Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Relationship Between Physical Health Behaviors And Mental Health Outcomes In Female Hispanic College Students, Alexandra St. Laurent

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The current state of mental health in college students is a universal concern. Female college students are reporting more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms than ever before. Physical activity and diet quality can positively influence mental health symptoms. Current research provides scarce evidence that examines the relationship of these health behaviors and outcomes in the Hispanic female population. The primary aim of this study is to examine the relationship between physical health behaviors and mental health outcomes in Hispanic female college students. This is a cross-sectional study using a self-report survey to collect data from approximately 109 Hispanic female college …

Hybridization Kinetics Of Four-Way Junctions Localized On A Dna Scaffold, Katherine N. Taylor

Honors Undergraduate Theses

DNA computing is an ever-growing field with scientists trying to design structures that optimize logic gate communication to develop fast, biologically compatible, computational structures. We hypothesize that by using the principles of DNA computing, it is possible to design a DNA tile capable of studying localized DNA hybridization that can differentiate between oligonucleotides of different structural conformations. This includes synthetically manipulating DNA into a nanostructure that can perform Boolean logic functions to calculate the different rates of hybridization. To test our hypothesis, we designed a DNA Tile that incorporated a 4WJ using YES logic. Linear and hairpin single-stranded (ss) DNA …

Searching For Black Holes In The Galactic Center, Caden Zaccardi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Due to the high extinction along the plane of the Milky Way towards the Galactic Center (GC), it is useful to look at objects that are bright in the near-infrared (near-IR) to obtain data with Earth-based instruments. To identify X-ray Binary (XRB) counterparts towards the GC, we used near-IR spectra from the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). After reducing the LUCI/LBT spectra with the superFATBOY (sFB) pipeline, we compared our near-IR spectra to previously matched IR and X-ray sources in the GC (DeWitt, 2011). Particularly, we looked for H and He emission lines, which indicate signs of a hard radiation field …

Investigating The Association Of Demographic Factors On Methotrexate Delay-Clearance And Toxicity In Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review, Belal Alabdul Razzak

Honors Undergraduate Theses

High-dose methotrexate (HD MTX) is critical for treating pediatric malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neuro-carcinoma. However, its significant toxicity due to drug accumulation poses substantial risks. This retrospective study assesses the impact of demographic factors on MTX toxicity and clearance in pediatric oncology patients. Patient records from Saint Mary Hospital were analyzed, focusing on two MTX administration protocols: a 24-hour infusion followed by alkaline hydration and a 4-hour infusion followed by alkaline hydration. We hypothesize that factors such as age, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI) are associated with MTX clearance and toxicity. The study …

A Tool To Automate Neuropathological Assessment In Huntington Disease Mouse Models, Samuel A. Moldenhauer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As our life expectancy continues to rise, so does the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington disease (HD). Neurodegeneration leads to progressive regional brain atrophy, typically initiating prior to symptom onset. With the advancements of medical treatments designed to target neurodegeneration, researchers measure their impact on atrophy in animal models to assess their effectiveness. This is important because treatments designed to combat neuropathology are more likely to modify the disease itself, per contra to treatments designed to mask or treat symptoms. One method of brain region size quantification is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which while accurate, is prohibitively expensive. …

Elements Of The Criminal Minds, Kelsie A. Esposito Ms.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Studying human behavior and societal dynamics has captivated scholars across time. From ancient philosophers like Plato to contemporary researchers, the quest to comprehend our distinctiveness and the mechanisms that enable harmonious coexistence remains paramount. This thesis examines the enigmatic realm of the “criminal class,” looking at their identity and actions and the cognitive processes underpinning their behavior. Focusing on violent criminal offenders, this thesis seeks to provide greater meaning and understanding of the criminal mind.

The Forced Removal Of Iraqi Jews: Ethnic Cleansing And Its Impact On Global Perceptions Of Zionism And The State Of Israel, Gal Shem-Tov

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The mid-20th century, particularly the 1940s and 1950s, was marked by significant Jewish migration and ethnic cleansing worldwide following the Holocaust and widespread antisemitism. A common misconception is that the Holocaust's effects were confined to Europe; however, substantial evidence shows that similar policies and migrations occurred in the Middle East and North Africa, where antisemitism was also a prominent issue often overlooked in historical narratives. Furthermore, the perception that Zionism—a movement for the re-establishment, development, and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary—originated solely within European or "White" Jewish communities is …

Neurodivergent Student Success In Postsecondary Education: Attitudes Toward Current Accommodations, Alexis T. Cunha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis investigated the perceptions of accommodation efficacy held by students with neurodevelopmental disabilities at UCF (the University of Central Florida) to understand whether the current accommodations are adequate for those accessing them. Prior research has found that students with disabilities face many barriers when accessing proper accommodations.

Furthermore, even when they access them, the accommodations may fall short of what is needed. An online survey study was conducted to investigate student usage of and attitudes toward accommodations. The survey comprised five main sections: Demographics, Perceptions of Accommodations/Accommodations Received, Willingness to Disclose Disability Scale (WDD), Attitudes Toward Requesting Accommodations Scale …

Exploring I-Ready Mathematics And Its Support For Learning Fractions Of Third Grade Students, Allison Carnesale

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study explores the effectiveness of the i-Ready Mathematics program in enhancing third-grade students’ understanding of fractions through a mixed-methods approach. Utilizing an explanatory sequential design, this research combines quantitative analysis of student diagnostic and F.A.S.T. assessment scores in mathematics with qualitative observational data. The study aims to assess whether i-Ready serves as a supportive tool for fraction learning and identify behavioral factors influencing student engagement.

Conducted over a three-month period in one third grade classroom, the study followed five students engaged with i-Ready’s fraction-focused lessons. Quantitative findings indicated that most students demonstrated academic growth, as evidenced by upward trends …

The Impact Of Artificial Beach Lighting And Beach Renourishment On Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) And Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) Nesting Success, Amanda M. Casaburi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Sea turtles face numerous threats on their nesting beaches, including habitat degradation, artificial lighting, and human interventions like beach nourishment projects. These factors can disrupt nesting behavior and reduce overall reproductive success. This study examined the impact of anthropogenic disturbances, specifically artificial lighting and beach nourishment projects, on the nesting success (quantified as portion of adult female emergences resulting in a nest) of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in southern Brevard County, Florida. Utilizing a long-term dataset (1989-2023) from the UCF Marine Turtle Research Group, the research focused on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR), a …

We Have Conducted A Comprehensive Review Of The Digital Accessibility Of This Content And Made A Good Faith Effort To Ensure It Meets Minimum Accessibility Standards., Aurea M. Jimenez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study explores the influence of bilingualism on personality traits specifically in English and Spanish-bilingual individuals. This examines how linguistic and cultural contexts have an impact on direct personality traits—extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, negative emotionality, and openness. Using a sample of 91 participants, paired samples t-tests were conducted to evaluate differences in personality trait scores between languages and calculated effect sizes to understand the practical significance of these differences. The results demonstrated no statistically significant differences in personality traits across the two languages. Furthermore, effect sizes were small, suggesting that any observed differences were not practically meaningful. While these findings do …

The Impact Of Prenatal Paternal Cigarette Smoke On Male Urogenital Disorders: A Systematic Review, Raphaelia V. Mcdonald

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Urogenital disorders, including cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and reduced semen quality, represent significant congenital and developmental challenges in male reproductive health. While maternal smoking during pregnancy is a well-established risk factor, emerging evidence indicates that paternal smoking may also have adverse effects on male offspring’s reproductive development. This systematic review assessed the impact of paternal cigarette smoke exposure before and during pregnancy on the incidence of various urogenital disorders.

By synthesizing data from five critical studies, we found that paternal smoking was associated with a 3.8-fold increased risk of cryptorchidism and hypospadias, a 1.26-fold reduction in semen quality, and potential epigenetic changes …

Paleodemographic Research In Ancient Túcume With A Focus On Infant Mortality, Tyler J. Pilarski

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research analyzed bioarchaeological data from the Peruvian site of Túcume in an attempt to understand what the overall mortality profile may have been like, as well as what patterns may have been seen in juvenile and infant mortality. The primary data set, which consisted of estimated age-at-death values from previously excavated skeletal remains, was examined via three different models (Life Table, 5 Year Incremental, and Categorical), as well as compared to data from two other comparable sites (Pacatnamú and Farfán). It was found that individuals at Túcume were dying in unequal proportions across the age groups, ranging from newborn …

Exploring Nurses' Perspectives Of The Use Of Hospital Interpretation Technologies Versus Other Methods For Communicating With Non-English Language Preference (Nelp) Patients: A Literature Review, Natalie Moreira-Rivera

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Nurses' perspectives on the use of interpretation technologies compared to other methods for communicating with NELP patients when providing treatment in a hospital setting was explored utilizing a literature review. The literature search was conducted using CINHAL, APA PsychInfo, Medline, and Applied Science & Technology Source databases. The search resulted in 84 articles, of which 6 were eligible to be included in the narrative review. Three themes emerged that helped explain nurses’ perspectives: preferred technology, facilitators/benefits, and barriers/concerns. Interpretation technologies were preferred over in-person translators in most cases. Nurses and other healthcare providers perceived technologies as convenient, flexible, versatile, and …

Genetic And Biochemical Analysis Of Novel Borrelia Burgdorferi Genes Bb0244 And Bb0246, Christian J. Ruiz-Rodriguez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As the cause of the most common vector-borne disease in the US, Borrelia burgdorferi continues to affect an estimated hundreds of thousands of patients each year. The spirochete boasts one of the most complex genomes in comparison to all other prokaryotes as it is fragmented across up to 21 different replicons. Moreover, the functions of a majority of the encoded genes remain unknown. Gene of unknown function, bb0244, along with putative co-transcribed genes bb0245, and bb0246 are hypothesized to be involved in the vital functions of cell division and cell wall biogenesis. B. burgdorferi lacking bb0244 demonstrate a significant growth …

Why Do Populists (Promise To) Close Borders? Contemporary Populism And Immigration Control In Net Migration Countries, Tyler J. Rapisarda

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Populism has become prevalent worldwide as more politicians embrace it. My thesis aims to study the campaign promises of populists worldwide, regarding a reduction of immigration, and to see if they followed through on those promises. I focused on populists from Europe and the United States. A comparative analysis of Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Slovakia revealed that populist candidates who had promised closing borders or otherwise reduce immigration, did so, once elected. My research reveals different approaches, methods and strategies in border and migration control, across all countries studied.

Animating Animal Tracking Data In A Geospatial Context, Bruno V. Pinheiro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In the field of ecology, animal tracking is core to understanding an animal’s behavior, space-use requirements, and suitable habitat. Utilizing the software created by this project, it is possible to visualize tracking data in its spatial and temporal context. The source code is written in R and leverages the Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) package for statistical analysis. Utilizing CTMM, predicted or simulated movement paths can be generated with the user only needing to input their data. The Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is used to write a file containing all the animation parameters the user desires, such as the number of …

Factors Leading To Osteoporosis In Turner Syndrome, Daniella O. Aleshinloye

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Turner Syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder from conception characterized by the partial or complete absence of the second X chromosome in females. Chromosomal abnormalities, both numerical and structural, contribute to a significantly higher prevalence of fractures (30.5-32.2%) compared to non-TS postmenopausal women (14.9%). This highlights the intrinsic bone abnormalities associated with TS and increased fracture risk. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is commonly used to assess bone mineral density (BMD). However, its accuracy in individuals with TS is limited due to the partial volume effect, highlighting the need for further clinical research to understand bone density changes compared to …

Threats To The United States, Elyssa R. Barna

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research goes over various threats that the United States may deal with in the future, how severe they may be, and what policy implications and further research could be done. This research is done by case studies, looking into different previous threats to the United States including the Cold War, the September 11th, 2001, attacks, the anti-western or jihadist terrorist groups, and the usage of biological and chemical weapons in terrorist attacks. After detailing the changes that have occurred in recent times, such as the evolution of technology and social media, it is explained how this can influence terrorism …

Assessing The Prevalence Of Behavioral Work-Related Exposures Among Nail Technicians, Kayla R. Mecoli

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Nail technicians can be exposed to more chemicals and allergens than the general population due to the unique exposures they experience in their day-to-day operations. This study focused on behaviors nail technicians participated in that may have increased their risk of infection, pain, allergy, or ailment. A cross-sectional study was organized, assessing the prevalence of behavioral exposures among nail technicians and their correlation with other factors like prior education, workplace type, and symptoms experienced. The goal was to create a better understanding of how the modern-day nail technician is protecting themselves while working, by identifying gaps to facilitate the creation …

Assessment Of Forensic And Clinical Criteria Of Orbital Blowout Fractures For Use In Bioarchaeological Analysis, Dylan E. Ornot

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Orbital blowout fractures are a particular facial fracture occurring within the inner eye orbits of the face caused by blunt force trauma to the eyeball or the lower orbital rim. This fracture is common in modern clinical contexts due to physical assaults, but examining this fracture in skeletal material can also provide insights into the patterns of interpersonal violence within the fields of bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. Issues with analyzing this fracture in skeletal material arise due to the clinical assessment practices of blowout fractures, where medical practitioners are highly focused on the soft tissue presentations of the fracture in …

Dysbiosis In Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis Of Gut Microbiota And Its Role In Gastrointestinal Dysfunction And Disease Progression, Ayan M. Siddiqui Mr.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. Symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and nausea often show early signs before the onset of motor symptoms. Recent research has suggested an essential role of the human gut microbiome and gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbiota composition, in the pathogenesis of PD. This thesis aims to assess the potential relationship between gut dysbiosis and PD by conducting a meta-analysis, focusing on differences in gut microbiota between PD patients and healthy controls and evaluating their implications for GI dysfunction and PD progression. The …

Sex Education Experiences Of Lgbtq+ College Students In Florida, Uma Sriram

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Existing research has identified negative impacts of state-level policies on sexual and gender minorities, yet minimal research has assessed the impact of recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Florida. This study explored the sex education experiences of LGBTQ+ college students who attended public middle and high schools in Florida and their attitudes towards the “Don’t Say Gay” Law, which was passed in 2022 and has since prevented the inclusion of diverse sexual and gender identities within K-12 school environments. Data consisted of 11 in-depth, qualitative interviews with undergraduate LGBTQ+ students attending Florida public universities. Thematic analysis of the interview data was conducted, …

Dance Movement Therapy For Pediatric Oncology Patients And Its Effect On Cancer Therapy-Related Symptoms, Victoria M. Trautwein

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Pediatric cancer patients are susceptible to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms impacting their quality of life. Dance movement therapy is a non-pharmacological method that has been shown to improve feelings of depression, anxiety, emotional, somatic symptoms, and overall quality of life. While much of cancer research is dedicated to finding cures, it is also important to focus on identifying methods for improving the symptoms and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.

Aim: The purpose of the literature review is to examine studies that show the effects of dance movement therapy on pediatric oncology patients’ cancer-treatment related …

Unraveling The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Staphylococcus Aureus Carriage: A Comparative Research Of Pre- And Post-Pandemic Samples, Catherine G. Johnston

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus carriage and disease. This study aims to assess these changes by leveraging respiratory samples collected from a longstanding cohort, comparing the genomic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from pre- and post-pandemic periods. We analyzed S. aureus genomes and phenotypically determined macrolide resistance to characterize population structure, antibiotic resistance, and virulence profiles. Changes in S. aureus carriage rates, macrolide resistance, disease occurrence, and population structure between samples collected pre- and post-pandemic were examined. By using respiratory samples, chart reviews, and risk factor questionnaires of 498 children from a …

Effect Of External Electromagnetic Stimulation On Microtubule Polymerization, Florian Alushi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Intracellular processes are influenced by mass transport at different spatial and temporal scales, facilitated by diffusion and stochastic encounters between cellular components. While traditionally explained by short-range "lock and key" interactions, some processes involve rapidly fluctuating charges generating electromagnetic (EM) fields, allowing long-range biomolecular interactions. This challenges the conventional view that efficient biochemical reactions depend solely on random encounters and short-range interactions, suggesting EM fields play a crucial role in cellular dynamics. Microtubules (MTs) are essential components of the cell cytoskeleton, responsible for intracellular transport, cell migration, cell division, etc. Beyond their mechanical role, MTs have unique electromagnetic properties due …

Mapping The Reaction Networks Of Cis Formed In The Ozone-Assisted Oxidation Of C₆ Acyclic And Endocyclic Alkenes, Zachary Clarke

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Criegee intermediates (CIs) are highly reactive species generated during the ozonolysis of alkenes, exerting a critical influence on atmospheric oxidation, combustion chemistry, and synthetic processes. Their reactivity, encompassing unimolecular and bimolecular pathways, shapes oxidation mechanisms and product distributions in these environments. A key determinant of CI behavior is the structural nature of the parent alkene. Acyclic alkenes typically yield intermediates with minimal steric hindrance, facilitating rapid reactions, whereas endocyclic alkenes produce geometrically constrained CIs with enhanced internal stabilization, redirecting reaction pathways and reducing overall reactivity. Despite their importance, mechanistic understanding remains limited due to experimental challenges in detecting CIs and …

Large Spacecraft Medium Voltage Dc (Mvdc) Power And Propulsion System, Sarah Talebzadeh

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This thesis introduces a medium voltage direct-current (MVDC) system for large spacecrafts with megawatt (MW)-scale power and propulsion systems for interplanetary transport. The proposed MVDC system comprises a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) powered permanent magnet generator, a solar photovoltaic (PV), a backup battery energy storage system (BESS), an electric thruster, AC/DC loads, and the spacecraft low-voltage DC (LVDC) power system. The NEP is the main power source for the thruster, while the solar PV and BESS support payload and low-voltage systems. The energy sources are connected to the MVDC bus through power electronics converters. Unidirectional boost DC-DC converter and bidirectional …

Enhancing Mechanical Properties And Water Interactions Of Arabinoxylan Films From Corn Bran Through Enzymatic-Chemical Modification, Abdulrahman Alahmed

Cereal Science

Due to the need to replace non-biodegradable plastics, arabinoxylan (AX) films were evaluated for potential use in food packaging. The mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, and biodegradability of AX films were evaluated after extracting AX from corn bran byproducts of dry-milling (DCB), wet-milling (WCB), and dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) using acid-alkali procedure. Packaging materials were created using the three AX extracts combined with laccase and sorbitol as the basis for each film. The three AX films were then modified by immersing their surfaces in a lipase-acetate solution. Thickness of modified DCB AX and modified DDGS AX films was significantly increased …

Female Genital Cutting In Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya: A Qualitative Interview Study, Melon Jepchumba Tanui

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study focuses on women from Elgeyo-Marakwet county in Kenya, several of whom have undergone what has come to be referred to by the Western world as “female genital mutilation” (FGM). This procedure “involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia” or inflicting any other damaging injury on “the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” (WHO 2022: para. 1). The residents of this county are Kalenjin speakers of Keiyo and Marakwet sub-dialects. The ceremonial process, which lasts from days to a month, is called Tumdop Tibiik, meaning the initiation of girls. (For definitions of Kalenjin …