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Title: Time Precarity and Correspondence in Public Schools.
Creator: Kaye, Matthew Pedersen, College of Education
Abstract / Description: This study aimed to resituate the critical educational theory of correspondence and a hidden curriculum in public schools within the modern critical landscape of time precarity. Through a mixed-methods exploratory design, this study employed and refined a novel survey instrument to measure educator perceptions of time governance in schools and its relationship to the predominant socioeconomic class status of their students. The quantitative findings indicated strong support for the governance...
Show moreThis study aimed to resituate the critical educational theory of correspondence and a hidden curriculum in public schools within the modern critical landscape of time precarity. Through a mixed-methods exploratory design, this study employed and refined a novel survey instrument to measure educator perceptions of time governance in schools and its relationship to the predominant socioeconomic class status of their students. The quantitative findings indicated strong support for the governance of student time, but the sample size limited its ability to determine variations by student socioeconomic class. Interviews were conducted to contextualize the quantitative data and explore teacher practices as they relate to perceptions. The interview findings provided strong support for the correspondence theory aligned to the modern research on time precarity and its variations by socioeconomic class. The report also includes analysis of the implications of the study and recommendations for future research.
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Date Issued: 2020-08-10
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0346
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Survival and Growth of Eastern Oyster Spat, Crassostrea virginica, when Exposed to Low Salinity for Prolonged Periods with Short Intervals of Recovery at Higher Salinities.
Creator: Hans, Samuel, College of Arts & Sciences
Abstract / Description: The Caloosahatchee River and Estuary in Southwest Florida has a history of human driven alterations by dredging, channelization, construction of several lock and dams, and an artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee. Water management has changed the quality and quantity of discharges into the river and the ecological health of the estuary. The artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee sometimes requires large freshwater releases into the Caloosahatchee River. The euryhaline species in the...
Show moreThe Caloosahatchee River and Estuary in Southwest Florida has a history of human driven alterations by dredging, channelization, construction of several lock and dams, and an artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee. Water management has changed the quality and quantity of discharges into the river and the ecological health of the estuary. The artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee sometimes requires large freshwater releases into the Caloosahatchee River. The euryhaline species in the Caloosahatchee River face osmotic challenges from these freshwater inputs. The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is a keystone species that can provide an indication of estuary response to freshwater inflow and the resulting salinity fluctuations. A valued ecosystem component, the eastern oyster, helps sustain the ecological structure and function of the estuary by providing food, living space, and foraging sites for other estuarine species. Oyster spat, newly settled oysters <25mm, have an optimal salinity range of 15‰ to 22.5‰ and exposure to low salinity levels for long periods of time causes mortality. High temperatures (300C), which occur during the summer and rainy season, have a synergistic effect on low salinity stress. As part of a larger study to investigate how to improve water management to sustain oyster reefs in the Caloosahatchee River while managing the lake levels, this project examined oyster spat survival and growth during exposure to low salinity levels with intermittent recovery periods at higher salinity. This study carried out iterative bioassays to determine the longest duration (i.e., consecutive days) that oysters can be exposed to some minimum salinity (0‰-5‰, where valves will likely remain closed) with the shortest periods of recovery (10‰) to survive and grow. The results of this study clearly show that Crassostrea virginica spat exhibited improved survival rates and growth when given periods of recovery at a tolerable salinity after being stressed by prolonged low salinity conditions both with and without thermal stress. Spat reach greater than 50% survival when stressed at 5‰ for less than seven days and are allowed periods of recovery at a salinity of 10‰ or higher under thermal stress. Without thermal stress 50% survival was observed in spat that were stressed for less than 14 days at a salinity of 5‰ and allowed periods of recovery at a salinity of 10‰ or higher. The longer the recovery period at both 25oC and 30oC, the better the results tended to be in matching or exceeding growth in the negative stress controls held at 25‰. A ≥14-day period of recovery should always be targeted regardless of exposure duration in order to ensure oyster spat growth.
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Date Issued: 2020-12-08
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0350
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fish Community Responses Following Restoration of Vallisneria americana in the Caloosahatchee River.
Creator: Cooper, Charles Michael, College of Arts & Sciences
Abstract / Description: Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has long been recognized as a critical habitat for macrofauna and megafauna in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Historical and current anthropogenic activities such as canal construction, land development, and water management have had destructive impacts on SAV in the Caloosahatchee River and estuary. Large scale alterations to flow rates, salinity fluctuations, nutrient loading, an expansion of the watershed, and dredging activities have led to a...
Show moreSubmerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has long been recognized as a critical habitat for macrofauna and megafauna in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Historical and current anthropogenic activities such as canal construction, land development, and water management have had destructive impacts on SAV in the Caloosahatchee River and estuary. Large scale alterations to flow rates, salinity fluctuations, nutrient loading, an expansion of the watershed, and dredging activities have led to a substantial decrease of Vallisneria americana in the Caloosahatchee River. This study focused on three oligohaline locations of the river that underwent restoration of Vallisneria americana, amounting to 20 acres of SAV restoration. Understanding fish communities and associated changes in diversity and abundance is critical in assessing the success of the restoration. Pre-restoration assessments of the fish community in 2018 and early 2019 were compared to post-restoration assessments of the fish community in 2019 for each of the sites. Multiple types of passive and active fish traps were deployed throughout the sampling period. Data were interpreted using univariate statistical techniques and multivariate statistical techniques to examine diversity and abundance of the fish. After initial sampling, the effective passive traps were narrowed down to Breder traps, mesh umbrella traps, and crayfish traps. Active trapping methods initially involved seining and cast netting. Cast nets were found to be ineffective and were not continued. After restoration of Vallisneria americana and introduction of herbivore exclusion cages, seining was more difficult due to the placement of cages and was only utilized once after restoration. Alternative active trapping methods were added: hook and line sampling, trawling, and electroshocking. Electroshocking was found to be the most efficient at capturing large numbers of individuals of many different species. Trawling was found to be moderately effective and hook and line sampling was found to be largely ineffective. For the consistently utilized passive trapping techniques, individual locations did show some variability, but the mean species richness appeared to follow the similar trends as the Control Site over time. For the three consistently utilized passive trapping techniques, a drop in average species richness was seen for the mean of all restored sites and the Control Site. The largest lifts in total abundance were seen in the two downstream locations, Site 1 and the Control Site. Multivariate analyses by site for the pooled pre and post-restoration data indicates that all sites were similar in pre-treatment and differences emerged in post-treatment. Post-treatment similarity appeared to be related to geographical position in the river, with downstream sites showing similarity and upstream sites showing similarity. Such trends might also be related to lack of exclosures which may have affected the establishment of Vallisneria americana at Site 1. Disaggregation of data into individual sampling events indicated two significant groups in the cluster analysis at the p<0.1 level, largely grouping by time, regardless of treatment type. Electroshocking of the sites showed that species richness, abundance, and catch per unit effort (CPUE) increased in the restored sites farther upriver, although not all trends were statistically significant. Abundance and biomass of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) was statistically significant, with more were captured in upstream sites. The larger numbers in the upstream locations is potentially a result of geographical location or as a result of the presence of cages as structure. Seining abundances significantly increased at all sites when comparing the first seining session to the one post restoration sampling. Seining richness also increased across each site, but the results were not statistically significant. The ecological lifts (richness or abundance) occurring at all sites, including the Control Site, indicates that such changes were likely related to external factors. The lack of significant differences in fish species diversity or abundance following the initial restoration plantings does not signify a failure of the project. Geographical differences of the sites and the lack of long-term data might also mean that lifts in the fish community are difficult to observe and quantify in the short-term. The monitoring of changes in fish abundance and diversity can inform future restoration efforts. Additionally, this research highlights effective methods to record fish abundance and diversity. Restoring SAV will allow future generations to enjoy improved aesthetics, enhanced recreation, a sustainable economy, sustainable fisheries, and most importantly to have a healthy environment to live in that fuel’s happiness and wellbeing. Quantifying changes in diversity and abundance is also of interest to fishermen who are looking to catch more species of fish, ecologists looking to restore ecosystems, and local, state, and federal governments seeking justification for allocating resources to restoration.
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Date Issued: 2020-08-19
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0347
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Externalizing Disorders and Violent Juvenile Crime.
Creator: Brown, Erika, College of Arts & Sciences
Abstract / Description: This thesis presents a comparative study that investigates the possibility of a relationship between the diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), intermittent explosive disorder (IED), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (e.g., all of which are categorized as externalizing disorders) and juvenile violent crime. Previous research documents the frequency of externalizing disorders in the juvenile offender population and the behaviors associated...
Show moreThis thesis presents a comparative study that investigates the possibility of a relationship between the diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), intermittent explosive disorder (IED), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (e.g., all of which are categorized as externalizing disorders) and juvenile violent crime. Previous research documents the frequency of externalizing disorders in the juvenile offender population and the behaviors associated with violent crimes (Cashman & Thomas, 2016; Shepherd & Purcell, 2015; Pullmann, 2009; Kim et al., 2017). Currently, there is a lack of research that explores the relationships between specific diagnoses and specific types of crimes in juvenile populations. In this thesis eight case studies are qualitatively analyzed for externalizing behaviors, the severity and frequency of the violence, the type of aggression, and the victim(s). The case studies revealed that defiance and impulsivity are the behaviors seen in the externalizing cases, whereas aggression and irritability are the behaviors seen in the non-externalizing cases.
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Date Issued: 2020-10-19
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0349
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR PERCEPTIONS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES IN ONE LARGE SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA.
Creator: Restino, Joseph, College of Education
Abstract / Description: Increasingly, school officials are administering discipline, particularly exclusionary disciplinary practices such as suspension and expulsion, disproportionately to students of color and students with disabilities. An alternative to exclusionary discipline is restorative justice practices (RJP). RJP is a collection of strategies that educators can use with students and stakeholders to establish positive relationships to reduce unacceptable student conduct and increase time learning. Through...
Show moreIncreasingly, school officials are administering discipline, particularly exclusionary disciplinary practices such as suspension and expulsion, disproportionately to students of color and students with disabilities. An alternative to exclusionary discipline is restorative justice practices (RJP). RJP is a collection of strategies that educators can use with students and stakeholders to establish positive relationships to reduce unacceptable student conduct and increase time learning. Through this study, I explored the factors that influence the perceptions of teachers and leaders and how those perceptions impact the integration of RJP in individual classrooms. Three critical aspects comprised the conceptual framework: (a) administrator beliefs and practices, (b) teacher perceptions, and (c) valid enactment of RJP. Through an explanatory intrinsic case study, teachers and administrators were interviewed using an interview protocol to determine their perceptions of a RJP workshop that was delivered during the pre-school week of the 2019-2020 academic school year and the impact it had on their implementation of those practices in their classrooms. Relevant documents such as disciplinary referral data, workshop training materials, and school and district discipline policies were collected to add trustworthiness to my findings. Through an analysis of the data collected, the following factors emerged that impacted the use of RJP at East Middle School: (a) time, (b) workshop format, (c) experience, (d) administrator philosophy, (e) administrator commitment, (f) positive perceptions of support, and (e) negative perceptions of support. Implications that arose from the study were: (a) aligning administrator philosophies with the program that is being implemented, (b) tailoring professional development to the teachers in the building, and (c) instituting an appropriate monitoring and accountability plan for the implementation process.
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Date Issued: 2020-08-31
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0348
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Improving pain in postorthopedic surgery rehabilitation patients: Development of a nonopioid protocol.
Creator: Gill, Harjot Kaur
Abstract / Description: Background: Addiction to opioids following orthopedic surgery continues to escalate in America. Contributing to this risk may be the lack of nonopioid alternatives offered to patients in the postsurgical timeframe. Research shows that offering nonopioid alternatives may decrease the rate of addiction. Excessive consumption of opioids also causes complications including prolonged recovery, sedation, altered sensorium, constipation, respiratory depression, falls, decreased activity, and...
Show moreBackground: Addiction to opioids following orthopedic surgery continues to escalate in America. Contributing to this risk may be the lack of nonopioid alternatives offered to patients in the postsurgical timeframe. Research shows that offering nonopioid alternatives may decrease the rate of addiction. Excessive consumption of opioids also causes complications including prolonged recovery, sedation, altered sensorium, constipation, respiratory depression, falls, decreased activity, and cognitive declines in those with underlying dementia. A review of the literature revealed that evidence-based nonopioid alternative methods are available which decrease the use of opioids; therefore, a quality improvement project was designed to reduce the number of opioid doses in patients undergoing rehabilitation following orthopedic surgery. Objective: The main objective was to decrease the amount of opioid consumption in the postsurgical patient population. Methods: The quality improvement methodology involved the creation of a nonopioid order set which included acetaminophen rapid release, ice packs, Biofreeze, compression hose, lidocaine 4% patches, and elevation of affected surgical sites when appropriate. All participants of the project received the nonopioid order set. The number of opioid tablets consumed the previous year was compared to the number of opioid tablets consumed following implementation of the order set. Results: The final results revealed that nonopioid methods decreased opioid consumption by 27.7% in this particular group of rehabilitation participants. Conclusions: The use of a nonopioid order set appeared to decrease the use of opioids in post-surgical patients.
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Date Issued: 2020-05-19
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0344
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Reducing the Incidence of Facility-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Long-Term Care.
Creator: Coccaro-Word, Beatriz
Abstract / Description: Background: Determining the incidence of facility-acquired pressure injuries (FAPI) in the long-term care (LTC) setting, as well as implementing a program to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries, is vital. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project is to determine the effect of implementing a protocol to reduce FAPIs in older adults greater than 65 years of age who reside at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Florida. Methods: The Braden Scale was utilized to identify...
Show moreBackground: Determining the incidence of facility-acquired pressure injuries (FAPI) in the long-term care (LTC) setting, as well as implementing a program to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries, is vital. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project is to determine the effect of implementing a protocol to reduce FAPIs in older adults greater than 65 years of age who reside at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Florida. Methods: The Braden Scale was utilized to identify patients at risk of developing FAPIs; a cutoff point of 15 or less prompted users to implement a prevention protocol. A bundle of evidence-based interventions to prevent FAPIs was developed following the literature review, garnering stakeholder support, and examining the project site microsystem. The implementation of a bundle to prevent FAPIs included an algorithm and protocols for nurses to follow, the education of nursing staff, and participation during nursing huddles. Intervention: The protocol for FAPIs was initiated on 82 patients. Out of the 82 patients, 19 received the protocol despite Braden Scale scores above 15 based on nurses’ clinical judgment and assessment of comorbidities. Results: When the last quarter of 2019 was compared to 2018, the SNF Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 quality measures remained the same. Conclusion: The project results suggested that alteration of the Braden Scale score cutoff point to initiate preventive interventions and nursing education on pressure injury prevention did not affect the incidence of FAPIs. More research is needed to determine if multiple ways to identify patients at risk, including a risk assessment tool with the incorporation of a through weekly skin assessment and identification of comorbidities with intrinsic and extrinsic patient risk factors, would mitigate the risk.
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Date Issued: 2020-06-15
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0345
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ABIOTIC INFLUENCES ON AND COMMUNITY DYNAMICS OF BENTHIC DINOFLAGELLATE SPECIES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.
Creator: Schroeder, Jessica Elizabeth
Abstract / Description: Gambierdiscus is an epibenthic dinoflagellate genus containing some species that produce a toxin (ciguatoxin), which causes Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). These dinoflagellates live on macrophytes that are consumed by herbivorous fish and invertebrates, thereby introducing ciguatoxin into the reef food web through bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. Such grazers are later predated on by larger fish, which when consumed by people, can lead to CFP. Other dinoflagellates coexist...
Show moreGambierdiscus is an epibenthic dinoflagellate genus containing some species that produce a toxin (ciguatoxin), which causes Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). These dinoflagellates live on macrophytes that are consumed by herbivorous fish and invertebrates, thereby introducing ciguatoxin into the reef food web through bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. Such grazers are later predated on by larger fish, which when consumed by people, can lead to CFP. Other dinoflagellates coexist with Gambierdiscus spp., including potentially toxigenic Prorocentrum and Ostreopsis spp. The research presented here focuses on the community ecology of Gambierdiscus spp. and these other dinoflagellates, and the abiotic factors that affect their distribution, abundance, and compositions. New findings in this project have provided information about community dynamics and the influence of abiotic factors. The data suggest that physical and chemical parameters influence dinoflagellate densities and the differences in site community composition. These epibenthic dinoflagellates thrive in high temperatures but may compete in other environmental conditions. The three dinoflagellates were more abundant in the Florida Bay than Atlantic Ocean sites. The three dinoflagellates coexist, but there were no differences in abundances seasonally and between sites, suggesting subtle niche partitioning may be taking place.
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Date Issued: 2020-05-27
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0337
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identifying Patterns Between the Sexual Serial Killer & Pedophile: Is There a Correlation Between their Violent Acts and Childhood Trauma?.
Creator: Droomer, Alexis
Abstract / Description: Studies have been conducted to determine if a sexual serial killer and pedophile are similar and/or different to one another. Despite the difference in their criminal acts, sexual serial killers and pedophiles have similar characteristics. Biological, environmental and psychological theories of criminal behavior were studied which illustrated their significance to how a person can choose to commit a crime. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a presence or absence within...
Show moreStudies have been conducted to determine if a sexual serial killer and pedophile are similar and/or different to one another. Despite the difference in their criminal acts, sexual serial killers and pedophiles have similar characteristics. Biological, environmental and psychological theories of criminal behavior were studied which illustrated their significance to how a person can choose to commit a crime. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a presence or absence within multiple forms of childhood trauma experienced between the sexual serial killer and pedophile. Is there a correlation between violent acts and childhood trauma? The first portion of the study concluded that all ten sexual serial killers experienced childhood trauma. Out of the thirteen types of childhood trauma that were examined, all ten sexual serial killers endured at least one type of trauma. In addition, ten pedophiles were also used in this study. However, data is limited which led to gathering results on three pedophiles. Out of the three pedophiles, all three of them experienced childhood trauma and at least one type of trauma. The theories of criminal behavior were applicable to the sexual serial killers and pedophiles. At least one theory was applicable to both populations. The second portion of the study was in-depth examination into three sexual serial killers’ and three pedophiles’ childhoods. These case studies helped support the correlation between childhood trauma and violent acts of the sexual serial killer and pedophile.
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Date Issued: 2020-05-21
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0336
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Wading Bird Occupancy of Mangroves Damaged by Hurricane Irma.
Creator: Cheadle, Gina
Abstract / Description: Wading birds occupy a variety of coastal and wetland ecosystems that provide resources to support their survival and breeding requirements. Along the coasts of Southwest Florida, wading bird communities are a conspicuous part of mangrove ecosystems. As the coastal avifauna of subtropical regions has evolved within an active storm regime, this study aimed to assess the suitability of damaged mangroves as a habitat for wading birds following the hit of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Field...
Show moreWading birds occupy a variety of coastal and wetland ecosystems that provide resources to support their survival and breeding requirements. Along the coasts of Southwest Florida, wading bird communities are a conspicuous part of mangrove ecosystems. As the coastal avifauna of subtropical regions has evolved within an active storm regime, this study aimed to assess the suitability of damaged mangroves as a habitat for wading birds following the hit of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Field observations were conducted in a two-month period from June 10 to August 10, 2018 at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and at the Ten Thousands Islands Wildlife Refuge in Collier County, Florida. Wading birds were counted along boat routes within both study sites. Wading bird presence, behavior, and position within vertical strata of mangrove vegetation were documented, along with the approximate extent of defoliation in the used habitat. Additionally, canopy density measurements were evaluated from directly under the mangroves. Data analysis evaluated wading bird presence, foraging behavior, and strata selection with respect to mangrove defoliation from a 10m vantage point; the same measures of wading bird presence, foraging behavior, and strata selection were also compared in relation to canopy cover measurements. For all objectives, Chi-Square and G-Test Goodness-of-Fit tests were used to compare ratios of observations among categorical variables. Shared patterns emerged between both sites, whereby wading birds demonstrated a distinct occupancy of mangrove prop roots, as well as a presence in mangroves with 51-75% mangrove defoliation and 51-100% canopy cover. Interestingly, wading birds in the Ten Thousand Islands indicated an aversion to 76-100% defoliated areas, suggesting that while wading birds have undoubtedly adapted to hurricane impacts throughout time, too much defoliation could make the area unsuitable for supporting their ecological needs. With anthropogenic climate change and global sea level rise posing major threats to wading birds due to alterations in hydrology and water depth, studies of wading birds within mangroves and other impacted habitats are critical to understanding the implications of global change for these coastal ecosystems. My findings that wading birds occupy moderately defoliated mangroves while avoiding severe defoliation enhances our understanding of how storms impact coastal ecosystems, knowledge that will become more and more relevant in an area of increasing hurricane frequency and intensity.
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Date Issued: 2020-06-02
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0340
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Is Japan's Prison System More Effective at Rehabilitating Convicted Felons Than the United States Federal Prison System?.
Creator: Hodges, Matthew
Abstract / Description: This is a comparative study that will compare the federal prison systems and crime statistics of the United States and Japan in order to determine if there is a difference in recidivism and rehabilitation rates and if so, what factors contribute to those differences. The United States and Japan are both economic powerhouses with large modern cities as well as rural areas. The criminal justice systems for both countries punish offenders by fines, probation, imprisonment and the death penalty....
Show moreThis is a comparative study that will compare the federal prison systems and crime statistics of the United States and Japan in order to determine if there is a difference in recidivism and rehabilitation rates and if so, what factors contribute to those differences. The United States and Japan are both economic powerhouses with large modern cities as well as rural areas. The criminal justice systems for both countries punish offenders by fines, probation, imprisonment and the death penalty. However, Japan is known for having some of the lowest crime rates in the world. This is very different from the United States, which has far higher crime rates than Japan. The point of this research is to determine if factors such as culture and the way prison systems are operated influence the recidivism rates of offenders. If so, this information would provide the United States with a potential method of obtaining lower recidivism and crime rates.
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Date Issued: 2020-07-07
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0342
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Ability of Thalassia testudinum to mediate sediment resuspension and settling in Southwest Florida.
Creator: Kaack, Katrina
Abstract / Description: Biotic and abiotic processes in estuaries are both strongly affected by the movement and flow of water, i.e., hydrodynamics. Seagrasses are highly productive and diverse ecosystems which provide many ecological services to organisms. Currents and waves dampened by seagrass create an hydrodynamically low-energy environment which can increase sediment deposition and reduce resuspension, thus enhancing habitat stability. The literature shows that field measurements of suspended matter have shown...
Show moreBiotic and abiotic processes in estuaries are both strongly affected by the movement and flow of water, i.e., hydrodynamics. Seagrasses are highly productive and diverse ecosystems which provide many ecological services to organisms. Currents and waves dampened by seagrass create an hydrodynamically low-energy environment which can increase sediment deposition and reduce resuspension, thus enhancing habitat stability. The literature shows that field measurements of suspended matter have shown increased sedimentation and reduced resuspension, but, until now, particle resuspension has not been measured. There has been much study on the effect’s seagrass has on water flow and energy dissipation whilst quantitative estimates of deposition and resuspension are rare. Hence, in this study, we quantified and compared sediment resuspension and deposition rates in a Thalassia testudinum dominated seagrass bed during seasonal variations in Estero Bay, FL. Field measurements were collected within and outside such a seagrass bed in combination with laboratory experiments ran in a seawater flume which included transplanted plants and sediment from the field and with seawater running through it at various velocities. Understanding physical environmental processes are important to ecosystem functions. Quantitative measures of T. testudinum’s effects can be useful for improving numerical hydrodynamic model predictions that may be applicable to other seagrass species. Conservation and restoration efforts may be improved if we can better understand how seagrasses can reduce subtidal erosion and thus in return enhance or maintain the right conditions to survive or thrive in such conditions. T. testudinum abundances recorded at the vegetated site were greatest during December 2014. The median flux into the sediment traps ranged from 310 g DW m-2 d-1 to 7202 g DW m-2 d-1 at the barren site while the median flux into the sediment traps at the vegetated site ranged from 164 g DW m-2 d-1 to 799 g DW m-2 d-1. The median flux into the sediment plates at the barren site ranged from 41 g DW m-2 d-1 to 224g DW m-2 d-1 while the median flux into the plates at the vegetated site was similar in three out of the five deployments. When comparing the median flux into the sediment traps and plates at each site, more sediment was collected in the traps than the plates. Flume experiments on vegetated and unvegetated bottom exhibited a fully developed bottom boundary layer beginning at a flume velocity of 10 cm s-1. The flow over the vegetated bottom generally exhibited higher shear stress, and a thinner boundary layer that was elevated above the seagrass bed compared to the unvegetated bottom. The vegetated bottom effectively restricted the height of the water columns thus increasing the velocities above the seagrass compared to the same height in the unvegetated runs. The mean hydraulic roughness was greater on vegetated bottom than unvegetated bottom. The drag coefficients were calculated on both vegetated and unvegetated bottom and ranged from 0.02 - 0.18. The drag coefficients and hydraulic roughness calculated in this study can be used to improve numerical hydrodynamic model predictions. The seagrass effectively reduced water flow inside the bed when compared to bare sediment.
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Date Issued: 2020-07-21
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0343
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Examination of Grazing Preferences Exhibited by Herbivorous Invertebrates on the Common Macroalgal Hosts of Gambierdiscus.
Creator: James, Andrea Lynn
Abstract / Description: Understanding the basis of the marine food web is essential in determining the uptake and possible control of the toxins that cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), predominantly ciguatoxins. Ciguatoxins are produced by the marine, epiphytic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus, and when transferred through the food web via herbivory, have serious environmental and health implications. Ciguatera outbreaks are common in coral reef environments where macroalgae are present. As ocean conditions change...
Show moreUnderstanding the basis of the marine food web is essential in determining the uptake and possible control of the toxins that cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), predominantly ciguatoxins. Ciguatoxins are produced by the marine, epiphytic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus, and when transferred through the food web via herbivory, have serious environmental and health implications. Ciguatera outbreaks are common in coral reef environments where macroalgae are present. As ocean conditions change and more coral reef ecosystems shift to macroalgal domination, the risk of ciguatera outbreaks may increase. Since the first discovery of causal agents for CFP, the general consensus has been that the ciguatoxin pathway goes through herbivorous fish; however, some previous studies have suggested that herbivorous invertebrates may be another vector. Because hogfish have been found to be one of the high-risk fish species for CFP, and they are also known to consume invertebrates, more studies are necessary in order to accurately evaluate the invertebrate role as a vector. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the grazing preferences of various herbivorous invertebrates on the common macroalgal hosts of Gambierdiscus, in order to examine the uptake of ciguatoxin into the food web. Four marine macroalgae were tested (Laurencia gemmifera, Halimeda incrassata, Dictyota menstrualis, and turf algae) against three different taxa ((Cerithium (Thericium) eburneum algicola (var.) (middle-spined cerith gastropods), Clibanarius tricolor (three-colored hermit crabs), and Lytechinus variegatus (variegated sea urchins)) of herbivorous invertebrates. Consumption rates were determined from changes in algal biomass. Direct G. silvae consumption rates were also determined for one species of invertebrate in a supplemental study. The experimental results indicated that there was a significant food preference for turf algae among all three species tested. There was also a significant food preference for Dictyota menstrualis for two of the species tested and Laurencia gemmifera for the other species tested (sea urchin). These results of this study have expanded our knowledge on herbivore feeding preferences and toxin uptake, which may lead to a better understanding of this crucial step in the introduction of ciguatoxin into the reef food web.
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Date Issued: 2020-06-04
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0341
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Relative Impact of Anthropogenic and Environmental Disturbances on a Black Skimmer Nesting Colony within a Critical Wildlife Area on Marco Island, Florida.
Creator: Shope, Kristina
Abstract / Description: Coastal ecosystems are critical natural resources that demand protection because they provide nesting and feeding habitat for a wide range of diverse organisms. Some wildlife species play an invaluable role as bioindicators for these ecosystems, while others function as important umbrella species. Coastal wildlife is often constrained by anthropogenic disturbances and environmental processes that influence coastal environments. Seabirds are particularly susceptible to disturbances as they...
Show moreCoastal ecosystems are critical natural resources that demand protection because they provide nesting and feeding habitat for a wide range of diverse organisms. Some wildlife species play an invaluable role as bioindicators for these ecosystems, while others function as important umbrella species. Coastal wildlife is often constrained by anthropogenic disturbances and environmental processes that influence coastal environments. Seabirds are particularly susceptible to disturbances as they nest conspicuously in large, dense colonies. Anthropogenic disturbances, which can range from outright vandalism to unintended disruption, can negatively impact nest vitality due to trampling or by exposing chicks or eggs to predators and harsh weather conditions. In addition to anthropogenic disturbances, environmental processes such as predation and weather fluctuations can negatively impact birds that nest on sandy beaches. All of these factors can potentially impact the Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger, a seabird that is considered an umbrella species and is listed as “threatened” in the state of Florida. Predation and overwash are known to cause nest failures for this species. Recently, an increased interest in outdoor recreational activities has also resulted in more disturbances of nesting efforts. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify the composition of such disturbances affecting two Black Skimmer colonies within a Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) on Marco Island in Collier County, southwest Florida. I also examined which disturbance(s) resulted in the highest frequency and intensity of behavioral displays by the skimmers. This study showed that skimmers within the CWA experience a wide array of disturbances, both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic. A total of 195 flushing events were documented, at a rate of almost two per hour throughout the study. At Colony A, weather and unexplained sources were responsible for the greatest percentage of skimmers that flushed; at Colony B, weather was the most important factor. However, the proportion of disturbance types did not differ significantly between the colonies, demonstrating that both types of disturbance were occurring simultaneously and at roughly similar frequencies. A striking finding was that among the types of disturbances, anthropogenic disturbances generally had less of an impact on skimmer behavior than did natural disturbances such as weather and unknown sources. Given the concurrent timing of all types of disturbances within the breeding season, this study identified the need for a proactive and adaptive management plan to protect nesting skimmers from anthropogenic and environmental stressors that are combining to disturb their coastal breeding colonies.
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Date Issued: 2020-05-30
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0338
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mansonia titillans and Mansonia dyari (Diptera: Culicidae) seasonal abundance and host-seeking activity patterns in Lee County, Florida.
Creator: Foley, Edward William
Abstract / Description: Mansonia titillans (Walker) and Mansonia dyari (Belkin, Heinemann, and Page) are two mosquito species found throughout the southern United States. These species are aggressive biters and considered potential vectors for several debilitating diseases. Understanding their flight activity as well as relevant environmental factors influencing this behavior is crucial to develop effective control strategies. This study took place in Lee County, Florida, located along the Gulf coast of southwest...
Show moreMansonia titillans (Walker) and Mansonia dyari (Belkin, Heinemann, and Page) are two mosquito species found throughout the southern United States. These species are aggressive biters and considered potential vectors for several debilitating diseases. Understanding their flight activity as well as relevant environmental factors influencing this behavior is crucial to develop effective control strategies. This study took place in Lee County, Florida, located along the Gulf coast of southwest Florida. Quarterly trapping was conducted using collection bottle rotator traps sampling one-hour increments between 5 pm and 8 am. An onsite weather station collected environmental data for wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, rain accumulation, and light levels (lux). Hourly capture data were evaluated using the Wilcoxon nonparametric test with Steel-Dwass All-Pairs as a post-hoc test. A series of stepwise linear regressions were conducted to explore environmental factors. The peak activity of Ma. titillans and Ma. dyari was determined to be between the hours of sunset and two hours post sunset. The environmental conditions light, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed all had a significant impact on mosquito abundance over the course of the study. Mansonia appear to display an upper threshold limit to both humidity and temperature. Light appears to play an important role in activity but does not appear to be the environmental cue driving flight. It is the goal of this study to aid public health managers in tailoring their nighttime spray operations around the flight activity of Ma. titillans and Ma. dyari. The increased precision of applications would allow for higher efficacy rates while potentially decreasing the unnecessary insecticidal load on the environment.
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Date Issued: 2020-06-01
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0339
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Monitoring the success of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project in Collier County, FL.
Creator: Clark, Phoebe Elizabeth
Abstract / Description: The Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP) is located to the west of Fakahatchee Strand State Park Preserve in Collier County, Florida. This 55,000-acre restoration project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and was one of the Acceler-8 projects initiated in 2004. The PSRP is intended to restore the hydrology of a system that was impacted by roads and canals constructed for a Gulf American Corporation development project; in order to assess the ecological...
Show moreThe Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP) is located to the west of Fakahatchee Strand State Park Preserve in Collier County, Florida. This 55,000-acre restoration project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and was one of the Acceler-8 projects initiated in 2004. The PSRP is intended to restore the hydrology of a system that was impacted by roads and canals constructed for a Gulf American Corporation development project; in order to assess the ecological success of the restoration, monitoring efforts occur periodically. The PSRP is ongoing: the roads have been removed of asphalt and mostly leveled off, two of the four canals have been filled, and two of the three pumping stations are complete. The key element now is determining whether or not the community structure of the restoration sites is progressing towards the reference sites i.e. if this restoration is succeeding. As potential indicators of hydrologic restoration, anuran, fish, macroinvertebrate, and plant communities have been surveyed. Amphibians are frequently used as an indicator of hydrologic restoration success, and a number of researchers have studied frog communities within the PSRP. One increasing issue on Florida’s landscape is the prominence of exotic invasive species – in the treefrog community, the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis). Due to the growing Cuban treefrog population in Southwest Florida, there is a need to address this issue to ensure that the restoration is being successfully monitored to inform adaptive management. Anurans (i.e. treefrogs) were sampled monthly through the use of PVC pipes as refugia. They were then compared over time between restoration sites in the PSRP and reference sites in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (FPNWR) and the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (FSPSP), and among habitat types using univariate diversity indices. One-way ANOVAs were used to test for significant differences among treatments, habitats, and/or time. Results from the treefrog community indicate that the invasive O. septentrionalis is creating noise in the signal anurans provide of trends in restoration progress, however there are preliminary indications of restoration success that are most clearly identified within graminoid sites. Supplemental sampling shows that bimonthly sampling produces comparable anuran captures to monthly sampling, pipes with a cap closure rather than an elbow attract more anurans, and that larger pipes attract more anurans; however, these larger pipes may have a higher proportion of invasive species. Additionally, it is possible to determine a signal of restoration, however current methods may need to be adapted. This adaptation could include adding the use of anuran audio calls to better determine species assemblages, and/or focusing PVC-refugia sampling efforts on the graminoid habitats which provide a distinct signal of trends in restoration. Additional analyses were conducted on the various taxa utilized in the PSRP monitoring. While many restoration monitoring efforts utilize information from several different taxa, few researchers have looked at the impacts of utilizing a community approach to determining restoration progress by combining all of these taxa in their analyses. This study explores the efficacy of each of the four taxa involved in PSRP monitoring – anurans, fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and vegetation – by using cluster analyses, multidimensional scaling (MDS), and SIMPER analyses to determine which taxa are creating the greatest difference between treatments. Anurans were sampled using PVC pipe refugia, fish were sampled using Breder traps and throw traps, macroinvertebrates were sampled by dip netting, and vegetation was monitored along transects. To compare biotic communities across the restoration and reference sites, univariate analyses of biodiversity indices along with multivariate analyses, were performed within and across taxa. Results of these cross-taxa analyses indicate that aquatic macroinvertebrates, and vegetation community and structure are the two strongest differentiators between reference and restoration sites. Anuran similarity between reference and restoration habitats was due to the universal spread of O. septentrionalis, and while fish communities do indicate some level of difference – mainly due to the invasive exotic African jewelfish (Hemichromis letourneuxi) – they are not as powerful a tool as the invertebrates and vegetation. Future monitoring efforts may provide the best determination of restoration progress if they are focused on aquatic macroinvertebrates, and vegetation community and structure. These two taxa created the strongest signal between reference and restoration. Overall, the PSRP appears to be moving towards the reference sites in MDS space, although this pattern is most clear when combining all taxa.
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Date Issued: 2020-05-05
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0335
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Seasonal Distribution and Home Ranges of Gopher Tortoises Gopherus polyphemus on a Barrier Island in Southwest Florida.
Creator: Beyer, Kristin
Abstract / Description: 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.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-28
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0334
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Evaluating Trust and Its Timeline in Medical Practitioners.
Creator: Ciccone, Alexandra, Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Abstract / Description: Medicare and Medicaid created the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey to capture hospital care information from the patient’s perspective. Patient satisfaction scores are tied to hospital reimbursement. HCAHPS doesn’t evaluate if patients trust their provider. We asked this question along with when and why patient-provider trust was established. 152 (95.6%) of the 159 patients interviewed trusted their medical provider, only seven (4.4%) did not....
Show moreMedicare and Medicaid created the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey to capture hospital care information from the patient’s perspective. Patient satisfaction scores are tied to hospital reimbursement. HCAHPS doesn’t evaluate if patients trust their provider. We asked this question along with when and why patient-provider trust was established. 152 (95.6%) of the 159 patients interviewed trusted their medical provider, only seven (4.4%) did not. It is of utmost importance for providers to make a good impression during their initial patient encounter, as 85.5% of patients said trust was developed at their first interaction. A combination of communication skills and time spent ranked highest on patient’s reasoning for why patient-provider trust was or was not developed. This study highlights the need for all medical practitioners to enhance their ability to communicate effectively in order to better influence a patient’s satisfaction and positive perception of their care.
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Date Issued: 2019-12-13
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0317
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Implementing an Advance Care Planning Protocol During the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
Creator: Settanni, Julianne
Abstract / Description: Objective: Advance care planning discussions are not routinely done during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, even though there is no charge to the patient. This project implemented an advance care planning protocol at the time of the annual wellness visit. Significance: As healthcare technology increases, the reality of more people living with and ultimately dying of a chronic disease has created new challenges for patients and their healthcare providers, which require primary care...
Show moreObjective: Advance care planning discussions are not routinely done during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, even though there is no charge to the patient. This project implemented an advance care planning protocol at the time of the annual wellness visit. Significance: As healthcare technology increases, the reality of more people living with and ultimately dying of a chronic disease has created new challenges for patients and their healthcare providers, which require primary care providers to identify and understand patients’ wishes and values around future care and end of life. Currently, ACP is an optional component of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Opportunities for discussion of ACP in the primary care setting have been identified; however, all too often, there is no conversation about ACP or the patient’s treatment wishes. Methods: An evidence-based education regarding ACP during the AWV protocol was initiated in one primary care office in Southwest Florida. Conclusion: This evidence-based protocol project demonstrates an increase in the amount of ACP discussions that occurred during AWVs with the use of the appropriate CPT code modifiers. These findings may suggest that when appropriate strategies and support for advance care planning are utilized, barriers to advance care planning in the primary care setting can be minimized.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-29
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0329
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PSYCHOTROPICS EFFECTIVE AT CONTROLLING PSYCHOSIS AND HALLUCINATIONS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT EXTRAPYRAMIDAL SYMPTOMS IN TREATING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA.
Creator: Khaliq, Noshaba, Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Abstract / Description: INTRODUCTION: Lewy body dementia (DLB) is a serious illness, affecting millions worldwide and currently the second most common etiology of the dementia spectrum. Patients, specifically the elderly, are devastated by the symptoms from this illness, chief of which are the disturbing visual hallucinations. Although medication exists to treat this disorder, the psychotropics generally prescribed have far-reaching implications for negative side effects and adverse events. This paper discusses the...
Show moreINTRODUCTION: Lewy body dementia (DLB) is a serious illness, affecting millions worldwide and currently the second most common etiology of the dementia spectrum. Patients, specifically the elderly, are devastated by the symptoms from this illness, chief of which are the disturbing visual hallucinations. Although medication exists to treat this disorder, the psychotropics generally prescribed have far-reaching implications for negative side effects and adverse events. This paper discusses the three medications quetiapine, rivastigmine, and donepezil and examines their risks-benefits profile in treating DLB. METHODS: Chiefly the PubMed database was consulted to gather relevant articles. One open-source database (OMICS) was used to cull several articles. All told, several dozen articles were reviewed, of which 13 were chosen for this review. RESULTS: The three medications reviewed, donepezil, rivastigmine, and quetiapine all have their place in DLB treatment; however, all have widely varying side effects, which are patient-specific. Of the three reviewed, donepezil proved to be the best tolerated at low dosages, and most effective at relieving visual hallucinations without EPS. CONCLUSION: Clinicians must be thoroughly conversant with as many psychotropics as possible, especially when treating DLB patients. Moreover, they must carefully weigh potential benefits against negative side effects. If they cannot make a strong case for use, then the best option is to forgo pharmacologic intervention.
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Date Issued: 2019-12-18
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0315
Format: Document (PDF)

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