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Articles 1 - 30 of 59
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Rebecca Fillyaw Ms Thesis Data For Publication In The Journal Sustainability, Rebecca Fillyaw, Melinda Donnelly, Linda Walters
Rebecca Fillyaw Ms Thesis Data For Publication In The Journal Sustainability, Rebecca Fillyaw, Melinda Donnelly, Linda Walters
CEELAB Research Data
By combatting erosion and increasing habitat, mangrove living shorelines are an effective alternative to hard-armoring in tropical and subtropical areas. An experimental red mangrove living shoreline was deployed within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, using a factorial design to test the impact of mangrove age, breakwater presence, and mangrove placement on mangrove survival within the first year of deployment. Mixed mangrove age treatments were included to identify if seedling (11-month-old) survival could be enhanced by the presence of transitional (23-month-old) and adult (35 to 47-month-old) mangroves. Environmental factors were monitored to detect possible causes of mangrove mortalities. Approximately half (50.6%) of mangroves …
The Behaviors Of A Captive Father-Daughter Pair Of Ateles Geoffroyi Geoffroyi, Felicia Gordian
The Behaviors Of A Captive Father-Daughter Pair Of Ateles Geoffroyi Geoffroyi, Felicia Gordian
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens intends to introduce new members to the black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi geoffroyi) enclosure. The behavioral analysis of captive animals within their human-made zoo environments is pertinent information for zookeepers before such an introduction can be made. To contribute to that goal, this study observed the behaviors of a father-daughter pair of black-handed spider monkeys. This study observed their vocalizations, habitat utilization, enrichment utilization, conspecific interactions, and interactions with humans to better understand how they interact with their environment as well as their group dynamics. This behavioral baseline can then be utilized to …
From Bloom To Bust: Harmful Algae Blooms And Their Impacts On The Waterfront Economy, Sergio Alvarez
From Bloom To Bust: Harmful Algae Blooms And Their Impacts On The Waterfront Economy, Sergio Alvarez
Rosen Research Review
The true costs of harmful algae blooms (HABs) and the mechanics that determine their socio-economic impacts are for the most part unknown. Florida’s 2017–2019 red tide (Karenia brevis) bloom is a historical case study of the ever-growing threats to coastal welfare posed by HABs. A new research project at Rosen College of Hospitality Management has this at its heart. The central objective of the project is the identification of direct, indirect, and induced socioeconomic impacts caused by the 2017–2019 K. brevis bloom in Florida.
Valuing The Negative Impacts Of Harmful Algae Blooms, Sergio Alvarez
Valuing The Negative Impacts Of Harmful Algae Blooms, Sergio Alvarez
Rosen Research Review
Ecological disturbances can impact several ecosystem services, including cultural services such as outdoor recreation opportunities. In Florida, one ecological disturbance that is negatively impacting recreation is the occurrence of harmful algae blooms. In recent work, Dr. Sergio Alvarez at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management has assessed the impact that harmful algae blooms have on human wellbeing by using random utility models to estimate changes in the value of recreation in coastal ecosystems resulting from these blooms. The results indicate that harmful algae blooms, which reduced boating access between June and September 2018, may have resulted in losses of up …
Self-Injurious Behavior In A Captive, Malimprinted Coragyps Atratus, Brittany Swartout
Self-Injurious Behavior In A Captive, Malimprinted Coragyps Atratus, Brittany Swartout
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
Lurch is a Coragyps atratus who was raised in captivity and imprinted on humans. He was an education animal at the Silver Springs Zoo until its closure. Lurch was moved to the Central Florida Zoo and has been feather picking and self-mutilating since then. Self-injury is not well documented in raptors and few treatments have been explored. It is often caused by stress of some sort and is not seen in the wild. These observations were conducted in order to observe the environmental factors that influenced these behaviors in Lurch. In an attempt to curb his feather picking, Lurch was …
A Behavioral Study Of Chacoan Peccaries (Catagonis Wagneri) In A Zoo Environment, Desdemona Kurowski
A Behavioral Study Of Chacoan Peccaries (Catagonis Wagneri) In A Zoo Environment, Desdemona Kurowski
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
Found in the highly specialized area of the Gran Chaco, the Chacoan peccary (Catagonis wagneri) is an endangered animal threatened by industrial agriculture. In an attempt to save this species, three C. wagneri were brought to Central Florida Zoo where their health is monitored with great care in an attempt to possibly breed them in the future. While taking care of the other hooved animals, zookeepers are not able to give the peccaries their uninterrupted attention and have turned to help from the University of Central Florida to closely track if their behavior is indicative of a healthy, properly enriched …
Topological Changes In The Functional Brain Networks Induced By Isometric Force Exertions Using A Graph Theoretical Approach: An Eeg-Based Neuroergonomics Study, Lina Ismail
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
Neuroergonomics, the application of neuroscience to human factors and ergonomics, is an emerging science focusing on the human brain concerning performance at work and in everyday settings. The advent of portable neurophysiological methods, including electroencephalography (EEG), has enabled measurements of real-time brain activity during physical tasks without restricting body movements. However, the EEG signatures of different physical exertion activity levels that involve the musculoskeletal system in everyday settings remain poorly understood. Furthermore, the assessment of functional connectivity among different brain regions during different force exertion levels remains unclear. One approach to investigating the brain connectome is to model the underlying …
Microplastics, Oysters, And The Indian River Lagoon – Final Report To Irl Nep, March 2021, Linda Walters, Casey Craig
Microplastics, Oysters, And The Indian River Lagoon – Final Report To Irl Nep, March 2021, Linda Walters, Casey Craig
CEELAB Research Data
UCF and partners initiated microplastics (MP) sampling in the Indian River Lagoon in March 2019, with monthly sampling of water samples at 35 locations, and quarterly sampling of oysters through February 2020. Additionally, the ability of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica to excrete microplastics was examined. Forty-four percent of water samples contained MP and there was an overall mean (± S.E.) of 1.47 (± 0.05) MP per liter of lagoon water (range: 0 – 25 MP). Fibers were the dominant MP type of MP (95.6%) and no nurdles or microbeads were collected. The dominant color of MP in water was …
Vertebrate Impact On A Newly Deployed Shoreline Stabilization Project By Wildlife Camera Analysis, Julia Rifenberg, Jason Litwak, Rebecca Fillyaw
Vertebrate Impact On A Newly Deployed Shoreline Stabilization Project By Wildlife Camera Analysis, Julia Rifenberg, Jason Litwak, Rebecca Fillyaw
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
Living shoreline stabilization is a technique that utilizes plants and other natural elements to protect estuarine coasts. Research has provided minimal information about which vertebrate species utilize living shorelines post-deployment. For this project, ten wildlife cameras were placed along a living shoreline site in Canaveral National Seashore (CANA) to document which vertebrate species utilize the living shoreline and surrounding vegetation. This shoreline was stabilized with red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) and eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) shell bags in June 2019. The cameras, activated by motion sensors, remained at the site for five days a month for seven …
Success Of Glover’S Reef Marine Reserve On Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) Populations In Belize, Gianna Fanelli, Ciera Jarrett, Sara Joralemon
Success Of Glover’S Reef Marine Reserve On Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) Populations In Belize, Gianna Fanelli, Ciera Jarrett, Sara Joralemon
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
The queen conch (Strombus gigas) provides important economic, ecological, and societal benefits to local communities throughout the Caribbean. The species, however, has fallen victim to commercial exploitation and overfishing in many areas. In Belize, even with restricted harvesting seasons, size restrictions, and regulations set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), harvesting practices have significantly depleted populations. Marine reserves, including the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, were established to protect biodiversity and maintain populations of Belize’s natural coral reefs. Utilizing size, frequency, and evidence of harvesting (shell notches), the 2018 Tropical Marine Biology (BSC 3355) course …
Effects Of Varying Heat Indexes On Habitat Utilization And Behavior On Captive Red-Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia Rubra), Jeffrey Gammon
Effects Of Varying Heat Indexes On Habitat Utilization And Behavior On Captive Red-Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia Rubra), Jeffrey Gammon
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
The two captive red-ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra) at the Central Florida Zoo experienced a more temperate climate and utilized a differing habitat than they would in their native range, Madagascar. Proper management of the species in captivity is crucial for its long-term survival as they are critically endangered. Over a four month period, heat index temperature, lemur behavior, and habitat utilization data were collected via an instantaneous scan sample. Variables were analyzed to characterize how variations in heat index alter habitat utilization and behavior of the captive lemurs. As the heat index increased, habitat use became more restricted …
Behavioral Analysis Of The Cryptoprocta Ferox In An Ex-Situ Condition, Emilie Alfonso
Behavioral Analysis Of The Cryptoprocta Ferox In An Ex-Situ Condition, Emilie Alfonso
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
Fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox) are the top, endemic predators of Madagascar. Their populations are dwindling and are reported as “Vulnerable” by IUCN. In an effort to combat this, zoological facilities have placed the species on a captive breeding program. This study focuses on concerns one of those zoos had about their captive C. ferox. The purpose of this study was to collect activity budgets on the C. ferox to determine if there is a change in behavior due to construction occurring around the C. ferox’s habitat, analyze behavior changes during estrus, determine any behavior changes, as well …
Observational Study Of Two Ex Situ North American River Otters (Lontra Canadensis), Julia Rifenberg
Observational Study Of Two Ex Situ North American River Otters (Lontra Canadensis), Julia Rifenberg
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal
Zoos enable the ability to study how captive conditions impact the behaviors of animals. In this study, I observed two North American river otters housed at the Central Florida Zoo to evaluate behavioral changes after the male had been removed from the female for a month-long medical examination. The aim of this study was to 1) determine if mating behaviors were still occurring between the two river otters following the male’s removal and 2) to assess the welfare of the male and female river otters in captivity by observing their interactions and individual behaviors. Observed behaviors were compared to documented …
Strategies For Successful Mangrove Living Shoreline Stabilizations In Shallow Water Subtropical Estuaries, Rebecca Fillyaw
Strategies For Successful Mangrove Living Shoreline Stabilizations In Shallow Water Subtropical Estuaries, Rebecca Fillyaw
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
Mangrove living shorelines are an effective alternative to hard-armoring, which combat erosion while also increasing habitat. To improve the success of future mangrove deployments, an experimental Rhizophora mangle living shoreline was deployed within Mosquito Lagoon, FL. A factorial design was used to test the impact of mangrove age, breakwater presence, and mangrove placement on mangrove survival and growth. Environmental factors were monitored to isolate the reason for mangrove mortalities. Mangrove age was represented by 3 developmental stages: "seedlings" at 11-months-old, "transitionals" at 23-months-old, and "adults" between 35 and 47-months-old. Mixed mangrove age groups were included to identify if seedling survival …
Regulation Of Actin Assembly, Mechanics, And Structure By Intracellular Environmental Factors, Nicholas Castaneda
Regulation Of Actin Assembly, Mechanics, And Structure By Intracellular Environmental Factors, Nicholas Castaneda
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
The assembly, mechanics, and structure of actin cytoskeleton are critical for eukaryotic cellular processes such as structural support, cellular motility, and intracellular transport. Actin assembly occurs in crowded intracellular environments containing many ions and macromolecules. While the individual roles of cation and crowding on actin assembly and mechanics are well established, how the combined cation and crowding effects modulate the formation, mechanics and structural transitioning of actin filaments and bundles are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the impacts of various cation and crowded environments on the bending stiffness, length, organization, secondary structure, and kinetics of actin filaments and bundles. …
Evaluating Carbon Uptake And Storage Potential Of Three Pine Species Across Environmental Gradients In Florida, Alicia Formanack
Evaluating Carbon Uptake And Storage Potential Of Three Pine Species Across Environmental Gradients In Florida, Alicia Formanack
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
Natural climate solutions, such as reforestation, are increasingly called for to lower atmospheric CO2 concentrations and prevent further warming of the climate. Predictive modeling of forest stand dynamics provides a quantitative framework that can be used to select the tree species with the highest carbon (C) uptake potential for restoration efforts based upon site-specific and species-specific data. To simulate stand dynamics and compare C uptake and storage potential of three pine species across Florida, I developed individual-based models that combined environmentally-sensitive tree growth models with background mortality taken from the literature. Growth model parameters were estimated using space for time …
High Risk Environmental Conditions Attenuate Distance, Speed, And Performance Efficiency Index In Ncaa D1 Female Soccer Players, Maxine Furtado Mesa
High Risk Environmental Conditions Attenuate Distance, Speed, And Performance Efficiency Index In Ncaa D1 Female Soccer Players, Maxine Furtado Mesa
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of environmental conditions on running performance and performance efficiency index (Effindex). METHODS: Performance data recorded using Polar Pro sensors from eight collegiate female soccer players in nine matches were analyzed during the 2019 competitive season. Effindex and running performance, including total distance covered relative to minutes played (TDREL) and distance covered in five-speed thresholds, were examined for indications of fatigue with rising environmental conditions, including ambient temperature and relative humidity. Matches were separated into three groups based on environmental condition risk: low (Low-Risk; n= 2 matches), moderate (Moderate-Risk; n=3 matches), or high (High-Risk; n=4 matches). …
Characterization And Reliability Of The Work-Time Relationship During Arm-Cranking, Tristan Starling-Smith
Characterization And Reliability Of The Work-Time Relationship During Arm-Cranking, Tristan Starling-Smith
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
INTRODUCTION: The critical power (CP) exercise test provides 2 measures, CP and anaerobic working capacity (AWC). CP represents a fatigue threshold that separates the heavy and severe exercise domains, while AWC represents the finite amount of work that can be done above CP. A relatively new protocol for estimating CP has emerged and is described as the 3-minute all-out test (3MT). While this lower body 3MT test has been examined for validity and reliability, very little has been done for the upper body. PURPOSE: Examine the reliability of EP and WEP from the 3MT during upper-body ergometry. This study also …
Utility Of Novel Rotational Load-Velocity Profiling Methods In Collegiate Softball Players, Chad Herring
Utility Of Novel Rotational Load-Velocity Profiling Methods In Collegiate Softball Players, Chad Herring
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
The purposes of this study were to determine the reliability of the bat swing (BS) and rotational medicine ball throw (RMBT) load-velocity profiling (LVP) methods and the relationships between LVP variables and batting performance in NCAA Division I softball players. Current NCAA Division I softball athletes participated in this study. Bat velocity was tracked with a swing sensor during the BS method. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) tracked forearm velocity during the BS and RMBT methods. Two-way intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used for relative reliability and coefficient of variation (CV) was used for absolute reliability. For the BS method …
Evaluating The Nutritional Adequacy Of Peruvian-American Children, Delainey Dietz
Evaluating The Nutritional Adequacy Of Peruvian-American Children, Delainey Dietz
Honors Undergraduate Theses
As people move and integrate cultures, nutritional trends may change from those of their native country to those of their new country. With today's increasing global immigration, studies have only scratched the surface of the impact of acculturation on children's health and nutrition. Specifically, the Peruvian-American diet is one that has garnered minimal research. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the common foods and drinks that Peruvian-American children consume, assess the children's physical health, and discuss the possible causative factors of any diet trends. The population sampled is children under 18 years living in the United States whose …
The Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review, Delaney K. Cole
The Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review, Delaney K. Cole
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that aerobic exercise activities can have on various stereotypical behaviors found in children on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, developmental disability that can impact how an individual communicates, behaves, as well as moves. Physical activity has long been implemented in the treatment plans of children with diagnoses along the autism spectrum; However, specific data relating to the impact of aerobic activity is quite scattered. Aerobic activities require the body to be able to take oxygen from the air around it and circulate it through the …
The Psychological Benefits Of A Remote Physical Activity Intervention In Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Madisyn T. Pelchat
The Psychological Benefits Of A Remote Physical Activity Intervention In Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Madisyn T. Pelchat
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Previous studies found that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to demonstrate poor health behaviors, including unhealthy nutrition habits and low physical activity (PA) levels. Growing research suggests the PA can improve ASD-related symptoms and attenuate the mental and physical adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the stay-at-home order was put in place because of COVID-19, which negatively affected health behaviors in many individuals with ASD, including an increase in sedentary behavior and screen time and less PA participation. Prior research also has found that young adults with ASD are at a higher risk for obesity than their …
Developing A Self-Sanitizing Mask To Combat The Spread Of Infectious Disease, Matthew Crawford
Developing A Self-Sanitizing Mask To Combat The Spread Of Infectious Disease, Matthew Crawford
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Masks have become an important part of everyday life, protecting both the wearer and individuals nearby from the spread of infectious diseases, most notably severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, these masks are easily contaminated, whether through continued use or by the wearer touching the mask fabric with contaminated hands, therefore reducing the efficacy and exposing the user to these contagions. When the mask becomes contaminated, it can be discarded, which produces large amounts of waste that will end up in a landfill, or it can be washed, which is …
The Role Of Ms-818 In Altering Age-Related Characteristics Of An In Vitro Model Of Senescence In Neural Stem Cells, Sandeep Sreerama
The Role Of Ms-818 In Altering Age-Related Characteristics Of An In Vitro Model Of Senescence In Neural Stem Cells, Sandeep Sreerama
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Aging of the brain is the leading risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancers and has deleterious effects on brain functions. It follows that attempts to reverse the aging process may be therapeutically valuable. Neural stem cells (NSC) have been shown to play a critical role in maintaining brain functions, and their number is severely decreased with age. The development of senescence-like characteristics and declining functions in NSCs have been proposed to be responsible for brain aging and tumorigenesis. MS-818 is a pyrrolopyrimidine that has been shown to increase the NSC population and reverse the decline of behavioral function …
Phototransduction Components In The Visual System Of Hard-Bodied Ticks, Arimar J. López Limas
Phototransduction Components In The Visual System Of Hard-Bodied Ticks, Arimar J. López Limas
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Ticks are terrestrial invertebrate parasites that attach to their hosts to feed on their blood. Ticks are composed of three families: Ixodidae, Argasidae, and Nuttalliellidae. Ixodid ticks include members of the genera Amblyomma, Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Dermacentor, and Rhipicephalus. Ticks can transmit diseases to animals and humans, making them an important organism to study. Current tick-bite mitigation strategies include acaricides (harmful if misused), and CO2 traps (effective in decreasing tick abundance, but costly to use). Since the visual system of ticks has not been studied extensively, I expect that by studying their visual system, alternative tick-bite mitigation …
The Implications Of Case-Based Learning (Cbl) On Biochemistry Education: An Integrative Literature Review, Ryan C. Ripert
The Implications Of Case-Based Learning (Cbl) On Biochemistry Education: An Integrative Literature Review, Ryan C. Ripert
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The COVID-19 has significantly impacted the world as we know it, especially in higher education institutions. In response to COVID-19, most colleges and universities were forced to close their doors to students and switch to online learning over Zoom. Although most students are adjusted well to this new mode of education, other students, such as individuals pursuing degrees in the sciences, have difficulty adapting to the online mode of instruction. Case-based learning (CBL) is considered one of the best strategies in teaching a course like Biochemistry in a large classroom setting. Implementing CBL in biochemistry education may increase student engagement …
Paternal Ages And Genetic Diseases And Congenital Anomalies, Neda Hamood
Paternal Ages And Genetic Diseases And Congenital Anomalies, Neda Hamood
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the link between advanced paternal ages (APA) (i.e., APA ≥ 35 years and APA ≥ 50 years) and genetic diseases and congenital anomalies. Currently, the relationship between both advanced paternal ages and genetic diseases and congenital anomalies remains unclear. However, there is room for improvement to systematically investigate the relationship between specific congenital anomalies in newborns and advanced paternal ages. More recently, the link between advanced paternal age (as opposed to existing studies analyzing advanced maternal age alone) and genetic diseases has been recognized by researchers, epidemiologists, and various health experts. Thus, …
Characterization Of A Label-Free Fluorescent Assay For Point Mutation Discrimination Based On Split Aptamer Probes, Shannon A. Beaton
Characterization Of A Label-Free Fluorescent Assay For Point Mutation Discrimination Based On Split Aptamer Probes, Shannon A. Beaton
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Due to the misuse of antibiotics, multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria have become more rampant in our society; these MDR have given rise to diseases that are not readily curable. One such agent is the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which is a causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). Timely diagnostics of the bacterial infection and detection of bacterial drug-susceptibility profiles helps to initiate the necessary treatment in a timely fashion and to limit transmission of the disease. For more affordable detection of bacterial diseases, such as TN, tag-free split aptamer probes are advantageous. This proposal aims at designing split aptamer probes for detection …
Invasive Bullfrogs Maintain High Levels Of Immune Gene Diversity Despite Elevated Bd Infection Relative To Native Populations, Jacob Lafond
Invasive Bullfrogs Maintain High Levels Of Immune Gene Diversity Despite Elevated Bd Infection Relative To Native Populations, Jacob Lafond
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
Maintenance of genetic diversity at ecologically-relevant loci may be important for allowing invasive populations to become established despite decreases in genomic diversity due to founder effects. To evaluate this prediction, we compared genetic diversity at an expressed MHC class IIß gene fragment to a 909 bp region of the neutral cytochrome b (cytb) locus from 20 populations of the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) across its North American invasive and native ranges and quantified the presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a pathogen, for which R. catesbeiana is a vector species. We recovered 28 unique MHC alleles and found that invasive populations …
A Breathing Intervention To Enhance Cardiac Regulation And Mitigate Stress In Police Cadets, Samantha Napier
A Breathing Intervention To Enhance Cardiac Regulation And Mitigate Stress In Police Cadets, Samantha Napier
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-
Maintaining effective performance under stress can be challenging, especially in the dangerous environments encountered by the police and military personnel. This document reviews the impact of stress on performance, discusses breath interventions as a means of stress mitigation, suggests an approach for exploring the value of a breath intervention in police cadets, tests, analyzes, and discusses a test of this method and results. Biofeedback training can be used to produce resonance breathing that is synchronized with heart rate and optimizes heart rate variability (HRV). This intervention was expected to alleviate physiological and subjective stress responses. Studies reviewed confirm that higher …