Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Silent Killers: Diabetes And The Active Ignorance Of Noncommunicable Disease In Bali, Madeleine Lambert

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In this paper, I will explore the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and specifically diabetes in Bali. I will study the general publics’ awareness and behaviors about noncommunicable diseases, as well as the attitudes and behaviors of diabetic patients towards their own condition. Furthermore, I will explore the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of diabetes, as well as the impact of the Indonesian national healthcare reform of 2014 on these issues. My objectives in this study were to explore the perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers towards diabetes, and to compare and contrast these perspectives both against each other and …

La Tierra Aquí Es Amable: Soil Macrofauna Density And Producer Perceptions Of Agricultural Soil Fertility In Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Clara Fernandez Odell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Ethnopedology, as a subfield of ethnoecology, is the study of localized symbols and values, knowledge, and practices relating to soils. One key framework for ethnopedological studies is the Kosmos-Corpus-Praxis model, which synthesizes local and traditional ecological into three overlapping, interrelated spheres. Cerro Punta, Chiriquí is the primary vegetable-growing region in Panama, an industry highly dependent on the region’s fertile volcanic soils. Semi-structured interviews (n=8) and soil macrofauna density surveys as an indicator of soil fertility (n=9) were used to gather information regarding producers’ beliefs, knowledge, and decisions about soil fertility.

Among producers in Cerro Punta, religious beliefs and land symbolism …

Patrones De Depredación De Orugas Con Colores Crípticos Y Aposemáticos / Caterpillar Depredation Patterns With Cryptic Colors And Aposematics, Jacqueline Maldonado

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Las orugas o estadios tempranos de las mariposas, tienen múltiples formas de defensa contra sus depredadores naturales. Investigaciones han demostrado que algunas defensas de orugas son funcionales contra depredadores específicos. Esta investigación permite dar a conocer el éxito de las defensas de orugas en el ecosistema de la Amazonia ecuatoriana. Los efectos de la coloración del cuerpo de la oruga en la tasa de depredación fue examinado en bosques primarios y bosques secundarios cerca del Rio Napo. Orugas de plastilina fueron colocadas en varios lugares (i.e., troncos, hojas), tanto como orugas solitarias o en grupos como orugas gregarias. . Los …

Demography And Behavior Of Critically Endangered Alouatta Coibensis Trabeata Troops In Forest Fragments In And Around Mata Oscura, Veraguas On The Azuero Peninsula Of Panamá, Billy Allen

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The endemic Azuero howler monkey, Alouatta coibensis trabeata, was studied in three sites in and around the Mata Oscura community in Veraguas, Panamá in the western region of the Azuero Peninsula. A. coibensis trabeata is a critically endangered subspecies of A. coibensis that is threatened by continued habitat destruction and human encroachment throughout its entire distribution on the Azuero Peninsula. Sites included the Mata Oscura community (site 1), the Arenas community periphery (site 2), and the Cerro Hoya National Park (site 3). Demography, behavior, and habitat were assessed over 9 days of study in November. Troops were encountered in sites …

Fish Diversity And Distribution In The Seagrass-Coral Reef Continuum At Two Sites Off The Western Coast Of Isla Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro, Panama, Kathy Liu

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystem and the largest biogenic structure on Earth. They serve as shelter for many reef fishes and are a food source for resident and visiting fish species. In the tropics, coral reefs are often in close proximity to seagrass beds and the two contiguous marine habitats are not only highly interconnected but also highly understudied. The seagrass-coral reef continuum offers a wide array of services to human society as well as to various life stages of reef fishes resulting in diel, temporal, or yearly migrations of fish between the two habitats. Tropical reef …

Differences In Temporal And Territorial Feeding Patterns Of Various Tropical Trochilidae Species As Observed At Two Different Ecosystems In Soberanía National Park, Delaney Vorwick

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study aims to illustrate differences in feeding patterns and displays of territorialism at two artificial feeding sites, located in two ecosystems; one site in a secondary forest of Soberanía National Park, the other in a residential area in the nearby town of Gamboa. Four 1-hour observation periods were recorded each day for four days at both sites. During each period of observation, the allocation of time to the three activities of perching, flying, and feeding was recorded, along with the number of visits the feeders. Notes were taken on patterns of territoriality as connected to species and sex. Significance …

Abundance, Density, And Influencing Indicators Of Solid Waste Accumulation And Mitigation Solutions Along Coastlines On Isla Colón In Bocas Del Toro Province, Panamá, Andy Rhodes

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Solid waste accumulation is a significant issue in Latin America where poor infrastructure and management systems are present and with the exponential tourism growth in this region, the abundance of solid waste is also growing. This increase affects environmental, economic, and social factors such as pollution, a decline in tourism, and an increase in negative health effects. This study on Isla Colón, in the Province of Bocas del Toro, in western Panamá sought results on the abundance of solid waste along roadsides and beaches in the most populous and touristic locations. Approximately 2,160 meters squared were studied in Playa Bluff, …

Macro Implications Of Microplastics: A Comparative Study Of Microplastic Distribution In Bahía Almirante, Bocas Del Toro, Panama, Bonnie Feldberg

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Plastic is one of the most demanded materials in the modern world as it is durable and long lasting. However, that which makes it so commercially appealing also makes it environmentally degrading. Anthropogenic waste and specifically microplastics have been identified in natural habitats globally, with particular interest placed on marine ecosystems. This research aims to add to this pool by comparing microplastic concentrations in beach, mangrove, and shallow ocean sediment in Bahía Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Panama. Sediment samples were collected from each habitat type, processed, and then analyzed to obtain the number of microplastic particles per gram of dry …

Perceptions And Physical Realities Of Flood Risk In Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá, Julia Stanganelli

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Flooding is an issue of increasing global importance. With climate change and land-use alteration affecting hydrological cycles globally, certain regions of the world are experiencing more frequent or severe flooding. In the Chiriquí Province of Panamá, the town of Cerro Punta has been subject to several severe flooding events in the last few decades. This study aimed to understand perceptions of flood risk amongst residents of Cerro Punta, as well as evaluate physical flood risk in the area. Residents were interviewed regarding their perceptions of flooding as an increasing issue, possible causes, vulnerable areas and populations, and preparedness for future …

Three Land Use Proposals For Geldinganes Framed By The City Of Reykjavik’S Municipal Plan And Climate Neutrality Goals, Emma Hokoda

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

With global CO2 levels rising every year, climate change is becoming a larger, looming threat. Cities around the world have an important role in reducing the negative impacts of climate change through strategic and sustainable urban planning. The purpose of this study is to conduct an introductory analysis of Geldinganes island and its potential and capacity for land development that will support and expand upon the city of Reykjavik’s 2010-2030 municipal plan and 2040 climate neutrality goals. Within this study three proposals for Geldinganes are considered, the current proposal and two new proposals. The lowest development impact proposal for Geldinganes …

He Effects Of Climate Change On Native Icelandic Plants: A Morphometric Analysis, Maia Jones

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study seeks to evaluate the morphology of three native Icelandic plant species, Alchemilla alpina, Arabidopsis petraea, and Silene uniflora, in order to determine if changing climatic conditions have had an effect on Icelandic vegetation during the twentieth century. I measured herbarium specimens collected during a time period before 1950, and during the period from the late 1960s to the present. Using traditional morphometrics methods, I searched for changes in morphological traits such as plant height, leaf length to width ratio, and leaf size, then performed two-tailed t-tests to analyze the results of the analyses. I found significant changes …

The Influence Of Habitat Preference On Longitudinal Population Composition And Distribution Of Groupers (Serranidae) In Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar Tanzania, Caroline Daley

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A survey of six common grouper (Serranidae) species was conducted on both the western protected and eastern unprotected reefs around Chumbe Island. Species, estimated maturity, and fundamental niche and general habitat preference was extrapolated based on observed realized niche and qualified according to substrate, depth, slope position, and general reef region. Abundance, biomass density, and biodiversity of Serranid populations were compared among locations on the reef with habitat preference in mind in order to best assess how habitat influences population composition, distribution, and health. The results of this study provide depth to previous research on the protected reef and indicate …

Livelihoods Of The People Of Mazumbai: A Collection Of Stories And Portraits, Tanga Region, Tanzania, Joseph Baldus

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Despite rapid urbanization in Tanzania, agriculture remains central to the nation, the economy, and the livelihoods of a large portion of the population. Smallholder farmers account for the vast majority of agricultural production, yet are an extremely vulnerable population due to poverty, single-sourced income, and climate-dependency for both subsistence and cash-crop agriculture (Rapsomanikis, 2015). This report explores these dynamic rural livelihoods through interviews and portrait photographs in a case study on Mazumbai, Tanga region, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews explore the people’s modes of economic subsistence, domestic lives, education, challenges, and life stories. Excerpts from these interviews combined with portrait photographs create …

Pemban Farmer Agency In Adapting To Climate Change, Rachael Hood

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As a result of climate change, agricultural societies will be challenged by a variety of altered conditions, including increased severe weather events, saltwater intrusion, pest and disease outbreaks, and higher temperatures. The island of Pemba, in the Zanzibar archipelago, is home to many small-scale agriculturalists. During this study, I interviewed Pemban farmers in the districts of Wete and Micheweni about their awareness of the impacts of climate change and the mitigation strategies that they have implemented. The results from Pemba were compared to relevant academic literature regarding climate change to explore whether disparities exist between models of climate change in …

Correlations Between Reef Health And Vertical Zonation On Ushongo Village Reef And Fungu Zinga Reef, Daniel Gates

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

While the existence of vertical zonation on coral reefs is well-known, the driving mechanisms and the influence each has is not clear. This study seeks to investigate the influence of reef health on vertical zonation. Reef health is used as a potential factor since it is essentially a broad description of reef diversity. Therefore, a healthy reef which is very diverse is likely to have more and different interspecies interactions than an unhealthy one. This project investigates whether these altered interactions results in different depth distributions of various coral types, categorized broadly by colony shape. Reef health did not seem …

Andean Condor Nesting And Behavior: A Study Of A Free-Living Pair And Chick As Well As Population Behavior Near Antisana Ecological Reserve, Ecuador, Ian Handler

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The behavior of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), especially nest behavior, is little known outside of captivity. More information on chick-parent interactions and parenting dynamics of successful condor pairs is needed in order to help create an effective conservation plan for a species in peril of extinction. Study of nest home used by a free-living pair of condors and home to a five-month old juvenile began on November 11, 2018 and continued through November 29, 2018. The nest is located in Antisanilla Biological Reserve and nearby Antisana Ecological Reserve. The chick was also tagged with numbers and a tracking device …

Large Mammals Of The High Andes A Survey Of Community Composition And Habitat Usage In The Highlands Of Angochagua, Sage Fox

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The large mammal community of the high Andes may be the least understood in South America. It contains multiple threatened and charismatic species including the Andean Bear, Mountain Tapir, Red Brocket Deer, Northern Pudu, and Puma. Many of these species are lacking in distribution and population data. The highlands of the Parroquia de Angochagua were once overgrazed by livestock, but have been mostly restored over the last 20 years through conservation efforts by the local community. These highlands are thought to have populations of all the previously mentioned species, though they had not been surveyed before this study. Transect surveys …

Selection Perception: Views On The Theory Of Evolution Among Residents Of Moshi, Tanzania, Robin Waterman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The theory of evolution is a major tenet of biological science and has many practical applications, particularly in agriculture, medicine, and conservation. Nevertheless, there is significant opposition to the theory and its incorporation into school curricula, largely on religious grounds. This disconnect between public opinion and scientific opinion has been studied at length in the US and to some extent in other industrialized nations, but little is known about the issue in other communities around the world. This paper will use the town of Moshi, Tanzania as a case study in community views and knowledge about the theory of evolution. …

Water Capacity Of Paramo Soils, Rafael Robert

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The pȧramo ecosystems in the high Ecuadorian Andes are grasslands characterized by challenging abiotic factors such as low temperatures and high solar radiation. Another key feature of pȧramos is the humidity and water availability in the ecosystem. Pȧramos are very important to the hydrology of the inter-Andean valley because they are water reserves that distribute fresh water to lower elevations. These hydrologic properties are made possible by the porous volcanic ash soils formed by the volcanic arc along the mountain range. This study is focused in the region of Chimborazo approximately 20 km from Riobamba the capitol city of the …

Herpetofauna Of Sumak Allpa: A Baseline Assessment Of An Unstudied Island Herpetofaunal Community, Sara Freimuth

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Sumak Allpa is an island dedicated to the provision and protection of habitat for the conservation and rehabilitation of primates. As such, the island - a varzea ecosystem located in the Western Amazon of Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse and also most threatened regions in the world – consists of protected primary forest that is home not only to a variety of primates, but also to an even wider variety of other taxa, nearly all of which have gone unstudied on the island. The present investigation assessed two of those taxa, amphibians and reptiles, in order to establish a …

Blooming Mountains Of Biodiversity: An Investigation Of Angiosperms On Cerro Mayordomo, Tungurahua, Ecuador, Ella Matsuda

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and many of the species in the region are found nowhere else in the world. The cloud forest is particularly diverse because the mountainous terrain isolates populations and changes in elevation create a wide variety of habitats. Cerro Mayordomo is a relatively unexplored mountain in the cloud forest of Tungurahua, Ecuador. It is known to have very high levels of endemism and several new species have been discovered there, but the biodiversity of angiosperms on the mountain has never been quantified. In this study, 5x5 m quadrants were established …

Integration Of Plastic Recycling Within A Smaller Community: Reducing Plastic Pollution In The Environment, Olivia Palenscar

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this research is to bring awareness to plastic pollution and find a way integrate plastic recycling workshops in a smaller community. Plastic pollution is a worldwide issue. Plastic is a versatile material and can be used to make almost anything, which is an attractive trait but the amount of plastic being consumed is alarming and only continues to increase. Plastic essentially never goes away because the degradation of plastic can last hundreds of years. The challenge is to find ways that everyone can recycle plastic because over 90% of plastic does not end up being recycled. Most …

Takataka Talk: Waste Presence And Management In Ushongo, Kristen Jones

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Increasingly high levels of waste are being generated each year, resulting in millions of tonnes of plastic and other debris ending up in marine and coastal environments. The impacts of the debris on these environments are wide ranging, affecting both environmental health and human wellbeing. Still though, there is a lack of information concerning the presence and effect of garbage in many coastal and marine ecosystems around the globe. This project studied the presence and management of coastal waste along a small portion of the coast of Tanzania, near the village of Ushongo. General distribution, level, and type of garbage …

Plant Poetics And Politics Of The West Usambaras: Power And Memory Of Narrative Botanical Science In Kizanda, Sagara, And The Mazumbai Forest Reserve, Cameron Daddis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This is a story about people and plants. About the power of relationships between floral organisms and human lives. Using narrative botanical science as a methodological framework, this study highlights the power of local people’s ecological knowledge from the villages of Kizanda and Sagara in the West Usambara Mountains. Building from semi-structured interviews and personal conservations with thirty residents of these villages—voices of local healers, farmers, and forest guides—this work unfolds through a series of vignettes. Its aim is to identify both the precise yet diverse ways in which these people have developed botanical knowledge of their local environment. From …

An Inordinate Fondness For Beetles: A Study Of Insect Species Diversity And Abundance In Mazumbai Forest Reserve Versus Nearby Agricultural Areas, Emma Weisner

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study investigates how human disturbance of ecosystems alters insect diversity and abundance, specifically exploring how insect communities inside Mazumbai Forest Reserve in Tanzania differ from insect communities in agricultural areas near the reserve. Following methods of previous studies on the effect of disturbance on insect populations (Bellamy et al. 2018; McLaughlin & Mineau 1995; Perry et al. 2016), this research utilizes pitfall traps and yellow bowl traps in multiple locations throughout the two study areas to catch insects, which are then identified to their specific order. The collected data support the hypothesis that insect order diversity and abundance vary …

Ethically Sourced Vanilla: Certifications In The Production Of Vanilla In The Sava Region Of Madagascar, Maisie Campbell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Vanilla is an orchid whose beans are harvested after ten months on the vine. About eighty percent of the world’s vanilla is produced in Madagascar and the SAVA region is the capital of vanilla production within the country. The changing demand of vanilla, damage from cyclones, and the three-year development of the vanilla plants before they begin producing beans causes a boom and bust cycle of prices of vanilla. Some organizations have tried to ameliorate the problems these cycles and low prices pose to vanilla farmers by creating certifications for companies that promise that they will not pay less than …

Interacting With The Trail: A Comprehensive Approach To Developing An Environmental Education Program For Agnolakely Private Nature Reserve, Claire Hamilton

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Madagascar is a diverse island, biologically and geographically. This has led to the development of endemic species and high biodiversity within the landscape. Unfortunately, due to poverty, extraction of natural resources, and a growing population, these species have become threatened. Agnolakely, is a private nature reserve, located in eastern Madagascar that is trying to combat these challenges through reforestation projects and land protection. Agnolakely is not only of ecological value, but is also integral in the community structure. As Agnolakely expands it has become essential to implement education and outreach for the reserve. This study was designed to collect biological …