Digital Commons Network^™

The Death Of Dawn: On The Ethics Of Florida Marine Parks, Taylor L. Leach

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Over the last 80 years, humans have enjoyed and developed a deep connection to bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates) and killer whales (Orcinus orca), starting in 1938 with the opening of the world's first oceanarium to presentday with the current marine parks in Florida. We have learned an immense amount of information about the intricacies of two of the most charismatic marine mammals in the ocean, and as we learn more about these highly social creatures, the more people are demanding the immediate release of them into the wild. This, however, raises an ethical dilemma: either we release the animals into …

The Scientific And Religious Construction Of Female Sexuality, Stephanie Lazo

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The field of biology predominantly studies the structure and function of living entities, such as the human body, while women’s studies perspectives help to show the influence of culture and power on biological knowledge and principles. This thesis analyzes the scientific construction of female sexuality through the lenses of feminist science studies. The approach provides an understanding of how such ideas are imposed on Western women in particular, and the role that such women are expected to play in demonstrating that they are virginal, chaste, and faithful/trustworthy to men. I explore both scientific and religious documents that discuss female sexuality …

Terror In America: Gendered Violence And Mass Shootings In Schools, Victoria Levy

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The debate surrounding gun violence in schools has been going on in the United States for decades, and it is a place of convergence for conflicting viewpoints, which has done little to dampen the issue. Today, elements of society are actively disputing gun violence in schools and are calling for changes. The systems that are currently in place are ineffective, as access to guns remains easy, multimedia platforms idolize, reward, and fixate on violence, and mental healthcare is not easily accessible. These broken systems not only divide families and friends, it also divides the country and perpetuates violence. The purpose …

Is Iceland’S 100% Termination Rate For Chromosomally Abnormal Pregnancies Ethical?, Mary Mcmillan

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Throughout history, people with disabilities have been treated as moral and social inferiors. Often, those with certain disabilities have been relegated to live lives of segregation, resigned to institutions and facilities because they have been regarded as incapable of making decisions or caring for themselves, or because others, whether family or those in the community, did not want to bear the burden of their presence. I argue that this view of disability as burdensome has resulted in the near 100% termination rate in Iceland in pregnancies found to be chromosomally abnormal. Further, I argue that this negative perception of disability …

The Fight For Federal Intervention: Why Professional Boxing Needs Uniform Regulation, Raul Muniz

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

While professional boxing is subject to some federal regulation, there is still a call for greater uniformity throughout the states. For example, the variation of state procedures for performance-enhancing drug and post-fight neurological testing present a serious threat to an athlete’s health that can lead to physical impairments or even death. I argue professional boxing regulation should be completely uniform, left to the federal government rather than individual states. I review the regulatory system in professional boxing and show how the lack of uniformity leads to undesirable health, safety, and business practices. Founded on a critical analysis of federalism, the …

Mapping Mitochondrial Number And Morphology In The Brains Of Drosophila Melanogaster Models Of Parkinson’S Disease, Regina Murphy

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people around the world, although it is more common in individuals aged 60 years or older. PD is associated with the degeneration of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. While the underlying cause of neuronal degeneration is poorly understood, mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of the cell pathology. Geneticallyencoded fluorescent probes were used to label the mitochondria in wildtype Drosophila melanogaster and those genetically manipulated to model PD. Brains were dissected, immunolabeled, and their mitochondria were imaged using structured illumination microscopy (SIM). Mitochondrial number was determined, as well …

Visualizing The Connections Between Three Fields Of Psychology Using Network Analysis, Randhikaa Neelavannan

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The purpose of this research is to create a visual representation of the relationships and interactions between the fields of personality, industrial/organizational, and human factors psychology. References were pulled from select chapters of two different handbooks, the forthcoming SAGE Handbook of Personality and Individual Differences and the Oxford Handbook of Organizational Psychology, in order to create a network structure that graphically illustrated the connections between the authors and their specific topics. This structure was then compared to a pre-prepared network that was created by hand of the expectations for what the network should look like based solely on the chapter …

Effects Of Mission Trip Participation On Social Justice Attitudes And Behaviors, Courtney Noya

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Research on the effects of mission trips on social awareness, attitudes, and behaviors towards social justice has been limited. In the current study, we examined whether volunteers going on a weeklong art camp in Guatemala with a non-profit, Athentikos, would show positive changes in their social justice attitudes and behaviors. Current trip participants (n=6) completed questionnaires before and immediately following their trip, whereas trip alumni (n=10) completed questionnaires regarding one previous trip. We hypothesized that participants will report an increase in social awareness as well as feelings about and plans for social action immediately following the trip. On average, all …

Dental Fear In Adults, Meera Patel

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Many people suffer a certain degree of dental fear, commonly brought on by an earlier negative experience or by anticipated pain. Dental fear may prevent people from receiving necessary treatment, ultimately worsening their health. To investigate how dental fear is related to age, the origin of dental fear, and preference of treatment options, a self-administered research survey was conducted. The results indicate younger participants claim a lower degree of dental fear in comparison to older participants. Results also showed both negative experience and anticipated pain as origins of dental fear for individuals. Participants also responded positively to music therapy in …

Assesment Of Zooxanthellae Communities In Montastreaea Cavernosa Following Mesophotic To Shallow Transplantation, Diana Perez

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Mesophotic reefs support a large, biologically diverse community and are capable of providing larvae to shallow reefs. This study compared the zooxanthellae density and chlorophyll concentrations of Montastreaea cavernosa colonies in Flower Garden Banks from mesophotic, shallow, and transplant depth treatments testing their differences over bank location, treatment, and time through a transplant experiment. It also compared the percent of zooxanthellae cells remaining after a bleaching event. Time was the driving factor for the differences in the algal symbiont concentrations. Zooxanthellae and chlorophyll were reduced after the bleaching event. However, there was no significant difference between the symbiont densities and …

Can Brain Natriuretic Peptide Be A Prognostic Indicator For Congestive Heart Failure Patients Nearing Death?, Cory Pisarra

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The cardiac ventricles release brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) when the cardiomyocytes are exceptionally stressed. Past research has indicated that BNP can be a used as a prognostic indicator in heart failure patients (Doust et al., 2005). The hypothesis is that higher BNP readings will result in a shorter amount of time that the patient has to live. 210 patients with a heart condition were admitted to the Hospice of Palm Beach County and had their blood drawn to determine their BNP level; however, only 35 patients qualified for the final analysis. The 35 patients had BNP readings ranging from 63 …

Decision-Making Games: Effects On Future Decisions Of Adolescents, Dalian K. Rivera

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

I propose research that examines whether decision making video games have positive effects on the everyday decision of adolescents. The research will be conducted on 30 adolescents/young adults, ages 18-24, who have very little gaming experience. Subjects will complete a survey examining their decision-making capabilities, problem-solving ability, and their mental speed. They will be randomly placed into two groups of 15, the experimental and the control. The experimental group will participate in an online decision-making game, Imprisoned and Alter Ego, for a total of five hours over a three-week period. The control group will not play any online games. I …

Analysis Of Expression And Subcellular Localization Of Ogt-1 In C. Elegans, Rubens Tavora

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

EEL-1, the HUWE1 ortholog in C. elegans, is a large E3 ubiquitin ligase that is involved in the regulation of neuronal function and development. Huwe1 has been shown to be associated with intellectual disability. Through the use of electrophysiology and cell specific rescue it has been shown that EEL-1 is involved in GABAergic synaptic transmission. The mechanism of action of EEL-1 within GABA neurons remains largely unknown. Affinity purification proteomics have identified OGT-1, an ortholog of mammalian O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (Ogt), as an EEL-1 binding protein. By analyzing the expression pattern of OGT-1 in transgenic animals, we show that …

Prenatal Oxycodone Exposure And The Impacts On Brain Connectivity In Mice, Yasasvi Sabbineni

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Over the past years, prescription drug abuse has increased drastically. This problem often results in the exposure of prescription drugs to neonates, causing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Prenatal Oxycodone exposure occurs from oxycodone abuse during the gestation period by a pregnant mother. The aim of this project is to explore the impacts of prenatal exposure of Oxycodone which leads to altered brain connectivity and behavioral disorders. Our data from the Miller lab investigates brain connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala to identify the structural causes of the behavioral abnormalities caused by oxycodone exposure. The hypothesis of this research is …

Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus Oxyrinchus) Swimming Behavior Revealed From An Animal-Borne Camera System, William Sample

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, is an active, pelagic shark and perhaps the fastest chondrichtyhan species. It is an obligate ram-ventilator requiring constant forward motion to force water through its open mouth for respiration. Video footage obtained from animal-borne dorsal fin cameras of three individuals was reviewed to document potential predation events and other relevant behavioral information including head beats, post-release behavior, and respiratory anomalies. Respiratory anomalies are of particular interest, as they occur rhythmically and repetitively in relation to head movements, indicating this behavior is potentially used to satisfy respiration requirements not met by typical ram ventilation. One …

Is Physician-Assisted Suicide Ethical In Non-Terminal Cases?, Arielle Schebovitz

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

In this thesis, I begin by describing various historical views of physician-assisted suicide. I then review the current laws in the United States and other countries as well as provide a brief overview of religious views on the practice. Next I outline the differences between terminal and non-terminal cases and discuss the relevant ethical principles that must be considered when evaluating this issue in each type of case. I argue that physician-assisted suicide is ethical in certain instances in which a significant loss in quality-of-life has occurred. Finally I suggest guidelines that physicians should follow if a patient requests physician-assisted …

A Cross-Cultural Examination Of The Exploitation Of Women’S Reproductive Rights, Evelyn Soto

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Western population control policies have targeted women’s wombs in the attempt to control and manipulate the worldwide population. In the West, men and women are compared in a hierarchical gender dualism that claims men to be the cultivators of culture while women are the uncivilized yet passive and receptive fertile beings that are linked closely with the earth. Using theories from anthropology and ecofeminism, I show that the association of women with nature and fertility has led to their exploitation around the globe. Furthermore, racism played a role in the type of population control used on groups of women. I …

Dead Clams Tell Tales: A Seasonal Analysis Of Jeaga Shell Mounds In Jupiter Inlet 1, Kia Riccio

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

This archaeological research aims to expand our modern understanding of Florida pre-history by studying the faunal remains in a Jeaga village. I examine shell deposits from Dubois Park (Jupiter, FL) during Jeaga occupation. The Jeaga were a non-agricultural coastal people who occupied what is now Palm Beach County. DuBois Park maintains one of the largest and best preserved Jeaga shell mounds in the state. The mound was primarily composed of Mollusk shell and associated midden deposits containing shell, faunal remains, and earthenware. Using sclerochronolic growth band data, I determined Jeaga harvesting patterns of hard-shell clams. My research suggests that the …

Fluorogenic Probes To Detect Protein Sulfenylation, Darren C. Turner

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have traditionally been viewed as a harmful consequence of oxygen metabolism. However, scientists have discovered that ROS may oxidize cysteine residues of proteins, yielding sulfenic acid residues. This redox-mediated post-translational modification plays a significant biological role in cellular signaling, growth, and homeostasis. These processes were difficult to monitor in the past due to the lack of methods which can efficiently detect the changing redox states of cysteine residues. However, even with the advent of small molecule probes which selectively bind to oxidized cysteine residues, there is still work to be done in designing a more efficient …

Laced Water: An Analysis Of Policies Regarding Pharmaceuticals In Drinking Water, Christopher Valdes

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Due to the increase in pharmaceutical sales and use in the United States in recent years, there have been more occurrences of pharmaceutical traces in drinking water across the country. Although there is not enough data to correlate the increase of pharmaceutical pollution with health-related issues in humans, the effects of these chemicals have been observed within our environment. Currently, different levels of government utilize various programs and/or regulations in order to prevent these effects. However, there has not been much progress toward resolving this issue due, in part, to the continuing careless disposal of pharmaceuticals by individuals and institutions. …

Oh, Say Can’T You See?, Brittany Wallace

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The United States of America has long prided itself on its values of freedom and justice, but recent movements have pushed back against the notion that all are equal and free under the U.S. flag. Disenfranchised Americans across the country are advocating for everything from racial justice and immigrant rights, to white supremacy and isolationism. These calls for change, no matter their Rightness or Wrongness, call into question the true ideals of the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oh, Say Can’t You See? is a collection of nonfiction essays that examine what it means to …

2d:4d Finger Ratio In Crossfit Athletes, Calren Wang

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

The second digit and fourth digit (2D:4D) finger ratio is known to be an indicator of in utero androgen influence. Here, I review current research concerning 2D:4D ratio, particularly in regards to muscle strength, muscle mass, and athletic ability. Studies on athletes have shown a significant negative correlation between the ratio and athleticism and an inconsistent correlation with muscle mass and muscle strength. I propose a research study on the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and Crossfit athletes and its relationship to muscle mass and muscle strength.

Everything That’S Black And White, Britton Welliever

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

While testing the effects of the Enchroma glasses on individuals with and without color blindness, a black and white image search task was given. This task was to test how quickly a participant could locate a hidden image within a black and white photo. A 30 second time limit was set for each image to test the speed of each participant, and find out whether participants with or without color blindness could find the hidden animal faster. Art surveys were also given in order to find out the changes in art perception when using the Enchroma glasses.

Morphometric Analysis Reveals The Evolution Of Behavior-Control Regions In The Mexican Cavefish, Daniel Whu

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Behaviors are complex processes that are constantly evolving. Although little is known about the genetic and neuronal mechanisms underlying the evolution of behavior, studying the brain may be useful in addressing this. The Mexican Cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, is a species with populations that inhabit surface rivers as well as caves. A. mexicanus populations are excellent models for convergent and parallel evolution. Using morphometric analysis software, we investigated the differences in brain morphology between the two morphs. The cave populations exhibit a smaller optic tectum volume, which is consistent with their loss of eyes, a larger hypothalamus, and an increased size …

The Ethics Of Non-Medical Gender Selection, Eva Yagudaev

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Due to the rate at which technological advancement is occurring, it has become increasingly difficult for the medical field to address the new ethical dilemmas that arise. Many new techniques and methods call into question ethical standards that have been the norm for many years. Further, these advancements tread into new territory that can be perplexing to many. One such field that has grown by leaps and bounds is the field of reproductive endocrinology. On one hand it has allowed women who have trouble conceiving to become pregnant and has created families where there was little hope before. However, it …

Visions Of The Treasure Coast, Sarah Stamos

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019

Living in South Florida, some of the most noteworthy biodiversity of our nation is encompassed within our Treasure Coast. With oceans having much more phylogenetic diversity than terrestrial areas, it is incredibly important that our oceans, intracoastal waterways, and lagoons are protected. I believe that one major way to bring awareness to such a key part of our ecosystems is through scientific illustrations. The power of scientific illustrations is that it makes some species a reality to people that would not otherwise see them, as not every person has the opportunity to go dive, or snorkel, and see the beauty …

Perks Of Perkins: Understanding Where Magic And Religion Meet For An Early Modern English Theologian, Kyle Sanders

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis argues that A Discourse of the Damned Art of Witchcraft by William Perkins, a prestigious Puritan theologian in Elizabethan England, highlights several themes in his witchcraft discourse which reflect his larger theology and more general trends in English theology: a world with an active Devil, predestination, providence, Biblicism, and anti-Catholicism. These central themes shape his understandings of where witchcraft fits within a world where God dominates everything. Witchcraft is an attempt to steal the dominion from God, even though the Devil only tricks witches into thinking they have power. He also tricks them into thinking he has power, …

Meso-Scale Simulation Of Size-Dependent Shear Behavior In Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforced Concrete Beams Without Stirrups, Sina Khodaie

Theses and Dissertations

There is extensive experimental evidence of the decrease in the shear stress at failure at increasing effective depths in concrete beams reinforced with glass fiberreinforced polymer (GFRP) bars without shear reinforcement. An important practical implication is that extrapolating strength values from typical laboratory-scaled experiments to design larger members may be misleading. The complexity of the underlying mechanics is reflected in the difficulty of using commercially available numerical tools to accurately estimate shear strength irrespective of beam size. This dissertation presents research on a Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM) based model to simulate the response of scaled slender GFRP reinforced concrete …

The Tie That Binds: The History, Conductors, And Music Of The Mystic Area Ecumenical Choir Festival, Mark Daniel Merritt

Theses and Dissertations

The Mystic Area Ecumenical Choir Festival, which began in 1968, is now in its 50th year. The festival is sponsored each year by the Mystic Area Ecumenical Council. The festival combines multi-generational choirs from numerous churches in and around the coastal villages of Noank and Mystic in Connecticut. Numerous nationally recognized choral directors, composers, and clinicians have been invited to guest conduct the choirs of the festival. For festival milestones, new choral pieces are commissioned.

This research project explores the history of church choirs in New England, beginning with mandated singing of metrical psalms, the singing schools which started in …

Hslic Annual Report Fy2017-18, University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Library And Informatics Center

HSLIC Annual Reports

No abstract provided.