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Title: A Comparison of Fish Community Structure Over Time 1970-2013 In a Southwest Florida Estuarine System.
Creator: Wilkie, Steven
Abstract / Description: Southwest Florida has experienced a significant increase in population since the 1960's. The increase in population has resulted in significant changes to the natural landscape and local watersheds. This study represents a long term evaluation of the fish community structure within local estuary waters between 1970 and 2013. The study takes place in the waters of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The reserve was established in 1977, but prior to that a 2 year trawl study was...
Show moreSouthwest Florida has experienced a significant increase in population since the 1960's. The increase in population has resulted in significant changes to the natural landscape and local watersheds. This study represents a long term evaluation of the fish community structure within local estuary waters between 1970 and 2013. The study takes place in the waters of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The reserve was established in 1977, but prior to that a 2 year trawl study was conducted in the waters that would eventually become part of the research reserve. The original study conducted between 1970-1972 provided the methodology to support replicate studies in 20 year increments 1990-1991 and again in 2011-2013. Since the original study a water control structure was constructed immediately upstream from the study location. This manuscript analyzes the fish community data in all three studies to identify potential changes that have occurred over a forty year time period that may be related to the anthropogenic alteration of the local watershed. Non-Parametric and parametric analyses were used to to compare the community structure of the three study periods. Results indicate that changes in community structure are most pronounced in the wet season and have a higher potential difference in community structure in sample sites closest to the upstream alteration of the watershed. Efforts to identify potential factors that contributed to the change in community structure centered around salinity, temperature, and changes in available habitat. Changes in the salinity profile of the estuarine system over time, increased water temperature and potential differences in habitat availability may have contributed to the overall changes of the community structure over the last forty years.
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Date Issued: 2018-04-28
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0232
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A high-resolution molecular method for identification of smalltooth sawfish prey.
Creator: Hancock, Taylor Lee
Abstract / Description: The foundation of food web analysis is a solid understanding of predator-prey associations. Traditional dietary studies of fishes have been by stomach content analysis. However, these methods are not applicable to Critically Endangered species such as the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata). Previous research using the combination of stable isotope signatures from fin clips and 18S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples identified the smalltooth sawfish as piscivorous at high taxonomic...
Show moreThe foundation of food web analysis is a solid understanding of predator-prey associations. Traditional dietary studies of fishes have been by stomach content analysis. However, these methods are not applicable to Critically Endangered species such as the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata). Previous research using the combination of stable isotope signatures from fin clips and 18S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples identified the smalltooth sawfish as piscivorous at high taxonomic levels. Here, we present a high taxonomic resolution molecular technique for identification of prey using opportunistically acquired fecal samples. To assess potential biases, primer sets of two mitochondrial genes, 12S and 16S rRNA, were used alongside 18S rRNA, which targets a wider spectrum of taxa. In total, 19 fish species, from 7 orders and 11 families, native to the Gulf of Mexico were successfully identified, including one ray, the southern stingray (Dasyatis americana). Silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), tidewater mojarra (Eucinostomus harengulus), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), ladyfish (Elops saurus), and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) were most prevalent in our analysis. The sawfish prey identified comprised diverse taxa, indicating that this species is a generalist piscivore. These findings and the molecular approach used will aid recovery planning for the smalltooth sawfish and has the potential to reveal previously unknown predator-prey associations from a wide range of taxa, being specifically desirable for use with rare and hard to sample species.
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Date Issued: 2019-06-05
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0296
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Narrative of Undergraduate Latina Students’ Resilience.
Creator: Arguelles, Ingrid Fernandez
Abstract / Description: This research study investigated the educational experiences of seven Latina undergraduate students. Although Latinx/a/o students are the fastest growing group in U.S. public schools and comprise more than one in four in K-12 public schools today (Krogstad & Lopez, 2015), their dropout rates among Latino students remain unacceptably high and their performance rates are the lowest in all measures of academic progress (Espinoza-Herold & González-Carriedo, 2017, p. 48; Krogstad, 2016; National...
Show moreThis research study investigated the educational experiences of seven Latina undergraduate students. Although Latinx/a/o students are the fastest growing group in U.S. public schools and comprise more than one in four in K-12 public schools today (Krogstad & Lopez, 2015), their dropout rates among Latino students remain unacceptably high and their performance rates are the lowest in all measures of academic progress (Espinoza-Herold & González-Carriedo, 2017, p. 48; Krogstad, 2016; National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2016). Recent trends prove that Latinas and Latinos are entering the university in larger numbers than in the past, yet retention and graduation remain areas for improvement and evaluation (Cerda-Lizarraga, 2015; Martinez, 2014; Solorzano, Villalpando, & Oseguera, 2005). Latina undergraduate students, especially, face challenges that are often exacerbated by cultural norms for their gender and families contradictory expectations. The methodology utilized was qualitative in nature and included a narrative (testimonios) study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that Latina students identify as having an impact on their decisions related to attending college, their retention, and completion of a 4-year college degree. This study analyzed their interpretations and perceptions of their K-12 education. The data for this study was collected trough in-person one-on-one interviews, in-person focus groups, and journal entries completed by self-identified Latina undergraduate students of a mid-sized state university located in Southern North America. The data analysis included the organization of the narrative pieces in themes and in chronological order, as well as a triangulation of the information from different pieces using codes. The journal entries were used in the triangulation to support and sometimes clarified the information that the participants shared in the interviews. The themes that emerged from the data analysis included their perceptions of their identities as Latina college students, resilience in the form of hard work and leadership, familial influence, parents ‘sacrifice as source of motivation, scholarships, and Latinx/a/o mentorship as factors within the academic sector that positively influence Latina students, and stereotypes, microaggressions, and low expectations as barriers. The theoretical frameworks that guided the analysis of this narrative study are social constructivism, Critical Race Theory (CRT), Latino Critical Race Theory (Lat-Crit) and Latinidad as a conceptual framework for their constructed identities.
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Date Issued: 2019-05-20
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0295
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Reconstruction of Past Intense Hurricane Landfalls in Estero Bay Utilizing Back-Barrier Lagoonal Sediments.
Creator: Culligan, Nicholas
Abstract / Description: As hurricanes are one of nature’s most destructive forces, patterns in the recurrence intervals of intense hurricane landfalls are important to understand. Unfortunately, the modern instrumental record exists only as far back as 1860, which does not allow for geologically long-term hurricane trends to be studied. Paleotempestology is the study of ancient hurricane by means of sediment proxies, which allows for the hurricane record to be extended to before the modern record. Utilizing sediment...
Show moreAs hurricanes are one of nature’s most destructive forces, patterns in the recurrence intervals of intense hurricane landfalls are important to understand. Unfortunately, the modern instrumental record exists only as far back as 1860, which does not allow for geologically long-term hurricane trends to be studied. Paleotempestology is the study of ancient hurricane by means of sediment proxies, which allows for the hurricane record to be extended to before the modern record. Utilizing sediment cores that contain hurricane overwash layers (tempestites), the occurrence of hurricanes can be confirmed using moisture content, inorganic content, grain size analysis, and radiometric dating. Estero Bay is in a hurricane prone and extremely populated area. The recurrence interval for catastrophic hurricanes and the strength of the storm surge of hurricanes in this area is important to determine. This study utilizes paleotempestology to extend the hurricane record of Estero Bay and create a timeline for catastrophic hurricanes that have made landfall here. Additionally, this study serves to create a comprehensive guide to tempestite types found in Estero Bay and Southwest Florida. Hurricane Irma also occurred during the study period which allowed for the unique opportunity to study the tempestite deposition from a hurricane in which all parameters are known. Four confirmed tempestites from two sites ranging in age from 60-2000 years before present (YBP) were identified and classified. Additionally, characteristics and long-term trends of Estero Bay back-barrier lagoons were determined. This study is only the second paleotempestology study in Southwest Florida and the first which investigates an area that directly affects tens of thousands of people.
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Date Issued: 2018-08-24
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0259
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Academic Success, First-Year Retention, Four-Year Graduation and Summer Bridge Program Participation.
Creator: Davis, Stacey Michelle
Abstract / Description: The first year of college is a critical time for students to set a foundation for learning and the academic success necessary to persist (Reason, Terenzini, & Domingo, 2006). However, a number of students embark on their college journey underprepared to meet this academic rigor (Jackson & Kurlaender, 2014). The development of summer bridge programs has been a popular college readiness intervention. In this study, I examined the relationship between academic success, first-year retention,...
Show moreThe first year of college is a critical time for students to set a foundation for learning and the academic success necessary to persist (Reason, Terenzini, & Domingo, 2006). However, a number of students embark on their college journey underprepared to meet this academic rigor (Jackson & Kurlaender, 2014). The development of summer bridge programs has been a popular college readiness intervention. In this study, I examined the relationship between academic success, first-year retention, academic momentum, four-year graduation rate, and summer bridge program participation. The sample consisted of two cohorts of first-year students who participated in the 2013 and 2014 summer bridge program at a four-year Florida State University System institution in Southwest Florida. I chose these two cohorts due to the adoption of Florida Senate Bill 1720 (2013), which changed regulations pertaining to Florida’s developmental education requirements. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and pre-college success data. I then explored the relationship between academic success and participation in the summer bridge program for each cohort. I also explored the relationship between first-year retention and summer bridge program participation. I then examined the relationship between academic momentum and summer bridge program participation. Finally, I examined the relationship between four-year graduation rate and summer bridge program participation. Significance was found for the relationships between summer bridge program participation and first-semester academic success, first-year academic success, and academic momentum. There was no relationship found between first-year retention or four-year graduation and summer bridge program participation. These findings contributed to the further exploration of the effectiveness of summer bridge programs. Future research should be conducted to further explore the impact of summer bridge program participation, including specific program components, qualitative outcomes, and demographics.
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Date Issued: 2019-01-14
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0266
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Agent Based Model to Evaluate Spatio-Temporal Variability in Oyster Reef Connectivity in the Charlotte Harbor Estuarine System, Florida.
Creator: Bass, Dye
Abstract / Description: Various physical and biological factors influence the larval dispersal and connectivity of benthic species. Physical processes are the primary driver of larval transport, however biological processes have been found to play an important role as well. In this study, we developed and coupled a 2-D hydrodynamic model with an agent-based model to study Crassostrea virginica, oyster larval transport within the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system in southwest Florida. Freshwater flow entering into...
Show moreVarious physical and biological factors influence the larval dispersal and connectivity of benthic species. Physical processes are the primary driver of larval transport, however biological processes have been found to play an important role as well. In this study, we developed and coupled a 2-D hydrodynamic model with an agent-based model to study Crassostrea virginica, oyster larval transport within the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system in southwest Florida. Freshwater flow entering into the southern region of the system, the Caloosahatchee River Estuary, is highly controlled by a series of lock and dams. As a result, considerable interannual variability exists in the amount of freshwater entering the Caloosahatchee River Estuary and this has been identified as a key stressor to the estuary’s oyster population. Oyster spawning in the estuary occurs throughout the wet season months (June-Oct.). Therefore, model simulations were performed during wet season periods of low, moderate, and high freshwater flow into the estuary to determine the impacts varying flows impose on larval transport and settlement in terms of success and connectivity between oyster reefs. The agent-based model was validated using oyster larval settlement data collected throughout a long-term, 2000-2016 study. The model was able to simulate settlement patterns during periods of low freshwater release which ultimately provided insight into the importance of the furthest upstream oyster reef as a larval source to the downstream reefs.
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Date Issued: 2018-08-23
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0254
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AUTOMATED MONITORING OF FINE-SCALE MOVEMENTS OF THE ENDANGERED SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH (PRISTIS PECTINATA).
Creator: May, Rebecca
Abstract / Description: The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is an elasmobranch and one of five sawfish species. The distribution of the United States population of smalltooth sawfish is now limited to southwest and south Florida. In 2009, the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system, which includes the Peace River, was listed as critical habitat for juveniles of this species. Considering their endangered status, it is important to monitor these fish to understand what could be done to facilitate protection of the...
Show moreThe smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is an elasmobranch and one of five sawfish species. The distribution of the United States population of smalltooth sawfish is now limited to southwest and south Florida. In 2009, the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system, which includes the Peace River, was listed as critical habitat for juveniles of this species. Considering their endangered status, it is important to monitor these fish to understand what could be done to facilitate protection of the population. Previous research had identified the lower Peace River as the northernmost occupied nursery, and diel movements suggested differences in habitat use associated with both sides of the river. Because use of the northern shoreline has been relatively well documented, this study characterizes the habitat use of the southern shoreline using a series of nine, time-synchronized acoustic receivers. Twenty individuals were tagged and continuously tracked using passive acoustic monitoring in the study area from 27 May–26 October 2016. Eleven sawfish were detected by receivers on the southern shoreline, and six individuals used habitats there extensively; these position estimates were sorted into three habitat types: deep (>1 m), shallow (≤1 m), and human-built oyster reefs along the shoreline. In addition, diel movement patterns and swimming speeds were investigated for these six individuals. Collectively, results indicated that sawfish regularly crossed the river at night. Timing of river crossing was not influenced by tidal cycle. All sawfish tended to be detected in shallow water including oyster habitats. One age-1 individual exhibited reduced swimming speeds during the day, and two young-of-the-year individuals were more active at night. These data will support management decisions about this unique nursery and has implications for recovery planning in other remaining nurseries.
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Date Issued: 2018-11-27
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0261
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Behavioral Change and Phenological Response in Captive Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta): Seasonal Patterns and the Migratory Process.
Creator: Shaw, Amber
Abstract / Description: Understanding vital life history processes is critical to the conservation and management of endangered species, especially in light of changing global climate conditions and the verging unknown impacts this will have on these mechanisms. The goal of this study was to employ direct observation methods on captive loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) to examine behavioral change as a proxy for the reproductive migratory process. Diurnal and nocturnal observations were conducted on two...
Show moreUnderstanding vital life history processes is critical to the conservation and management of endangered species, especially in light of changing global climate conditions and the verging unknown impacts this will have on these mechanisms. The goal of this study was to employ direct observation methods on captive loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) to examine behavioral change as a proxy for the reproductive migratory process. Diurnal and nocturnal observations were conducted on two mature female loggerheads housed at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, from December 2013 through December 2015. Both turtles displayed a reduced interest in food during the winter season each year, which lasted approximately 11 weeks in 2014 and 14 weeks in 2015, with a five week difference in timing between individuals. This time period corresponded with observed change in activity levels, swim patterns, interactions, and location preferences for both animals. There was a rise in diurnal resting, coinciding with a decrease in diurnal swimming as well as a decrease in interactions with their environment. Activity levels increased at night, with some nights of prolonged heightened swimming episodes. One of the turtles exhibited a swim pattern of fixated, directional movement into the wall at increased frequency during this time frame. Both animals spent the majority of their time in a small section of their habitat proximal to the open sky. Three environmental variables (air temperature, photoperiod, and lunar phase) were tracked during this study to investigate potential zeitgebers in sea turtles. Patterns indicate a possible response to day length and stage of the moon, though these findings are speculative and require further research. Behavioral changes noted here suggest that reproductively mature sea turtles display a form of migratory restlessness in a captive setting, and turtles may utilize a nocturnal swimming strategy during the pre-nesting migration. This study highlights the importance of direct observations when examining behavior and the benefits of using captive animals to help understand processes that are difficult to investigate in the wild.
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Date Issued: 2018-11-28
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0262
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Benthic diatom population responses to the oiling of Louisiana coastal marshes.
Creator: Zingre, Jeffrey Alan
Abstract / Description: The northern Gulf of Mexico was inundated by crude, Macondo oil following the April 2010 disaster. This study investigated the historical benthic diatom assemblages of 6 different sites between 2 bays, Barataria and Terrebonne, Louisiana, to create an otherwise absent baseline dataset. Thirty-five samples and 19,036 diatom valves were counted via oil-immersion microscopy for this project to enumerate changes in the diatom community relative to sediment-oil composition variation. The...
Show moreThe northern Gulf of Mexico was inundated by crude, Macondo oil following the April 2010 disaster. This study investigated the historical benthic diatom assemblages of 6 different sites between 2 bays, Barataria and Terrebonne, Louisiana, to create an otherwise absent baseline dataset. Thirty-five samples and 19,036 diatom valves were counted via oil-immersion microscopy for this project to enumerate changes in the diatom community relative to sediment-oil composition variation. The Terrebonne Bay cores were sampled across a salinity gradient with no residual hopane present, while the Barataria Bay cores were sampled in similar salinity and were heavily oiled. The diatom assemblages did not exhibit significant changes according to oil presence but there were 19 individual species (indicators) which had significant correlations with oil. This study shows that the benthic diatom populations were not significantly impacted by oil while there were some individual indicator species of oil presence.
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Date Issued: 2019-07-03
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0313
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CASE REPORT: OUTCOMES FOLLOWING APPLICATION OF FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AS IT RELATES TO INCREASED FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN A PATIENT POST- CHRONIC STROKE.
Creator: Berry, Leanna Kristen
Abstract / Description: Background and Purpose: Stroke is the third leading cause of disability with approximately 65% of all survivors experiencing ambulatory deficits to some degree (Morris & Schroeder, 2011). Due to the increased risk of disability, potential effect on functional mobility and quality of life, and the complications that may occur secondary to impaired mobility, implementation of effective stroke interventions are critical to an individual’s successful recovery. One such intervention is functional...
Show moreBackground and Purpose: Stroke is the third leading cause of disability with approximately 65% of all survivors experiencing ambulatory deficits to some degree (Morris & Schroeder, 2011). Due to the increased risk of disability, potential effect on functional mobility and quality of life, and the complications that may occur secondary to impaired mobility, implementation of effective stroke interventions are critical to an individual’s successful recovery. One such intervention is functional electrical stimulation (FES). A considerable amount of research exists discussing the influence of FES on gait in conjunction with application of a physical therapy program. The results achieved from these studies support FES as an effective intervention for post-stroke rehabilitation. At approximately three to twelve months a stroke is considered chronic, in which the focus of therapy transitions from neuroplastic change/neural repair to greater emphasis on compensatory strategies, such as FES use, for improved performance of activities of daily living (ADL) and greater level of independence. However, most research is based on subjects less than two years post-CVA because many researchers experience challenges in recruiting subjects within the chronic post-stroke phase due to factors such as transportation issues, social withdraw, limitations by stroke-related complications, and concomitant therapy during clinical trials (Cramer et al., 2017). This case report, however, describes outcomes based on a participant in the chronic post stroke recovery phase with FES application over a six-year span without complications present in most stroke-related literature. Accordingly, the objective of this case report is to describe the development and application of FES as an adjuvant to physical therapy treatment for a patient presenting with foot drop two years post-stroke and assessing patient outcomes post-intervention. This intervention case report is a retrospective analysis of a physical therapy program implemented by a practicing clinician describing use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) for an individual at least two years post cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This report describes FES application as a co intervention to gait training, therapeutic exercises for the lower extremities, and posture/body mechanics retraining as it relates to increased functional mobility. The subject is a 78-year-old female recovering from a right hemorrhagic stroke with development of left-sided hemiparesis with left foot drop. Case Description: The patient began physical therapy in 2012 and intermittently proceeded with treatment through 2018, with each treatment period lasting between six to nine weeks, two sessions per week. FES was used concurrently during gait training, therapeutic activities, therapeutic exercises, posture/biomechanics retraining and patient education, with a primary focus on improving functional mobility. The technology was applied throughout the majority of the 6-year span when receiving PT in accordance with the subject’s tolerance to electrical stimulation per treatment session. Outcomes: Patient outcomes were assessed using the 30-second chair-to-stand test (30s CST), timed-up and go (TUG), Romberg balance assessment, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Over the duration of treatment, the subject demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular and muscular endurance, walking distance, standing balance, and development of a safer and more functional gait pattern. Discussion: The results of this case report reveal successful outcomes with the execution of a physical therapy rehabilitation program combined with FES application. Implementation of a multimodal approach to treatment with FES co-intervention may 4 produce lasting effects over time through neuroplastic changes and strengthening of corticospinal connections within the brain.
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Date Issued: 2019-01-09
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0278
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STRIPED MULLET (MUGIL CEPHALUS) IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: INFLUENCE OF FISHERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.
Creator: Marin, Charlotte
Abstract / Description: Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) make up a significant portion of Florida’s commercial fishery, with 80% of the landings coming from Southwest Florida between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. The Gill Net Ban of 1995 marked a significant moment in the history of mullet fishing in the state, and its affects on the industry, particularly the shift of gear usage from primarily gill nets to cast and seine nets have not been fully evaluated. Although the program for collecting data onboard larger...
Show moreStriped mullet (Mugil cephalus) make up a significant portion of Florida’s commercial fishery, with 80% of the landings coming from Southwest Florida between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. The Gill Net Ban of 1995 marked a significant moment in the history of mullet fishing in the state, and its affects on the industry, particularly the shift of gear usage from primarily gill nets to cast and seine nets have not been fully evaluated. Although the program for collecting data onboard larger offshore vessels has been in place for several decades, little work has been done to collect similar information onboard smaller, inshore vessels. The approach of this study was an attempt to see if it was feasible to collect quality data onboard small commercial vessels fishing in Florida state waters. The goal of this project was to collect relevant data useful for fisheries management, including comprehensive onboard observations for characterizing the spatial and temporal patterns in fishing activities and effort in the mullet fishery. The project collected data to qualitatively and quantitatively describe a typical mullet fishing trip on the southwest coast of Florida (Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor), including effort information and gear types. Catch composition, including target and bycatch species, fish size, and sex were recorded, and the influence of various environmental factors was analyzed. Results indicated that air temperature and catch of Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus and Silver Mullet M. curema were inversely related. Water temperature and M. curema were also inversely correlated. These results reflect the consideration of the more profitable winter mullet roe season by fishers in directing their fishing effort. Total catch and dissolved oxygen concentration were inversely correlated. Striped Mullet are known to undertake surface respiration under conditions of hypoxia encountered during feeding. The relationship between dissolved oxygen and total fish catch may therefore have been shaped by the dominance of M. cephalus (63.5%) in the total catch. More fish were caught during crepuscular hours, suggesting that reduced light may alter swimming behavior or increase net avoidance. In further support of this, M. curema catch was greatest during a new moon. More fish were caught over seagrass, and more M. curema were caught over sand, indicating the importance of habitat type on species distribution. The simultaneous use of cast nets and seine nets was more effective than either net alone and resulted in less bycatch—information that may prove useful in the management of the fishery. Overall results indicate that fishing techniques and behavior had more of an effect on catch rates than variability in environmental conditions.
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Date Issued: 2018-08-21
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0257
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CIGUATERA IN FLORIDA KEYS PATCH REEFS: BIOGEOGRAPHIC INDICATORS OF GAMBIERDISCUS DENSITY AND TEMPORAL ABUNDANCE (CFP:BIG DATA).
Creator: Hian, Meghan
Abstract / Description: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a global public health concern that is associated with Gambierdiscus, a genus of harmful algae found in coral reef environments that includes species known to produce toxins (ciguatoxins). Outbreaks of CFP have often been linked to elevated abundance of Gambierdiscus cells and disturbance-related degradation of coral reefs. However, the influence of human activities on CFP risk, both directly and indirectly within the broader context of reef health, has yet...
Show moreCiguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a global public health concern that is associated with Gambierdiscus, a genus of harmful algae found in coral reef environments that includes species known to produce toxins (ciguatoxins). Outbreaks of CFP have often been linked to elevated abundance of Gambierdiscus cells and disturbance-related degradation of coral reefs. However, the influence of human activities on CFP risk, both directly and indirectly within the broader context of reef health, has yet to be defined for highly exploited patch reefs in the Florida Keys. The objectives of this study were to define spatial and temporal patterns in reef health and Gambierdiscus abundance across the three regions (Upper, Middle, Lower), to determine whether the drivers of those patterns were natural or anthropogenic, and to identify biogeographic indicators of risk. To address these objectives, this study combined field sampling with a “big data” approach to spatial analysis. Six patch reefs (two per each of three regions) were selected as study sites from existing research stations. Datasets from long-term monitoring of benthic cover, fish species abundance, land use, and water quality were compiled and analyzed in ArcGIS to characterize the ecological context of each site. Analysis of samples of host macroalgae collected from all study sites biannually revealed that Gambierdiscus cell densities were consistently highest in the Upper Keys and lowest in the Middle Keys, regardless of season. Conversely, reef health was lowest in the Upper Keys and improved along a gradient to the Lower Keys. Multivariate analysis of site similarity indicated that this regional pattern was driven more strongly by grazing than substrate availability. Additionally, there is evidence that human activities have an indirect influence on CFP risk through reef health, as well as through overfishing, and the destruction of inshore habitats like seagrass and mangroves. Due to a strong positive correlation with cell densities, this study suggests that mangrove cover could be useful as a biogeographic indicator of potential CFP risk. Whereas surgeonfish, with a strong negative correlation with cell densities, could indicate the actual flow of toxins into higher trophic levels. The concordance of high regional risk and high population density necessitates continued monitoring of fish in those areas and the development of more comprehensive predictor of potential CFP outbreaks.
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Date Issued: 2018-08-22
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0258
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Culture as an Influence of Academic Achievement for Afro-Caribbean Student Immigrants.
Creator: Desmore, Keiana Latriece
Abstract / Description: In this study, an investigation of the educational experiences of Afro-Caribbean student immigrants who were academically successful in the United States at the higher education level was conducted. Although immigrants of African descent experienced barriers such as immigrant status and racial minority status which led to a double disadvantage in educational institutions, this group was more likely to persist and achieve academic excellence. For this study, academic excellence is defined by...
Show moreIn this study, an investigation of the educational experiences of Afro-Caribbean student immigrants who were academically successful in the United States at the higher education level was conducted. Although immigrants of African descent experienced barriers such as immigrant status and racial minority status which led to a double disadvantage in educational institutions, this group was more likely to persist and achieve academic excellence. For this study, academic excellence is defined by achieving near completion (junior level) or completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher. The methodology utilized was qualitative in nature, and included an ethnographic case study. The purpose of this study was to understand the cultural influences motivating Afro-Caribbean student immigrants to work towards, and complete, a higher education degree. The data for this study were collected through in-person interviews, an online survey, and a focus group meeting of Afro-Caribbean student immigrants (first and second generation) who were graduates (or nearly graduates) of a mid-sized state university located in Southern North America. In this study, there were similar cultural aspects identified which may have influenced the study participants to achieve academic success. A cross-case analysis was used in conjunction with the Cultural Ecological Theory as the theoretical framework to analyze the interview and focus group data. The themes discovered included, familial influences, the impact of diverse pedagogical practices, social adjustment and assimilation issues, racism and discrimination, and cultural influences as themes. Additional research should be conducted to investigate the differences between first- and second-generation (or more) immigrants.
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Date Issued: 2018-05-22
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0239
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DETERMINANTS OF STUDENT SUCCESS IN EIGHTH GRADE ALGEBRA I.
Creator: Pollitt, Brian T.
Abstract / Description: Algebra is considered a gateway course that helps to close the achievement gap between ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups. Using a predictive correlational design, this research investigated whether demographic, school-related, and previous test score variables could be used to predict Algebra I and Algebra II success. Demographic predictor variables included age, gender, ethnicity, and status regarding disability, giftedness, retention, suspension, and mobility. School predictor variables...
Show moreAlgebra is considered a gateway course that helps to close the achievement gap between ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups. Using a predictive correlational design, this research investigated whether demographic, school-related, and previous test score variables could be used to predict Algebra I and Algebra II success. Demographic predictor variables included age, gender, ethnicity, and status regarding disability, giftedness, retention, suspension, and mobility. School predictor variables included Title I status and school grade. Test scores included seventh grade reading and mathematics state assessment scores. Univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) were computed to determine significance and effect size (eta squared value). Multiple regression analyses were used to determine prediction models for both the Algebra I and II end of course assessment scores. Finally, standardized beta coefficients were plotted to determine the effect of the variables on Algebra I and Algebra II success over time. The demographic and school-related variables in isolation were not strong enough to predict Algebra I and Algebra II success; however, in combination, the demographic, school-related, and previous test score variables did produce a significant prediction model that was stronger than prediction by test score alone.
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Date Issued: 2018-04-24
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0229
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Determination of the Presence and Biomagnification of Caribbean ciguatoxins and benthic algal toxins in fishes from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Creator: Catasus, Adam Benjamin
Abstract / Description: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a common syndrome affecting coastal communities in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, including the Greater Caribbean. This severe illness is caused by the ingestion of reef fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The source of CTXs has been associated with epiphytic dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus (among others) which reside on macroalgae that are grazed by herbivores. The entry of algal CTX precursors (often referred to as gambiertoxins)...
Show moreCiguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a common syndrome affecting coastal communities in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, including the Greater Caribbean. This severe illness is caused by the ingestion of reef fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The source of CTXs has been associated with epiphytic dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus (among others) which reside on macroalgae that are grazed by herbivores. The entry of algal CTX precursors (often referred to as gambiertoxins) into the food web initiates a cascade of trophic transfer events and biotransformations that have not yet been fully elucidated in the Greater Caribbean region. A critical knowledge gap addressed in the present study was to gain better predictive capability of CTX presence in fishes across trophic levels in a sub-tropical hotspot for CFP (i.e. the Florida Keys). A variety of fish including herbivores (e.g., representatives of Acanthuridae and Pomacathidae) up to apex predators (e.g., Sphyrena barracuda and Mycteroperca bonaci) were collected from a long-term monitoring site in the Florida Keys. Extracts of fish were assessed for neurotoxicity and CTX activity using the sensitive in vitro neuroblastoma (N2a) assay. Twenty five of the 66 fish (38%) examined in this study expressed sodium channel-dependent toxicity in both sensitized and non-sensitized cell treatments, highlighting the likely presence of multiple toxin classes in these reef fish. Monospecific sodium channel activity was observed in 3% of fish represented by one species: S. barracuda. Stable isotope analysis was used to determine fish trophic level and in the calculation of a food web magnification factor (FWMF) of 1.114 for CTX and CTX-like compounds, indicative of the biomagnification of these toxins. The presence of toxic fish indicates a need for risk assessment and management consideration in the Florida Keys.
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Date Issued: 2019-06-06
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0299
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of Tidal Restriction and Historical Hurricane Frequency on Mangrove Forest Structure and Community Composition.
Creator: Diaz, Gianna Ann
Abstract / Description: Mangrove ecosystems have important ecological and economic functions, including: being breeding grounds and nurseries for birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, reptiles, and mammals; being accumulation sites for carbon and nutrients; offering protection against coastal erosion; and offering protection against storm surge and wind damage during hurricanes and tidal waves (Mitsch & Gosselink 2015, Alongi 2002). I established twenty-seven plots in five locations across a hurricane history...
Show moreMangrove ecosystems have important ecological and economic functions, including: being breeding grounds and nurseries for birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, reptiles, and mammals; being accumulation sites for carbon and nutrients; offering protection against coastal erosion; and offering protection against storm surge and wind damage during hurricanes and tidal waves (Mitsch & Gosselink 2015, Alongi 2002). I established twenty-seven plots in five locations across a hurricane history continuum along the southwest coast of Florida, these five locations became five different “regions” that were separated due to differences in hurricane histories. In each location, except Region 1, three plots had restricted tidal flow and three plots did not. In each plot: seedling densities, sapling densities, tree densities, hurricane damage, DBH of trees, and canopy openness were measured. One and two-way ANOVAs, cluster analysis, and multi-dimensional scaling analysis were used to analyze these data. The data analysis did not indicate a clear and consistent pattern across regions or tidally restricted and unrestricted plots. Significant differences among plots varied, but there are indications that seedling dynamics play an important role in these differences. Multivariate analysis of forest status parameters did show a separation between region 5 (where the most hurricanes have hit) and region three (where the least hurricanes have hit). Further, the multivariate analysis of seedling and saplings showed some pattern of grouping with tidal restriction. To better understand this data it would be beneficial to look at a larger disturbance history, to create a continuum of tidal restriction, and to use mangrove taxa as stress and recovery indicators.
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Date Issued: 2019-08-23
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0310
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON THE EXISTENCE OF VICTIM BLAMING IN RAPE AND/OR SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES.
Creator: Rausch, Celeste Marie
Abstract / Description: One of the most controversial forms of crimes in modern day American society is rape and sexual assault. While these crimes are the major headlines in mass media, rape and/or sexual assault have been given very few examples of news coverage despite the rapid occurrence. In addition to the lack of coverage, society has also played a hand in the low discussion and reporting of rape and/or sexual assault. The most common reasoning for the lack of reporting can be linked to blaming the victim for...
Show moreOne of the most controversial forms of crimes in modern day American society is rape and sexual assault. While these crimes are the major headlines in mass media, rape and/or sexual assault have been given very few examples of news coverage despite the rapid occurrence. In addition to the lack of coverage, society has also played a hand in the low discussion and reporting of rape and/or sexual assault. The most common reasoning for the lack of reporting can be linked to blaming the victim for the attack. This paper will discuss the current literature available on rape and/or sexual assault in terms of a criminal act while also incorporating information on the current statutes of victim blaming and its influence on judgement for cases of rape and/or sexual assault. From the literature review, the remainder of the paper will analyze the results of a survey looking at different scenarios that could have examples of ways to blame a victim for an attack versus the offender. Some of the possible influences include alcohol consumption by the victim, dress preferences, and relationships between the victim and the offender. After analyzing the data collected from the survey, the previous research and information will be tied to the results to provide further insight into the reporting problem of rape and/or sexual assault cases due to societal victim blaming.
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Date Issued: 2019-06-01
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0303
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ESTIMATING THE POSTMORTEM INTERVAL IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: A CRITIQUE OF RECENT TECHNIQUES WITH UNIQUE DATA.
Creator: Rolland, Matthew David
Abstract / Description: Time-since-death and time-since-burial (TSB) estimation methods have grown from research conducted within the University of Tennessee. Through decades of analyzing decomposing remains, Dr. Arpad Vass established two Postmortem Interval (PMI) equations which estimate the PMI of human remains that decomposed in aerobic and anaerobic environments respectively. Key equation variables included soil moisture, air humidity, soil temperature, ambient air temperature, adipocere development and...
Show moreTime-since-death and time-since-burial (TSB) estimation methods have grown from research conducted within the University of Tennessee. Through decades of analyzing decomposing remains, Dr. Arpad Vass established two Postmortem Interval (PMI) equations which estimate the PMI of human remains that decomposed in aerobic and anaerobic environments respectively. Key equation variables included soil moisture, air humidity, soil temperature, ambient air temperature, adipocere development and skeletonization percentage. Similarly, other prominent PMI estimation methods, such as the Megyesi et al. (2005) and Moffat et al. (2016) accumulated-degree-days (ADD) systems also rely upon variables such as average daily temperature. It is well established in the literature that these variables are proximal influences upon decomposition rates as (1) warm temperatures increase in the rate of decomposition (per Van’t Hoff’s Law) and (2) an increase in soil moisture slows body decay rate. Soil moisture differs markedly between Knoxville (40-80%) and Fort Myers (15-40%). As such, I hypothesized that these equations would overestimate the TSB and PMI when applied to decomposing remains in southwest Florida. Furthermore, I contend that while the relationship of variables such as temperature and moisture to decomposition rates is well described, previous research has neglected to consider how the act of disturbing soil strata layers when a clandestine grave is dug without the addition of a body may influence these variables. The present research investigates these hypotheses through three experiments. First, soil temperature and moisture measurements of undisturbed soil will be statistically compared to disturbed soil of mock clandestine graves which are excavated twice a year as part of Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) forensic anthropology course. Second, the rate of decomposition of pigs (Sus scrofa) with a known interment period buried at the FGCU Buckingham Site Forensic Anthropology Facility will be statistically compared to the TSB predicted by Vass’ (2011) anaerobic decomposition equation. Finally, the rate of decomposition of a pig decomposing on surface substrate with a known PMI at the FGCU Buckingham Site Forensic Anthropology Facility was statistically compared to the PMI estimates generated by the Vass (2011) aerobic decomposition equation in addition to the Megyesi et al. (2005) and Moffat et al. (2016) ADD systems. Evidence is presented that agitating soil strata layers does not significantly influence key variables used in the Vass (2011) TSB estimation method. Further evidence is presented that current methods of PMI estimation are not applicable in the unique environment of southwest Florida as they attempt to fit linear relationships to logistic patterns of decomposition in addition to errors in the construction of the equations. Better fits for the observed data were achieved using Gompertz transformations and non-linear least squares methods. I present recommendations for future research.
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Date Issued: 2019-01-18
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0274
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY IN SOUTH FLORIDA: A CASE STUDY.
Creator: Riba, Jessica L.
Abstract / Description: This case study examined the differences and commonalties between teachers’ and school leaders’ perceptions and implementation of Extended School Day (ESD) programs at schools with effective and less-than effective ESD programs, and what important attributes these ESD programs have at the schools in South Florida. The study took a case study approach and used interviews, observations, and document review to collect needed data. The recorded interview audio data were transcribed into texts and...
Show moreThis case study examined the differences and commonalties between teachers’ and school leaders’ perceptions and implementation of Extended School Day (ESD) programs at schools with effective and less-than effective ESD programs, and what important attributes these ESD programs have at the schools in South Florida. The study took a case study approach and used interviews, observations, and document review to collect needed data. The recorded interview audio data were transcribed into texts and the transcribed texts were checked for accuracy with the interviewees. The qualitative analysis of data involved open coding and axial coding. To ensure the accuracy in observations, member checking was completed at the end of each observation. Document review covered school schedules and written lesson plans that corresponded with the observations. The data analysis revealed teachers and school leaders shared certain perceptions of ESD programs. Both of them view ESD programs as successful, school and district supported, and as a demonstration of a collaborative effort among teachers and other staff members. Both teachers and school leaders believe that preparing teachers for ESD programs is focused on specific reading components, including the use of various teaching pedagogies, and is based on data. However, comparing the perceptions of school leaders to those of teachers, teachers have different perceptions of ESD programs regarding district support, Peer Collaborative Teacher (PCT) support, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). In implementation of the ESD programs, this study found, teachers were responsible for using data to group students for reading intervention, working together with other teachers and support staff, while school leaders contribute mainly to its management and monitoring the progress of the ESD programs on a daily basis. The synthesized findings also revealed the attributes that the ESD programs have at effective ESD program schools and less-than-effective ESD program schools. In effective ESD program schools, its ESD program usually has support staff in every classroom during ESD program implementation, school created curriculum and assessments based on standards, teacher-led instruction, more PLC meetings, and an instructional focus on ESOL students. In less-than-effective ESD program schools, the ESD programs have inconsistent support staff, inconsistent intervention times, inconsistent use of programs, more of a concern with district mandates, and non-teacher led activities. Based on the findings, the study suggests the following to improve ESD programs in South Florida. There should be a focus on those who provide support during ESD programs, which includes training for everyone involved in ESD program implementation. Leaders at both the district and school level can help provide this support during ESD programs, especially for students at different learning levels as a part of reading intervention as a part of ESD programs.
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Date Issued: 2019-08-03
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0306
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Finding Hope: Exploring the relationships among the Academic Hope Scale, the Appreciative Advising Inventory, and Grade Point Average in a college student population.
Creator: Pittman, Ashley
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the role that academic hope has in an appreciative advising setting and how it relates to GPA and student internal assets (commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity) in a population of undergraduate students who received appreciative advising services. Additionally, the researcher sought to determine if academic hope is an appropriate construct to be included in the appreciative advising theoretical foundation...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to explore the role that academic hope has in an appreciative advising setting and how it relates to GPA and student internal assets (commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity) in a population of undergraduate students who received appreciative advising services. Additionally, the researcher sought to determine if academic hope is an appropriate construct to be included in the appreciative advising theoretical foundation as proposed by its founders. Student cumulative GPA and data from two Likert scale instruments that reported student perceptions of their strengths and internal assets were collected from 68 participants who had been advised using appreciative advising techniques during the spring semester of 2018. Data was analyzed using a quantitative methodology using descriptive statistics, and correlation and multiple regression statistical tests. Academic hope was found to be strongly correlated with GPA and all four internal assets at the .05 alpha level. The regression analysis illustrated that academic hope was the only variable that predicted GPA (p <.001). The results of this study indicated that could be implemented in an advising setting to identify incoming students with low levels of academic hope who could benefit from appreciative advising services.
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Date Issued: 2019-01-15
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0269
Format: Document (PDF)

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