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Assessing The Genetic Status And Factors Leading To The Decline Of The Roanoke Bass (Ambloplites Cavifrons), Jackman C. Eschenroeder Jan 2017

Assessing The Genetic Status And Factors Leading To The Decline Of The Roanoke Bass (Ambloplites Cavifrons), Jackman C. Eschenroeder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although numerous factors have led to the staggering declines in freshwater biodiversity throughout the United States and the world, habitat alteration and introduced species pose some of the greatest challenges to conservation efforts. Learning more about how these two factors lead to the decline of an endemic organism could help prevent the future loss of unique species and the premature conclusion of evolutionary trajectories. Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) is a sport fish endemic to portions of the Roanoke, Chowan, Tar, and Neuse river basins of North Carolina and Virginia. This species has been in decline for many years, …


Dynamics Of Gene Networks In Cancer Research, Paul Scott Jan 2017

Dynamics Of Gene Networks In Cancer Research, Paul Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer prevention treatments are being researched to see if an optimized treatment schedule would decrease the likelihood of a person being diagnosed with cancer. To do this we are looking at genes involved in the cell cycle and how they interact with one another. Through each gene expression during the life of a normal cell we get an understanding of the gene interactions and test these against those of a cancerous cell. First we construct a simplified network model of the normal gene network. Once we have this model we translate it into a transition matrix and force changes on …


Effects Of Fertilizer And Shade Management On Nitrogen Mineralization, Nitrifying Microbial Abundance And Nitrogen-Fixing Capacity Of Erythrina Poeppigiana In Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Agroforestry Systems In Costa Rica, Stuart E. Barker Iii Jan 2017

Effects Of Fertilizer And Shade Management On Nitrogen Mineralization, Nitrifying Microbial Abundance And Nitrogen-Fixing Capacity Of Erythrina Poeppigiana In Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Agroforestry Systems In Costa Rica, Stuart E. Barker Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Worldwide chemical fertilizer use has increased by four times during the last 50 years. Conventional agricultural systems have a high nitrifying nature, resulting in a loss of nearly 70% of overall nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs, an estimated economic loss of $81 billion. Over application of fertilizer is rampant in tropical developing nations in Central America, where coffee is major crop. Agroforestry offers ecologically sustainable land management strategies that promote the provision of ecosystem services such as, protection of biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and water and soil regulation. When legume trees are incorporated as the shade tree in coffee production, direct …


Connecting The Dots: A Food Web Of The Lower Ogeechee River, Allison K. Lutz Jan 2017

Connecting The Dots: A Food Web Of The Lower Ogeechee River, Allison K. Lutz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Ogeechee is a fifth order river that originates in the Georgia Piedmont region and flows through the Coastal Plain region in the Southeastern portion of the state. The Ogeechee is one of the last unregulated rivers in Georgia; allowing for studies to occur under a natural flow regime. To my knowledge, studies that incorporate fish into ecological networks (e.g., food webs) are yet to be developed for the Ogeechee River, thus, one of the main objectives of this research was to address this knowledge gap. Five fish species were collected from June 2016 to October 2016 in order to …


The Effects Of Beetroot Juice On Vo2max And Blood Pressure During Submaximal Exercise, Jose M. Perez Jan 2017

The Effects Of Beetroot Juice On Vo2max And Blood Pressure During Submaximal Exercise, Jose M. Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Supplementation with beetroot juice (BR) has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) at rest and improve several performance parameters during submaximal and maximal exercise. BR effects on BP during submaximal exercise have not been investigated. Furthermore, the effects of BR on VO2max are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BR on VO2max and BP during submaximal exercise. 20 healthy, recreationally trained volunteers (age 21.8±2.35 years, weight 75.10±10.62 kg, height 177.4±6.39 cm) participated in this study, which had a double-blind placebo controlled randomized crossover design. Participants began supplementation with either …


Evolutionary Linkage Of Mimetic And Non-Mimetic Color Traits In A Coral Snake Mimicry Complex, John D. Curlis Jr Jan 2017

Evolutionary Linkage Of Mimetic And Non-Mimetic Color Traits In A Coral Snake Mimicry Complex, John D. Curlis Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Color polymorphism in aposematic mimicry systems is a perplexing phenomenon for evolutionary biologists, as theoretically the benefits of converging on a model phenotype should constrain the evolution of phenotypic diversity in these systems (i.e., color polymorphism should not occur). Nevertheless, color polymorphism in mimicry systems is prevalent throughout many taxa. In some of these systems, the evolution of color polymorphism results in the existence of non-mimetic morphs, such as those that are cryptic. The case of ground snakes (Sonora semiannulata) is unique in that color polymorphism encompasses both mimetic and cryptic morphs, as well as individual mimetic and …


Quantification And Characterization Of Net Precipitation Bacterial Flux From A Subtropical Epiphyte-Laden Oak Forest, Preston Pound Jan 2017

Quantification And Characterization Of Net Precipitation Bacterial Flux From A Subtropical Epiphyte-Laden Oak Forest, Preston Pound

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Transport pathways of microbes between ecosystem spheres (atmosphere, phyllosphere, and pedosphere) represent major fluxes in nutrient cycles and have the potential to significantly affect microbially-mediated biogeochemical processes. We quantified a previously unexamined microbial flux from the phyllosphere to the pedosphere during rainfall via throughfall (rainfall dripping from the canopy and through gaps) and stemflow (rainwater funneled down the stem). Bacterial concentrations were quantified using flow cytometry and validated with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) assays for samples from a Quercus virginiana (oak)- forest with heavy epiphyte cover (Tillandsia usneoides, Spanish moss) in coastal Georgia (Southeastern USA). Bacteria concentrations …


Heart Rate Recovery And Blood Pressure Recovery Influenced By A Slow-Breathing Protocol After Exercise In Moderately Trained Females, Emily Layne Zumbro Jan 2017

Heart Rate Recovery And Blood Pressure Recovery Influenced By A Slow-Breathing Protocol After Exercise In Moderately Trained Females, Emily Layne Zumbro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) increases in order to meet metabolic demands as a result of exercise primarily through way of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This study aimed to build on previous research in finding the best method to rapidly decrease HR and BP after exercise during the recovery period. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a breathing technique on HRR and BPR within a healthy female population during an exercise recovery period compared to active recovery and upright passive recovery. METHODS: Nine moderately trained female …


Role Ambiguity Of Head Volleyball Coaches And Strength And Conditioning Coaches In Division I Athletics, Meredith Paskert Jan 2017

Role Ambiguity Of Head Volleyball Coaches And Strength And Conditioning Coaches In Division I Athletics, Meredith Paskert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Role ambiguity is common in interdependent organizations and can negatively affect employee performance and organizational effectiveness. NCAA Division I athletic departments are examples of interdependent organizations containing the collaboration of many specialized staff members. Therefore, collegiate athletic departments could be susceptible to the existence of role ambiguity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of role ambiguity between head volleyball coaches and strength and conditioning coaches within a collegiate athletic department. Questionnaires were sent to head women’s volleyball coaches and their respective strength and conditioning coaches (who are in charge of creating and implementing strength and conditioning …


The Effect Of Repetitive Head Impacts On Postural Control Over The Course Of A Single Season, Katelyn E. Grimes Jan 2017

The Effect Of Repetitive Head Impacts On Postural Control Over The Course Of A Single Season, Katelyn E. Grimes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Recently neurocognitive dysfunction has been linked to poor postural control in concussed athletes. While the detrimental effect of repetitive head impacts on cognitive function have been shown to mirror the effects of concussive injury, very little research has investigated the physical consequences of repetitive head impacts. PURPOSE: To observe the effects of RHI on postural control, both static and dynamic, in NCAA Division I athletes over the course of a single season. METHODS: 9 NCAA Division I football athletes (CON) were recruited from a single university as the experimental group, as well as 9 NCAA Division I baseball players …


The Reliability Of The Navicular Drop Test And Its Transferability To Dynamic Movement, Joshua Krispin Jan 2017

The Reliability Of The Navicular Drop Test And Its Transferability To Dynamic Movement, Joshua Krispin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Navicular drop can be defined as the distance the navicular tuberosity moves from a standing weight bearing to a standing neutral position, as the subtalar joint moves from a relaxed position to a neutral position. Navicular drop is an important measurement for clinicians used to describe foot function, pronation, and excessive movement seen in several pathologies. Objective: The purpose of this study is to see if navicular drop is influenced by mode or speed of locomotion, if it is will there be other influences such as the forefoot and heel soft tissue, and will those factors influence those measures. …


Development Of A Molecular Assay For Caribbean Coral Identification, Elijah D. O'Cain Jan 2017

Development Of A Molecular Assay For Caribbean Coral Identification, Elijah D. O'Cain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As coral cover has declined throughout the Caribbean, interest in the role that recruitment processes play in reef recovery has increased. Studies investigating these processes have been hampered by the inability to identify many species of coral larvae or recently settled recruits using morphology. In this study, the utility of targeting the non-coding internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions with a multiplex PCR assay to identify common Caribbean coral species was explored. To design this assay, a database of ITS sequences was developed for 17 Caribbean scleractinian coral species that are important reef builders and/or common in the Florida Keys. It …


The Effect Of A Pettlep Imagery Intervention-Based Pre-Performance Routine On Golfer's Short-Game Performance, Logan Baughman Jan 2017

The Effect Of A Pettlep Imagery Intervention-Based Pre-Performance Routine On Golfer's Short-Game Performance, Logan Baughman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies have suggested that imagery has a positive effect on performance in a variety of sports. The PETTLEP model (Holmes and Collins, 2001) includes the seven minimum elements sport psychologists incorporate into their imagery scripts. The PETTLEP model is the most comprehensive imagery model, thus providing the most functional equivalence. Golf is the interest of this study, with research stating that imagery has an overall positive impact on golf performance (Nicholls & Polman, 2005). However, studies involving the PETTLEP model have not been investigated thoroughly. There are several shots that have not been studied with the PETTLEP model, therefore this …


The Role Of Habitat Management In Shaping Predation, Animal Color, And Gene Flow In A Metapopulation Of Florida Scrub Lizards (Sceloporus Woodi), Richard William Orton Jan 2017

The Role Of Habitat Management In Shaping Predation, Animal Color, And Gene Flow In A Metapopulation Of Florida Scrub Lizards (Sceloporus Woodi), Richard William Orton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic disturbance is known to affect biological diversity at the community, species, and genetic levels. Habitat fragmentation, in particular, has been shown to impact predator abundance and distribution, impede dispersal, and augment genetic drift. In small populations, which often result from habitat fragmentation, the effects of human disturbance may be disproportionately expressed. Small populations are more susceptible to selection pressures and random drift because genetic and phenotypic frequencies can become rapidly fixed, in comparison to larger populations. In turn, fixation of maladaptive alleles or morphs can accelerate extinction. For example, cryptic color polymorphism can be maintained by apostatic selection, where …


The Effect Of Patellofemoral Pain On Joint Motion And Variability During A Prolonged Run, Klarie Ake Jan 2017

The Effect Of Patellofemoral Pain On Joint Motion And Variability During A Prolonged Run, Klarie Ake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse injury where the cause of the pain is largely unknown. Previous research has not compared the variability of joint coordination and kinematics in the same study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of PFP and exertion on the variability of lower extremity kinematics, and joint coordination. METHODS: The participants included 6 female runners with PFP (R-PFP) (21.0 ± 0.55 years; 66.1 ± 7.9 kg; 1.62 ± 0.09 m), and a control group of 6 healthy female runners (CON) (21.2 ± 1.17 years; 61.5 ± 6.9 kg; 1.67 …


Silver Nanoparticle Fate And Accumulation In The Aquatic Food Web Of Stream Microcosms, Stefan J. Petersen Jan 2017

Silver Nanoparticle Fate And Accumulation In The Aquatic Food Web Of Stream Microcosms, Stefan J. Petersen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in 25% of all nano-enabled products and applied for anti-microbial properties. Silver nanoparticles are discharged into aquatic environments through wastewater discharge, runoff, and chemical spills. Once in aquatic environments silver nanoparticles have the potential to harm aquatic organisms. While the fate of silver nanoparticles in lentic systems has been investigated, limited information is available for the fate of silver nanoparticles in flowing environments. The purpose of this study was to compare the fate of AgNPs following a one-time pulsed application simulating a chemical spill, or small repetitive applications simulating effluent discharge, in artificial stream communities …


Cultivating Ecological Literacy And Rethinking Our Connections To Nature, Sean Fretwell Jan 2017

Cultivating Ecological Literacy And Rethinking Our Connections To Nature, Sean Fretwell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation I explore the complex, often contested, relationships between humankind and nature. I consider the changing state of these relationships as they are influenced by factors rooted in science, technology, and economics. I also examine these relationships as they relate to human activities with agriculture. Considering the present state of environmental crisis and the abundance of evidence indicating the deleterious activities of humankind as primary causes for the many global calamities, I argue for revising industrially-driven ideologies; particularly those driven by the economic paradigm of capitalism and self-interest. Additionally, I submit that a return to kinship with nature …


A Population Genetic Investigation Of The Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma Bishopi) On Eglin Air Force Base, Alexander S. Wendt Jan 2017

A Population Genetic Investigation Of The Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma Bishopi) On Eglin Air Force Base, Alexander S. Wendt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The reticulated flatwoods salamander (RFS) is an endangered salamander with a unique life history. One of the largest known, best studied refuges for RFS is found on Eglin Air Force Base, and these RFS have been sampled and managed extensively since 2010. My thesis seeks to better understand RFS by using genetic techniques to address several unknowns, including: 1) determining the population structuring of RFS and the manageable units for species conservation, 2) estimating the size and status of populations, 3) understanding dispersal of RFS and factors that influence this, 4) exploring the breeding biology and recruitment patterns of RFS …


Factors Affecting Growth Rates And Preferred Body Temperatures In Hatchling Gopher Tortoises, Gopherus Polyphemus: Clutch And Sex, Matthew Carey Jan 2017

Factors Affecting Growth Rates And Preferred Body Temperatures In Hatchling Gopher Tortoises, Gopherus Polyphemus: Clutch And Sex, Matthew Carey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post hatching growth rates in tortoises can affect size at sexual maturity This study looks at what affect clutch and sex has on hatchling tortoises from these two sites as this data is lacking/insufficient from two populations in Southeast Georgia. Eggs were allowed to incubate in natural nests and then were collected between August 19-21, 2015 and hatched in an incubator in the lab. When they hatched, the tortoises were kept in a single room with a rearing temperature that averaged 26.9° C. Sex was determined using laparoscopy at the end of the study to ensure gonad development and to …