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- Title
- An analysis of the predictive validity of the FCAT success probability of the Florida assessments of instruction in reading.
- Creator
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Clark, Mason M.
- Abstract / Description
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In this paper, the researcher explored published evidence of predictive validity for the Florida Assessments of Instruction in Reading (FAlR) as it pertains to subsequent proficiency on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in reading for middle school students within the pm1icipating school district. The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) (2009) has published moderate correlations between the risk status designation of the FAIR and subsequent FCAT reading proficiency. This...
Show moreIn this paper, the researcher explored published evidence of predictive validity for the Florida Assessments of Instruction in Reading (FAlR) as it pertains to subsequent proficiency on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in reading for middle school students within the pm1icipating school district. The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) (2009) has published moderate correlations between the risk status designation of the FAIR and subsequent FCAT reading proficiency. This study examined that relationship with a large (n=8477) sample of middle school students within one school district. Analysis with logistic regression identified a significant. predictive relationship for students within the sample. Additionally. the researcher performed linear regression analyses on the FCAT Success Probability (FSP) metric of the FAIR and subsequent FCAT reading scale scores and identified a significant predictive relationship between FSP and FCAT reading scale scores. Combining a student's risk status and raw FSP may hold promise in increasing the predictive power of the FAIR. The researcher also recommends additional research into the change in risk status across assessment periods in order to quantify the effectiveness of classroom interventions and thereby better evaluate the predictive power of the FAIR.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0457
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AUTOMATED MONITORING OF FINE-SCALE MOVEMENTS OF THE ENDANGERED SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH (PRISTIS PECTINATA).
- Creator
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May, Rebecca
- Abstract / Description
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018-11-27
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0261
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Current physical therapy for stroke rehabilitation in the clinical setting in Florida : a survey.
- Creator
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Barbee, Kelsey, Fioravante, Casey
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to inquire which approaches physical therapists practicing in stroke rehabilitation in Florida utilize in the clinical setting. In addition, the researchers wanted to determine which theoretical approach physical therapists prefer to utilize for a variety of interventional strategies. Lastly, the researchers wanted to create a useful resource that will be beneficial to educational institutes and other currently practicing physical therapists involved in stroke...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to inquire which approaches physical therapists practicing in stroke rehabilitation in Florida utilize in the clinical setting. In addition, the researchers wanted to determine which theoretical approach physical therapists prefer to utilize for a variety of interventional strategies. Lastly, the researchers wanted to create a useful resource that will be beneficial to educational institutes and other currently practicing physical therapists involved in stroke rehabilitation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0498
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Desperado coast : Florida's internal civil war along the lower Gulf coast, 1861-1865.
- Creator
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Mack, William B.
- Abstract / Description
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Florida in the 1860s had two distinct socio-economic realities. Middle Florida, the panhandle area around Tallahassee, was home to large plantations reliant on slave labor, whereas the south Florida frontier was home to small family farms and free-range cattle. There were a few plantations along the St Johns River, but most small farmers owned few slaves and relied on family labor. Most farmers in the southern peninsula operated on a subsistence basis that was made even more difficult due to...
Show moreFlorida in the 1860s had two distinct socio-economic realities. Middle Florida, the panhandle area around Tallahassee, was home to large plantations reliant on slave labor, whereas the south Florida frontier was home to small family farms and free-range cattle. There were a few plantations along the St Johns River, but most small farmers owned few slaves and relied on family labor. Most farmers in the southern peninsula operated on a subsistence basis that was made even more difficult due to wartime shortages. Florida refugees who fled to Union lines came largely from this poor, yeoman class. Middle Floridians and city dwellers seem to have been more prone to support the Confederacy. The conflict between these two classes cannot be termed a class struggle, as refugees were not seeking to improve their station in life but simply to survive and ensure the safety of their families. Floridians who supported the Union often did so because the Union offered the opportunity for these men to remain in the state and provide for their families, whereas the Confederacy conscripted adult males, sent them to fight at far removed battlefields and sometimes confiscated their family's means of sustenance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0444
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Ecological Indicators of Restoration Success: Fish Community Distribution, Composition, and Sampling Strategies withing the Picayune Strand Restoration Project.
- Creator
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Young, Ryan
- Abstract / Description
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Increasing awareness of the damage inflicted upon natural systems by human beings has brought ecological restoration to the forefront of environmental research efforts of the 21st century. Florida leads the country with some of the largest restoration projects in our nation's history. This study was designed to evaluate the success of restoration activities within the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, part of one of the world's largest restoration efforts the Comprehensive Everglades...
Show moreIncreasing awareness of the damage inflicted upon natural systems by human beings has brought ecological restoration to the forefront of environmental research efforts of the 21st century. Florida leads the country with some of the largest restoration projects in our nation's history. This study was designed to evaluate the success of restoration activities within the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, part of one of the world's largest restoration efforts the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This study was conducted by collecting and analyzing data on fish community structure- species diversity and species abundance - in relation to various restoration phases. These restoration phases included two treatments (impacted unrestored areas, transitional recently restored areas), and reference wetlands (non-impacted natural wetland). Fish community data were collected monthly through the period of inundation with passive sampling using Breder traps as well as active dip net sampling. Based on the abundance and diversity data, results indicated that species richness, abundance, and diversity was lowest in impacted areas, increased in transitional recently restored areas, and was highest in both abundance and diversity in natural reference areas. Fish community data also indicated distinct groupings and similarities within each restoration phase and indicated varied species distribution among sites of different restoration phases. This analysis confirmed that fish community assemblages differed significantly among all three restoration treatments. Several indicator species were identified including Gambusia holbrooki, Jordonella floridae, and Fundulus confluentus which helped to drive the dissimilarity between different phases of restoration. In addition, the majority of species captured were only found in reference wetlands. These findings serve as an indicator that the restoration activities in the Picayune Stand are effective, and that several fish species may be used as indicators of hydrologic restoration success in ephemeral wetlands of Southwest Florida. Further analysis was conducted to observe patterns in sampling effort and temporal changes in community structure in order to determine the sampling frequency required to obtain a robust signal, the time of year most appropriate for collecting samples of a mature fish community, and patterns of dispersion over multivariate space through the period of inundation. Based on this one-year study, community data suggested that the months of October and November provided the best examples of a mature fish community and that sampling at a frequency of every third month (September, December, and March) provided sufficient community data to obtain a robust signal of change following restoration. These findings serve as indication that a sampling frequency of every third month is required to obtain the information necessary to make informed decisions about restoration activities, and that the optimal time period for sampling a mature fish community occurs during the months of October and November. This study provides evidence that the Picayune Strand Restoration Project is successfully restoring native fish populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- Young_fgcu_1743_10019
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND OTHER STRESSORS ON EASTERN OYSTER (CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA) HEALTH AND A DETERMINATION OF RESTORATION POTENTIAL IN NAPLES BAY, FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Laakkonen, Katie
- Abstract / Description
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Naples Bay, a highly urbanized estuary, has lost an estimated 80% of its oyster reefs since the 1950s due to dredging and development activities. Artificial canals, primarily the Golden Gate Canal, have increased freshwater flows into Naples Bay causing extreme swings in salinity. This study characterizes the health of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, at four sites along a salinity gradient by investigating and correlating various oyster responses to salinity, dissolved oxygen, and...
Show moreNaples Bay, a highly urbanized estuary, has lost an estimated 80% of its oyster reefs since the 1950s due to dredging and development activities. Artificial canals, primarily the Golden Gate Canal, have increased freshwater flows into Naples Bay causing extreme swings in salinity. This study characterizes the health of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, at four sites along a salinity gradient by investigating and correlating various oyster responses to salinity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Prevalence and intensity of Perkinsus marinus infection varied significantly among sites, with the northernmost upstream Site 1 showing the lowest infection. Condition index varied significantly among sampling months and sites, and decreased during the spawning period, April through October. Sites 1 and 2, with more optimal salinities for the first 8 months of the study, had the highest mean condition index. Significant differences were found among sampling months for spat recruitment and sites and peaked in August. Spat recruitment was greatest at the southernmost Site 4 which is located furthest from the freshwater influence and therefore has less extremes in salinity. Living densities (# live oysters m-2) also varied significantly among sampling months and sites, with living densities increasing when moving downstream. Higher living densities were found in the wet season than the dry season reflecting recruitment occurring onto the reefs. The wet season is when extreme swings in salinities result upstream which corresponds with oyster reproduction. Site 1 experienced a 31 ppt drop in salinity within a few days in July when significant rainfall began. This is a tremendous stressor on oysters and could result in mortality of juvenile oysters and the flushing of spat downstream due to high freshwater flows. This study highlights that freshwater flows and resulting salinities are a driving force for oyster reef health and distribution in Naples Bay. It also provides a baseline assessment of the oyster population that will allow for future comparisons when water quality improves due to diversions of freshwater from the Golden Gate Canal. These diversions are planned for the near future by the South Florida Water Management District. This study also assists resource managers in determining potential oyster restoration sites in the bay. Management recommendations include focusing oyster restoration sites at the downstream locations due to less salinity extremes, high oyster living densities, and higher spat recruitment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- Laakonen_fgcu_1743_10075
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EVALUATING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CLIMATE ADAPTATION POLICIES AND PLANNING: A CASE CONCERNING LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Olson, April L.
- Abstract / Description
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This study is aimed at improving the understanding of public support for climate adaptation in Florida. The objectives of this research were to: (1) evaluate the predictive power of the Value-Belief-Norm Theory (VBN) as it applies to public support for climate adaptation, and (2) compare the results of national and state public opinion polls regarding climate change to the results of this study. In order to achieve these objectives, a survey was conducted of Lee County, Florida residents....
Show moreThis study is aimed at improving the understanding of public support for climate adaptation in Florida. The objectives of this research were to: (1) evaluate the predictive power of the Value-Belief-Norm Theory (VBN) as it applies to public support for climate adaptation, and (2) compare the results of national and state public opinion polls regarding climate change to the results of this study. In order to achieve these objectives, a survey was conducted of Lee County, Florida residents. Data collection was based on a three-part survey of residents who were at least 18 years of age, members of a homeowners' association, and lived in storm-surge vulnerability zones. Data revealed that the VBN model successfully explains the pathway leading to public support of climate adaptation policies in the study area. This study tested four main variables from the VBN theory including the participants' ecological worldview (NEP), their awareness of the consequences of climate change (AC), feelings that they have contributed to the problem (AR), and support for adaptation (Support). The results show that awareness of consequences (AC) and ascription of responsibility (AR) are both positive predictors for mobilizing support for climate adaptation policies. Although NEP positively affects the participants' awareness of consequences, the results revealed that the participants' ecological worldview did not add to the predictive power of the VBM model. The findings suggest that although some adaptation policies receive the majority of public support among those surveyed there is still a significant number of individuals who are unaware of the risks or who deny the existence of climate change. The thesis concludes with a discussion of how the VBN theory could be applied to increase public support of adaptation policies, if Florida's communities wish to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- olson_fgcu_1743_10087
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Indirect effects of freshwater discharges on seagrass beds in Southwest Florida: Mesograzers as mediators of epiphyte growth?.
- Creator
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Behlmer, Thomas
- Abstract / Description
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Seagrass beds in the Caloosahatchee Estuary have declined with increased human development in the watershed, which has altered the timing and volume of freshwater and nutrient inputs. Overgrowth of epiphytic algae may contribute to seagrass declines. Small invertebrate grazers (mesograzers) are thought to aid seagrass through removal of excess epiphytes. The goal of this study is to look at the indirect impacts of freshwater releases on seagrass health in the CRE, as mediated by increased...
Show moreSeagrass beds in the Caloosahatchee Estuary have declined with increased human development in the watershed, which has altered the timing and volume of freshwater and nutrient inputs. Overgrowth of epiphytic algae may contribute to seagrass declines. Small invertebrate grazers (mesograzers) are thought to aid seagrass through removal of excess epiphytes. The goal of this study is to look at the indirect impacts of freshwater releases on seagrass health in the CRE, as mediated by increased nutrients and reduced mesograzer abundance and diversity. To do this we recorded seagrass abundance, epiphyte levels, and mesograzer abundance bimonthly for two years at two sites in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. We then compared these responses to seasonal and site variations in salinity related to freshwater discharges. Seagrass was most abundant at the highest salinity site and during the summer months. Epiphyte levels did not exhibit a clear seasonal or salinity-related pattern but showed interesting correlations with mesograzer abundance. Mesograzer species richness was positively correlated with salinity at all sites. Multivariate data analysis found a clear separation between sites, except during the wet season of 2013, where grazer community structure was heavily impacted at both sites. Because prior studies have demonstrated a link between mesograzer richness and epiphyte grazing efficacy, we propose that reductions in mesograzer diversity by high freshwater discharge events could exacerbate problems of epiphyte overgrowth. Understanding these impacts can aid in improving water management plans for the Caloosahatchee Estuary in order to protect its valuable seagrass beds.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- Behlmer_fgcu_1743_10202
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Mercury Accumulation in Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) and Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
- Creator
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Miller, Veronica
- Abstract / Description
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As apex, long-lived predators, sharks are susceptible to methylmercury (MeHg) exposure through biomagnification from prey items. Accordingly, tissue biopsy samples were collected from bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) from three estuaries within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (TTINWR) located in southwest Florida for determination of total mercury (THg). Muscle THg concentrations in bonnethead and bull sharks ranged up to 1.40 mg kg-1 and 2...
Show moreAs apex, long-lived predators, sharks are susceptible to methylmercury (MeHg) exposure through biomagnification from prey items. Accordingly, tissue biopsy samples were collected from bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) from three estuaries within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (TTINWR) located in southwest Florida for determination of total mercury (THg). Muscle THg concentrations in bonnethead and bull sharks ranged up to 1.40 mg kg-1 and 2.60 mg kg-1 (wet-weight basis), respectively. Concentration of THg generally increased with shark size, a proxy of its age, which explained much of the intraspecific variation. Interspecific variation in THg concentrations was evident, with bull sharks accumulating higher concentrations than bonnethead sharks, despite being younger and faster growing. The higher tissue concentration was likely due to greater maternal offloading of Hg to bull shark pups, as well as differences in diet among the two species. Baseline levels of MeHg entering the food web were assessed by examining THg concentrations in oysters (Crassostrea virginica), as primary consumers within each estuary. Concentrations of THg ranged up to 0.04 in oysters and differed among bays. These results confirm continued high Hg levels in sharks of the TTINWR as compared to conspecifics from other areas in Florida. Concentrations of THg observed in these sharks may pose a threat to the health and fitness of both shark and human populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018-07-26
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0248
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Preservational analysis of oyster shells on estuarine reefs : a technique to interpret the history of coastal environment change.
- Creator
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Booth, Amanda Christine
- Abstract / Description
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Barrier islands and crassostrcid oyster reefs arc important components of estuarine systems along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast. The development of crassostreid reefs is critical to coastal progradation and therefore estuarine development. Oyster boundstones are often used as indicators of sea level in the stratigraphic record. However, because oysters thrive across broad estuarine gradients in both salinity and energy, it is often difficult to refine a reefs paleoenvironmental...
Show moreBarrier islands and crassostrcid oyster reefs arc important components of estuarine systems along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast. The development of crassostreid reefs is critical to coastal progradation and therefore estuarine development. Oyster boundstones are often used as indicators of sea level in the stratigraphic record. However, because oysters thrive across broad estuarine gradients in both salinity and energy, it is often difficult to refine a reefs paleoenvironmental position. The purpose of this research is to compare the physical and biologic taphonomic and architectural characteristics on modern Crassostrea virginica reefs, relative to an environmental gradient with respect to salinity and energy, with the hope of better interpreting the history of estuarine development during changes in sea-level rise rates. A better understanding of coastal environmental history should result, thereby improving future management and restoration efforts. Three high energy and three low energy reefs in the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida were selected for study. Three transects were established on each reef. At three-meter intervals along each transect twenty-five oysters were collected from a one-square meter quadrant. For each shell collected, height, width, valve thickness, and percent of shell surface experiencing encrustation, biocrosion, and margin loss were measured. The architecture of oyster clumps was described by measuring clump height and circumference. Sediment samples were also collected from each reef and subjected to grain size analysis. No pattern was discemablc from clump architecture, and the size of clumps varied throughout the six reefs. The high energy reefs' valves were longer, wider, and thicker on average. This may be due to a difference in population structure, growth rates, or taphonomic bias favoring larger and thicker shells. There is also a significantly higher percent bioerosion and margin loss on the high energy reefs compared to the low energy reefs, possibly indicating a longer period of exposure in the taphonomically active zone. Percent encrustation and sediment grain size distribution are not shown to be distinguishing factors along an environmental gradient. Valve morphology, percent bioerosion, and percent margin loss could aid in determining paleoenvironmental conditions of historical oyster reefs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0450
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Seasonal Distribution and Home Ranges of Gopher Tortoises Gopherus polyphemus on a Barrier Island in Southwest Florida.
- Creator
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Beyer, Kristin
- Abstract / Description
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The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) resides in multiple habitats throughout the coastal plains ecosystem of southeastern United States. A thorough understanding of the spatial ecology across all habitats is needed to determine best management practices. In pine flatwoods, male gopher tortoises exhibit larger home ranges than females, but all adults generally maintain home ranges under one hectare (Eubanks et al., 2003). Recent studies indicate tortoises in scrub and mesic flatwoods...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) resides in multiple habitats throughout the coastal plains ecosystem of southeastern United States. A thorough understanding of the spatial ecology across all habitats is needed to determine best management practices. In pine flatwoods, male gopher tortoises exhibit larger home ranges than females, but all adults generally maintain home ranges under one hectare (Eubanks et al., 2003). Recent studies indicate tortoises in scrub and mesic flatwoods habitats exhibit home ranges that can reach six hectares (Castellón et al., 2018). This study examines the home range and movement of 17 gopher tortoises in a coastal dune population in southwest Florida. We tracked 10 tortoises (6 females : 4 males) for 20 months from September 2013 through April 2015. Five radio tags failed after 10 months so those individuals could not be used for seasonal analyses. We also tracked an additional seven tortoises (4 females : 3 males) for 10 months from July 2016 through April 2017. We visited the sites one to two times per week, depending on weather conditions, to locate the tortoises. We then determined home range sizes by generating minimum convex polygons using convex hull geometry in QGIS. All animals were active year-round, and males had a larger mean home range than females (male = 0.8 ha, female = 0.28 ha) (F1,16=7.6, p=0.02) over the total study period. Female tortoises utilized only 25% (0.07 ha) of their total home range during the warmest three months of the year (July-September), but occupied 52% (0.36 ha) of their home range during the coolest three months (December-February). Males utilized 26% (0.2 ha) of their home range during the hottest and 26% (0.2 ha) during the coolest three-month periods. The home range did not vary with wet/dry season (t=0.005, p=1) and was not correlated with body size (F1,14=0.004, p=0.95, r2<0.01). Mean home range size measurements were similar to data recorded in pine upland habitats, and much lower than those from mesic flatwoods and scrub. The tortoises primarily utilized the coastal dune habitats, but also exhibited movements through the beach zone that included reaching the water. Movement patterns in this study illustrate the animals are active and seeking social interactions year-round. This could have implications for behavioral and genetic differences between populations when relocating gopher tortoises, could impact growth rates and adult sizes of tortoises, and influence mating and reproductive patterns.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020-04-28
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0334
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SEEING RED: PARANOIA, POLITICS, AND MCCARTHYISM IN THE 1950 FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR THE U.S. SENATE.
- Creator
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Chartrand, Paul Kenneth
- Abstract / Description
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In 1950, Senator Claude D. Pepper and Representative George A. Smathers faced off in the Florida Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate in a battle that is deemed as one of the dirtiest campaigns in U.S. History, and for the first time in Florida history, resulted in the defeat of the incumbent. White Floridians supported and upheld the Southern traditions of Jim Crow racial discrimination and segregation. Meanwhile, the United States was adjusting to its role as a world power in the postwar era,...
Show moreIn 1950, Senator Claude D. Pepper and Representative George A. Smathers faced off in the Florida Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate in a battle that is deemed as one of the dirtiest campaigns in U.S. History, and for the first time in Florida history, resulted in the defeat of the incumbent. White Floridians supported and upheld the Southern traditions of Jim Crow racial discrimination and segregation. Meanwhile, the United States was adjusting to its role as a world power in the postwar era, attempting to introduce civil rights reform, and began formulating policies and strategies to deal with the perceived threats posed by the Soviet Union where both sides were capable of conducting war with nuclear weapons. This paper examines the background of each candidate, their upbringing, circumstances, environment, education, and life experiences as to how these influences contributed to the formation of each candidate's character and political philosophy. Further, how their character and political philosophies, combined, with the important issues and events of the postwar and early Cold War era (1945-1950), to influence their decision making and the conduct of their individual campaigns during the primary, thus contributing to Smathers's victory and Pepper's defeat in 1950.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- Chartrand_fgcu_1743_10018
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Spatial Ecology of the Threatened Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) in a Subtropical Coastal Landscape in the Southern Extent of its Range.
- Creator
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Metcalf, Matthew
- Abstract / Description
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The Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a large, non-venomous snake endemic to the southeastern Coastal Plains of the United States. Due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and collection for the pet trade, this species is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Several studies have looked at D. couperi movement and life history throughout the central and northern portions of their range, but we lack ecological information in regards to the southernmost...
Show moreThe Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a large, non-venomous snake endemic to the southeastern Coastal Plains of the United States. Due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and collection for the pet trade, this species is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Several studies have looked at D. couperi movement and life history throughout the central and northern portions of their range, but we lack ecological information in regards to the southernmost populations. South Florida differs drastically in climate and habitat features from more northern parts of the state and may require varying management approaches for D. couperi conservation. The present research uses radio telemetry to study D. couperi home range sizes, seasonal variations, habitat and refugia utilization, detectability patterns, and general behavior. The study took place at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve along the Gulf coast of southwest Florida. The Reserve comprises a myriad of habitats including mangrove swamps, upland pine hammocks, and coastal scrubland. Rookery Bay Reserve is a protected area with minimal anthropogenic disturbances; however, it is bordered by growing development. Four snakes (one female and three males) were tracked between August 2015 and April 2017. Home ranges varied from 113 – 233 hectares. There were no significant differences in home range size between the breeding/dry season and the non-breeding/wet seasons. D. couperi in the Rookery Bay Reserve prefer upland habitats that feature various forms of refugia. These snakes also disproportionally use areas near roads and trailways. Detectability patterns for D. couperi in this reserve trend toward midday activity despite high ambient air temperatures, and had a higher detection probability during the breeding season. Compared to previous studies in the northern and central part of their distribution, D. couperi in the Rookery Bay Reserve demonstrate unique trends in home range sizes, seasonal activity, habitat and refugia usage, detectability patterns and general behavior. Unique habitat utilization and behavior of the species in its southernmost range highlights the need for different management strategies in southwest Florida. Understanding the ecological needs of this threatened species is imperative to their survival, particularly in south Florida as increasing human development continues. Florida Gulf Coast University
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- Metcalf_fgcu_10274
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Historical Context of Anti-Black Violence in Antebellum Florida: A Comparison of Middle and Peninsular Florida.
- Creator
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Sanchez, Michael
- Abstract / Description
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This study performs statistical analyses of anti-black violence in antebellum Florida between statehood and secession, by comparing and contrasting episodes of violence against blacks in the Western, Eastern, Middle and Southern judicial districts of this time period. This violence was due, in part, to a barely-functioning legal system, widespread racism, an economic depression, and a series of open conflicts between blacks, Seminole tribes-people, white settlers, and the Union military. By...
Show moreThis study performs statistical analyses of anti-black violence in antebellum Florida between statehood and secession, by comparing and contrasting episodes of violence against blacks in the Western, Eastern, Middle and Southern judicial districts of this time period. This violence was due, in part, to a barely-functioning legal system, widespread racism, an economic depression, and a series of open conflicts between blacks, Seminole tribes-people, white settlers, and the Union military. By using accounts of violence from court records, newspapers, and oral histories, statistical models may be constructed to answer in the affirmative that while blacks faced violence almost everywhere in the state, the chances for violence grew worse on the open frontier than the plantations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- Sanchez_fgcu_1743_10126
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The relationship between diversity-management strategies and organizational performance of Florida public high schools.
- Creator
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Ndiang'ui, Peter
- Abstract / Description
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The rapidly changing population demographics in the United States of America as well as civil rights gains in the last three decades have led to more integrated and diverse schools and classrooms. Empirical evidence provided by the available literature suggest that if the increasing diversity is not taken into consideration by the leaders, it can lead to adverse effects on social integration, communication, conflict in groups and overall organizational performance. The purpose of this study...
Show moreThe rapidly changing population demographics in the United States of America as well as civil rights gains in the last three decades have led to more integrated and diverse schools and classrooms. Empirical evidence provided by the available literature suggest that if the increasing diversity is not taken into consideration by the leaders, it can lead to adverse effects on social integration, communication, conflict in groups and overall organizational performance. The purpose of this study was to examine how the different diversity-management strategies adopted by the Florida public high school administrators influence organizational performance. Four research questions were developed. The different ways of diversity-management were categorized into four groups; namely non-compliant, compliant, reactive and proactive strategies. Data were collected by emailing a survey instrument to 200 Florida public high school administrators. Several descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data. The results from the inferential statistics did not show significant results. The directionality based on means, literature and results of the open-ended questions indicated that schools that engaged in either reactive or proactive diversity-management strategies experienced more positive organizational outcomes than those that adopted non-compliant or compliant diversity-management strategies. The responses of the open-ended questions and the literature indicated that schools that adopted reactive or proactive diversity-management strategies created room for the realization of the more positive effects of diversity. The lack of statistical significance in the inferential analysis, however, indicated that one cannot conclude that the type of diversity-management strategy is significant in influencing the outcome of school performance. Descriptors: Diversity-management, diversity-management strategies, school performance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- Ndiangui_fgcu_1743_10007
- Format
- Document (PDF)