Digital Commons Network^™

Dynamics Of Methane Ebullition From A Peat Monolith Revealed From A Dynamic Flux Chamber System, Zhongjie Yu, Lee D. Slater, Karina V. R. Schafer, Andrew S. Reeve, Ruth K. Varner

Faculty Publications

Methane (CH4) ebullition in northern peatlands is poorly quantified in part due to its high spatiotemporal variability. In this study, a dynamic flux chamber (DFC) system was used to continuously measure CH4 fluxes from a monolith of near‐surface Sphagnum peat at the laboratory scale to understand the complex behavior of CH4 ebullition. Coincident transmission ground penetrating radar measurements of gas content were also acquired at three depths within the monolith. A graphical method was developed to separate diffusion, steady ebullition, and episodic ebullition fluxes from the total CH4 flux recorded and to identify the timing and CH4 content of individual …

Summer Internships Remain Popular With Students, Danielle Kamp

News and Events (Discontinued Series)

No abstract provided.

Fine-Scale Hydrodynamics Influence The Spatio-Temporal Distribution Of Harbour Porpoises At A Coastal Hotspot, A. R. Jones, P. Hosegood, R. B. Wynn, Boer Mn De, S. Butler-Cowdry, C. B. Embling

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Leap: Land Endowment Action Plan For Sustainable Colby, Victoria Palffy

Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby

This paper proposes that Colby College purchase land endowments to fuel its recently constructed campus biomass plant. Rather than contract with a third party, the college should invest in 30,000 acres² and sustainably harvest its own renewable fuel. Beyond this, LEAP, the land endowment action plan, presents an opportunity to improve forest health, conserve valuable ecosystems, implement major additions to the curriculum, gain fuel independence, and create a constant annual revenue stream. With a 40-year payback period, the long-term investment brings profits of over $260 million in its 100-year outlook.

Modeling Maine’S Rockweed Harvest, Meagan Hennessey

Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby

Currently, Maine is in a political struggle over the best way to manage the harvesting of Rockweed, or Ascophyllum nodosum. As the dominant macro algae along the state’s rocky intertidal zone it supports over 150 different species, meaning its loss could impact food web stability, protection of endangered species, and support of economically viable harvests. This work takes parameters found in the literature to create a Stella model, which is then manipulated to explore the relative impact of possible management strategies. It is found that a strictly accurate model is not possible to create given the current biological knowledge and …

Individuals Willingness To Pay For Health And Wellness In The Built Environment, Max Pollinger

Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby

Improving biological sustainability through health and wellness improvements in the built environment is currently being applied to high-end real estate development in both the residential and commercial environment in the United States. However, the market for health and wellness extends well beyond the top income bracket. This study adopts a choice experiment (CE) approach to investigate individual’s willingness to pay (WTP) for health and wellness improvements within their homes. The results suggest that individuals value health as an inelastic good independent of income, and they are willing to pay significant premiums to ensure biological sustainability within their homes independent of …

Summer Commencement Program, August 9, 2014, Coastal Carolina University

Commencement Programs

Program of Commencement Exercises at Coastal Carolina University.

Assessing Effects Of Permafrost Thaw On C Fluxes Based On Multiyear Modeling Across A Permafrost Thaw Gradient At Stordalen, Sweden, Jia Deng, C Li, Steve Frolking, Y Zhang, K Backstrand, P Crill

Earth Sciences

Northern peatlands in permafrost regions contain a large amount of organic carbon (C) in the soil. Climate warming and associated permafrost degradation are expected to have significant impacts on the C balance of these ecosystems, but the magnitude is uncertain. We incorporated a permafrost model, Northern Ecosystem Soil Temperature (NEST), into a biogeochemical model, DeNitrificationDeComposition (DNDC), to model C dynamics in highlatitude peatland ecosystems. The enhanced model was applied to assess effects of permafrost thaw on C fluxes of a subarctic peatland at Stordalen, Sweden. DNDC simulated soil freeze–thaw dynamics, net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE), and CH4 fluxes across …

Synthesis, Characterization And Optical Properties Of Conjugated Boronate-Linked Materials And Their Applications In Optical Sensing Of Lewis Bases, Min Cai

Theses and Dissertations

Organoboron compounds, with Lewis acidic boron centers, have been emerged as an important class of materials, especially in the area of chemical sensors. Herein, boranes and boronate esters in the sensing perspective were overviewed in Chapter 1. Examples of synthesis and sensing applications of boron-containing conjugated polymers were highlighted.

Boronate ester formation provides the advantages of facile synthesis, tunable optical properties, enhanced stability and planar geometry. Thus, boronate esters, especially dioxaboroles, were proposed to use as alternatives of boranes to design better sensors for Lewis bases. Based on the previous investigation of fluorenyl bis- and poly- dioxaboroles by our group, …

Commencement Convocation Program, Usf, August 9, 2014, University Of South Florida

USF Graduation and Convocation Programs

King O'Neal Scholars - Robert Ackerman, Sarah Bowermaster, Dariya Dolgolova, and Jennifer Le; President's Fellow Medallion - John Ramil; President's Global Leadership Award - Dr. Jorge Motta; Outstanding Graduate - Denis Marton Menendez; Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Fellow - Denise Marton; James Madison Fellowship - Elizabeth Rasmussen; Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship - Adely Castaneda and Najja Pemberton

Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing To Generate Bacterial Genomic Sequences For Evolutionary Analysis, Derrick C. Scott

Theses and Dissertations

Many important questions in the field of prokaryotic biology cannot be answered due to the low availability of sequenced and finished genomes. Recent improvements in technology and decreases in price have made the ambition of de novo bacterial genomic sequencing a reality for a wide range of researchers. However, with the advancement of sequencing technology comes the need for an evaluation to determine the most reliable bioinformatics methods in generating a complete and accurate assembly. Biases inherent in the sequencing technology and GC-rich genomes complicate genome assemblies. Here, we sequenced bacterial strains from the GC-rich Caulobacter genus and the closely …

Helping Children With Autism Learn With Mathematics Software, Michelle Hansen

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are conditions where a person may exhibit developmental disabilities, significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, and process information differently than people without ASD. The Federal Government guidelines mandate inclusion of all students into the public school facilities. All school age children in the United States are afforded the same opportunities for public education.

The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI) as a treatment for teaching mathematics to a group of autistic pupils in an elementary school environment. The public later elementary school is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and had …

Geographic Disparities In Cancer Mortality To Incidence Ratios, Kyle Buck

Theses and Dissertations

While cancer rates have shown promising trends over the last few decades, not all populations have experienced the same levels of decrease in cancer incidence in mortality rates. Identifying populations suffering from the impacts of the disparities has become a major goal in cancer research.

Most research has focused on the influence of single variables on cancer disparities or on small-scale case studies. Using the information from these analyses, the research conducted in this dissertation tests the relationship of selected variables to an outcome measure, the mortality to incidence ratio (MIR) in search of spatial relationships between the indicators and …

An Evaluation Of A Mediational Model Of Adolescent Global Life Satisfaction, Michael D. Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

This study extended previous research by simultaneously examining determinants and presumed psychosocial mechanisms related to the development of individual differences in adolescent life satisfaction, based on Evans‟ (1994) proposed model. Specifically, this study assessed the relations between personality (extraversion, neuroticism) and environmental experiences (stressful life events) on early adolescents‟ global life satisfaction as mediated by approach and avoidance coping behaviors using a sample of 529 students from one middle school in the south eastern United States. The results of this study found partial evidence to support Evans‟ model. Statistically significant relations were found for a number of individual pathways between …

The Prevalence Rate And Neurocognitive Morbidity Associated With Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children With Sickle Cell Disease, Tal Katz

Theses and Dissertations

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) refers to a group of genetic blood disorders resulting from the inheritance of genes for S-type hemoglobin. The disease is life-long and is associated with multiple complications including pain episodes, organ damage, and neurological morbidities such as stroke, and silent cerebral infarcts which often lead to cognitive dysfunction. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition characterized by intermittent hypoxemia (reduction in blood oxygen levels), hypoxia, and fragmented sleep that can lead patients to suffer from daytime behavioral and cognitive dysfunction and reduced quality of life. Children with SCD are at high risk for developing OSA, …

Differential Expression Of Snmps And Their Underlying Transcriptional Regulation In Chemosensory Pathways Of Drosophila, Richard A. Fandino

Theses and Dissertations

Insects possess complex and diverse chemosensory pathways which have specific phenotypes determined by the regulated expression of specific combinations of genes. While many of these genes (e.g. ORs and GRs) have very narrow expression patterns, associating with only a limited number of chemosensory sensilla, SNMPs show a very broad expression pattern. In Drosophila, SNMP1 and SNMP2 associate with the majority of olfactory and gustatory sensilla, but express in different cell types. In olfactory sensilla, SNMP1 and SNMP2 associate with trichoid or coeloconic neurons respectively, and both additionally express in a variety of sensilla support cells; in gustatory sensilla, SNMP2 expresses …

Mechanical Properties Of Diet And Its Effect On Oral Health, Varsha Kapoor

Theses and Dissertations

The predominant diet fed to captive carnivores consists of ground meat formulated to provide full nutritional requirements. However, this ground meat diet completely lacks the mechanical properties such as toughness, hardness and stiffness of the foods the animals would eat in the wild. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of mechanical properties of diet on oral health by comparing prevalence of periodontal disease and calculus accumulation in wild and captive felids. One-way ANOVA analysis of variance indicated that these differences are statistically significant (P

The Development, Implementation, And Testing Of An Interactive Sexual Health Web-Based Application Intervention To Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors Among College Students, Dawnyéa Dominique Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

College life is often regarded as a time for exploration and growth. One major area of exploration and growth for college students is sex and sexuality. Growth and exploration involves not only learning how to master these life situations, but also experiencing some negative consequences. Negative consequences for college students engaging in sexual risk-taking behaviors often lead to a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, emotional distress, and large healthcare costs. Given the high prevalence of risky sexual behavior among young adults and the highly negative consequences of risky sexual behavior for this population, it is critical …

Functional Characterization Of Fro4 And Fro5: Two Members Of The Ferric Chelate Reductase Family Of Arabidopsis, Grandon Thomas Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Iron (Fe) is the fourth most abundant element within the earth’s crust and is an essential micronutrient for plants and animals. Fe plays key roles in photosynthesis, respiration and chlorophyll biosynthesis in plants and in hemoglobin in animals. Like Fe, copper (Cu) is also an important micronutrient in plants and is needed for photosynthesis and respiration, especially in the important copper-containing protein plastocyanin. Copper also is important in scavenging reactive oxygen species and ethylene perception. The reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ at the root surface of Arabidopsis thaliana during times of Fe deficiency has been a well-characterized process; however, reduction …

Research On Approximate Bayesian Computation, Jiting Xu

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development of a new numerical algorithm for statistical inference problems that require sampling from distributions which are intractable. We propose to develop our sampling algorithm based on a class of Monte Carlo methods, Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), which are specifically designed to deal with this type of likelihood-free inference. ABC has become a fundamental tool for the analysis of complex models when the likelihood function is computationally intractable or challenging to mathematically specify. The central theme of our approach is to enhance the current ABC algorithms by exploiting the structure of the mathematical models via derivative …

Six1 Overexpression Promotes Epithelial– Mesenchymal Transition And Malignant Progression In Models Of Cervical And Colon Cancer, Hanwen Xu

Theses and Dissertations

Inappropriate expression of embryonic genes, particularly homeodomain transcription factors, contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The overexpression of Six1, a member of the Six family of homeodomain transcription factors, has been found in various human cancers, and is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. We have previously determined that the expression of SIX1 mRNA increased during in vitro progression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)- immortalized human keratinocytes (HKc/HPV16) toward a differentiation-resistant (HKc/DR) phenotype. However, the mechanism(s) of how Six1 promotes HPV16- mediated transformation remain unknown. In this study, we explored the role of Six1 at early stages and late …

Revisiting Gender Constraints And Benefits In Leisure Tourism: Man-Up, It’S Time To Travel Like A Woman, Holly L. Rabin

Theses and Dissertations

Historically and culturally, women’s leisure has been constrained through time, activity, and experience, as it is intricately woven with elements of freedom and choice, and thus empowerment (Khan, 2011; Henderson, et al., 1989). Previous research of constraints in leisure tourism appears to follow a pattern of inequalities between men and women (Wearing & Wearing, 1988). Women are feeling more independent and selfconfident then ever before in their leisure time and travel (Wilson & Harris, 2006). The purpose of this study is to determine if previous research, statistics, and case studies are still relevant in Millennial females and their solo leisure …

A Multi-Sited Examination Of Pregnancy, Birth And Women’S Perceptions Of Care In Ghana, Jessica M. Posega

Theses and Dissertations

In Ghana, both governmental and non-governmental agencies have been working to reach the 2015 United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The fourth and fifth goals are related to reproductive health, reducing infant and maternal mortality respectively. Through a combination of increasing midwifery and nursing training programs, public awareness programs, and programs designed to retain skilled birth attendants. This paper explores how the policies and practices intended to create better birth outcomes in Ghana are perceived by those targeted for intervention, and by the reproductive health workers. Drawing from in-depth interviews with pregnant women, mothers with children under one year, and …

Longitudinal Evaluations Of Objectively Measured Physical Activity: Capturing The Full Spectrum Of Duration And Intensity, Amanda E. Paluch

Theses and Dissertations

Most physical activity research to date narrows its focus toward intensities and durations only encompassed in the Physical Activity Guidelines of moderate to vigorous intensity in at least 10 minute bouts (MVPA-10). Examining activity in this manner excludes light activity and shorter bouts, sometimes referred to as baseline physical activity (BPA) as it consists of the activity accumulated during daily life at durations and/or intensities below what is recommended. This dissertation provides an evaluation of the entire spectrum of physical activity (PA). Physical activity was studied in a unique way by looking at MVPA-10, then adding shorter bouts and light …

Tunable Graphene Chem-Fet And Graphene/Si Heterojunction Chemi-Diode Sensors, Amol Kumar Singh

Theses and Dissertations

Graphene, a two-dimensional material with very high charge carrier concentration, has drawn large research interest for sensing chemical species based upon charge exchange. Atomically thin 2-dimensional arrangement of carbon in hexagonal fashion in graphene, where each carbon atom is attached to 3 neighboring carbon atoms, and presence of π* and π bands imparts it many amazing properties. Some of these properties such as very high mobility, low 1/f and thermal noise, modulation of carrier concentration and Fermi level by electrical, optical, and chemical means, and very high surface to volume ratio make graphene very promising sensing material. In order to …

Genetic Background Influences Behavior And Responses To Epigenetic Changes Induced By A Methyl-Donor Diet, Kimberly R. Shorter

Theses and Dissertations

With recent strides in epigenetics, mainstream media informs the public that we can “beat our genes” by, for instance, changing our diet. Genetics, however, still plays a role in phenotype. Folate and other methyl-donor pathway components are widely supplemented due to their ability to prevent neural tube defects during prenatal development. In addition to vitamins, these compounds are also added to commercial flour, energy drinks, and other supplements. Several lines of evidence suggest that these supplements act through epigenetic mechanisms, including altering DNA methylation. Increasing evidence suggests potential deleterious effects of excessive folate. Given the benefits of these compounds, risk …

Longitudinal Changes In The Inflammatory Potential Of Diet And Risk Of Cancer In Women, Fred Kinyuytabung

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The dietary inflammatory index (DII) assesses an individual’s overall diet quality with regards to its inflammatory potential on a continuum from maximally anti-inflammatory (lower or healthier DII scores) to maximally pro-inflammatory (higher or unhealthy DII scores). The DII measured at one point in time has been associated with cancer risk in previous studies; however, data are lacking regarding the change in DII over time and how these changes impact cancer risk. We assessed changes in the DII, and evaluated associations between cumulative history, and changes over time in dietary inflammatory potential, and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Esri Story Maps As Effective Teaching Tools, Caitlin Strachan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of Esri Story Maps as effective teaching tools. Story Maps are a relatively new web application within Esri’s web-based GIS platform, ArcGIS Online. They combine digitized, dynamic maps with other story elements (i.e., title, text, legend, popups, and other visuals) to help the creator effectively convey a message. The relative ease associated with using and creating a Story Map as well as the simple, non-technical interface makes them ideal for use as an educational technology. Survey data were collected at several professional development events in the spring of 2014 in …

Using Comparative Metagenomics To Determine The Role Of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) As Sentinels For Human Respiratory Health, Sarah H. Stellick Seepaulsingh

Theses and Dissertations

Cetaceans are proposed as sentinel species for assessing the health of marine ecosystems and human coastal populations. This relationship has been based on similarities in the bioaccumulation of pollutants by cetaceans and humans, as well as their susceptibility to infectious disease. Respiratory disease represents a major cause of mortality in humans and cetaceans, and culture-dependent studies and 16S rDNA gene sequencing have identified known human respiratory pathogens from immunocompromised and healthy dolphins.

To broaden our understanding of the microbial community associated with dolphin upper respiratory tracts (URT), we characterized metagenomes generated from the URT of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) …

Psychometric Evaluation Of An Executive Function Battery For Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease, Melita T. Stancil

Theses and Dissertations

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder which affects hemoglobin and is associated with high rates of neurologic and neurocognitive deficits. Recent studies have indicated executive functioning (EF) as a common area of impairment for children diagnosed with SCD; however, there is no consensus about which measures of executive function are best to use in clinical practice or research. The purpose of the present research is to assess the properties of a new executive function measure, the “EXAMINER” to determine its utility with the SCD population. Thirty-two children with SCD and 86 demographically-matched controls completed established cognitive measures known …