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Title: This crowded world.
Creator: Osborn, Frederick Henry
Date Issued: 1960
Identifier: 2100347, CFDT2100347, ucf:4915
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2100347

Title: Too many babies?.
Creator: Hansen, Joseph
Date Issued: c1960
Identifier: 2683666, CFDT2683666, ucf:5107
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2683666

Title: Population and food supply.
Creator: United Nations Office of Public Information
Date Issued: 1962
Identifier: 2072206, CFDT2072206, ucf:4895
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2072206

Title: POPULATION CHURN: THE MIGRATION FLOW OF FLORIDA.
Creator: Cashen, Marguerite, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Recent research has focused attention on the concerns of migration in and out of Florida and within the counties themselves. In 1949, Cape Canaveral was established and the boom was on. The character of the state dramatically transformed after 1965, when plans were announced to convert twenty-seven thousand acres of swampland into Walt Disney World. Since then, Orlando's evolution is divided into two eras: before and after Walt Disney World. Orlando has changed from a quiet town whose...
Show moreRecent research has focused attention on the concerns of migration in and out of Florida and within the counties themselves. In 1949, Cape Canaveral was established and the boom was on. The character of the state dramatically transformed after 1965, when plans were announced to convert twenty-seven thousand acres of swampland into Walt Disney World. Since then, Orlando's evolution is divided into two eras: before and after Walt Disney World. Orlando has changed from a quiet town whose function was to service the surrounding citrus growing regions in a sparsely populated Orange County to a booming metropolis. Has the growth been for the best? While geographical mobility is frequently analyzed in terms of in-migration, out-migration, and net migration, this thesis will examine the population churn, the sum of in- and out-migration divided by population size. The simple descriptive questions in this thesis are, first, how do Orange County and the Orlando metro area "stack up" against other Florida cities, counties, and metro areas such as: Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami. Secondly, across 67 Florida counties, what county level characteristics predict the rate of churn? The sample will consist of intra-migration and intermigration movers from a dataset drawn from the 2000 U. S. Census, IRS data, and local data by county, such as, F Cat, Index Crime Rate, and Domestic Violence Rate. The U.S. Census data are compiled from the Census of 2000; most estimates come from data collected by the CPS (Current Population Survey), which the U.S. Census conducts. The Internal Revenue Service migration flow data shows migration patterns by county based on changes in the addresses entered on individual tax returns. Correlation analysis is used to show the strength of association between population churn and the other variables.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000294, ucf:46214
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000294

Title: Unearthing the past and present of a semi-fossorial lizard: conservation genetics, phylogeography, and taxonomy of Plestiodon egregius.
Creator: Mercier, Kathryn, Savage, Anna, Parkinson, Christopher, Jenkins, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Characterizing an organism's evolutionary history and population structure as well as understanding the forces shaping that divergence is crucial to conservation biology. A clear understanding of the patterns of diversity and divergence are imperative for the best management ofthe organism, while an awareness of what drives these patterns can lead to better predictions of how organisms will respond to future climate change. Historical climate changes and associated sea levelchange are among...
Show moreCharacterizing an organism's evolutionary history and population structure as well as understanding the forces shaping that divergence is crucial to conservation biology. A clear understanding of the patterns of diversity and divergence are imperative for the best management ofthe organism, while an awareness of what drives these patterns can lead to better predictions of how organisms will respond to future climate change. Historical climate changes and associated sea levelchange are among the main forces driving divergence in many species. To examine how effects of climate changes may have driven patterns of intraspecific divergence, I examined Mole Skinks,Plestiodon egregius, a semi-fossorial lizard of conservation concern. First, I characterized P. egregius evolutionary history and population structure using multiple data sources: morphological characters,mitochondrial sequences (mtDNA), and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). I determined that SNP data distinguished population structure at a finer resolution than morphologyor mtDNA. From these data, I defined six conservation units within P. egregius, three of which are consistent with current subspecific taxonomy. Next, I used statistical phylogeography to examinehow the effects of historical climate change in the southeastern United States (US) may have driven patterns of intraspecific divergence in P. egregius. I devised a set of alternative hypotheses regardingthe historical distribution and dispersal of P. egregius to test using genome-wide SNP markers. I found support for a historical refugia within the southern scrub ridges in Florida followed byexpansion into the Florida peninsula and mainland US. Synthesizing the results from both studies, I evaluate the current subspecific taxonomy and discuss the conservation of P. egregius. Overall, Iconclude that P. egregius evolutionary history has been driven by historical sea level changes in the southeastern US, and that insular populations should be the focus of conservation efforts.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007225, ucf:52228
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007225

Title: The foreign born in the United States.
Creator: Morgan,Dwight C., American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born
Date Issued: 1936
Identifier: 369347, CFDT369347, ucf:5430
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/369347

Title: HEALTH TRANSITIONS AND THE AGING POPULATION: A FRAMEWORK TO MEASURE THE VALUE OF RAPID REHABILITATION.
Creator: Ross, Dianne, Liberman, Aaron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Healthcare services for the aging population in the United States are a complex configuration of acute healthcare organizations, and post acute nursing facilities, home healthcare, and community based services. The system encompasses all services that imply the need for clinical, medical, or professional judgment (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2006). Most Americans believe the system exists to provide preventive services, management for chronic conditions, and health care services to...
Show moreHealthcare services for the aging population in the United States are a complex configuration of acute healthcare organizations, and post acute nursing facilities, home healthcare, and community based services. The system encompasses all services that imply the need for clinical, medical, or professional judgment (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2006). Most Americans believe the system exists to provide preventive services, management for chronic conditions, and health care services to meet the needs of the people (National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), 2004). However, the healthcare delivery system is fragmented across a broad array of settings (Coleman, Smith, Frank, Min, Parry, & Kramer, 2004), plagued by gaps in quality of care, and does not provide optimal care to the majority of American citizens (NCQA, 2004). As a result, national efforts are focused on the identification of quality indicators, performance measures, and the driving need for consensus standards across a multiplicity of providers, payers, and stakeholders. The overarching focus of this effort is to bridge the gaps in health care quality, and reduce documented disparities for vulnerable populations (National Quality Forum (2004). Healthcare transitions occur as patients receive a broad range of services across a multiplicity of providers, payers, and settings. Aging patients > 65 are most vulnerable during these transitions. A poorly executed transition can result in complications for the patient, duplication of tests and services, discharge delays, increased lengths of stay, early readmissions to the acute care setting, frustration for families and care givers, and dissatisfaction with overall services. Management of care and accountability across settings is limited and patients are falling through the cracks in the foundation of the healthcare system (Covinsky, 2003). The intent of this research was to examine healthcare transitions for patients > 65 admitted to a large acute healthcare system, and to identify measurable quality indicators for an innovative delivery model designed to optimize early discharge from the hospital through rapid rehabilitation. This was a quasi-experimental, cross-sectional design measured at the patient level. The research included a total sample of 250 patients representing both the intervention and the control group. The intervention group consisted of 100 patients who were rapidly discharged to a transitional care facility in the community, and 150 patients randomly selected to a control group that did not transition to rapid rehabilitation. The groups were matched as closely as possible by age, gender, race, primary diagnoses, and the complexity of case. Inefficiency was measured by 3 indicators (1) length of stay, (2) total expenses before contractual allowances, and (3) discharge delays from the hospital. Ineffectiveness was measured by 3 indicators: (1) readmission within 30 days, (2) patient safety with falls serving as the proxy, and (3) overall patient satisfaction. Descriptive analysis was performed utilizing SPSS 15.0. Path analysis was method of choice for data analysis and AMOS 7.0 was utilized for the measurement model. Descriptive analysis found a broad range of diagnosis related groups across 183 women and 67 men with a mean age of 80 for both groups. Initial analysis found the intervention group had a mean length of stay of 9.17 days, and experienced 20 readmissions. The control group had a mean length of stay of 6.77 days, and 30 readmissions. The statistical analysis suggested length of stay and cost of healthcare services are statistically significant indicators at the 0.05 or lower level and that patient safety has the potential to be developed as an indicator for effective outcomes. The identification of quality indicators, measurement of efficiency and effectiveness, and establishing predictors for successful healthcare transitions is dependent on the quality and integrity of data abstracted from hospital information systems, accuracy of information in patient records, and the consensus of standards and definitions across a multiplicity of stakeholders. Further research and collaboration is necessary to ensure that patient transition to innovative care programs such as rapid rehabilitation is based on well-defined patient selection criteria. The intent of the methodologies and quality indicators explored in this research supports the increasing need to ensure that inferences and quality measurements drawn from healthcare information is based on valid, reliable, and well defined data sources (Pan, Fergusson, Schweitzer, & Hebert, 2005). This research suggests hospitals are making steady progress to overcome challenges to safe, quality health services as outlined by the Institute of Medicine (2001) for system redesign, but finds specific implications for hospital leadership. There is a need to thread evidence based practice initiatives into hospital and clinical structures to accommodate new delivery models, processes, and case management. Health services information needs to be housed in a central repository or data warehouse to increase transparency of reportable information across systems and to ensure that valid and reliable information is utilized to draw inferences about performance of hospital systems (Selden & Sowa, 2004) and that quality measurements are established to ensure a scientific foundation for the management of healthcare services (Wan, 2002).
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002130, ucf:47543
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002130

Title: GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION AMONG FLORIDA POPULATIONS OF DIADEMA ANTILLARUM.
Creator: Chandler, Luke M, Hoffman, Eric, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This project used molecular genetic markers (microsatellites) to determine the amount of genetic diversity within populations and whether significant differentiation exists among Florida populations of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum. Specifically, this project aimed to (1) compare genetic diversity of D. antillarum from six populations in south Florida ranging from Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, and Dry Tortugas, and (2) determine whether two broodstock populations of D....
Show moreThis project used molecular genetic markers (microsatellites) to determine the amount of genetic diversity within populations and whether significant differentiation exists among Florida populations of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum. Specifically, this project aimed to (1) compare genetic diversity of D. antillarum from six populations in south Florida ranging from Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, and Dry Tortugas, and (2) determine whether two broodstock populations of D. antillarum contain variation indicative of native Florida populations. Together, these questions can address whether broodstock populations contain the genetic variation necessary to meet the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission�s (FWC�s) genetic policies for reintroduction throughout south Florida. Global FST among native populations was 0.0004 with a highest pairwise FST of 0.0025 between the Upper Keys and the area west of Key West, showing an overall trend of little natural differentiation between populations. Global FST for all populations inclusive of the broodstock samples was 0.0019 with a highest pairwise FST between a native population and broodstock of 0.0066 between Dry Tortuga and Mote�s broodstock, indicating little differentiation resulting from captive breeding. Average allelic richness and heterozygosity ranged from 22.6�24.4 and 0.937�0.956, respectively, for each population. Two-way ANOVAs comparing genetic diversity between native and broodstock populations showed no statistical difference in allelic richness (F= 3.892, p= 0.0535) or heterozygosity (F=1.43, p=0.237). The computer program STRUCTURE estimated the most likely number of genetic clusters to be k=1, inclusive of broodstock populations, further indicating a lack of differentiation either among native populations or between native and broodstock populations. These data suggest that captive-bred individuals of D. antillarum could be used for reintroduction as part of a plan to re-establish healthy urchin populations throughout the Florida Keys.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000044, ucf:45558
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000044

Title: Habitat distribution and abundance of crayfishes in two Florida spring-fed rivers.
Creator: Manteuffel, Tiffani, Hinkle, Ross, King, Joshua, Stout, I, Stolen, Eric, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Crayfish are an economically and ecologically important invertebrate, however, research on crayfish in native habitats is patchy at best, including in Florida, even though the Southeastern U.S. is one of the most speciose areas globally. This study investigated patterns of abundance and habitat distribution of two crayfishes (Procambarus paeninsulanus and P. fallax) in two Florida spring-fed rivers (Wakulla River and Silver River, respectively). Study sites were surveyed once each season from...
Show moreCrayfish are an economically and ecologically important invertebrate, however, research on crayfish in native habitats is patchy at best, including in Florida, even though the Southeastern U.S. is one of the most speciose areas globally. This study investigated patterns of abundance and habitat distribution of two crayfishes (Procambarus paeninsulanus and P. fallax) in two Florida spring-fed rivers (Wakulla River and Silver River, respectively). Study sites were surveyed once each season from April 2015 to March 2016 with baited minnow traps checked every other day, four times each survey. Habitat and environmental parameters evaluated included dominant vegetation or bottom type, percent cover, organic matter content, water depth, moon illumination and dissolved oxygen. Abundance was estimated with N-mixture models. Model selection judged the relative evidence between hypotheses relating habitat and environmental covariates to crayfish abundance. P. paeninsulanus distribution and abundance in Wakulla River was explained by time of year, dissolved oxygen and dominant bottom and vegetation type. P. fallax distribution and abundance in Silver River was explained by time of year and percent coverage of vegetation. Detection of P. paeninsulanus was higher than P. fallax and abundance of P. paeninsulanus was more heterogenous than P. fallax (6-18 versus 12-14 per site in summer survey). Distribution of P. paeninsulanus as described by vegetation and bottom type also seems to follow heterogeneity in management areas in Wakulla River. Results will assist managers in understanding potential impact of herbicidal control of Hydrilla verticillata on crayfish. This study also fills knowledge gaps on Florida crayfish natural history and ecology.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006474, ucf:51442
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006474

Title: Using Molecular Genetic and Demographic Tools to Improve Management of Ex Situ Avian Populations.
Creator: Ferrie, Gina, Hoffman, Eric, Parkinson, Christopher, Quintana-Ascencio, Pedro, Bettinger, Tamara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Small populations, specifically those that are isolated from others, are more prone to extinction than larger inter-connected populations. The risks that these small isolated populations face include loss of genetic diversity due to founder effects and inbreeding due to population bottlenecks, as well as demographic uncertainty due to fluctuating fecundity and mortality rates and impacts of external environmental factors. Ex situ populations, including those managed as conservation breeding...
Show moreSmall populations, specifically those that are isolated from others, are more prone to extinction than larger inter-connected populations. The risks that these small isolated populations face include loss of genetic diversity due to founder effects and inbreeding due to population bottlenecks, as well as demographic uncertainty due to fluctuating fecundity and mortality rates and impacts of external environmental factors. Ex situ populations, including those managed as conservation breeding programs with species recovery aims, as well as those that do not have reintroduction goals but are managed for long term population sustainability, suffer from the same extinction risks as small and isolated natural populations. Using three separate avian species which have different life histories and population structures, I investigated impacts of multiple genetic and demographic management strategies on these ex situ populations. I examined the use of molecular genetic datasets including microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to determine their utility for reconstructing pedigrees, examining individual relatedness within populations, and compared results of measuring genetic diversity through theoretical methods verses those obtained from a molecular dataset. These methods can then ultimately be applied to improve future management including improving studbook datasets and to measure actual loss of genetic diversity. I also used analytical strategies including population viability analysis to determine how management practices influence demographic parameters and determine the future probability of population extinction. The genetic and demographic analyses of both the historic management of an ex situ population, and its current status, are a first step in hypothesizing the potential directions for future management and understanding the likelihood of survival of an ex situ population.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006940, ucf:51670
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006940

Title: Food Insecurity, Social Inequality, and Social Policy.
Creator: Strickhouser, Sara, Wright, James, Jasinski, Jana, Gay, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research shows that food insecurity rates and experiences vary by subpopulation. This dissertation examines the rates and experience of food insecurity rates across subpopulationsusing a wide variety of sociodemographic factors expanding the current research on de terminants of food insecurity. Subtopics surrounding the current food insecurity research are explored. These topics include determinants of food deserts, SNAP (or food stamps) utilization, and household adaptation strategies. This...
Show moreResearch shows that food insecurity rates and experiences vary by subpopulation. This dissertation examines the rates and experience of food insecurity rates across subpopulationsusing a wide variety of sociodemographic factors expanding the current research on de terminants of food insecurity. Subtopics surrounding the current food insecurity research are explored. These topics include determinants of food deserts, SNAP (or food stamps) utilization, and household adaptation strategies. This research shows that current measurements of food insecurity lack the detail needed to understand why households are food insecure besides lacking income. Using Bourdieu's four forms of capital, this study considers factors beyond income tounderstand the determinants of food insecurity. Quantitative analyses utilize nationally representative data from the 2013 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement, as well as representative food security data collected for Orange County, FL and state of Florida. Qualitative interviews were conducted to examine adaptation strategies of households with children. This research finds that a number of determinants besides income contribute to household food insecurity and encourages policymakers to move beyond income as the major determinant of food insecurity and consider other household and demographic characteristics as equally important to understanding the problem of food insecurity in the US.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006186, ucf:51136
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006186

Title: Visions of Race and Gender: Press Coverage of the French Colonial Expositions of 1922 and 1931.
Creator: Morgan, Zachary, Lyons, Amelia, Solonari, Vladimir, Gannon, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: During the interwar period, France attempted to reinvigorate interest in the empire amongst the public via elaborate colonial expositions. The colonial expositions of Marseille (1922) and Paris (1931) served as a means to celebrate the empire and to educate the French about the benefits of living within Greater France, an entity that included the metropole and the colonies. This thesis examines how press coverage of both expositions worked alongside these events to counteract anxieties...
Show moreDuring the interwar period, France attempted to reinvigorate interest in the empire amongst the public via elaborate colonial expositions. The colonial expositions of Marseille (1922) and Paris (1931) served as a means to celebrate the empire and to educate the French about the benefits of living within Greater France, an entity that included the metropole and the colonies. This thesis examines how press coverage of both expositions worked alongside these events to counteract anxieties regarding France's economic recovery after the war, continuing world presence, demographic losses, and most importantly the relationship between France and its colonies. It explores how the press attempted to mitigate these fears by creating, reinforcing, and reproducing an economically positive, dynamic, vibrant and ultimately sanitized vision of the colonies. This thesis argues that the press actively supported the goals of the expositions and championed the success of the civilizing mission, and demonstrates the media's role in perpetuating visions of French universalism. Their vision reveals contradictions found within French universalism that helps form a basis for analysis. This study scrutinizes the dominant discourses regarding the colonies during the interwar period and how the press used contemporary concepts of race and gender in their coverage of the expositions. This thesis argues that the press used the figure of the colonial soldier/worker and the erotic and patriarchal relationship between France and its colonies to reinforce colonial hierarchies regarding race and gender. The press attempted to shape the public's view of the empire through reconstructions of the imperial project and its people that idealized France's mission. Only the communist press sought to highlight the ferocity of French colonization.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005672, ucf:50177
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005672

Title: IMPACT OF LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT ON HOUSE MICE (MUS MUSCULUS) AND RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS (SOLENOPSIS INVICTA).
Creator: Abelson, Jesse, Jenkins, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Understanding of mechanisms that limit the abundance and distribution of species is central to ecology. The failure of mechanisms to regulate populations can result in population outbreaks. There have been two outbreaks of house mice in the past decade in central Florida. In my study, I examine the efficacy of landscape management in the form of mowing and plowed soil barriers to limit or prevent outbreaks of house mice in a former agricultural area. House mouse populations were highly...
Show moreUnderstanding of mechanisms that limit the abundance and distribution of species is central to ecology. The failure of mechanisms to regulate populations can result in population outbreaks. There have been two outbreaks of house mice in the past decade in central Florida. In my study, I examine the efficacy of landscape management in the form of mowing and plowed soil barriers to limit or prevent outbreaks of house mice in a former agricultural area. House mouse populations were highly variable, but were unaffected by mowing or plowed soil barriers. Red imported fire ants were ubiquitous in the study area regardless of land management treatments. Control of fire ants did not result in more house mice on treated plots.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003590, ucf:48899
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003590

Title: The population problem and world depression.
Creator: Dublin, Louis I. (Louis Israel), Foreign Policy Association
Date Issued: 1936
Identifier: 369416, CFDT369416, ucf:5439
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/369416

Title: Analysis of large-scale population genetic data using efficient algorithms and data structures.
Creator: Naseri, Ardalan, Zhang, Shaojie, Hughes, Charles, Yooseph, Shibu, Zhi, Degui, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the availability of genotyping data of very large samples, there is an increasing need for tools that can efficiently identify genetic relationships among all individuals in the sample. Modern biobanks cover genotypes up to 0.1%-1% of an entire large population. At this scale, genetic relatedness among samples is ubiquitous. However, current methods are not efficient for uncovering genetic relatedness at such a scale. We developed a new method, Random Projection for IBD Detection (RaPID)...
Show moreWith the availability of genotyping data of very large samples, there is an increasing need for tools that can efficiently identify genetic relationships among all individuals in the sample. Modern biobanks cover genotypes up to 0.1%-1% of an entire large population. At this scale, genetic relatedness among samples is ubiquitous. However, current methods are not efficient for uncovering genetic relatedness at such a scale. We developed a new method, Random Projection for IBD Detection (RaPID), for detecting Identical-by-Descent (IBD) segments, a fundamental concept in genetics in large panels. RaPID detects all IBD segments over a certain length in time linear to the sample size. We take advantage of an efficient population genotype index, Positional BWT (PBWT), by Richard Durbin. PBWT achieves linear time query of perfectly identical subsequences among all samples. However, the original PBWT is not tolerant to genotyping errors which often interrupt long IBD segments into short fragments. The key idea of RaPID is that the problem of approximate high-resolution matching over a long range can be mapped to the problem of exact matching of low-resolution subsampled sequences with high probability. PBWT provides an appropriate data structure for bi-allelic data. With the increasing sample sizes, more multi-allelic sites are expected to be observed. Hence, there is a necessity to handle multi-allelic genotype data. We also introduce a multi-allelic version of the original Positional Burrows-Wheeler Transform (mPBWT).The increasingly large cohorts of whole genome genotype data present an opportunity for searching genetically related people within a large cohort to an individual. At the same time, doing so efficiently presents a challenge. The PBWT algorithm offers constant time matching between one haplotype and an arbitrarily large panel at each position, but only for the maximal matches. We used the PBWT data structure to develop a method to search for all matches of a given query in a panel. The matches larger than a given length correspond to the all shared IBD segments of certain lengths between the query and other individuals in the panel. The time complexity of the proposed method is independent from the number of individuals in the panel. In order to achieve a time complexity independent from the number of haplotypes, additional data structures are introduced.Some regions of genome may be shared by multiple individuals rather than only a pair. Clusters of identical haplotypes could reveal information about the history of intermarriage, isolation of a population and also be medically important. We propose an efficient method to find clusters of identical segments among individuals in a large panel, called cPBWT, using PBWT data structure. The time complexity of finding all clusters of identical matches is linear to the sample size. Human genome harbors several runs of homozygous sites (ROHs) where identical haplotypes are inherited from each parent. We applied cPBWT on UK-Biobank and searched for clusters of ROH region that are shared among multiple. We discovered strong associations between ROH regions and some non-cancerous diseases, specifically auto-immune disorders.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007764, ucf:52393
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007764

Title: Testing for Isolation in Florida Raccoons (Procyon lotor) Using Phylogenetics and Population Genetic Structure.
Creator: Trujillo, Alexa, Hoffman, Eric, Fedorka, Kenneth, Parkinson, Christopher, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Molecular data are useful in determining if populations are isolated and for species delimitation. Researchers and managers currently recognize five subspecies of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Florida, based largely on perceived geographic isolation due to the island ranges of four subspecies. In this study, I provide the first estimate of phylogenetic relationships and population divergences within Florida raccoons using a molecular dataset. I analyze the mitochondrial control region,...
Show moreMolecular data are useful in determining if populations are isolated and for species delimitation. Researchers and managers currently recognize five subspecies of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Florida, based largely on perceived geographic isolation due to the island ranges of four subspecies. In this study, I provide the first estimate of phylogenetic relationships and population divergences within Florida raccoons using a molecular dataset. I analyze the mitochondrial control region, cytochrome b gene, and eight nuclear microsatellite loci to test two hypotheses: 1) the five, morphologically and geographically-defined subspecies of raccoon in Florida represent genetically distinct populations and (2) due to differing range sizes and habitat variation between island and mainland subspecies, the four island populations should exhibit reduced levels of genetic diversity and smaller effective population sizes compared to the mainland population. My results indicate no evidence of historical differentiation between the subspecies, but suggest a recent restriction of gene flow among three clusters of raccoons. The three clusters do not correlate to traditional geographies for subspecies identification. I provide evidence of reduced genetic diversity in island populations of raccoons compared to their mainland counterparts. These data stress the importance of using multiple lines of evidence when naming taxa to avoid misinforming the taxonomy.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006233, ucf:51069
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006233

Title: Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus Genetics: Clinical versus Community Epidemiology.
Creator: Lawrance, Matthew, Parkinson, Christopher, Savage, Anna, Cole, Alexander, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Staphylococcus aureus has an historical relationship with anthropogenic environments, particularly hospitals, where infection characteristics differ from community-acquired disease. This has promoted a designation of strains as healthcare or community associated. Despite this affiliation, genetic approaches have failed to support these groupings. In order to establish the genetic relationship between S. aureus from differing anthropogenic environments, I have analyzed the relatedness between...
Show moreStaphylococcus aureus has an historical relationship with anthropogenic environments, particularly hospitals, where infection characteristics differ from community-acquired disease. This has promoted a designation of strains as healthcare or community associated. Despite this affiliation, genetic approaches have failed to support these groupings. In order to establish the genetic relationship between S. aureus from differing anthropogenic environments, I have analyzed the relatedness between three cohorts of S. aureus: nasal carriage isolates from community participants, infectious isolates from hospitals, and a cohort from an uninvestigated environment, an ambulatory clinic. Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Staphylococcus aureus protein a (spa) repeat regions were analyzed and the genetic relationships between cohorts at these sites were determined. I found high similarity in recovered sequences within and between all cohorts, with cohorts sharing 100% sequence identity across some samples. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the combined datasets indicate panmixia, with samples of all origins belonging to shared genetic lineages. Additional clustering algorithms supported this pattern. The findings of this study indicate that there is strong genetic similarity between both infectious strains and nasal carriage strains and between isolates from all cohorts. This research has implications for healthcare, as it demonstrates that S. aureus from differing environments are genetically similar (often identical), cautioning against delineating strains into nasal carriage or infectious based on origin. This research also informs the study of S. aureus evolution (-) strengthening the conclusion that differentiation at stably selected markers in lineages within differing 'healthcare habitats' is insufficient to explain observed phenotypic differences, and alternative explanations must be explored.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006534, ucf:51369
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006534

Title: EXPLAINING CHURN: MASS SOCIETY, SOCIAL CAPITAL, & COMMUNITY CHURN.
Creator: Edelen, Delores, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Population churn--the population turnover experienced by a community--can have differential effects on a community. Mass society theory suggests that because the churn rate experienced by communities can contribute to their uprooting, fragmentation, and isolation, churn is a potent threat to the stability of our modern day communities. Social capital theory, to the contrary, suggests otherwise. Social capital theory suggests that churn can have positive effects on communities by bringing new...
Show morePopulation churn--the population turnover experienced by a community--can have differential effects on a community. Mass society theory suggests that because the churn rate experienced by communities can contribute to their uprooting, fragmentation, and isolation, churn is a potent threat to the stability of our modern day communities. Social capital theory, to the contrary, suggests otherwise. Social capital theory suggests that churn can have positive effects on communities by bringing new migrants with valuable human capital skills and experiences to communities. These migrants bring to their new communities the potential for creating new jobs, spurring economic development, and for initiating housing starts that expand housing options for the poor and minorities. In so doing, they help create and sustain vibrant, growing modern day communities. Yet in spite of the significant role churn may play in determining the health and viability of modern day communities, it has been overlooked in the migration literature, which is mostly dominated by individual-level research on the causes and effects of migration, particularly the pecuniary benefits to movers. Using county-level data and multivariate analyses, this research seeks to fill this gap in the literature by examining the relationship between the community and churn, from the perspectives provided by social capital and mass society theories.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000224, ucf:46257
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000224

Title: EUROPEAN MIGRATION AND THE FAR-RIGHT: 2011-2017.
Creator: Wilson, Lauren, Turcu, Anca, Kinsey, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigates the relationship between the current migration crisis in Europe and the escalation of far-right voting which has been witnessed since it's beginning. In order to do so this study utilized correlation experiments and detailed case studies to explore the relationship between legislative vote shares and asylum applications for the years 2009-2017 in the EU member states of Hungary, Germany, France, Greece and the UK. Control variables of GDP, unemployment and terrorist...
Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between the current migration crisis in Europe and the escalation of far-right voting which has been witnessed since it's beginning. In order to do so this study utilized correlation experiments and detailed case studies to explore the relationship between legislative vote shares and asylum applications for the years 2009-2017 in the EU member states of Hungary, Germany, France, Greece and the UK. Control variables of GDP, unemployment and terrorist attacks have also been utilized to measure alternative causes of far-right voting. Results of these experiments vary quite a bit from state to state - finding differing potential causal factors in each case study. Germany, France and the UK show results which indicate that an increase in asylum applications potentially influence far-right voting habits. Greece does not show this type of result, but does show correlation with control variables. Hungarian experiments however do not produce correlation with any variables tested, but has the strongest presence of far-right activity which may indicate that Hungarian far-right success is attributed to their long history of far-right activity.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000539, ucf:45652
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000539

Title: An Ecological Analysis of Social and Economic Influences on Black and White Infant Mortality Risk In Orange County, FL.
Creator: Lopez-Littleton, Vanessa, Liberman, Aaron, Wan, Thomas, Wright, James, Lieberman, Leslie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Black health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study...
Show moreBlack health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study examines the relationships between individual and environmental influences on the health risk experienced by blacks, whites, as well as the differential between the two populations. This multi-level analysis was conducted using five-year aggregate data centering on the 2000 decennial census (1998 - 2002) as the most recent census data available. During the study period, the 193 census tracts in Orange County, Florida, experienced 504 infant deaths which included 242 black and 241 white infant deaths. Using the infant mortality target rate developed for Healthy People 2000 as the (")normal(") infant mortality rate, risk was calculated as the percentage of deviation from the (")normal("). A rate was also calculated to demonstrate the difference between black and white percent deviations from the (")normal("). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between socioeconomic influences (Socioeconomic Disadvantage), social risk factors (Social Disorganization), and behavioral risk factors (Poor Behavioral Choices) using a latent variable approach based on a conceptual model which integrated the social determinants of health framework and conflict theory. In this study, an inverse association was found between socioeconomic disadvantage and infant mortality risk for black infants. This finding is contradictory to the expected finding and may have been due to multicollinearity or the operationalization of the endogenous study variable for black infant mortality risk. Thus, this study highlights the complexity of unraveling the interrelationship between social and economic risk factors. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the latent variable approach in public health research as well as the need to broaden the approach to selecting indicators. This study concludes with specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the health outcomes of vulnerable populations using the social determinants of health framework.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004129, ucf:49109
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004129

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