Digital Commons Network^™

Misrepresentation Of The Archaeological Record And Identity In Italy, Julienne Zambri

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis examines the practice of the misrepresentation and manipulation of the archaeological record in Italy as it relates to identity formation through three main case studies. Moving chronologically, it begins by analyzing the Palermo National Exposition and the Mostra Etnografica Siciliana of Giuseppe Pitrè using Edward Said’s Orientalism to reveal the othering of Sicilians at this exposition. The second case study looks at the Mostra Augustea della Romanità of the Fascist era, building on the extensive scholarly discussion regarding Mussolini’s misrepresentation of ancient Roman archaeology to construct a fascist identity around the concept of romanità. Moving into the contemporary …

How Hormonal Contraceptives Influence Injury In Female Athletes: A Systematic Review, Ashley V. Malvita

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Research indicates that female athletes have a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Hormone fluctuations throughout the different periods of the menstruation cycle impacts the risk of injuries for women. Contraceptive use, most used in the form of an oral contraceptive pill, directly effects hormones and menstrual cycle related symptoms, with evidence of ameliorating some symptoms. Oral contraceptive use is suggested to influence musculoskeletal injuries in female athletes. However, there is little research and data that explores the direct relationship between oral contraceptive use and the injury rates of female athletes. Within this systematic review, five articles investigating this relationship fulfilled …

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 …

The Efficacy Of Vitamin D Supplementation In The Treatment Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Paola N. Delacerda

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder commonly affecting women of reproductive age. Diagnostic criteria include abnormal menstrual cycles, elevated androgens, and cystic ovaries, although insulin resistance is also common. PCOS puts patients at an elevated risk for complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so proper management of this condition is essential. It has been found that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the PCOS patient population, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as a treatment for PCOS. A meta-analysis was performed using six randomized, placebo-controlled trials that each examined …

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.

Keeping You In Shape: The Integration Of Fractals In The Study Of Healthy Systems, Alexandria Miller

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This work discusses the application of fractals in studying the human body as a complex system. I argue that the human body falls under the classification of a complex system and can thus be studied by applying the universalities that complex systems possess. One of these universalities is fractality, which I find to have benefits in both research regarding the human body and in treatment of the human body, in relation to patient care practices. I begin by analyzing the definition of complex systems and fractals, and how these two concepts can fit together. I then discuss differing interpretations of …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Role Of Micrornas In Cellular Senescence, Inflammation, And Cancer Induced By Childhood Obesity, Sarah S. Siddiqi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Childhood obesity has escalated into a major public health crisis with serious implications for long-term health. As obesity rates among children continue to rise globally, it is crucial to understand its effects on cellular aging and inflammation—key processes that underpin many metabolic diseases. Obesity not only directly contributes to various metabolic disorders but also disrupts fundamental cellular mechanisms, accelerating aging and fostering systemic inflammation. By examining the impact of obesity on cellular aging and chronic inflammation, as well as the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in these pathways, we have been able to identify critical biomarkers and molecular mechanisms involved …

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 …

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 …

The Effect Of Mating Pheromone 2,6-Dichlorophenol On Gene Expression In Male Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma Americanum), Mitchell E. Dyen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) are tick species known for their generalist feeding habits, pursuing blood meals with little preference for specific host species. They are found in the southern and midwestern United States but have been rapidly expanding northward due to climate change and white-tailed deer population expansion. Since they are a zoonotic disease vector, their increased abundance has caused the concurrent increased prevalence of a variety of tick-borne illnesses such as tularemia, heartland virus disease, alpha-gal syndrome, ehrlichiosis, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), which effect both humans and animals alike. This increased prevalence of tick-borne …

Abundance And Habitat Associations Of Bivalves In Mosquito Lagoon, A Preliminary Survey, Mariam Sonbol

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study investigates the understudied abundance and habitat associations of bivalves in Mosquito Lagoon. Seagrass habitats were found to support the highest diversity of mollusks in earlier surveys (Mikkelsen et al., 1995). Twelve sites, including seagrass-vegetated, unvegetated, and seagrass-restored areas, were sampled in March and May 2024. Habitat characteristics, such as sediment composition and seagrass cover, were analyzed alongside bivalve populations. Across all sites, 6 genera were identified among 44 individuals. Overall abundance and diversity of bivalves collected were low in all sites, and most individuals were juveniles. Sediment characteristics influenced differences in diversity across site types, with restored sites …

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 …

Poisoning The Blood Of Our Country: Donald Trump And The Rhetorical Dehumanization Of Migrants, Cy Conley

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Donald Trump has made various claims and statements throughout his campaigns targeting migrants to the United States, specifically those entering illegally. From phrases that nearly replicate ones made by individuals who have led mass-dehumanization efforts in the past, such as Adolf Hitler, to policies that will displace millions of individuals and rip families apart. It can be determined that Donald Trump is dehumanizing immigrants with his rhetoric and plans for action. If Donald Trump is elected to be President of the United States, he plans to enact mass deportation efforts, removing illegal migrants who have been residing in the United …

Coping With Creativity - The Relationship Between Depression/Anxiety And Creative Coping In College-Aged Students, Nelly M. Dragu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The relationship between creativity and mental illness has been established in the literature. There are multiple possible explanations for how mental illness and creativity are connected, and creativity has shown to be an effective treatment for different mental illnesses (for example, through art therapy). Despite this, there is limited research on which creative activities those with mental illnesses naturally use to cope. Information on the type of creative coping that the mentally ill naturally gravitate to and find most effective can further inform possible treatment plans and suggestions. This study aims to address gaps in the literature concerning how college-aged …

The Role Of Parental Attachment In The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Depression In Emerging Adult Males, Kerstin Gracia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Experiencing adversity during childhood can impact mental health throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are comprised of different types of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Children who experience ACEs are more likely to display internalizing (e.g., depression) and externalizing (e.g., acting out) behavior problems in adolescence. Those with insecure attachment styles are more likely to have grown up in a disorganized, inconsistent environment and have an increased chance of experiencing ACEs. The current study examined the relationships among ACEs, depression, and parental attachment in emerging adult men, with parental attachment tested as the mediating factor. It was …

The Effect Of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction And Exercise On Aging And Longevity: Systematic Review, Romi Hardin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the effects of caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and exercise on human longevity and aging, and explore their practical applications and inclusions into a healthy lifestyle. By reviewing the existing research and studies, this literature review focuses on identifying and explaining the biological mechanism behind these practices and exploring whether combining practices can be advantageous in extending not only lifespan but health span. The results generally indicate that following either caloric restriction or intermittent fasting and participating in regular exercise have immense results on promoting healthy aging in an …

The Phenomenology Of Place: Rediscovering The Sacred, Renee C. Jones

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The rising prevalence of loneliness and depression, particularly among young adults, has prompted research into the social and environmental factors that influence mental well-being. This thesis examines the relationships between loneliness, symptoms of depression, and dimensions of place attachment—specifically, place identity, place dependence, social bonding, and nature bonding—among UCF students, with subgroup analyses by gender and ethnicity. Additionally, it seeks to incorporate Native American perspectives to explore culturally specific connections to place and community. Due to recruitment challenges, the final sample primarily consists of 201 University of Central Florida students with limited Native American representation.

Quantitative analysis revealed strong positive …

The Role Of Multiteam Systems In Prescribed Fire Operational Incidents, Kevin Llanos

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study how multiteam systems (MTS) are implicated in prescribed fire operations and enhance an interdisciplinary understanding of occupational demands in the industry to mitigate worsening environmental challenges. We study publicly accessible sources through a mixed-methods approach applying I/O psychology and discuss relevant literature. Land management plan documentation is reviewed to explore the structural and functional components of prescribed fire teams. We apply theory-driven coding to analyze prescribed fire incident documentation as we study MTS system processes and develop thematic findings. Lastly, industry job listing content and occupational demands are reviewed. Through this archival …

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 …

Co-Occurrence Of Autism Spectrum Disorder And Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Data From The Hypersomnia Foundation Registry, Sophie Sevan Mikkelsen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, hypersomnia patients and researchers alike have increasingly discussed the possibility of heightened comorbidities, or co-occurrences, of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with the central disorders of hypersomnolence: idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and narcolepsy (N). While a few scarce studies have investigated a link between ADHD and N, there has been no research on the co-occurrence of these conditions with IH. This study, using data from the Hypersomnia Foundation’s CoRDS Patient Registry, is the first to identify self-reported rates of ASD and ADHD diagnoses by people with idiopathic hypersomnia. Four chi-square tests were conducted to determine …

The Quest For Racial Equality After The Revolution: How Black Intellectuals Envision The Struggle For Equality After Jim Crow And Apartheid, Shelby Morgan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This paper examines the ideas presented by Black public intellectuals from South Africa and the United States regarding their solutions on how to achieve real racial equality after the achievement of equality under the law. It will provide a historical comparative analysis of the two countries by examining the works of George Fredrickson, as well as some contextual background on the existence of racial disparities in the modern day. It will then present various publications by American intellectuals Ibram X. Kendi, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Cornel West, and South African authors Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Songezo Zibi, and Tembeka Ngcukaitobi that discuss their …

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, …