Current Search: Speeches (x)
Pages
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Title
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"WORSE THAN GUARDS:" ORDINARY CRIMINALS AND POLITICAL PRISONERS IN THE GULAG (1918-1950).
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Creator
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Klements, Elizabeth T, Solonari, Vladimir, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This paper explores the volatile relationship between the political prisoners and the common criminals in the Soviet GULAG. Lenin's theories on crime and punishment shaped the early Soviet penal system; he implemented policies which favored the common criminals and repressed the political prisoners. He deemed that the criminals, as "social allies" of the working class, were more likely to become good Soviet citizens than the political prisoners, considered "counterrevolutionaries" and ...
Show moreThis paper explores the volatile relationship between the political prisoners and the common criminals in the Soviet GULAG. Lenin's theories on crime and punishment shaped the early Soviet penal system; he implemented policies which favored the common criminals and repressed the political prisoners. He deemed that the criminals, as "social allies" of the working class, were more likely to become good Soviet citizens than the political prisoners, considered "counterrevolutionaries" and "enemies of the state." In the decade after the Bolshevik revolution, the prison administration empowered the criminals in the GULAG by giving them access to the life-saving jobs and goods in the labor camps, while gradually withdrawing the political prisoners' access to the same. From the 1930s to shortly after the end of World War II, the strong criminal fraternity in the GULAG robbed, beat, and killed the political prisoners, while the GULAG administration refused to intervene. Using the testimony of former political prisoners and GULAG personnel, as well as secondary sources, I identify the policies that led to the criminals' "reign of terror," I address theories regarding if and why the administration permitted such violence and disorder in the camps, and I demonstrate that the political prisoners responded to their situation in a range of ways, from holding their tormentors in contempt to forming a tentative friendships with individual criminals who could offer them their protection and a way to survive the camps.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000560, ucf:45648
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000560
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Title
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RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BROAD ASPECTS OF PERSONALITY FUNCTIONING AND GENERALIZED ANXIETY SEVERITY.
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Creator
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Lee Lum, Ashley A, Bedwell, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This study looked at the relationship between personality functioning and generalized anxiety severity with the use of the Level of Personality Functioning - Self-Report Scale (LPFS-SR). This scale looks at the four core functions of personality: Identity, Intimacy, Empathy and Self-Direction. The population consisted of undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida who completed the study online (n = 1335; 63.7% female; mean age = 19.85, SD = 3.64, range = 18-57). Findings...
Show moreThis study looked at the relationship between personality functioning and generalized anxiety severity with the use of the Level of Personality Functioning - Self-Report Scale (LPFS-SR). This scale looks at the four core functions of personality: Identity, Intimacy, Empathy and Self-Direction. The population consisted of undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida who completed the study online (n = 1335; 63.7% female; mean age = 19.85, SD = 3.64, range = 18-57). Findings revealed that generalized anxiety severity related to more identity and empathy problems in both men and women. For both findings, women showed a stronger effect size than men. Future longitudinal research in a psychiatric sample can help clarify causal directions of these relationships. The results of this study can be applied to clinical settings to raise clinicians' awareness to further explore identity and empathy problems in individuals exhibiting generalized anxiety.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000512, ucf:45632
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000512
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Title
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MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ANISOTROPIC FUSED DEPOSITION MODELED POLYLACTIC ACID UNDER COMBINED MONOTONIC BENDING AND TORSION CONDITIONS.
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Creator
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Santomauro, Aaron T, Gordon, Ali P., University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Mechanical strength of polylactic acid (PLA) is increasingly relevant with time because of its attractive mechanical properties and 3D printability. Additive manufacturing (AM) methods, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS), serve a vital role in assisting designers with cheap and efficient generation of the desired components. This document presents research to investigate the anisotropic response of multi-oriented PLA subjected...
Show moreMechanical strength of polylactic acid (PLA) is increasingly relevant with time because of its attractive mechanical properties and 3D printability. Additive manufacturing (AM) methods, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS), serve a vital role in assisting designers with cheap and efficient generation of the desired components. This document presents research to investigate the anisotropic response of multi-oriented PLA subjected to multiple monotonic loading conditions. Although empirical data has previously been captured for multi-oriented PLA under tensile and compressive loading conditions, the data has yet to be applied with regard to a representative component geometry. The tensile and compressive empirical data were ultimately used to develop elastic and yield constitutive models which aided in the characterization of PLA under torsion and bending. This representative component geometry is expected to experience a combined torsion and bending load condition in an effort to address this integral gap in the mechanical properties of multi-oriented PLA. In addition to the acquired empirical data, finite element analysis (FEA) and analytical modeling are employed to supplement the accurate modeling of future component analysis. As a result of the proposed array of experiments, the torsional and bending capabilities of PLA are forecasted to vary based on the print orientation. Lastly, the broader impact of this work is dedicated to addressing the material's capability to operate in environments which possess significant torsion and bending such as model aircraft wings and shafts for remote controlled cars.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000550, ucf:45631
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000550
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Title
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APPLICATION AND COMPARISON OF ACTIVE LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION METHODS IN BIOCHEMISTRY EDUCATION.
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Creator
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Thibaut, Dylan, Borgon, Robert, Caranto, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Biochemistry has continued to be one of the most complex and important subjects in science education. The purpose of this research is to investigate active learning implementation methods in a Biochemistry I context to determine the most effective means of preparing current science undergraduates. Two Biochemistry I classes over two semesters were analyzed in this study, with class A using a variable active learning schedule and class B using a consistent active learning schedule. Four...
Show moreBiochemistry has continued to be one of the most complex and important subjects in science education. The purpose of this research is to investigate active learning implementation methods in a Biochemistry I context to determine the most effective means of preparing current science undergraduates. Two Biochemistry I classes over two semesters were analyzed in this study, with class A using a variable active learning schedule and class B using a consistent active learning schedule. Four aspects were analyzed to determine active learning validity: perception of different active learning properties, standardized final exam grades, class grade, and teaching implementation. The consistent schedule of daily active learning in class B showed an increase in mean final exam score by 12.72%, significantly improved mean student grade in the class from a high C to a low B (p= 0.0038), and comparing student perception of active learning data, showed a significant decrease in student desire for passive learning (p= 0.025), increased desire for active learning (p= 0.022), and increased desire for flipped classrooms (p= 0.042) after first experiencing opposite results in the first semester of implementation which had increased desire for passive learning (p= 0.003) and teacher-centric learning (p= 0.026). A variable active learning schedule showed no significant values besides an increase in individual learning desire (p= 0.037) and a marginally significant increase in desire for passive learning (p= 0.053) both in its second semester of implementation. This research supports that a consistent, daily active learning curriculum making up approximately 40-50% of daily instruction is preferable compared to a variable lecture schedule with active learning days in between lecture days in undergraduate Biochemistry I large-class instruction given that professors perform it over multiple semesters.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000578, ucf:45662
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000578
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Title
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POST-JUDGMENT RECOVERY AND ITS EFFECTUATION ON THE CONTEMPORARY DEBTORS' PRISON: A TREBLE ANALYSIS ON COLLECTIONS LAW IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
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Creator
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Weiner, Andrew E., Slaughter, David B., University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This dissertation will tender a rigorous analysis on the conjunction of the judgment creditors' inherent right for satisfaction of their outstanding monetary judgments and the respective detriments that the judgment debtor confronts as the party subject to satisfying the outstanding award levied against them. To establish the theory that the civil justice system has "resuscitated" the antebellum debtors' prison and infringed upon principles of civil liberties, this dissertation will expound...
Show moreThis dissertation will tender a rigorous analysis on the conjunction of the judgment creditors' inherent right for satisfaction of their outstanding monetary judgments and the respective detriments that the judgment debtor confronts as the party subject to satisfying the outstanding award levied against them. To establish the theory that the civil justice system has "resuscitated" the antebellum debtors' prison and infringed upon principles of civil liberties, this dissertation will expound on evidence garnered throughout this study in a three-pronged analysis of economics, history, and a reflection on the American legal systems, enumerated herein. Evidence will be brought from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to: law journals, peer-reviewed materials, dissertations, congressional reports, and court cases.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000516, ucf:45663
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000516
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Title
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PRO-GOVERNMENT MILITIAS AND THE LEGACY OF MILITARY RULE IN LATIN AMERICA.
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Creator
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Mendelsohn, Alexander, Boutton, Andrew, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Currently Latin America experiences a phenomenon of widely varying levels of violence across the region. Many countries, such as El Salvador and Honduras, have exceptionally high murder rates upwards of 40 homicides per 100,000 people (UNODC 2015). Other countries, such as Uruguay and Argentina, have relatively low rates, below 10 homicides per 100,000 people (UNODC 2015). I believe this variation stems from the use of pro-government militias specifically employed in the past by military...
Show moreCurrently Latin America experiences a phenomenon of widely varying levels of violence across the region. Many countries, such as El Salvador and Honduras, have exceptionally high murder rates upwards of 40 homicides per 100,000 people (UNODC 2015). Other countries, such as Uruguay and Argentina, have relatively low rates, below 10 homicides per 100,000 people (UNODC 2015). I believe this variation stems from the use of pro-government militias specifically employed in the past by military governments as tools of suppression. Under the guise of combating subversive elements within their countries, these groups were used to silence and repress those who opposed the military governments. Employing civilians, active military, police officers and high-ranking government officials; these groups often carried clandestine and sometimes public ties to their governments. By examining the origins, afterlives, and level of control exerted over these pro-government militias in Argentina and El Salvador; this study aims to understand the role these groups played in the dispersion of violence throughout society ultimately accounting for the variation we see today.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000517, ucf:45660
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000517
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Title
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USING THE KETOGENIC DIET AS AN ADJUVANT TO CANCER THERAPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
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Creator
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Risola, Melanie L, Lee, Eunkyung, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and...
Show moreCancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Web of Science using the following key terms: ketogenic diet, high fat and low-carbohydrate diet, Atkins diet, cancer or neoplasms+. The search limitations included clinical studies among adult cancer patients. A total of 544 publications were initially identified. After the first title/abstract screening, 22 articles were eligible for full-text screening; finally, 3 were eligible for data extraction. We synthesized the effects of the ketogenic diet on cancer progression and safety by extracting and summarizing data on 4 items: 1) study characteristics, 2) characteristics of study participants, 3) diet composition and duration, and 4) key findings for efficacy and safety. Although only 3 studies were included, it was observed that more patients who adhered to the ketogenic diet than patients who did not experienced stability of disease and response to treatment. Patients who received the ketogenic diet also experienced a decrease in tumor size, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels at 90 days. No statistically significant anthropometric changes were experienced; patients weight was maintained. However, more clinical evidence is necessary before applying the ketogenic diet in an oncological setting.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000499, ucf:45661
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000499
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Title
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ALL THINGS CONSIDERED: CHILD CUSTODY AFTER A SAME-SEX DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE.
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Creator
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Williams, Alissa M, Consalo, Marc, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Following the decision rendered in Obergefell v. Hodges, there have been unabating talk as to how courts may rule on disputed matters involving same-sex marriages. One specific aspect this thesis intends to focus on is what to expect from custody rulings following dissolutions of same-sex marriages. The purpose of this thesis is to interpret just how courts may rule regarding child custody in same-sex divorces, based on the concept of stare decisis. Given the fresh face of marriage equality...
Show moreFollowing the decision rendered in Obergefell v. Hodges, there have been unabating talk as to how courts may rule on disputed matters involving same-sex marriages. One specific aspect this thesis intends to focus on is what to expect from custody rulings following dissolutions of same-sex marriages. The purpose of this thesis is to interpret just how courts may rule regarding child custody in same-sex divorces, based on the concept of stare decisis. Given the fresh face of marriage equality in America, there is a lack of research done in the area. This thesis will serve as a substructure and reference for other studies of its kind. Through a focus on defining factors in same-sex relationships as well as factors often identified in heterosexual relationships, this thesis will be able to compare the two to determine what appropriate outcomes courts may result to in cases of child custody following same-sex dissolutions of marriage. This thesis will compile heterosexual cases involving more role-based relationships such as the caregiver and provider as well as collect cases that reflect the egalitarian lifestyle we know to be present in same-sex couples to get a general idea of how courts may rule when both parents are at an equal standing.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000572, ucf:45654
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000572
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Title
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEDICAL AND LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS OF SHELL SHOCK, 1914-50.
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Creator
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Das, Madison, Kane, Louise, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This thesis explores shell shock--a common but misunderstood disorder seen in soldiers of World War One--through a Medical Humanities framework. Chapter 1 conducts a traditional medical review of scientific articles published on the pathology, symptoms, and treatment of shell shock between 1914-50. Chapter 2 builds upon this by offering a literary reading of Rebecca West's novel, The Return of the Soldier, which was published as the war drew to a close in 1918. The reading of West draws upon...
Show moreThis thesis explores shell shock--a common but misunderstood disorder seen in soldiers of World War One--through a Medical Humanities framework. Chapter 1 conducts a traditional medical review of scientific articles published on the pathology, symptoms, and treatment of shell shock between 1914-50. Chapter 2 builds upon this by offering a literary reading of Rebecca West's novel, The Return of the Soldier, which was published as the war drew to a close in 1918. The reading of West draws upon the medical research detailed in Chapter 1 to offer new conclusions about Chris's shell shock. The thesis shows how taking an interdisciplinary approach to shell shock enables the development of new perspectives of and approaches to shell shock, its history and significance, and its links to present-day mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000543, ucf:45655
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000543
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Title
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AUTOLOGOUS SKIN CELL SPRAY-TRANSPLANTATION AS AN INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE TO AUTOLOGOUS SPLIT- THICKNESS SKIN GRAFTS FOR DEEP PARTIAL THICKNESS BURN WOUNDS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.
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Creator
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Beaudet, Alexandria M, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Burn wounds tend to be a critical problem with a complicated healing process. Although advancements have been made and the treatment of burn wounds has improved significantly, the healing process for deep-partial thickness burn wounds remains problematic. The purpose of this thesis is to review the available literature on an innovate biotechnology, autologous skin cell-spray transplantation, to more effectively treat burn wounds and potentially other injuries in the future. This study was...
Show moreBurn wounds tend to be a critical problem with a complicated healing process. Although advancements have been made and the treatment of burn wounds has improved significantly, the healing process for deep-partial thickness burn wounds remains problematic. The purpose of this thesis is to review the available literature on an innovate biotechnology, autologous skin cell-spray transplantation, to more effectively treat burn wounds and potentially other injuries in the future. This study was conducted by critically researching and comparing (N=7) peer-reviewed research articles focusing not only on burn wounds using traditional treatments, but also the treatment of burn wounds using revolutionary cell-spray autographing technologies. The findings in this thesis show significant enhancement using this innovative approach for the treatment of burn injuries, and presents pivotal information for future nursing research, clinical practice as well as policy and education.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000576, ucf:45658
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000576
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Title
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A META-ANALYSIS OF NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA EPIDEMIOLOGY IN LATIN AMERICAN NATIONS.
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Creator
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Zengotita, Brittany M, Samsam, Mohtashem, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a rare, autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease selectively affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Relapsing NMO is nine times more prevalent in women than in men and approximately one-quarter of NMO patients have symptoms of another autoimmune disorder (National Institute of Health, 2019). NMO has not been linked to any genetic mutations and the cause of the disorder is unknown beyond the general understanding that the body produces anti-aquaporin-4...
Show moreNeuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a rare, autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease selectively affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Relapsing NMO is nine times more prevalent in women than in men and approximately one-quarter of NMO patients have symptoms of another autoimmune disorder (National Institute of Health, 2019). NMO has not been linked to any genetic mutations and the cause of the disorder is unknown beyond the general understanding that the body produces anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4) which mistakenly attack cells in the nervous system. NMO affects roughly one percent of that of Multiple Sclerosis (4000-8000 patients total) in the United States, but prevalence rates are abnormally high in a handful of regions around the world, particularly among Latin America, where rates can reach up to 5/100,000 individuals. The results of this study predict that there is a connection between African genetics and NMO, but further studies will need to be conducted in more Latin America nations and other regions to determine prevalence rates as well as genetic analysis of affected individuals.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000583, ucf:45659
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000583
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Title
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THE OSI AND THE NAZIS: AMERICA'S STRUGGLE TO EXPEL NAZI WAR CRIMINALS AND THEIR ALLIES DECADES AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
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Creator
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Murray, Evan S, Lyons, Amelia, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This thesis examines the history of the Office of Special Investigations' campaign to identify, denaturalize, and deport Nazis and Nazi collaborators. By analyzing documents from the work of the Office's predecessor, the Special Litigations Unit, in 1977, up to and including the case of George Lindert in 1995, this research aims to provide an understanding of the Office's origins, methods, and motivations. This work was done through the consultation of court records, internal memos, letters,...
Show moreThis thesis examines the history of the Office of Special Investigations' campaign to identify, denaturalize, and deport Nazis and Nazi collaborators. By analyzing documents from the work of the Office's predecessor, the Special Litigations Unit, in 1977, up to and including the case of George Lindert in 1995, this research aims to provide an understanding of the Office's origins, methods, and motivations. This work was done through the consultation of court records, internal memos, letters, an official government report on the Office's activities, other literature written on this topic, and interviews conducted by the author with two former members of the Office of Special Investigations. This paper finds that while the Office did manage to bring numerous persecutors to justice, and greatly contributed to the broader understanding of the inner-workings of the Holocaust, the long delay before the United States undertook these proceedings, the lack of clarity in the law regarding the subject, and the highly political nature of this public effort all resulted in inconsistent and sometimes questionable outcomes. Going forward, proactive investigations and clear legislation could aid in avoiding such difficulties in the future.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000552, ucf:45650
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000552
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Title
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RIGOROUS ANALYSIS OF AN EDGE-BASED NETWORK DISEASE MODEL.
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Creator
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Mai, Sabrina, Shuai, Zhisheng, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Edge-based network disease models, in comparison to classic compartmental epidemiological models, better capture social factors affecting disease spread such as contact duration and social heterogeneity. We reason that there should exist infinitely many equilibria rather than only an endemic equilibrium and a disease-free equilibrium for the edge-based network disease model commonly used in the literature, as there do not exist any changes in demographic in the model. We modify the commonly...
Show moreEdge-based network disease models, in comparison to classic compartmental epidemiological models, better capture social factors affecting disease spread such as contact duration and social heterogeneity. We reason that there should exist infinitely many equilibria rather than only an endemic equilibrium and a disease-free equilibrium for the edge-based network disease model commonly used in the literature, as there do not exist any changes in demographic in the model. We modify the commonly used network model by relaxing some assumed conditions and factor in a dependency on initial conditions. We find that this modification still accounts for realistic dynamics of disease spread (such as the probability of contracting a disease based off your neighbors' susceptibility to the disease) based on the basic reproduction number. Specifically, if the basic reproduction number is below 1, then the infection dies out; while if the basic reproduction number is above 1, then there is possibility of an epidemic.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000537, ucf:45651
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000537
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Title
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THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BASIS OF THREAT PERCEPTION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE USE OF FORCE BY US PRESIDENTS.
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Creator
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Kazazis, Collin J., Schafer, Mark, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This thesis creates a new variable for threat perception built upon psychological concepts and then applies this new variable to the question of why leaders use military force in certain situations. The concept of threat perception has a long history in the field in terms of its effect on leaders choosing to use military force. However, while the concept of threat perception is inherently psychological, previous proxies for the variable have included only situational factors, which is highly...
Show moreThis thesis creates a new variable for threat perception built upon psychological concepts and then applies this new variable to the question of why leaders use military force in certain situations. The concept of threat perception has a long history in the field in terms of its effect on leaders choosing to use military force. However, while the concept of threat perception is inherently psychological, previous proxies for the variable have included only situational factors, which is highly problematic. By utilizing the Operational Code, this study creates a new threat-perception variable based on cognitive constructs. Using a sample of US presidents, this new variable is tested in two different ways. The first examines three psychological characteristics (need for power, in-group bias, and distrust) from Leadership Trait Analysis that are thought to influence the level of threat perception in a leader. The second examines threat perception as an explanatory variable for the use of force alongside three other important control variables (economic violence, presidential popularity, and US power). The use of force variable is derived from Meernik's Use of Force dataset with each case in the dataset representing an opportunity to use force. The psychological data are derived from the verbal material of US presidents using at-a-distance methods found in the literature. OLS regression and probit are used to model the research questions. The project finds that levels of threat perception are indeed affected by a leader's level of distrust, in-group bias, and need for power. In addition, the new psychologically-derived threat-perception variable is a very good predictor of a president's use of force: presidents with higher levels of threat perception have a much higher probability of using force when the situation presents an opportunity.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000559, ucf:45649
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000559
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Title
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MUSIC AND THE PRESIDENCY: HOW CAMPAIGN SONGS SOLD THE IMAGE OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES.
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Creator
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Bogers, Gary M., Warfield, Scott, Burtzos, Alexander; Gennaro, Joe, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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In this thesis, I will discuss the importance of campaign songs and how they were used throughout three distinctly different U.S. presidential elections: the 1960 campaign of Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy against Vice President Richard Milhouse Nixon, the 1984 reelection campaign of President Ronald Wilson Reagan against Vice President Walter Frederick Mondale, and the 2008 campaign of Senator Barack Hussein Obama against Senator John Sidney McCain. In doing so, there will be an analysis of...
Show moreIn this thesis, I will discuss the importance of campaign songs and how they were used throughout three distinctly different U.S. presidential elections: the 1960 campaign of Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy against Vice President Richard Milhouse Nixon, the 1984 reelection campaign of President Ronald Wilson Reagan against Vice President Walter Frederick Mondale, and the 2008 campaign of Senator Barack Hussein Obama against Senator John Sidney McCain. In doing so, there will be an analysis of how music was used to sell the image of these presidential candidates through both its juxtaposition with other forms of mass media (television advertisements, radio, internet streaming platforms) and the content found in a song's lyrics. There will be an apparent shift in focus from candidates using original campaign songs written for the purpose of elections, toward a more prominent reliance on popular music of current and past eras. From original and politically direct works such as "I Like Ike" and "Click with Dick," to the campaign use of popular hits like Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." and Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop," I will demonstrate how presidential candidates and their teams found it beneficial to use notable music works in order to connect with a younger generation of voters. In conclusion, the reader will have gained enough understanding to realize how campaign music continues to play a role in the current political climate, demonstrating how far candidates have taken the use of music over the past sixty years.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000511, ucf:45635
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000511
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Title
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THE EFFECTS OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-9 ON CX3CL1 SHEDDING AND AXON RETRACTION.
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Creator
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Dobrie, Lauren A, Hawthorne, Alicia, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to irreversible damage, and permanent paralysis inferior to the injury is common (Leibinger et al., 2013). Injury to the spinal cord occurs in two phases. In the first phase, components of the spinal cord are subject to mechanical trauma causing direct damage. In the second phase, damage spreads from the area of injury through molecular processes. Several studies have linked M1 "pro-inflammatory" macrophages to exacerbation of damage by inducing dieback of...
Show moreSpinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to irreversible damage, and permanent paralysis inferior to the injury is common (Leibinger et al., 2013). Injury to the spinal cord occurs in two phases. In the first phase, components of the spinal cord are subject to mechanical trauma causing direct damage. In the second phase, damage spreads from the area of injury through molecular processes. Several studies have linked M1 "pro-inflammatory" macrophages to exacerbation of damage by inducing dieback of dystrophic axons, but not healthy axons, through direct cellular contact. Several studies have identified the presence of macrophage subtypes at specific time. A literature review was conducted in order to summarize these findings (Busch, Horn, Silver, and Silver, 2009; Evans et al., 2014; Horn, Busch, Hawthorne, van Rooijen, and Silver, 2008; Kigerl et al., 2009; Shechter et al., 2013). Although the full mechanism behind the process of M1 macrophage-mediated dieback of dystrophic axons is unclear, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) produced by these macrophages has been shown to play a role. However, the specific interaction between MMP-9 and neurons is under investigation. The research described explores the relationship between MMP-9 and fractalkine (CX3CL1), a surface protein expressed by CNS neurons. SDS-PAGE and western blot were used to determine whether the presence of MMP-9 increases the cleavage of fractalkine at several time intervals. At a concentration of 300ng/ml, MMP-9 was not found to demonstrate cleavage of fractalkine.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000506, ucf:45636
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000506
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Title
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SEX DETERMINATION USING DISCRIMINANT FUNCTION ANALYSIS OF CARPALS FROM MAYA SITES IN BELIZE FROM PRE-CLASSIC TO SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD.
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Creator
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Labbe, Michelle D, Williams, Lana, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The sexing of human skeletal remains is important for identification and demographic purposes. It is made more difficult when elements such as the skull and pelvis are not recovered or are in too poor of a condition to assess. Previous studies have used carpal (wrist) bones of contemporary populations to assess the viability of these skeletal elements exhibiting sexual dimorphism, as these bones are small, compact elements that are usually recovered in good condition. This study evaluates the...
Show moreThe sexing of human skeletal remains is important for identification and demographic purposes. It is made more difficult when elements such as the skull and pelvis are not recovered or are in too poor of a condition to assess. Previous studies have used carpal (wrist) bones of contemporary populations to assess the viability of these skeletal elements exhibiting sexual dimorphism, as these bones are small, compact elements that are usually recovered in good condition. This study evaluates the use of carpal bones recovered from an ancient Maya population from Belize to determine the biological sex of individuals. The study sample is part of the Maya Archaeological Skeletal Collection (MASC), which contains individuals from the sites of Lamanai, San Pedro, Altun Ha, and Marco Gonzalez and dates from the Late Maya Pre-Classic (400 BC-AD 250) to the Spanish Colonial period (AD 1521-1821). Multiple measurements were taken on 36 capitate, 34 lunate, 34 scaphoid, 27 trapezium, 24 hamate, 22 triquetral, 22 trapezoid, and 16 pisiform bones from several individuals. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if sexual dimorphism is measurable in this population using these elements. Previous studies used populations with known identities, assessing individuals from crypts, graveyards, or medical collections from the last few centuries. This study varies from previous studies as it utilizes archaeological remains, making this study one of the first to evaluate non-contemporary remains with unknown sex. Results of this study demonstrate that this population exhibits sexual dimorphism and discriminant function analysis can be used to distinguish between two groups. This demonstrates that carpals could be used to help determine biological sex of archaeological populations as well as a tool to help with identification in forensic cases.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000562, ucf:45645
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000562
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Title
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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF OYSTER REEF AND LIVING SHORELINE RESTORATION ON MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY ASSEMBLAGES IN MOSQUITO LAGOON, FLORIDA.
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Creator
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Searles, Adam, Cook, Geoffrey, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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As the world continues to experience substantial rates of habitat loss, habitat restoration has become of prime interest to ecologists worldwide. Restoration has shown to be successful in recovering targeted components of certain ecosystems but it is important to achieve a holistic understanding of the resulting ecological impacts it has on communities. To address this, four oyster reefs and three living shorelines were restored during the summer of 2017. These sites, along with four dead...
Show moreAs the world continues to experience substantial rates of habitat loss, habitat restoration has become of prime interest to ecologists worldwide. Restoration has shown to be successful in recovering targeted components of certain ecosystems but it is important to achieve a holistic understanding of the resulting ecological impacts it has on communities. To address this, four oyster reefs and three living shorelines were restored during the summer of 2017. These sites, along with four dead oyster reefs, four living oyster reefs, and three undisturbed (control) living shorelines, were sampled before restoration and regularly post-restoration for one year using lift nets. Macroinvertebrates were collected and enumerated in the lab. Diversity indices, community composition, and similarity percentages were then calculated and compared across treatments, time, and treatment-by-time. Live reefs displayed significantly higher species richness and Shannon diversity than restored and dead reefs. Simpson diversity did not differ between live and restored oyster reefs but both were significantly higher than dead reefs. Though not statistically detectable, species richness and Shannon diversity on restored reefs were relatively similar to dead reefs before restoration but became increasingly similar to live reefs over the course of the study. Additionally, analyses revealed significantly different community compositions between live reefs and restored reefs, as well as between live and dead reefs. Living shorelines showed no significant differences in diversity indices but did experience similar seasonal fluctuations in diversity across treatments. Just as with oyster reefs, restored and control living shorelines harbored significantly different communities across time. The findings of this study emphasize the need for dedication to thorough monitoring and multi-metric evaluation of success in restoration efforts. This study and future research will equip resource managers with ways to quantify the effects of restoration that will consider several important ecosystem components.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000545, ucf:45646
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000545
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Title
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THE MEDIATING ROLE OF RESILIENCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTACHMENT STYLE AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.
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Creator
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Jurgensen, Melanie, Renk, Kimberly, Hundley, Gulnora, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Although previous research has identified a relationship between insecure attachment styles and symptoms of depression and anxiety, evidence regarding the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. Consequently, the current study examined the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between insecure attachment styles (i.e. anxious-avoidant, anxious-ambivalent, helpless-disorganized and frightened-disorganized) and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The current...
Show moreAlthough previous research has identified a relationship between insecure attachment styles and symptoms of depression and anxiety, evidence regarding the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. Consequently, the current study examined the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between insecure attachment styles (i.e. anxious-avoidant, anxious-ambivalent, helpless-disorganized and frightened-disorganized) and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The current study included a sample of 182 participants (i.e., 87 men and 95 women) who completed six questionnaires that assessed each participants' relationship with their caregivers during their childhood, present symptoms of depression and anxiety, and their resilience. Correlational analyses indicated significant relationships among the variables being studied. The formation of an insecure attachment during childhood predicted significantly symptoms of depression and anxiety in adulthood in both men and women. More specifically, the relationship between anxious-avoidant and anxious-ambivalent with symptoms of depression was partially mediated by resilience for men. There were no significant mediation for symptoms of anxiety for me. Within the women population, resilience served as a partial mediator in the relationship between anxious-ambivalent attachment and depression as well as in the relationship between frightened-disorganized attachment and anxiety. Such findings suggested that resilience could act as a protective factor against symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results demonstrated the importance for promoting resilience, especially for individuals who formed insecure attachments during childhood. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000564, ucf:45610
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000564
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Title
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THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE.
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Creator
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Merkley, Melissa J, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Although previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101...
Show moreAlthough previous research identified exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as harmful to individuals in several psychological and physiological health domains, research examining the mechanisms of action driving this relationship has been lacking. As a result, the current study examined the role that psychological symptoms serve in the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors. The current study included a sample of 183 participants (i.e., 82 men and 101 women) who completed five questionnaires assessing exposure to ACEs; psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance misuse behaviors. Correlational analyses indicated significant associations among the variables of interest. Exposure to ACEs was a significant predictor of substance misuse behaviors in both men and women. Additionally, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of men's substance misuse behaviors, whereas only PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of women's substance misuse behaviors. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD each contributed unique and significant variance to the relationship between ACEs and substance misuse behaviors in men, consistent with partial mediations. A different pattern of prediction was evident for women. Such findings suggested that psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD may serve as a risk factor for substance misuse behaviors in men later in life, especially when they have had a history of ACEs. These results demonstrated the importance of promoting trauma-informed mental health care to remediate negative substance outcomes, particularly in those who have had significant ACEs. The importance of studying the relationships among these variables is discussed further.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFH2000557, ucf:45609
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000557
Pages