Digital Commons Network^™

01.01.04. Swan Goose, Anser Cygnoides, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

Endemic to Mongolia, northeast China, and eastern Russia; migratory, and wintering in central and eastern China, Swan Goose is the common domestic goose of farms, zoos, and private collections now widely established from introductions in many areas of the USA.

01.01.07. Black Swan, Cygnus Atratus, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

Black Swans are native to Australia and Tasmania. Typically, they are found along inland waterways, rivers, sewage ponds, and coastal lagoons and inlets, and sometimes flocks together in enormous numbers on large wetlands. Frequent in waterfowl collections in domesticated settings, they now occur in Japan, eastern China, more densely in Europe and Iceland, and commonly in scattered urban centers in the USA.

01.01.12. Blue-Winged Teal, Spatula Discors, Z. B. Holmes, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The expansive breeding range of Blue-Winged Teal stretches from the Canadian Arctic to northern Texas while, in the eastern United States, their non-breeding winter range extends from Florida and continues south throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. In the United States, the highest winter densities occur in southern Texas and peninsular Florida in early January, but teal are present in Florida throughout the year.

01.01.17. Hooded Merganser, Lophodytes Cucullatus, B. H. Anderson, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

“Hoodie” is not only a nickname given to a hooded sweatshirt, but to the exquisitely patterned Hooded Merganser by hunters and birders, alike. Mainly piscivores, mergansers differ from most other ducks by having a long, rather narrow bill, serrated along the edges to firmly secure the prey they capture while diving.

01.01.13. Mallard, Anas Platyrhynchos, R. D. Goodwin, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Mallard is one of the most widely distributed ducks in the world with breeding populations found on 3 continents. It is also known as an uncommon to common resident throughout Florida derived from domestic stock. It has become established mostly in urban areas around the large population centers of Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

01.01.14. Mallard Hybrids, K. M. Mcbride, A. Auger, A. T. Fanning, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Mallard complex of ducks is a suite of 14 closely related species found throughout the world whose genetics are just beginning to be understood. Within the complex, the wild-type mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the sole ancestor to most domesticated ducks.

01.01.11. Mandarin Duck, Aix Galericulata, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

Mandarin Ducks, congeners of the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), are small, colorful ducks native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Frequently introduced as pinioned waterfowl in domesticated settings they now occur commonly in Europe, Iceland, and North America.

01.01.15. Mottled Duck, Anas Fulvigula, K. M. Mcbride, A. Auger, A. T. Fanning, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Mottled Duck, a southern relative of the American Black Duck and the Mallard, inhabits peninsular Florida and coastal marshes along the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama west and south to Tampico, Mexico. Established populations also exist in South Carolina and Georgia because of introductions.

01.01.16. Ring-Necked Duck, Aythya Collaris, K. M. Mcbride, A. Auger, A. T. Fanning, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Ring-necked Duck is a small to medium-sized diving duck with distinctive white bill markings and a short crest that gives its head an angular profile. The species is native to North America, but sightings outside of the continent are increasingly common. Migratory throughout its range, this duck nests at generally low densities in subarctic deltas, taiga, boreal forest, aspen parkland and, to a lesser extent, prairie regions.

01.01.18. Ruddy Duck, Oxyura Jamaicensis, C. Chancy, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Ruddy Duck can be distinguished from most North American ducks by its unique plumage and stature. This stocky, still-tailed duck breeds in the southwest and southern interior of Canada and extends its breeding range into the Lower 48 to southern California, across the northern southwest, and up through Nebraska, the Dakotas, and the western half of Minnesota.

01.01.10. Wood Duck, Aix Sponsa, Z. B. Holmes, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

In the early 1900s, wood ducks were threatened with extinction due to overhunting and loss of habitat, however, protections beginning in 1918 with the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act coupled with management plans saved this species from extinction. Wood Ducks breed throughout the United States and into southern Canada, predominantly following freshwater sources bordered by shrubby or forested swamps.

Gendered Coverage In Sports Media: An Analysis Of Espn’S Representation Of Women’S Sports, Abigail C. Leonard

Honors Theses and Capstones

Despite growing participation in women’s sports, media coverage continues to reflect significant gender disparities. This thesis examines how ESPN, as a leading sports media network, contributes to the construction of gendered narratives through its coverage of women’s sports and female athletes. Drawing on framing theory, agenda-setting theory, and social identity theory, this study analyzes headlines, visuals, language, narratives, and broadcast patterns to explore how meaning is constructed in sports coverage.

The findings suggest that while coverage of women’s sports has increased, it often remains positioned as secondary to men’s sports. Female athletes are more frequently described using language that emphasizes …

The Influence Of Ai Tool Dependence On Students’ Perceived Preparedness And Confidence In Higher Education, Julia Fichera

Honors Theses and Capstones

As AI tools are becoming more integrated in higher education, how these tools may impact students’ perceptions of their own independent writing and communication skills has been questioned. This study seeks to understand how reliance on AI writing tools in higher education influences students’ perceived preparedness and confidence in their independent writing and communication skills. Survey data was collected from 102 university students; after removing incomplete entries, 99 responses were included in the final analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

The tests reveal that greater AI reliance is associated with lower self-perception …

When Does Sexual Image Exposure Constitute Child Sexual Abuse?: Definitional Inconsistencies, Paige B. Kenny

Honors Theses and Capstones

The following review examines how youth exposure to sexual images online is conceptualized and measured as abusive within epidemiological research on online child sexual abuse (OCSA). As digital environments reshape sexual socialization, scholars debate whether and when exposure to sexual content constitutes abuse. To address this issue, this study conducts a qualitative content analysis of 27 survey items drawn from 20 empirical studies of youth online experiences. Survey questions about sexual image exposure were coded across four dimensions: volition, personalization, image or text, and explicitness. Findings reveal significant definitional inconsistency. Many studies rely on ambiguous terms such as “sexual” or …

How Does Media Exposure Promote Nature Deprivation, Impacting Next Generational Social Interaction? Screen Time Vs. Green Time: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Mia N. Ryder

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study explores the impact social media can have on individuals' other qualities of life. This study particularly highlights its impact on in-person social engagement along with nature utilization and enjoyment, keeping in mind the corresponding benefits associated with those two variables. UNH undergraduate students were selected as participants. Participants completed surveys assessing their sense of regulation with social media consumption and reliance, their tendency to use and enjoy accessible natural resources, and their overall capacity to experience social comfort. Our survey was designed using 3 separate scales: A Green Space Enjoyment Scale, Social Comfortability Scale, and the third being …

The Effects Of Micro- And Nanoplastics On Human Monocytes, Caitlin G. Valerian

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Exploring Biopsychosocial Influences On Hookup Culture And Disrupting Compulsory Behaviors In Emerging Adults: A Multidisciplinary Analysis Of A Contemporary Public Health Concern, Catherine Benjamin

Honors Theses and Capstones

Multidisciplinary analysis, including biology, psychology, and sociology, to better understand the compulsory Hookup Culture that exists as a contemporary public health concern among the age group defined as emerging adults. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) diagnoses are steadily rising in the United States and disproportionately affecting college students. Early socialization and current educational resources that contribute to shame and stigma are discussed to explain how lifestyle and social conditions can act as risk factors for individual health outcomes.

Μmodules: A Low-Cost, Eurorack-Compatible Modular Audio Synthesis System, Nolan K. Juneau

Honors Theses and Capstones

The modular audio synthesizer is one of the fastest-growing industries in contemporary music technology. Unlike a traditional audio synthesizer, a modular synthesizer allows for the user to directly control the signal path and effects of the synthesized sound, allowing for a workflow that is completely customizable to an individual musician and their creative vision. However, the modules and cases currently in production for the common “Eurorack” design standard can be prohibitively expensive to new users, often costing thousands of dollars for even a small system. The µModules project aims to eliminate this financial barrier to modular synthesis by using inexpensive …

Political Media Hesitancy And Avoidance In College Students, Taylor Mandile

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Stream: Valuing Music Catalogs As An Alternative Asset Class, Amelia Jade Magay

Honors Theses and Capstones

This thesis builds a quantitative valuation framework for music catalog transactions and tests its limits systematically. The goal is not to produce a formula that perfectly prices every deal. The goal is to identify where streaming-based financial analysis is a useful underwriting tool, where it breaks down, and what categories of value investors appear to be pricing beyond publicly available streaming data.

Concord Public Transportation Improvement Project, Jacob Holt

Honors Theses and Capstones

The capital city of Concord, New Hampshire, has been served by Concord Area Transit (CAT) since 1989. Despite continued population growth and economic development within the city, CAT’s fixed route bus system has remained unaltered since 2011. The purpose of this project is to rework the CAT system to provide service that better aligns with Concord resident’s current needs. A public survey was conducted to gather data regarding Concord resident’s needs, habits, and perception of the existing system, which was used in the development of the revised system. The project includes suggestions for both system-wide and route-specific modifications. Key changes …

Effects Of Volatile Organic Compounds Produced By Temperature-Adapted Microbes On Duckweed Growth, Phaedra Yael Stemp

Honors Theses and Capstones

As host-associated microbes adapt to their abiotic environment, these adaptations can affect their host species as well. Previous research showed that varying temperatures and volatile organic compound (VOC) production can affect microbial benefits to hosts. This experiment analyzed how 27 microbes pre-adapted to different temperature conditions affected growth of their host, common duckweed plants, comparing effects of direct contact with microbes, effects of microbe VOCs alone, or both. Each microbe was pre-adapted to one of three temperature regimes: “Northern” at 28 °C, “Southern” at 33 °C, and “Extreme” at 36 °C. We then grew duckweeds in I-plates with each microbe …

Investigating Microbe-Mediated Temperature Tolerance In Lemna Minor, Matthew Thomas Farbaniec

Honors Theses and Capstones

Temperature limits plant growth and survival more than many other environmental variables, and increases in the frequency of extreme hot or cold weather events pose significant challenges for plant growth and crop yields. Previous studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms associated with plants ( i.e., the plant microbiome) can influence host response to temperature stress. These same microbes have their own temperature tolerances. We investigated whether microbial temperature tolerance correlates with plant resilience using an aquatic plant model, Lemna minor, and isolates derived from its microbiome. Microbial isolates were assessed at −10°C, 4°C, and 32°C for …

Reading Between The Lines: Representations Of Dyslexia In Young Adult Literature, Carli B. Gauvin

Honors Theses and Capstones

While dyslexia affects upwards of 20% of the population, this learning disability is not commonly brought up in young adult literature. This lack of representation negatively impacts those with dyslexia, who often fail to find themselves in the books they read, and readers in general, who are given fewer opportunities to gain insight into the learning disability. Young adult books that do discuss dyslexia can be at risk of portraying the learning disability in an unfavorable light, which can make dyslexic readers feel undervalued in society and can introduce misconceptions about dyslexia to all readers. It is crucial to analyze …

Embracing Anomalous Perceptions: Sensory Anomalies, Social Stigma, And Self-Acceptance, Ty R. Hetrick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Anomalous Perceptual Experiences (APEs), which include auditory and visual hallucinations, occur in the general population to varying degrees, but are often stigmatized in media and healthcare settings. However, there is an increasing focus on those who report APEs to be positive and meaningful. This study explored the lived experiences of individuals who report APEs that are interpreted meaningfully. Using a concurrent mixed methods approach, interviews and questionnaires were conducted with 3 adults who identify their APEs as meaningful. Participants described their experiences as sources of guidance, connection, and personal transformation that positively influenced their relationships, spirituality, and daily occupations. They …

07.01.01. King Rail, Rallus Elegans, R. T. Engstrom, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

07.01. <em>Rallidae</em> - Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

The King Rail breeds in freshwater and brackish wetlands mostly along the Gulf coast of the United States and Mexico and in scattered inland populations to the 100th meridian from southeastern Canada to Texas.

07.01.02. Clapper Rail, Rallus Crepitans, R. T. Engstrom, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

07.01. <em>Rallidae</em> - Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

The Clapper Rail breeds along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico from Massachusetts and Rhode Island to Central America and islands in the Caribbean.

07.01.04. American Coot, Fulica Americana, C. Chaney, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

07.01. <em>Rallidae</em> - Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

One of Florida’s most recognized wetland birds, the chicken-like American Coot’s cackling vocalizations can be heard across North and Central America almost anywhere with freshwater wetlands.