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Pages
- Title
- Interview with Dan Pichney.
- Creator
- Pichney, Dan, Iadevaia, Vincenza, Pezzullo, Viviana, Tiberini, Federico
- Date Issued
- 2017-02-17
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003474p
- Subject Headings
- Italian Americans, Italian American families, Oral history--Italy, Oral history, Oral history--United States., Italian Americans--History--20th century., Italian Americans--Florida--History, Immigrants--Italy--History--20th century
- Format
- Set of related objects
- Title
- Interview with Vincent Zarrilli.
- Creator
- Zarrilli, Vincent, Iadevaia, Vincenza, Pezzullo, Viviana, Tiberini, Federico
- Date Issued
- 2017-02-03
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003472p
- Subject Headings
- Italian Americans, Italian American families, Oral history--Italy, Oral history, Oral history--United States., Italian Americans--History--20th century., Italian Americans--Florida--History, Immigrants--Italy--History--20th century
- Format
- Set of related objects
- Title
- Alternative Biological Roles of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Creator
- Wilson, Kelsey, Binninger, David, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The oxidation of methionine (Met) into methionine sulfoxide (met-(o)) leads to deleterious modifications to a variety of cellular constituents. These deleterious alterations can be reversed by enzymes known as methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msr). The Msr (MsrA and MsrB) family of enzymes have been studied extensively for their biological roles in reducing oxidized Met residues back into functional Met. A wide range of studies have focused on Msr both in vivo and in vitro using a variety of...
Show moreThe oxidation of methionine (Met) into methionine sulfoxide (met-(o)) leads to deleterious modifications to a variety of cellular constituents. These deleterious alterations can be reversed by enzymes known as methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msr). The Msr (MsrA and MsrB) family of enzymes have been studied extensively for their biological roles in reducing oxidized Met residues back into functional Met. A wide range of studies have focused on Msr both in vivo and in vitro using a variety of model organisms. More specifically, studies have noted numerous processes affected by the overexpression, under expression, and silencing of MsrA and MsrB. Collectively, the results of these studies have shown that Msr is involved in lifespan and the management of oxidative stress. More recent evidence is emerging that supports existing biological functions of Msr and theorizes the involvement of Msr in numerous biological pathways.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005980
- Subject Headings
- Drosophila melanogaster, Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases, Oxidative stress
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Student Perception of Online Instructors at a Florida Public University.
- Creator
- Ballard, William Willett, Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine differences in online student perception of the quality of instruction between online instructors who did and did not complete faculty training for online instruction. There has been very little research identifying the factors influencing online students perception on quality of instruction, specifically at Florida public institutions. This research is important in establishing if public universities should require some level of training before an...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine differences in online student perception of the quality of instruction between online instructors who did and did not complete faculty training for online instruction. There has been very little research identifying the factors influencing online students perception on quality of instruction, specifically at Florida public institutions. This research is important in establishing if public universities should require some level of training before an instructor can teach online. Experiencing poor quality of instruction can negatively impact an online student academically, which can, in turn, be detrimental to a university’s student retention and graduation rates. This study adds to the current body of research regarding improvement of the quality of instruction in online courses based on the online students perception of faculty and the completion of faculty training for online instruction. The results of this study demonstrated no significant difference overall in student perception of quality of instruction between online instructors who did and did not complete faculty training as measured in courses with five or more student respondents. Additional results revealed that multiple academic colleges demonstrated a significant difference in student perception of quality of instruction. This study also discovered a slight negative effect of online faculty training on other areas of student satisfaction that did not include quality of instruction. Recommendations for future research are provided, including those for the improvement of online faculty training, university policy, and faculty and student preparation for online teaching and learning, respectively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005962
- Subject Headings
- Distance education--Florida, Public universities and colleges, Online teaching, Student evaluation of teachers
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dreamscape: Selected Fiction.
- Creator
- Becher, Nicholas, Schwartz, Jason, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
- Abstract/Description
-
Included is a collection of speculative fiction by author Nicholas Becher that incorporates research from Cherokee folklore as well as experimental perspectives of place and tone.
- Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005978
- Subject Headings
- Speculative fiction, Cherokee Indians--Folklore, Creative writing
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Assessment of Sexual Dimorphism on the First and Second Ribs: Exploring Geometric Morphometrics.
- Creator
- Bhramdat, Henna D., Brown, Clifford T., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
- Abstract/Description
-
Estimating the sex of unknown human skeletal remains is important to the fields of forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and other specialties. I studied sexual dimorphism on the first and second ribs to estimate sex from skeletal remains. I employed two approaches. I used geometric morphometrics to analyze landmark and semilandmark coordinate points to examine the overall shape of the ribs. I also examined the sternal end of the ribs for size using the superior-inferior height (SIH) and...
Show moreEstimating the sex of unknown human skeletal remains is important to the fields of forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and other specialties. I studied sexual dimorphism on the first and second ribs to estimate sex from skeletal remains. I employed two approaches. I used geometric morphometrics to analyze landmark and semilandmark coordinate points to examine the overall shape of the ribs. I also examined the sternal end of the ribs for size using the superior-inferior height (SIH) and anteriorposterior breadth (APB) in a binary logistic regression (BLR) model. Differences in male and female first and second ribs are undetectable when landmark coordinate points are used to capture shape variability, but significant differences in the shape of the ribs, however, are detected through the use of semilandmark coordinate points. Using semilandmark points to estimate sex presented an accuracy rate of 80.7% from the first rib, and 72.9% from the second rib. The use of the sternal end presents consistent results in its ability to estimate sex with an accuracy rate of 84.2%. The BLR model reveals significant differences between males and females than the geometric morphometric approach; it is more applicable for discerning sexual dimorphism of unknown individuals. This study reveals that while geometric morphometrics provides a powerful approach to assessing morphological differences, it is not always better than simpler methods, in this case, simple measurements analyzed through BLR.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005976
- Subject Headings
- Sexual dimorphism (Animals), Ribs, Morphology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Entitlement in the Workplace.
- Creator
- Brant, Katarina K., Castro, Stephanie L., Florida Atlantic University, College of Business, Department of Management
- Abstract/Description
-
The present research investigates entitlement in the workplace through three related papers—a review and two empirical studies. In the first paper, I conduct a review of entitlement and offer an agenda for future research. I examine entitlement’s various historical roots, definitions and conceptualizations, measures, theoretical frameworks, antecedents, consequences, and role as a moderator. I also outline avenues for future entitlement research and advocate for research that considers the...
Show moreThe present research investigates entitlement in the workplace through three related papers—a review and two empirical studies. In the first paper, I conduct a review of entitlement and offer an agenda for future research. I examine entitlement’s various historical roots, definitions and conceptualizations, measures, theoretical frameworks, antecedents, consequences, and role as a moderator. I also outline avenues for future entitlement research and advocate for research that considers the effects of perceived coworker entitlement from a state perspective. Following the research agenda of paper one, I empirically delve into the negative effects of perceived coworker entitlement in the second two papers. Specifically, in the second paper I explore how the individual can mitigate the negative effects associated with perceived coworker entitlement and in the third paper I explore how the organization can mitigate the negative effects associated with perceived coworker entitlement. In the second paper, I utilize equity theory and referent cognitions theory to examine the relationships between perceived coworker entitlement and individual outcomes including in-role behavior, organizational citizenship behavior, pay satisfaction, and counterproductive work behavior via psychological distress. I further explore the moderating role of individual difference variables including core-self evaluations, positive and negative affect, and equity sensitivity in the relationship between perceived coworker entitlement and psychological distress. Using a sample of 200 working adults, I found that core self-evaluations and equity sensitivity significantly moderate the relationship between perceived coworker entitlement and psychological distress. However, I did not find any significant mediation or moderated mediation relationships. In the third paper, I utilize fairness theory as a theoretical framework to study the relationships among perceived coworker entitlement, job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior, and emotional exhaustion. I further explore the moderating role of Colquitt’s (2001) four dimensions of organizational justice: distributive justice, procedural justice, interpersonal justice, and informational justice. Using the same sample of 200 working adults, I found that perceived coworker entitlement is negatively related to organizational citizenship behavior; distributive justice moderates the relationship between perceived coworker entitlement and emotional exhaustion; interpersonal justice moderates the relationship between perceived coworker entitlement and job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion; and informational justice moderates the relationship between perceived coworker entitlement and emotional exhaustion. Contributions to research, practical implications, strengths and limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013043
- Subject Headings
- Entitlement attitudes, Workplace
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Effect of Financial Statement Transparency on the Likelihood of Restatement and the Effect of Restatement Announcements on Future Levels of Transparency.
- Creator
- Bressler, Paige D., Kohlbeck, Mark, Florida Atlantic University, College of Business, School of Accounting
- Abstract/Description
-
I explore the impact financial statement transparency has on the probability of restatement and the effect a restatement announcement has on the levels of future financial statement transparency. Information theory suggests that a strong information environment increases accounting quality. Using financial statement transparency as a proxy for the information environment, I find that transparency is associated with a lower probability of financial statement restatement. There are competing...
Show moreI explore the impact financial statement transparency has on the probability of restatement and the effect a restatement announcement has on the levels of future financial statement transparency. Information theory suggests that a strong information environment increases accounting quality. Using financial statement transparency as a proxy for the information environment, I find that transparency is associated with a lower probability of financial statement restatement. There are competing theories to predict how restatement announcements affect future levels of transparency. Skinner’s (1953) theory of operant conditioning, which states that behavior is modified based on positive or negative conditioning suggests that the level of transparency increases after a restatement announcement. However, expectancy theory suggests that firms engage in certain behaviors in order to derive expected rewards or incentives. Motivation is eliminated if the rewards are deemed unobtainable thereby eliminating managers’ incentive to improve their reporting strategy suggesting that the level of transparency decreases after a restatement announcement. I find that restatement announcement has a negative association with the transparency measure and the magnitude of this effect decreases over time compared to non-restatement firms. These results are magnified if the restatement is due to fraud. However, the changes are not significant. Further, the transparency associations are mitigated if there is a change in CEO after the restatement announcement. In addition, using a sample of firms that made a restatement announcement matched with a sample of firms that did not make a restatement announcement, the difference in the transparency measure before and after the restatement announcement is statistically insignificant.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013008
- Subject Headings
- Financial statements, Transparency
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Going Global in Costa Rica: A Mixed Method Study Examining Teachers of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Its Growth in a Developing Country.
- Creator
- Carvalho-Mukherjee, Eliana, Baxley, Traci P., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
This mixed-method study, grounded in critical pedagogy, explored teachers of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in Costa Rican public and private schools and examined the growth of the IB there. It surveyed the global mindedness of the teachers to understand their perceptions of the IB. The study also aimed to understand the IB’s Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) as a form of global education. Furthermore, neoliberalism was explored as a force driving the IB’s growth...
Show moreThis mixed-method study, grounded in critical pedagogy, explored teachers of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in Costa Rican public and private schools and examined the growth of the IB there. It surveyed the global mindedness of the teachers to understand their perceptions of the IB. The study also aimed to understand the IB’s Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) as a form of global education. Furthermore, neoliberalism was explored as a force driving the IB’s growth in Costa Rica. The study collected quantitative data from the Global Mindedness Scale (GMS) (Hett, 1993) from teachers of the IB in Costa Rica, assessing their level of global mindedness, factors that may have contributed to their score, and what differences, if any, existed between public and private school teachers. In the qualitative phase, four teachers were interviewed to explore how they perceived the IB in Costa Rica. It also critically analyzed the CAS requirement of the IB, as well as the neoliberal forces that have driven the growth of the IB in Costa Rica. The findings show that the type of school does not affect teachers’ global mindedness. Participants’ age and whether they have lived outside their country had a positive but weak relationship to teachers’ global mindedness. Teachers of STEM courses had slightly lower GMS scores. The interviews showed that teachers had positive perceptions of the IBDP and saw benefits for themselves, their students, and Costa Rica. The teachers were mostly uncritical in their responses, but the highest GMS scoring interviewee did express critical ideas. An analysis of the CAS requirement of the IB concluded that it reflects both soft and critical approaches to global citizenship education. Finally, the document analysis confirmed neoliberalism as a force behind the IB’s expansion in Costa Rica. Several recommendations were offered. First, an instrument is needed that can measure global mindedness on an international scale. Second, teacher education should incorporate issues related to global education. Third, implementation of the IBDP and other global education curricula requires ongoing support from policymakers, organizations, and schools. More research should examine the growth of the IB in other countries.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005987
- Subject Headings
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Teachers--Costa Rica, Mixed methods research
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Seafinding by the green turtle, Chelonia mydas: the orientation response is tuned to the lighting environment at the nesting beach.
- Creator
- Celano, Lisa, Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Hatchling marine turtles use visual cues to orient from their nest to the sea at night. However, the wavelengths of light that carry this information have not been properly documented, nor do we understand why they are favored. I measured wavelength irradiance at 20 nm intervals between 340 – 600 nm at a dark nesting beach and then, in the laboratory, determined the thresholds of the hatchlings for each λ that evoked a positive phototaxis. In this study, I show that green turtle hatchlings...
Show moreHatchling marine turtles use visual cues to orient from their nest to the sea at night. However, the wavelengths of light that carry this information have not been properly documented, nor do we understand why they are favored. I measured wavelength irradiance at 20 nm intervals between 340 – 600 nm at a dark nesting beach and then, in the laboratory, determined the thresholds of the hatchlings for each λ that evoked a positive phototaxis. In this study, I show that green turtle hatchlings are (i) most sensitive to the shorter (360 – 480 nm) light wavelengths. Those light energies (ii) dominated the available natural lighting at the nesting beach. They also (iii) presented a steep gradient in irradiance between a landward and seaward view, an important cue for orientation. I attribute the phototactic responses to “stimulus filtering”, the outcome of natural selection that optimizes behavioral responses (seafinding) according to their function, as well as when and where they occur.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013034
- Subject Headings
- Green turtle, Chelonia mydas, Phototaxis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Effects of the Ready for Success Classroom Guidance Program on the Social-Emotional Skills and Competence, Reading Proficiency, and Promotion Rate of Third-Grade Students.
- Creator
- Chanc, Ellen K., Villares, Elizabeth, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of the current outcome study was to determine the effects of the Ready for Success (RFS) classroom guidance program (Brigman & Webb, 2012) on the social-emotional skills and competence, reading proficiency, and promotion between third-grade students who received the RFS intervention (treatment group; n = 104), and third-grade students who did not receive the intervention (comparison group; n=91). Following training in the manualized RFS curriculum, certified school counselors in...
Show moreThe purpose of the current outcome study was to determine the effects of the Ready for Success (RFS) classroom guidance program (Brigman & Webb, 2012) on the social-emotional skills and competence, reading proficiency, and promotion between third-grade students who received the RFS intervention (treatment group; n = 104), and third-grade students who did not receive the intervention (comparison group; n=91). Following training in the manualized RFS curriculum, certified school counselors in the treatment group implemented five, weekly, 30-minute lessons followed by three monthly booster lessons. This study followed a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent group design. The study employed a teacher report measure of social-emotional skills and competence (i.e., Devereux Student Strengths Assessment) and a standardized formative assessment of reading proficiency (i.e., Reading Running Record). Furthermore, retention data was provided by the participating school district’s data source. Statistical significance between the groups was measured by a series of MANCOVA analyses and a Pearson’s chi-square analysis. A partial eta-squared ηp2 effect size was reported for each dependent variable. The data supported the RFS classroom guidance program as an effective Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) intervention for promoting student social-emotional skill development (i.e. selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making) and overall social-emotional competence (SEC). This study provided support for the use of school counselor-led SEL classroom programs to promote the social-emotional development of students in the school setting. Furthermore, the study further supports the value of school counseling interventions for students in the domain of social-emotional development. Finally, the findings of this study provided empirical support for the RFS classroom guidance program as an effective SEL intervention.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005992
- Subject Headings
- School counseling, Student success programs, Social skills, Third grade (Education)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Backtalk: Visual Language and the Representation of Black Women.
- Creator
- Charles, Cathy, Cunningham, Stephanie, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Visual Arts and Art History
- Abstract/Description
-
For years, black women have endured the mainstream stereotypes of the Mammy, the Jezebel, and the Sapphire. Backtalk is a conversation about black women using their own language translated into a graphic visual language. It examines ways in which black women are active agents in the social scripting of their own identities. Their complexity is visualized using a formal semiotic system based on their individual descriptions. This new visual language allows black women to deconstruct the...
Show moreFor years, black women have endured the mainstream stereotypes of the Mammy, the Jezebel, and the Sapphire. Backtalk is a conversation about black women using their own language translated into a graphic visual language. It examines ways in which black women are active agents in the social scripting of their own identities. Their complexity is visualized using a formal semiotic system based on their individual descriptions. This new visual language allows black women to deconstruct the limiting categorizations mainstream culture allows them, freeing participants from category-based expectations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013002
- Subject Headings
- Women, Black, Backtalk
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Investigation of Rotational Deviations on Single Fiducial Tumor Tracking with Simulated Respiratory Motion using Synchrony® Respiratory Motion Tracking for Cyberknife® Treatment.
- Creator
- Christ, Zachary A., Shang, Charles, Leventouri, Theodora, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
- Abstract/Description
-
It is hypothesized that the uncertainty of the Synchrony® model from the rotation of a geometrically asymmetrical single fiducial shall be non-zero during the motion tracking. To validate this hypothesis, the uncertainty was measured for a Synchrony® model built for a respiratory motion phantom oriented at different yaw angles on a Cyberknife® treatment table. A Mini-ball Cube with three cylindrical GoldMark™ (1mmx5mm Au) numbered fiducials was placed inside a respiratory phantom and used for...
Show moreIt is hypothesized that the uncertainty of the Synchrony® model from the rotation of a geometrically asymmetrical single fiducial shall be non-zero during the motion tracking. To validate this hypothesis, the uncertainty was measured for a Synchrony® model built for a respiratory motion phantom oriented at different yaw angles on a Cyberknife® treatment table. A Mini-ball Cube with three cylindrical GoldMark™ (1mmx5mm Au) numbered fiducials was placed inside a respiratory phantom and used for all tests. The fiducial with the least artifact interference was selected for the motion tracking. A 2cm periodic, longitudinal, linear motion of the Mini-ball cube was executed and tested for yaw rotational angles, 0° – 90°. The test was repeated over 3 nonconsecutive days. The uncertainty increased with the yaw angle with the most noticeable changes seen between20° and 60° yaw, where uncertainty increased from 23.5% to 57.9%. A similar test was performed using a spherical Gold Anchor™ fiducial. The uncertainties found when using the Gold Anchor™ were statistically lower than those found when using the GoldMark™ fiducial for all angles of rotation. For the first time, it is found that Synchrony® model uncertainty depends on fiducial geometry. In addition, this research has shown that tracking target rotation using a single fiducial can be accomplished with the Synchrony® model uncertainty as it is displayed on the treatment console. The results of this research could lead to decreased acute toxicity effects related to multiple fiducials.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013041
- Subject Headings
- Fiducial Markers, Radiosurgery--Quality control, Robotic radiosurgery
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Should Chivalry Be Dead? Benevolent Sexism and Support Provision in Close Relationships.
- Creator
- Colom Cruz, Adriana, Maniaci, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
- Abstract/Description
-
Three studies examined the effects of benevolent sexism and gender on support provision and relationship functioning across multiple contexts. Benevolent sexism refers to sexist attitudes towards women that are seemingly positive, but still stereotypical (Glick & Fiske, 1996). Study 1 examined benevolent sexism and dependency-oriented support in friendships by asking participants how they would respond to either a female or male acquaintance in hypothetical helping scenarios. Study 2 examined...
Show moreThree studies examined the effects of benevolent sexism and gender on support provision and relationship functioning across multiple contexts. Benevolent sexism refers to sexist attitudes towards women that are seemingly positive, but still stereotypical (Glick & Fiske, 1996). Study 1 examined benevolent sexism and dependency-oriented support in friendships by asking participants how they would respond to either a female or male acquaintance in hypothetical helping scenarios. Study 2 examined benevolent sexism and secure base support among individuals in heterosexual romantic relationships using an Internet-based survey. Secure base support differs from other forms of support in that it is not provided in order to help someone cope with adversity, but rather involves supporting a partner’s exploration or personal goal pursuit in non-adverse scenarios. Study 3 used behavioral observation to examine benevolent sexism and secure base support among romantic couples participating in a videotaped exploration task. Multiple regression and dyadic analyses were conducted to test for interactions between gender, benevolent sexism, and support provision. In both men and women in Study 1, benevolent sexism was associated with an increased likelihood of providing dependencyoriented help towards others, suggesting that men are not the only ones providing dependency-oriented support to women. However, men were more likely than women to provide dependency-oriented help towards women, regardless of their degree of benevolent sexism. In Studies 2 and 3, there were no significant main effects of benevolent sexism or gender on secure base support. In Study 2, women higher in benevolent sexism reported being more interfering towards their male partner’s goal pursuit, suggesting that benevolent sexism may be harmful to men as well. In Study 3, women reported lower feelings of competence during the exploration task than men. For individuals with partners high in benevolent sexism, gender moderated their feelings of competence. Women with male partners high in benevolent sexism reported lower feelings of competence, whereas men with female partners high in benevolent sexism reported higher feelings of competence. The mixed results suggest that the effects of benevolent sexism on support exchanges may be more complex than current theoretical perspectives imply.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005965
- Subject Headings
- Chivalry, Sexism, Dependency
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Prehispanic Obsidian Exploitation in the Department of Chinandega, Nicaragua.
- Creator
- Colón, Justin Bradford, Brown, Clifford T., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
- Abstract/Description
-
This thesis examines the fabrication and provenance of 2,871 obsidian artifacts collected from twelve prehispanic archaeological sites in four physiographic zones throughout the Department of Chinandega, the northwesternmost department of Nicaragua. This research represents the first systematic study of obsidian artifacts in the region and focuses on two aspects of the obsidian artifacts. First, I present a macroscopic technical analysis of artifacts collected from twelve sites in the...
Show moreThis thesis examines the fabrication and provenance of 2,871 obsidian artifacts collected from twelve prehispanic archaeological sites in four physiographic zones throughout the Department of Chinandega, the northwesternmost department of Nicaragua. This research represents the first systematic study of obsidian artifacts in the region and focuses on two aspects of the obsidian artifacts. First, I present a macroscopic technical analysis of artifacts collected from twelve sites in the Department. The second part of the thesis presents a collaborative geochemical provenance study of obsidian procurement across these sites. Results indicate that most prehispanic sites participated in multiple sets of long-distance trade networks centered on obsidian as early as the Late Preclassic, up until the Late Postclassic, exploiting trade from four obsidian sources to the north. Analyses show that populations in the Department primarily, though not exclusively, utilized a core-flake industry that was worked on-site with material from the Güinope source in Honduras. A limited number of prismatic blades and a few other formal tools sourced from two additional further sources (La Esperanza in Honduras and Ixtepeque in Guatemala) appear almost exclusively as imported finished products more recently in the archaeological sequence. Additionally, the archaeological sites situated in the eastern coastal plains of the Department contained the largest variety of source material, followed by the sites of the northern foothills, a single site in the Nicaraguan depression, and lastly a single site in the Maribios volcanic front. Although ceramic analyses from the collection are partially complete and developing, this region is best understood as a cultural mosaic connected to the Mesoamerican populations in the north.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013005
- Subject Headings
- Chinandega (Nicaragua : Department), Obsidian, Archaeology, Provenance studies
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Increasing Integrity in Sea-Level Rise Impact Assessment on Florida’s Coastal Everglades.
- Creator
- Cooper, Hannah M., Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Over drainage due to water management practices, abundance of native and rare species, and low-lying topography makes the coastal Everglades especially vulnerable to Sea-Level Rise (SLR). Water depths have shown to have a significant relationship to vegetation community composition and organization while also playing a crucial role in vegetation health throughout the Everglades. Modeling potential habitat change and loss caused by increased water depths due to SLR requires better vertical...
Show moreOver drainage due to water management practices, abundance of native and rare species, and low-lying topography makes the coastal Everglades especially vulnerable to Sea-Level Rise (SLR). Water depths have shown to have a significant relationship to vegetation community composition and organization while also playing a crucial role in vegetation health throughout the Everglades. Modeling potential habitat change and loss caused by increased water depths due to SLR requires better vertical Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Water Table Elevation Models (WTEMs). In this study, an object-based machine learning approach was developed to correct LiDAR elevation data by integrating LiDAR point data, aerial imagery, Real Time Kinematic (RTK)-Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and total station survey data. Four machine learning modeling techniques were compared with the commonly used bias-corrected technique, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The k-NN and RF models produced the best predictions for the Nine Mile and Flamingo study areas (RMSE = 0.08 m and 0.10 m, respectively). This study also examined four interpolation-based methods along with the RF, SVM and k-NN machine learning techniques for generating WTEMs. The RF models achieved the best results for the dry season (RMSE = 0.06 m) and the wet season (RMSE = 0.07 m) WTEMs. Previous research in Water Depth Model (WDM) generation in the Everglades focused on a conventional-based approach where a DEM is subtracted from a WTEM. This study extends the conventional-based WDM approach to a rigorous-based WDM technique where Monte Carlo simulation is used to propagate probability distributions through the proposed SLR depth model using uncertainties in the RF-based LiDAR DEM and WTEMs, vertical datums and transformations, regional SLR and soil accretion rates. It is concluded that a more rigorous-based WDM technique increases the integrity of derived products used to support and guide coastal restoration managers and planners concerned with habitat change under the challenge of SLR. Future research will be dedicated to the extension of this technique to model both increased water depths and saltwater intrusion due to SLR (saltwater inundation).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005991
- Subject Headings
- Everglades (Fla.), Sea level rise, Coastal ecology--Florida, Everglades (Fla)--Environmental conditions, Impact assessment
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Interpreting the Pre-Nesting Foraging Ecology of Florida’s Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).
- Creator
- Coppenrath, Christina, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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The migratory behavior of North Atlantic leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) has been documented in the Wider Caribbean, but the migratory movements of leatherbacks nesting in South Florida are relatively understudied. Our knowledge of their migrations is currently limited to ten nesting females tracked from the east coast of Florida that either moved north to the Northern Atlantic or east to the coast of Western Africa. These results bring to light the need for further investigation...
Show moreThe migratory behavior of North Atlantic leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) has been documented in the Wider Caribbean, but the migratory movements of leatherbacks nesting in South Florida are relatively understudied. Our knowledge of their migrations is currently limited to ten nesting females tracked from the east coast of Florida that either moved north to the Northern Atlantic or east to the coast of Western Africa. These results bring to light the need for further investigation and larger sample sizes to identify and determine the relative importance of the different foraging areas for the leatherbacks nesting in South Florida. Here, I analyzed stable carbon (δ13C) and stable nitrogen (δ15N) values in whole blood and skin of leatherbacks nesting in South Florida between 2014 and 2017 to estimate the putative foraging origins of these nesters prior to coming to South Florida to nest. This study provides some of the first stable isotope inferences and insights into the variable pre-nesting foraging habitat locations of Florida’s leatherback population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013014
- Subject Headings
- Leatherback turtle--Florida, Dermochelys coriacea, Foraging behavior in animals
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Female Beauty in Young Adult Literature: Male gaze in Laura Ruby’s Bone Gap and John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines.
- Creator
- Council, Nicole, Bradford, Adam C., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
- Abstract/Description
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Standards of female beauty have long been a source of debate within Western society. Determining who dictates these standards of beauty and how these standards inform individual value seemingly become more and more determined by the individuals themselves, yet there remains a high value placed on white, thin and cisgender females. This standard, although increasingly challenged remains the default for beauty in our society and within our literary culture. This thesis works to expose two...
Show moreStandards of female beauty have long been a source of debate within Western society. Determining who dictates these standards of beauty and how these standards inform individual value seemingly become more and more determined by the individuals themselves, yet there remains a high value placed on white, thin and cisgender females. This standard, although increasingly challenged remains the default for beauty in our society and within our literary culture. This thesis works to expose two modern Young Adult texts, John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines and Laura Ruby’s Bone Gap, for the ways in which they continue to reinforce these standards of beauty in women. While presenting challenges to these stereotypes, the standards set out in these texts ultimately portray women as defined and controlled by men.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005967
- Subject Headings
- Young adult literature, Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) in literature, Gaze
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Middle Grades (6-8) Reading Teachers’ Beliefs Regarding the State’s Academic Reading Standards, Curriculum Materials, and Instructional Practices.
- Creator
- Dacres, Lascelia Cadienne, Baxley, Traci P., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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Teachers’ beliefs about the reading standards as well as curriculum materials used to address the standards affect how teachers implement the standards, which further impacts student learning. In this case study, 26 middle grades (6-8) reading teachers each participated in a 90 minute one-on-one audio-taped interview consisting of 33 openended questions. Analysis was conducted on the teachers’ beliefs regarding the state’s academic reading standards, content materials the teachers used to...
Show moreTeachers’ beliefs about the reading standards as well as curriculum materials used to address the standards affect how teachers implement the standards, which further impacts student learning. In this case study, 26 middle grades (6-8) reading teachers each participated in a 90 minute one-on-one audio-taped interview consisting of 33 openended questions. Analysis was conducted on the teachers’ beliefs regarding the state’s academic reading standards, content materials the teachers used to teach reading, the teachers’ self-reported instructional practices, and how the selected teachers understand the relationship between their beliefs and instructional practices. Likewise, content analyses were performed using documents such as lesson plans, classroom assignments, and assessments that were collected from the participants. There were six major findings in this study. The first finding indicated that participants had mix feelings regarding the standards; they were viewed by some teachers as guides and building blocks while others viewed the standards as not being beneficial to have in the classroom. The second finding depicted that participants had mixed experiences of collegial planning; some shared that collegial planning assisted their efforts with understanding the standards while others indicated that collegial planning could be improved. The third finding portrayed that the curriculum materials used to teach reading were both district-given and supplemental. Due to a lack of rigor with the district-given resource, some participants opted to use supplemental resources that better aligned to the expectation of the standards. The fourth finding addressed both teacher and student challenges faced by the participants. Teacher challenges included the fast pace and implementation of the standards while student challenges included lack of motivation and student misbehavior. The fifth finding highlighted how participants viewed the relationship between their beliefs and instructional practices. Participants discussed the impact, or lack thereof, of the implementation of the shifts in the standards. The sixth and final major finding of this study emphasized that professional development was needed to teach the reading standards. As a result of these findings, implications include providing teachers with professional development opportunities that target practical ways on how to implement the shifts of the standards in day-to-day instruction and instructional strategies to enhance student motivation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005964
- Subject Headings
- Reading teachers, Education and state--Florida, Reading--Standards, Middle school education--United States--Standards
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Evaluating Entheseal Changes from a Commingled and Fragmentary Population: Republic Groves.
- Creator
- Dewey, Jennifer K., Ellis, Meredith, Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
- Abstract/Description
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The most direct way available to modern day researchers to reconstruct individual and population level behavior is to analyze markers of activity from skeletal remains (Ruff et al., 2004). An analysis of the population at the Republic Groves site (8HR4) was conducted, using the entheseal change score system, the Coimbra method, developed by Henderson et al. (2015). This study examined the implication of analyzing a commingled and fragmentary population with this methodology. Reconstructing...
Show moreThe most direct way available to modern day researchers to reconstruct individual and population level behavior is to analyze markers of activity from skeletal remains (Ruff et al., 2004). An analysis of the population at the Republic Groves site (8HR4) was conducted, using the entheseal change score system, the Coimbra method, developed by Henderson et al. (2015). This study examined the implication of analyzing a commingled and fragmentary population with this methodology. Reconstructing specific behavior cannot be done with this type of approach; however, entheseal changes can be compared to specific patterns of behavior for consistency. An atlatl was found with the human remains and thus provided a suggestion of behavior for comparison. Entheses were chosen in line with a throwing motion of the atlatl and focused exclusively on the humerus, radius, and ulna. The application of the Coimbra methodology to the Republic Groves population was successful, at least in part. Overall, there was low variability of results, mostly 0, some 1, and with very few high 2 scores. The entheseal changes from Republic Groves were consistent with the throwing of an atlatl; however, this does not mean that this is the only behavior that could have generated that kind of change.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005974
- Subject Headings
- Bioarchaeological interpretations of the human past, Enthesis, Archaeology--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
