Digital Commons Network^™

Large Language Models For Multimodal User Interaction In A Virtual Environment, Ahmed A. Sayed

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly popular, but many barriers exist for individuals with little experience in coding, 3D modeling, or creating their own virtual experiences. The current tools used for content creation are often viewed as complex or frustrating, and they exhibit a steep learning curve. This problem presents an opportunity to develop tools incorporating Natural User Interfaces that better support end users. One such possible tool to assist users is Large Language Models (LLM), which can, extract a user's intention through speech or text. We posit how using LLMs can better support novice and expert developers alike, and using …

Evaluating The Use Of Baited Remote Underwater Video (Bruv) In Assessing Shark And Fish Populations In A Low Visibility Estuarine System, The Tolomato River, Fl, Usa, Sarah Worthington

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Recently, there has been increasing use of baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys for assessing shark and fish populations in marine ecosystems. This approach can be useful because it may provide a non-destructive, non-extractive, and cost-effective alternative to traditional fishing-based methods. However, to date, most studies using BRUVs have focused on their use in high-visibility ecosystems, such as tropical reefs. Furthermore, few studies have compared results from BRUV surveys with those obtained using traditional methods to evaluate the efficacy of this approach. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using BRUV surveys to assess shark …

Volume Vii, Spring 2024, International Anchoritic Society

International Anchoritic Society Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Death Is Disparate, Jesse Cheng

SMU Law Review

The high stakes of capital punishment demand heightened procedural safeguards: death is different, so the maxim goes. One such safeguard is the doctrine of individualized sentencing mitigation, which establishes the defense’s right to introduce expansively open-ended evidence about the defendant’s unique life circumstances when making the case for mercy at the penalty trial. But some have criticized individualized mitigation for upending prior efforts by the U.S. Supreme Court to establish consistency and fairness in death verdicts. This Article takes individualized sentencing to its logical limit by considering the doctrinal possibility of “adversarial parity,” whereby open-ended individualization is also extended to …

Green And Proud: Protecting The Antiquities Act As A Means Of Fighting Climate Change And Promoting American Patriotism, Cameron King

SMU Law Review

This Comment addresses recent developments in Antiquities Act jurisprudence. Given the dearth of serious legal challenges confronting the Antiquities Act for the first 100 years of its existence, the past twenty-five years of near continuous controversy have made the Antiquities Act a hot-button issue in environmental law and politics.

As recently as two years ago, the nature of scholarly interest in the Antiquities Act was vastly different. Then, the issue was President Trump’s reduction of the sizes of two major monuments. Questions surfaced about the President’s ability to make such a reduction. With the election of Joe Biden and the …

Exploring Real-Time Robotic Control Using Synthetic Neural Systems, Daniel Restrepo

Maseeh Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) are neural circuits found in the spinal cords of many animals. They are responsible for generating computationally efficient rhythmic outputs used in locomotion, limb manipulation, breathing, and intestinal contraction/relaxation. Traditional robotic control models, such as non-spiking neural networks or Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control systems, although faster to simulate, have limitations in handling adaptive and complex tasks. Spiking CPGs, which mimic real neurons by communicating through discrete spikes, are particularly robust in the presence of environmental noise or changes, resulting in more energy-efficient and dynamic behavior. The aim of this research project is to evaluate the NVIDIA Jetson …

Diet And Monensin Influence The Temporal Dynamics Of The Rumen Microbiome In Stocker And Finishing Cattle, Jianmin Chai, Caleb P. Weiss, Paul A. Beck, Wei Zhao, Ying Li, Jiangchao Zhao

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Stocker cattle diet and management influence beef cattle performance during the finishing stage, but knowledge of the dynamics of the rumen microbiome associated with the host are lacking. A longitudinal study was conducted to determine how the feeding strategy from the stocker to the finishing stages of production affects the temporal dynamics of rumen microbiota. During the stocker phase, either dry hay or wheat pasture were provided, and three levels of monensin were administrated. All calves were then transported to a feedlot and received similar finishing diets with or without monensin. Rumen microbial samples were collected on d 0, …

Mitochondrial Dna Variation In Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera) Colonies From Arkansas, U.S., Allen Szalanski

Entomology and Plant Pathology Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study characterized the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic variation in Arkansas honey bee, Apis mellifera L., by sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI-COII) intergenic region). The samples were primarily of hobbyist-managed origin (n=180), as well as 32 feral colonies and two swarms. Of the 214 honey bee colonies and swarms sampled, 23 haplotypes were observed. The haplotypes were from the: A (African) (1.87%); C (South eastern European) (92.52%); M (Northern and Western European) (3.27%); and O (Near East and Middle East) lineages (2.34%). Six C lineage haplotypes were predominantly detected (n=189, 88.31%), all of which are common …

Situating The Modern Public Trust Doctrine In Trust Law: The Duty Of Loyalty And The Case For Bifurcated, De Novo Judicial Review, Edward A. Zelinsky

Articles

This article situates the modern public trust doctrine (PTD) in contemporary trust law. Grounding the PTD in trust law leads to two important corollaries. First, the PTD planted in trust law imposes upon government actors and agencies trust law’s fiduciary duty of loyalty. In the context of the PTD, that duty of loyalty runs to the public as the beneficiary of the PTD. Second, faced with plausible claims that this fiduciary duty of loyalty to the public has been violated, courts should apply trust law’s de novo standard of review to those administrative and legislative decisions alleged to impair public …

Improving The Affirmative Disclosure Of Agency Legal Materials, Bernard W. Bell, Cary Coglianese, Michael E. Herz, Margaret B. Kwoka, Orly Lobel

Articles

It is axiomatic that in a democratic society the law must be broadly accessible. Administrative agencies produce a plethora of materials imposing legal obligations on commercial or individual actors in the private sector. Other materials bind the agencies themselves in ways that affect the rights or interests of private parties. Still other materials provide the public with information about how agencies interpret and apply the statutes and rules they administer, or how agencies seek to deploy their discretion or take other actions that can affect private individuals or organizations. This Article focuses on improving the public availability of all of …

Jack Weaver Papers - Accession 682, Jack Wayne Weaver

Manuscript Collection

The Jack Weaver Papers consists of materials collected by Dr. Jack Wayne Weaver (b. 1932) who was a professor of English at Winthrop University from 1967 until his retirement in 2003. Dr. Weaver conducted several studies in Irish culture, including hosting two Scots-Irish festivals at Winthrop University and publishing a manuscript guide for Irish genealogy studies. The collection contains various information relating to Dr. Weaver’s general Irish studies, the Scots-Irish festivals, and his manuscript guide. Also included in the collection is some biographical data and information on his career as an English professor at Winthrop University.

James Casada Papers - Accession 903, James Allen Casada

Manuscript Collection

The James Allan Casada Papers consists of materials collected by Dr. James Allan Casada (b. 1942) who was a professor of history at Winthrop University from 1971-1996. Dr. Casada was also the varsity soccer coach from 1975-1987 and was inducted into Winthrop Athletic Hall of Fame. The collection consists mostly of Dr. Casada’s professional research and articles, but also includes materials related to his graduate work, Winthrop teaching records, book reviews, publication materials, and newspaper clippings. A majority of Dr. Casada’s research is related to 19^th century and early 20^th century explorers, mainly of Africa by British Explorers.

Sue James Nineteenth And Twentieth Century Music Collection - Accession 1642, Sue James

Manuscript Collection

The Sue James Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Music Collection consists of books, sheet music, and music books ranging from 1893 to 1989. Most of the pieces of sheet music are original copies. The sheet music includes pieces written for piano, organ, violin, guitar, and the voice. All of the pieces include English lyrics. Many pieces have been translated from German and Latin. The sheet music was collected by Sue James and donated by James Clarkson.

Severe Degranulation Of Mesenteric Mast Cells In An Experimental Rat Mammary Tumor Model, Senem Yavaş, Özkan Yavaş, Semi̇ha Ersoy, Gürsel Sönmez

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Breast cancers are one of the most common cancers in women and are responsible for many deaths worldwide. Mast cells are inflammatory cells. Their role in cancers is controversial, and there is limited data on systemic mast cell activation in cancer cases. This study aimed to evaluate systemic mast cell activation in an experimentally induced rat model of breast cancer. Materials and methods: Sprague Dawley female rats were divided into control (n=6) and mammary tumor (n=12) groups. In the tumor group, 20 mg 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) dissolved in 1 ml cottonseed oil was administered intragastrically by gavage, and the rats …

The Association Between Patient Race/Ethnicity/Culture, Physician-Patient Communication, And Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Maazen Khan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Research shows that health disparities exist among patients of varying races, ethnicities, and cultures in the United States. Numerous studies have suggested that these disparities may be partly associated with physician-patient communication. The larger project that this thesis is a part of is a mixed-methods analysis of physician-patient communication across patient race, ethnicity, and culture. This thesis specifically excluded qualitative studies and focused on how such communication can affect health outcomes. Sixty-nine studies were identified and appraised for quality. Of these, only four associated physician-patient communication with the health outcomes of patients. These studies had inconsistent results, highlighting the gap …

Concepts And Measures Of Human Intelligence And Anthropology: A Systematic Review Of Academic Literature From 1930s To 2010s, Leilani Maldonado

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis explores the evolution of intelligence research and its contextualization within historical biases. Using a meta-analysis approach, the study examines word frequencies in academic literature spanning from the 1930s to the 2010s to identify shifting trends in intelligence discourse. Eleven search terms related to intelligence were analyzed to interpret changes in academic focus over time. The findings reveal significant shifts influenced by historical events, societal movements, and advancements in technology and methodology. From the prominence of IQ measures during World War II to the rise of cognitive science in the 1960s and the emergence of emotional intelligence in the …

Antagomir Treatment For Deep-Space Simulated Changes In The Liver Of Mice, Natalie P. Hayslip

Honors Undergraduate Theses

With the start of NASA’s Artemis program, astronauts will soon leave the protection of Earth’s magnetosphere. Previous studies have established a theme of liver dysregulation associated with the harmful radiation and microgravity experienced in deep space. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of many of the pathologies observed during and after spaceflight, including hepatic fibrosis, making them strong potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), and solar particle events (SPE) on miRNAs and mRNAs involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway, a key regulator of fibrosis, senescence, and …

Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (Hhxrf) As A Non-Destructive Method For Trace Element Analysis Of Ancient Maya (Pre-Conquest 800 Bc - Ad950) Teeth From Altun Ha, Belize, Griffon G. Binkowski

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In anthropology, elemental analysis of bone and teeth can provide significant details about an individual’s life history, such as diet, toxicity exposure, residency, and migration patterns. Intra-individual comparisons can help to gather information about a single individual’s life, while inter-individual comparisons can help illustrate a community’s life history during these periods. However, current methods of elemental analysis commonly involve the destruction of skeletal samples, which can damage a collection’s integrity and be perceived as disrespectful by descendant communities. Preliminary research has validated handheld x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (HHXRF) as an accurate and reliable method of analysis appropriate for determining the elemental …

Monitoring Faunal Responses To Biodegradable Oyster Reef Restoration Materials With Camera Traps, Tara L. Blanchard

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Restoration of the oyster reefs has become increasingly crucial due to great population declines around the globe. Intertidal oyster reefs provide essential foraging and loafing grounds to many faunal species, including several threatened/endangered wading bird species. Biodegradable oyster reef restoration materials have been introduced to avoid potential plastic pollution from traditional materials. Studies have shown success regarding oyster recruitment rates to these materials. However, their impacts on fauna using restored oyster reefs are unknown. This project aims to evaluate oyster reef restoration using biodegradable materials to increase faunal diversity, abundance, and foraging behaviors. Camera traps were deployed to observe fauna …

Examining Wrack In Mosquito Lagoon To Analyze Biodiversity And Seagrass Viability, Nicole Jerrell

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Seagrass restoration of Halodule wrightii, has become crucial as seagrass coverage in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) declined by 58% between 2011 and 2019. To understand the abundance of seagrass fragments available for natural recruitment and restoration, we tracked the abundance of viable fragments found in the wrack in Mosquito Lagoon. Wrack is plant material, including seagrass fragments, mangrove propagules, and detritus. Seagrass fragments were considered viable if the fragment had an apical meristem present. Replicate samples were collected from 5 locations every two weeks, starting in September 2022 and ending in September 2023, and the samples were processed …

The Effects Of Nanobubbles For Gene Delivery For Osteoporosis Treatment, Abel Córdova Flores

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, the field of nanomedicine has provided promising alternatives to traditional ways of gene and drug delivery, such as nanobubbles instead of viral vectors. Manufacturing these nanomaterials is cost-effective and tends to be safer than previous forms of treatment for clinical use. In the realm of osteoporosis, a disease based around a higher rate of bone resorption to bone formation, leads to weak and brittle bones, leaving sufferers at risk for fractures, which are sudden and unexpected. These fractures are estimated to cost USD 22 Billion annually in the US alone. Reports show a significant effect on the …

Clostridioides Difficile: Identification Of Rival Organisms & Evaluation Of Non-Antibiotic Treatment Implementation, Justin Davis

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Clostrioides difficile is a common cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. Patients receiving antibiotic treatment experience dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and C. difficile, normally held in check by the various other organisms, takes this opportunity to propagate. Symptoms of infection generally include diarrhea, colitis, dehydration, and fever. Understanding that C. difficile generally only causes illness when it is the dominant bacterium (i.e. when growth is relatively unchecked by other microbes), it is appropriate to investigate potential competitive organisms that may be introduced after antibiotic courses or during active C. difficile infection to effectively displace it. Fecal samples from the University …

Investigating The Role Of Glycemic Control In Cognitive Impairement Risk Among Elderly Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review, Julia Pessaia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), presents a significant health burden globally, affecting millions of individuals, especially in the elderly population. While its association with cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairments is well-documented, further research on the precise influence of glucose control on cognitive outcomes in elderly T2DM patients is necessary. This scoping review aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of HbA1c levels representing glycemic control on the risk of developing cognitive impairments in elderly patients with T2DM. A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE and eligible studies involved T2DM patients aged 60 or older, with documented cognitive function …

A Holistic Approach To Animal Farming: Integrating Bioregionalism And Socialist Ecofeminism Within The Context Of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, Sarah R. Spears

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This paper addresses the harmful effects of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) within animal farming systems, including poor animal welfare, environmental damage, and environmental injustice. I argue that bioregionalism and socialist ecofeminism can help inform a holistic approach to mitigating these harms and evoke ethical and sustainable animal farming systems. Bioregionalism emphasizes local resource use, community engagement, and ecological knowledge within a specific region, while socialist ecofeminism critiques oppressive systems and seeks to uplift the viewpoints of all beings, including animals, nature, and humans of various identities. Through a scaffolded hypothetical case study informed by the CAFOs-practicing hog farms in …

The Promise Of Graphic Medicine In Provider Training To Promote Mental Health, Prevent The Empathy Decline, And Improve Learning, Maeher Sukhija

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As medical students progress through their training, they experience a decline in empathy, mental health struggles, and difficulties in learning. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and burnout among medical students, along with the decline of empathy in medical students can impact their professionalism and quality of patient care as future physicians. This literature review shows how the integration of graphic medicine in provider training can address these problems, giving a new perspective on what medical education should look like. Thirty-three articles were found and reviewed by searching through the databases Academic Search Premier, PubMed, and Google Scholar, along with the …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Immune System Of Older Adults, Brianna Tran

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on the immune system of older adults. Physical exercise has been known to affect one’s health positively. However, specific statistics relating to types of exercise intervention and older adults are dispersed. Autoimmune diseases are a lifelong disease that results in an overactive immune system, causing it to attack healthy cells. Which then leads to symptoms such as fatigue, pain, swelling, and digestive issues. This thesis includes systemic literature reviews that directly discuss the benefits of moderate-intensity exercise regarding the immune system of the elderly population. Results from this …

Preserving Paradise: A Case Study Of Public Attitudes And Its Impact On The Conservation Of The Indian River Lagoon Watershed, Zanielle Wells

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is an important estuary along Florida’s east coast. It is known for its ongoing water quality issues attributed to human activity in the watershed, which has resulted in extensive restoration and conservation efforts. This study researches the relationship between public perception and sentiment toward sustainable development initiatives and how they influence conservation and restoration in the Indian River Lagoon watershed. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with IRL experts who work in the government, academia, nonprofit, or nongovernmental sectors to discuss public sentiment and engagement practices within the watershed. The responses were analyzed using a causal …

Religious Trauma And Identity, Kylie N. Angiel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Religious trauma is most often the result of prolonged emotional and mental trauma, rather than a one-time occurring physical experience, which can thereby lead to complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). This prolonged form of trauma can have negative impacts on one’s psychological well-being and possibly one’s sense of identity. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how religious trauma may be related to identity development. College students (N = 223) completed an anonymous online survey battery for course credit. Scores on a measure of religious and spiritual struggles was positively correlated with identity distress and …

Interlude: Interactions Between Labeled And Unlabeled Data To Enhance Semi-Supervised Learning, Zhe Huang, Xiaowei Yu, Dajiang Zhu, Michael C. Hughes

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Semi-supervised learning (SSL) seeks to enhance task performance by training on both labeled and unlabeled data. Mainstream SSL image classification methods mostly optimize a loss that additively combines a supervised classification objective with a regularization term derived solely from unlabeled data. This formulation often neglects the potential for interaction between labeled and unlabeled images. In this paper, we introduce InterLUDE, a new approach to enhance SSL made of two parts that each benefit from labeled-unlabeled interaction. The first part, embedding fusion, interpolates between labeled and unlabeled embeddings to improve representation learning. The second part is a new loss, grounded in …

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.