Participants included 10 males and 5 females, who ranged in age from 24 to 53 years. Fourteen of the participants were siblings. The meaning of families’ lived experiences was interpreted as a multidimensional process within Saudi culture in the constitutive pattern of the dynamic of an endless cycle of care. Three relational themes and 11 sub-themes were categorized to capture the multidimensional nature of the phenomenon: (a) development of caring experiences (formation of knowledge and Allah/spirituality); (b) living culture values and beliefs (societal views, caregivers’ beliefs and attitudes, caregiver in family, impact of social media, caregiver as financially supportive, and mental health care services); and (c) meaning of care ( being available, expressing love, and being present). This study's findings offer implications for nursing education, nursing practice, health policy, and future research recommendations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014051
- Subject Headings
- Caregivers, Mental illness, Saudi Arabia, Nursing
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE UNITARY CARING LIVED EXPERIENCE OF UNCERTAINTY AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH A STROKE DURING THE HOSPITAL STAY IN SAUDI ARABIA.
- Creator
- Alselami, Seham Eid, Butcher, Howard K., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
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Stroke is a major health problem in Saudi Arabia that impacts the health outcomes of adults and elderly persons. No matter its severity, stroke is a stressful life event not only for the survivors but their family caregivers as well. Uncertainty is one of the major problems facing family caregivers caring for persons with a stroke. Uncertainty affects overall health outcomes and the quality of life of family caregivers caring for persons with strokes. Current research has not yet identified...
Show moreStroke is a major health problem in Saudi Arabia that impacts the health outcomes of adults and elderly persons. No matter its severity, stroke is a stressful life event not only for the survivors but their family caregivers as well. Uncertainty is one of the major problems facing family caregivers caring for persons with a stroke. Uncertainty affects overall health outcomes and the quality of life of family caregivers caring for persons with strokes. Current research has not yet identified the meaning of the uncertainty of family caregivers of persons with strokes during hospitalization in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the meaning of uncertainty experienced by family caregivers of persons in the hospital who have survived strokes. This study used a phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face and online semi-structured interviews with 15 family caregivers using openended questions. Participants were recruited from inpatient medical units and stroke care units in multi acute care hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and analyzed using the hermeneutic phenomenological unitary caring research method. NVivo software (Version 12) was used to manage the qualitative data.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014047
- Subject Headings
- Stroke, Caregivers, Nursing, Saudi Arabia
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- LONGITUDINAL PREDICTORS OF POPULARITY AND UNPOPULARITY IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD AND EARLY ADOLESCENCE.
- Creator
- Altman, Robert L., Laursen, Brett, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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As children enter middle childhood, they become increasing focused on navigating the peer system, which provides an acute awareness of the social hierarchy and their place in it (Gottman & Mettetal, 1986; Parker & Gottman, 1989). Some children even prioritize attaining social status over maintaining friendships (LaFontana & Cillessen, 2010). Status matters because it describes an individual’s ability to compete for and control both physical and social resources (Hawley, 1999). Previous...
Show moreAs children enter middle childhood, they become increasing focused on navigating the peer system, which provides an acute awareness of the social hierarchy and their place in it (Gottman & Mettetal, 1986; Parker & Gottman, 1989). Some children even prioritize attaining social status over maintaining friendships (LaFontana & Cillessen, 2010). Status matters because it describes an individual’s ability to compete for and control both physical and social resources (Hawley, 1999). Previous studies have identified two forms of affective regard, separate from the peer group and behavioral reputation, that predict popularity and unpopularity: acceptance and rejection (Marks et al., 2021). However, their relative importance has been unclear because previous studies have not included both in the same model and because most studies have been concurrent, not longitudinal. Affective markers of peer regard and behavioral markers of peer group reputation are moderately correlated, making it difficult to draw conclusions from separate studies of each. Studies which incorporate measures of each are few and limited in scope. The current study was designed to examine the origins of popularity and unpopularity by disentangling affective regard from behavioral reputation using a sample of 292 students enrolled in grades 4 to 6 (ages 9-13) of a university-affiliated school.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014044
- Subject Headings
- Popularity, Adolescence, Childhood
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- JUSTICE ON DEMAND: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY OF VIRGINIA ARTRIP SNYDER.
- Creator
- Alvarez, Maria I., Cesar, Gabriel T., Florida Atlantic University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
- Abstract/Description
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This thesis is a single ethnographic qualitative case study on gender, focusing on the parallels between gender and historical inequities of social, economic, political, and power oppression. The study metaphorically examines the systolic and diastolic reading of approximately 100 years of injustices. Virginia Artrip Snyder, the subject of this study, is a woman, practitioner, and advocate. The timeframe is from the 1920s to the present. The researcher examined a variety of samples, which...
Show moreThis thesis is a single ethnographic qualitative case study on gender, focusing on the parallels between gender and historical inequities of social, economic, political, and power oppression. The study metaphorically examines the systolic and diastolic reading of approximately 100 years of injustices. Virginia Artrip Snyder, the subject of this study, is a woman, practitioner, and advocate. The timeframe is from the 1920s to the present. The researcher examined a variety of samples, which included Virginia's documents, files, news clippings, books, letters, community involvement, and the criminal justice system. Virginia's family donated the data to the Spady Museum in Delray, Florida, and Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Virginia’s alma mater. The results demonstrated that Virginia was a victim of both domestic violence and the criminal justice system. Virginia sharpened the saw by educating and serving, thus demonstrating that one person can make a difference. As activist George Santayana said, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014052
- Subject Headings
- Snyder, Virginia Artrip, 1920-2017, Feminist criminology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF AUTISM-ASSOCIATED TBR1 HAPLOINSUFFICIENCY ON AMYGDALA MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY.
- Creator
- Asbeck, Ingo, Bolton, M. McLean, Stackman Jr., Robert W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects about 1 in 44 children and has steadily increased in prevalence over the last decades. ASD is characterized by the diagnostic criteria of a persistent deficit in social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The amygdala plays an essential role in regulating these behaviors and has continuously been shown to be affected in patients with ASD. As the amygdala is connected throughout the...
Show moreAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects about 1 in 44 children and has steadily increased in prevalence over the last decades. ASD is characterized by the diagnostic criteria of a persistent deficit in social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The amygdala plays an essential role in regulating these behaviors and has continuously been shown to be affected in patients with ASD. As the amygdala is connected throughout the brain with cortical and subcortical areas, it is crucial to understand potential circuit impairments that contribute to the development and progression of behavioral characteristics. In this study, we investigated the role of ASD-associated TBR1 haploinsufficiency on morphological and functional amygdala connectivity. While we don’t see differences in inputs to the basal amygdala (BA), we demonstrated a difference in the BA to prefrontal cortex (PFC) pathway. Interestingly, we show a specific innervation difference of layer 5 neurons in the infralimbic (IL) but not prelimbic (PL) nuclei in the PFC. In accordance with the overall reduced density of BA axons in the IL, we show a decreased density of excitatory synapses. To investigate possible functional consequences of this projection deficit, we characterized pre-and postsynaptic functions of BA-PFC synapses. TBR1 haploinsufficiency impairs the postsynaptic function of BA-PL layer 2/3 and IL layer 5 synapses. BA-PL layer 2/3 synapses show an increased AMPA/NMDA receptor ratio, while this is not observed in BA-IL layer 5 synapses. However, TBR1 haploinsufficiency increases the AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated currents at these synapses, further highlighting that BA-PL and BA-IL synapses are different and that partial loss of TBR1 affects circuits differently. This novel characterization of the consequences of a TBR1 haploinsufficiency on BA connectivity contributes to the critical understanding of this ASD-associated gene and its detrimental effects that contribute to the underlying behavioral phenotype.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014067
- Subject Headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Amygdala, Haploinsufficiency
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- MEASUREMENT, ANALYSIS, CLASSIFICATION AND DETECTION OF GUNSHOT AND GUNSHOT-LIKE SOUNDS.
- Creator
- Baliram, Rajesh Singh, Zhuang, Hanqi, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The recent uptick in senseless shootings in otherwise quiet and relatively safe environments is powerful evidence of the need, now more than ever, to reduce these occurrences. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a significant role in deterring individuals from attempting these acts of violence. The installation of audio sensors can assist in the proper surveillance of surroundings linked to public safety, which is the first step toward AI-driven surveillance. With the increasing popularity...
Show moreThe recent uptick in senseless shootings in otherwise quiet and relatively safe environments is powerful evidence of the need, now more than ever, to reduce these occurrences. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a significant role in deterring individuals from attempting these acts of violence. The installation of audio sensors can assist in the proper surveillance of surroundings linked to public safety, which is the first step toward AI-driven surveillance. With the increasing popularity of machine learning (ML) processes, systems are being developed and optimized to assist personnel in highly dangerous situations. In addition to saving innocent lives, supporting the capture of the responsible criminals is part of the AI algorithm that can be hosted in acoustic gunshot detection systems (AGDSs). Although there has been some speculation that these AGDSs produce a higher false positive rate (FPR) than reported in their specifications, optimizing the dataset used for the model’s training and testing will enhance its performance. This dissertation proposes a new gunshot-like sound database that can be incorporated into a dataset for improved training and testing of a ML gunshot detection model. Reduction of the sample bias (that is, a bias in ML caused by an incomplete database) is achievable. The Mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) feature extraction process was utilized in this research. The uniform manifold and projection (UMAP) algorithm revealed that the MFCCs of this newly created database were the closest sounds to a gunshot sound, as compared to other gunshot-like sounds reported in literature. The UMAP algorithm reinforced the outcome derived from the calculation of the distances of the centroids of various gunshot-like sounds in MFCCs’ clusters. Further research was conducted into the feature reduction aspect of the gunshot detection ML model. Reducing a feature set to a minimum, while also maintaining a high accuracy rate, is a key parameter of a highly efficient model. Therefore, it is necessary for field deployed ML applications to be computationally light weight and highly efficient. Building on the discoveries of this research can lead to the development of highly efficient gunshot detection models.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014110
- Subject Headings
- Firearms, Sound, Detectors, Machine learning
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- APPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGING TOWARDS CHARACTERIZATION OF MARINE PLANKTON DISTRIBUTIONS AND BIOPHYSICAL INTERACTIONS.
- Creator
- Barua, Ranjoy, Nayak, Aditya R., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
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Characterization of the distribution and biophysical interactions of oceanic planktonic organisms is crucial to address fundamental science questions associated with climate change, marine ecology, pollution, and ocean optics. Thus, development of instrumentation techniques for monitoring plankton at high spatial and temporal resolutions is important. This dissertation deals with the advancements made in applying digital holography – a 3-D non-intrusive, freestream imaging technique – to...
Show moreCharacterization of the distribution and biophysical interactions of oceanic planktonic organisms is crucial to address fundamental science questions associated with climate change, marine ecology, pollution, and ocean optics. Thus, development of instrumentation techniques for monitoring plankton at high spatial and temporal resolutions is important. This dissertation deals with the advancements made in applying digital holography – a 3-D non-intrusive, freestream imaging technique – to address three different applications associated with marine plankton monitoring and ecology. In the first project, an autonomous in-line digital holographic microscope was successfully deployed for rapid in situ detection of the harmful dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis in the coastal Gulf of Mexico. Monitoring K. brevis abundance and distribution are crucial for early warning systems and implementing preventative measures to limit potential damage. The holographic system was successfully paired with a convolutional neural network for automated data processing to ensure rapid and accurate K. brevis detection.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014096
- Subject Headings
- Marine plankton, Holography, Digital holographic microscopy
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT EFFECTS ON STONY CORAL TISSUE LOSS DISEASE.
- Creator
- Carreiro, Ashley M., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Florida’s coral reefs are facing a multi-year coral disease outbreak described as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), affecting at least 24 species of scleractinian corals. Potential anthropogenic and environmental drivers of SCTLD progression and severity are still poorly understood. This project was designed to determine the potential impacts of elevated nutrients on the progression and spread of SCTLD on reefs in Southeast Florida. We attempted to increase nutrient levels near coral...
Show moreFlorida’s coral reefs are facing a multi-year coral disease outbreak described as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), affecting at least 24 species of scleractinian corals. Potential anthropogenic and environmental drivers of SCTLD progression and severity are still poorly understood. This project was designed to determine the potential impacts of elevated nutrients on the progression and spread of SCTLD on reefs in Southeast Florida. We attempted to increase nutrient levels near coral colonies using fertilizer amendments to mimic the effects of agricultural and urban runoff. SCTLD lesion progression, coral tissue loss, and disease prevalence were tracked overtime. There were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations between nutrient-amended and control groups or SCTLD progressions or surrounding SCTLD prevalence. However, water temperature was positively correlated to SCTLD activity. These findings provide insight to reef managers seeking to limit and mitigate the prevalence and impacts of SCTLD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014091
- Subject Headings
- Scleractinia, Corals--Diseases, Eutrophication, Coral reef management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- REVISITING THE COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER DISPOSAL METHODS IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Conboy, Kelley, Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
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A comparative risk assessment of wastewater disposal methods in southeast Florida has only been performed once and it was over 20 years ago. Since then, methods has changed and research have been developed. This study follows the methods used in the 2000 study, and assesses the following disposal methods: ocean outfalls, deep injection wells, surface water discharge, reuse for non-potable applications, indirect potable reuse, and direct potable reuse. This assessment assembled a team of...
Show moreA comparative risk assessment of wastewater disposal methods in southeast Florida has only been performed once and it was over 20 years ago. Since then, methods has changed and research have been developed. This study follows the methods used in the 2000 study, and assesses the following disposal methods: ocean outfalls, deep injection wells, surface water discharge, reuse for non-potable applications, indirect potable reuse, and direct potable reuse. This assessment assembled a team of qualified experts to complete a modified delphi survey to assess the human risks of wastewater disposal methods. Using the delphi results in a Bayesian Assessment Model, this assessment found that deep injection well and direct potable reuse were the disposal methods with the least risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014068
- Subject Headings
- Sewage disposal--Florida, Wastewater, Sewage--Management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT INPUTS ON SURFACE ELEVATION CHANGE PROCESSES IN TIDAL MANGROVE FORESTS.
- Creator
- Conrad, Jeremy R., Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Coastal mangrove forests are at risk of being submerged due to sea level rise (SLR). However, mangroves have persisted with changing sea levels due to a variety of biotic and physical feedback mechanisms that allow them to gain and maintain relative soil surface elevation. Mechanisms of surface elevation change (SEC) include leaf, wood, and root production, decomposition, and sedimentation/erosion, the combination of which result in a net change in the soil’s surface elevation. Therefore,...
Show moreCoastal mangrove forests are at risk of being submerged due to sea level rise (SLR). However, mangroves have persisted with changing sea levels due to a variety of biotic and physical feedback mechanisms that allow them to gain and maintain relative soil surface elevation. Mechanisms of surface elevation change (SEC) include leaf, wood, and root production, decomposition, and sedimentation/erosion, the combination of which result in a net change in the soil’s surface elevation. Therefore, mangrove forest resilience to SLR is dependent upon their ability to migrate inland or to build soil elevation at a rate that tracks with SLR. However, anthropogenic disturbances, such as altered hydrology and eutrophication, can degrade mangrove forest health and compromise their land building processes placing them at greater risk of succumbing to SLR.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014078
- Subject Headings
- Mangrove ecology, Sea level, Nutrients in ecosystems, Eutrophication
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Survival and Growth of Sponge Recruits in a Land-based Nursery.
- Creator
- Crouch, Barbara C., Fonnegra, Andia Chaves, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Sponges (phylum Porifera) are ancient animals that provide numerous ecosystem functions (e.g., water filtration, habitat, food source) and commercial applications (e.g., bath sponges and pharmaceuticals). However, mass mortality events in Florida Bay have drastically impacted sponge communities and the ecosystem services they provide. To restore habitats, sponge restoration initiatives are ongoing in Florida. The aim of this thesis was to determine survival and growth of sponges in a land...
Show moreSponges (phylum Porifera) are ancient animals that provide numerous ecosystem functions (e.g., water filtration, habitat, food source) and commercial applications (e.g., bath sponges and pharmaceuticals). However, mass mortality events in Florida Bay have drastically impacted sponge communities and the ecosystem services they provide. To restore habitats, sponge restoration initiatives are ongoing in Florida. The aim of this thesis was to determine survival and growth of sponges in a land-based nursery. Larvae from four species were collected from the Indian River Lagoon and the Florida Keys from July to September 2021. Larval settlement and metamorphosis, survival of recruits, morphological development and growth were observed, quantified, and compared to other species. Larvae settlement success was highest in our Heteroscleromorpha species Tedania ignis, Haliclona caerulea and Niphates erecta, but not the Keratosa species Spongia sp. However, the highest recruit survival was the Spongia sp. Early developmental characteristics were significantly different among species and over observation periods, with most developmental characteristics occurring during the first 14 days post-settlement. H. caerulea and Spongia sp. developed faster than other species. Spongia sp. recruit growth was higher when kept in artificial seawater with no food supplement. These results provide further insight toward optimizing the FAUHBOI sponge nursery protocols to supplement current restoration efforts and increase the abundance of sponge populations and community diversity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014086
- Subject Headings
- Sponges--Florida, Restoration ecology, Sponges--Growth
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- PATH PLANNING FOR THE HYBRID AERIAL UNDERWATER ROBOTIC SYSTEM.
- Creator
- Davis, Anthony C., Ouyang, Bing, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract/Description
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Marine food chains are highly stressed by aggressive fishing practices and environmental damage. Aquaculture has increasingly become a source of seafood which spares the deleterious impact to wild fisheries, but it requires continuous water quality data to successfully grow and harvest fish. Aerial drones have great potential to monitor large areas quickly and efficiently. The Hybrid Aerial Underwater Robotic System (HAUCS) is a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and underwater...
Show moreMarine food chains are highly stressed by aggressive fishing practices and environmental damage. Aquaculture has increasingly become a source of seafood which spares the deleterious impact to wild fisheries, but it requires continuous water quality data to successfully grow and harvest fish. Aerial drones have great potential to monitor large areas quickly and efficiently. The Hybrid Aerial Underwater Robotic System (HAUCS) is a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and underwater measurement devices designed to collect water quality data of aquaculture ponds. The routing of drones to cover each fish pond on an aquaculture farm can be reduced to the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). A dataset is created to simulate the distribution of ponds on a farm and is used to assess the HAUCS Path Planning Algorithm (HPP). Its performance is compared with the Google Linear Optimization Package (GLOP) and a Graph Attention Model (GAM) for routing around the simulated farms. The three methods are then implemented on a team of waterproof drones and experimentally verified at Southern Illinois University’s (SIU) Aquaculture Research Center. GLOP and GAM are demonstrated to be efficient path planning methods for small farms, while HPP is likely to be more suited to large farms. HAUCS shows great value as a future direction for intelligent aquaculture, but issues with obstacle avoidance and robust waterproofing need to be addressed before commercialization. The future of aquaculture promises more integrated and sustainable operations by mimicking natural systems and leveraging deeper understandings of biology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014108
- Subject Headings
- Drone aircraft, Drones, Aquaculture
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- DECIPHERING TOM DISALVO: A FIRST-GENERATION ARTIST BETWEEN SICILY AND SOUTH FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Diraviam, Domenica Santomaggio, Serra, Ilaria, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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This dissertation aims to contextualize the self-taught Sicilian born artist, Tom DiSalvo (1947-2011) among contemporary artists of Italian extraction. It investigates a selection of his corpus of over 300 works of art spanning four decades as an integral contribution to Italian diasporic scholarship. The primarily large-scale paintings, enhanced with underlying textual layers and semiotic translations of famous works of art, reveal distinct ties to American, Italian and hybrid patterns of...
Show moreThis dissertation aims to contextualize the self-taught Sicilian born artist, Tom DiSalvo (1947-2011) among contemporary artists of Italian extraction. It investigates a selection of his corpus of over 300 works of art spanning four decades as an integral contribution to Italian diasporic scholarship. The primarily large-scale paintings, enhanced with underlying textual layers and semiotic translations of famous works of art, reveal distinct ties to American, Italian and hybrid patterns of ethnicity. Much of his work remains unknown in scholarly and public circles, due in part to the limited canon of Italian diasporic visual art (with the exception of film) and to DiSalvo’s own disapproval of the commodification of his art. The project originated with the classification of the artist’s personal artifacts and the interpretation of his canvases displayed in both public and private spaces. The methodology employed in this dissertation is as unique and multifaceted as its topic. I depart from paintings to reveal the man behind the canvas, thanks to the voices and memories of friends and family on both sides of the ocean, anchoring my findings to the foundation of scholarly discussions, and theoretical and critical sources in the disciplines of hybrid cultural studies, Italian and Italian American art and literature, as well as outsider art to verify the intersections between DiSalvo and members of each of these communities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014053
- Subject Headings
- Italian American artists, Italian American art, Italian American experience
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THERE IS STILL LIFE AFTER DEATH: REFLECTIONS ON OVERCONSUMPTION AND WASTE.
- Creator
- Duarte, Caroline Portella Ferreira, Afanador-Llach, Camila, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Visual Arts and Art History, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Abstract/Description
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The unbridled consumerism established during the industrial revolution in consumer society has become a mass phenomenon. The birth of industry caused significant transformations in the world economy, as well as in the human lifestyle, as it accelerated the production of goods and the exploitation of natural resources. People today consume in a way that their purchasing choices define them. Consumption is not driven by social responsibility: individuals often end up engaging in overconsumption...
Show moreThe unbridled consumerism established during the industrial revolution in consumer society has become a mass phenomenon. The birth of industry caused significant transformations in the world economy, as well as in the human lifestyle, as it accelerated the production of goods and the exploitation of natural resources. People today consume in a way that their purchasing choices define them. Consumption is not driven by social responsibility: individuals often end up engaging in overconsumption habits due to the vast number of options and the perpetual launching of new trends. Consumption is the satisfaction of desires and wants, especially in current westernized societies. In my thesis, I will address a concern that is shared by many people. I will be using Graphic Design to draw attention to the misuse and waste of our planet's natural resources while critiquing the consumer society and the lifestyle that compels consumption to maintain acceptance within a social group. I will be discussing the different concepts that people have about trash and waste, in hopes to make them aware of our role in the conscious use of Earth's natural resources.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014116
- Subject Headings
- Graphic arts, Communication in art, Consumerism
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES & DIRECTOR COMPENSATION STRUCTURE.
- Creator
- Dubois, Philippe, Javakhadze, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Finance, College of Business
- Abstract/Description
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This study examines the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and director compensation arrangements. I develop two competing hypotheses— based on the optimal contracting and rent extraction frameworks—arguing that CSR could shape director reputation or bargaining power, and consequently director pay structure. I further propose that monitoring or advising needs of the company as well as diversity of the board could moderate the proposed association. Finally, I argue that...
Show moreThis study examines the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and director compensation arrangements. I develop two competing hypotheses— based on the optimal contracting and rent extraction frameworks—arguing that CSR could shape director reputation or bargaining power, and consequently director pay structure. I further propose that monitoring or advising needs of the company as well as diversity of the board could moderate the proposed association. Finally, I argue that CSR-induced director compensation changes could have implications for firm performance. I document a positive and significant effect of CSR initiatives on director compensation. I also show that the effect is stronger for boards with greater advising but not monitoring needs. Boardroom gender diversity somewhat diminishes the effect of CSR. Finally, CSR-induced director compensation has mixed implications for firm performance. Overall, my results are more consistent with the rent extraction view of director pay arrangements.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014080
- Subject Headings
- Corporate social responsibility, Social responsibility of business, Directors of corporations, Compensation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
