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- Title
- THE PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION ON LIVING DONORS: A LITERATURE REVIEW.
- Creator
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Evans, Christopher G, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Historically the source for most organ donations were from the cadavers of deceased donors. Over time living organ donation has become an important way to address the shortage of organ availability. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the psychosocial effect the organ donation process has on the living donor. The body's physiological response to organ donation had been well documented. However, the psychosocial effect of donation is now being more appreciated and studies are...
Show moreHistorically the source for most organ donations were from the cadavers of deceased donors. Over time living organ donation has become an important way to address the shortage of organ availability. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the psychosocial effect the organ donation process has on the living donor. The body's physiological response to organ donation had been well documented. However, the psychosocial effect of donation is now being more appreciated and studies are being done to try to elucidate the factors that can influence the living donor's response to the transplant pro The ultimate goal of these queries is to provide areas where clinicians can develop interventions that will enhance the post-donation experience for the living donor. To conduct this literature review peer-reviewed, English language research articles that were published between 2008 to the present were critiqued. In the end most living donors had a positive experience and would not hesitate to donate their organ again; however, there were a small minority of patients that did not fare well by psychosocial measures. These patients many times were aware that the graft had failed in the recipient. This was the single biggest factor in determining if the experience was positive or negative for the living donor. Strategies, such as internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention, are being to be developed to address the negative psychosocial outcomes that some living donors experience. Further studies are necessary to determine additional factors that may alter the living donor's experience and to develop a tool-kit of interventions that can be applied as necessary to address the living donors specific needs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000474, ucf:45841
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000474
- Title
- WHEN TO STRIKE: EXPLORING THE VARIABLES THAT LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL DECAPITATION STRIKES.
- Creator
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Pierres, Renzo, Boutton, Andrew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this thesis is to determine how different variables can affect a terrorist group's reaction to a targeted leadership strike, known as a decapitation strike. Decapitation strikes often produce unwanted results, such as a splintering of the terrorist group, or a failure to destroy the group. It is important that we understand which variables can lead to a group's destruction after a decapitation strike, to maximize the decapitation's effectiveness. In my research I have...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to determine how different variables can affect a terrorist group's reaction to a targeted leadership strike, known as a decapitation strike. Decapitation strikes often produce unwanted results, such as a splintering of the terrorist group, or a failure to destroy the group. It is important that we understand which variables can lead to a group's destruction after a decapitation strike, to maximize the decapitation's effectiveness. In my research I have determined that group size, group ideological extremism, and the role of the leader targeted all have a substantial impact on the success of the decapitation strike. Using these three variables, I will examine three groups which have varying size, extremism, and leadership, and determine whether the decapitation strikes were successful and how these variables affected the results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000488, ucf:45848
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000488
- Title
- SHOULD ATHLETES RECEIVE SLEEP HYGIENE EDUCATION? A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW.
- Creator
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Contreras, Ines L, Fisher, Thomas J., Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Previous studies show the need to find a solution to improve the athlete's recovery and help overcome their sleep disorders. Sleep hygiene is a list of habits and recommendation that enhance sleep quality. Sleep hygiene education has been used in some research to fill the need of the athletes. Still, a lack of information exists on the development of sleep hygiene programs and related impacts. This thesis aims to perform a systematic review of the literature of scholarly journals articles...
Show morePrevious studies show the need to find a solution to improve the athlete's recovery and help overcome their sleep disorders. Sleep hygiene is a list of habits and recommendation that enhance sleep quality. Sleep hygiene education has been used in some research to fill the need of the athletes. Still, a lack of information exists on the development of sleep hygiene programs and related impacts. This thesis aims to perform a systematic review of the literature of scholarly journals articles from 2007 to 2018, focusing on the relationship between sleep hygiene education and athletes sleep quality and quantity. The investigation concluded with 16 qualifying articles. A synthesis of recommendations from all studies offered sleep hygiene suggestions for athletes; all the results are provided in table 12. The further overall conclusion of the selected articles settled that sleep hygiene is recommended for athletes, yet the methods and strategies are vague and not precise. A strong recommendation from this systematic literature review is the creation of a standardized list of sleep hygiene habits focused on athletes to improve their sleep quality and quantity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000477, ucf:45839
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000477
- Title
- OPEN WORLD TRANSLATION: LOCALIZING JAPANESE VIDEO GAMES FOR A GLOBALIZING WORLD.
- Creator
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Suvannasankha, Emily, Flammia, Madelyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This paper investigates the most effective ways of handling cultural differences in the Japanese-to-English game localization process. The thesis advocates for applying the Skopos theory of translation to game localization; analyzes how topics such as social issues, humor, fan translation, transcreation, and censorship have been handled in the past; and explores how international players react to developers' localization choices. It also includes interviews with three Japanese-to-English...
Show moreThis paper investigates the most effective ways of handling cultural differences in the Japanese-to-English game localization process. The thesis advocates for applying the Skopos theory of translation to game localization; analyzes how topics such as social issues, humor, fan translation, transcreation, and censorship have been handled in the past; and explores how international players react to developers' localization choices. It also includes interviews with three Japanese-to-English translators who have worked with major Japanese game companies to gain insight into how the industry operates today. Through the deconstruction of different aspects of Japanese-to-English localization, this analysis aims to help the game industry better fine-tune Japanese media to Western audiences while still sharing valuable aspects of Japanese culture. The thesis concludes that if Japanese game companies work to improve the localization process by considering more diverse international perspectives, hiring native speakers as translators, and approaching the English script as a creative endeavor in itself, they will be able to both broaden the minds of their global audiences and more effectively capitalize on the worldwide fervor for Japanese video games.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000464, ucf:45828
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000464
- Title
- LATCHKEY: A MEMOIR IN ESSAYS.
- Creator
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Pendleton, Nicole C, Uttich, Laurie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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"Latchkey: A Memoir in Essays" is an essay collection that follows the narrator through her childhood as it relates to being raised a latchkey kid in the 1980s. The lack of published academic studies that follow children through their experience as latchkey kids and into adulthood leaves personal exploration as the primary means through which a child, specifically a young girl, can seek understanding as to how her view of the world develops. Each of the five essays explores issues of autonomy...
Show more"Latchkey: A Memoir in Essays" is an essay collection that follows the narrator through her childhood as it relates to being raised a latchkey kid in the 1980s. The lack of published academic studies that follow children through their experience as latchkey kids and into adulthood leaves personal exploration as the primary means through which a child, specifically a young girl, can seek understanding as to how her view of the world develops. Each of the five essays explores issues of autonomy, self-efficacy, sexuality, addiction, and familial bonds. It is through her reflection of specific events - the loss of a father to his addictions, caring for a mother in the early stages of dementia, recognizing the trauma of sexual abuse � that she gains a precarious understanding of how she perceives herself, the concept of unconditional love, and the world around her.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000460, ucf:45823
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000460
- Title
- ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LOW-CARBOHYDRATE DIET SCORE AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AMONG ADULTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NHANES 2005-2016.
- Creator
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Charles, Elta N, Lee, Eunkyung, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting Americans. There is a lack of literature discussing the link between diet and prognosis of those already diagnosed with DM. Objective: To provide insight into which diet is better for the outlook of diabetes mellitus by examining the associations between the low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and three diabetes-related health indicators: blood hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and retinopathy. Methods: A...
Show moreBackground: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting Americans. There is a lack of literature discussing the link between diet and prognosis of those already diagnosed with DM. Objective: To provide insight into which diet is better for the outlook of diabetes mellitus by examining the associations between the low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and three diabetes-related health indicators: blood hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and retinopathy. Methods: A total of 3,313 U.S. adults with DM were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. Presence of retinopathy was ascertained through self-reporting. Dietary intake was measured with 24- hour dietary recalls, and LCD scores were calculated from the proportion of energy of three macronutrients. Scores ranged from 0-30, with a higher score indicating lower carbohydrate intake. Results: There was no significant difference in HbA1c levels between the highest and the lowest quintile of LCD score (mean = 7.42% [95% CI: 7.23, 7.61] vs. 7.32% [95% CI: 7.13, 7.51]). There was no significant association between blood triglyceride levels and LCD score, comparing quintile 1 to quintile 5 (mean= 168.64 mg/dl; 95% CI = [150.14, 187.14] vs. mean= 162.44 mg/dl; 95% CI = [143.76, 181.11]). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of having retinopathy comparing the highest to the lowest quintile was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.72). Conclusion: Proportion of carbohydrate in diet was not associated with DM prognosis factors. Future studies should focus on carbohydrate quality as well as quantity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000476, ucf:45834
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000476
- Title
- THE HYPERACCUMULATION OF ZINC IN SUNFLOWERS AND ITS EFFECT ON DISEASE RESISTANCE.
- Creator
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Seavey, Rayner J, Mason, Chase, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Sunflowers are considered to be a part of a group of plants known as hyperaccumulators that share the ability to accumulate high amounts of heavy metals in the above ground organs, far in excess of the levels found in other species, often without suffering any phytotoxic effects. Quantifying the effects of zinc accumulation through the lens of the elemental defense hypothesis is essential for uncovering if there is a means to increase herbivore resistance in agricultural settings without the...
Show moreSunflowers are considered to be a part of a group of plants known as hyperaccumulators that share the ability to accumulate high amounts of heavy metals in the above ground organs, far in excess of the levels found in other species, often without suffering any phytotoxic effects. Quantifying the effects of zinc accumulation through the lens of the elemental defense hypothesis is essential for uncovering if there is a means to increase herbivore resistance in agricultural settings without the use of external interventions such as pesticides. A greenhouse study was conducted on four widely grown commercial cultivars of sunflower. Each cultivar was grown under multiple soil Zn concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 mg/kg of soil. Growth rate measurements were taken at evenly spaced intervals until maturity. Samples of leaves were taken from plants and tested for Zn concentration. A qualitative study using Vanessa cardui was conducted to observe the effects of zinc in the diet of caterpillars. Significant variation in the level of zinc accumulated in the leaves was observed as well as variation in overall biomass per treatment level. V. cardui experienced high rates of mortality at high zinc concentrations suggesting that further study may lead to significant evidence that Zinc accumulation is a form of herbivore resistance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000491, ucf:45835
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000491
- Title
- SHORT TERM EXAMINATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SLEEP QUALITY WITH CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.
- Creator
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Barnes, Demani Barak, Garcia, Jeanette M., Fukuda, David H., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may not be meeting the recommended amounts of physical activity (PA) or obtain a sufficient amount of sleep, however, few studies have objectively compared PA, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality between typically developing (TD) youth, and youth with ASD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare levels of PA, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality between youth with ASD and TD youth. Twenty-three children with ASD and 12 TD...
Show moreChildren diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may not be meeting the recommended amounts of physical activity (PA) or obtain a sufficient amount of sleep, however, few studies have objectively compared PA, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality between typically developing (TD) youth, and youth with ASD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare levels of PA, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality between youth with ASD and TD youth. Twenty-three children with ASD and 12 TD children wore the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer over seven days and nights to assess activity and sleep. Youth with ASD had significantly greater levels of sedentary behavior (p=.02), and had less sleep efficiency compared to TD youth (p=.0001). Additionally, TD youth were more likely to achieve the recommended levels of PA compared to youth with ASD (p=.003). Results suggest that youth with ASD have poorer health habits compared to TD youth. Interventions should be developed to target health behaviors in youth with ASD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000490, ucf:45830
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000490
- Title
- SPITEFUL HOUSES, SWEET HOMES: ANALYZING DENVER'S TRAUMATIC SPACE IN BELOVED.
- Creator
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Dick, Tyler, Angley, Patricia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis aims to explore and evaluate the traumatic space of Denver in Toni Morrison's Beloved. Currently, a lack of critical discourse exists to link together Denver, trauma, and theories of spatiality. This thesis evaluates three types of trauma that inform and develop Denver's traumatic space: direct, indirect, and insidious trauma. Paired with spatial theories, the origins of Denver's trauma are mapped throughout the various places of the novel. The result of this analysis reveals a...
Show moreThis thesis aims to explore and evaluate the traumatic space of Denver in Toni Morrison's Beloved. Currently, a lack of critical discourse exists to link together Denver, trauma, and theories of spatiality. This thesis evaluates three types of trauma that inform and develop Denver's traumatic space: direct, indirect, and insidious trauma. Paired with spatial theories, the origins of Denver's trauma are mapped throughout the various places of the novel. The result of this analysis reveals a complex and layered traumatic space, with lasting ramifications on Denver's sense of safety, identity, and stability in a post-slavery United States.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000484, ucf:45797
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000484
- Title
- THE WOW FACTOR: LESBIAN REPRESENTATION AND IMPACT IN LATE-20TH CENTURY THEATRE.
- Creator
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Maginness, Brenna L, Wood, Vandy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The intent of this thesis is to investigate the influence of 1980's and 1990's lesbian playwrights on modern queer representation in theatre. By analyzing the successful works of troupes and artists born out of the Women's One World (WOW) Cafe, it became apparent that the greatest changes in lesbian portrayal on stage came from queer and feminist authorship. Additionally, WOW Cafe became the common denominator in the success of many lesbian playwrights due to the freedom it gave its writers...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to investigate the influence of 1980's and 1990's lesbian playwrights on modern queer representation in theatre. By analyzing the successful works of troupes and artists born out of the Women's One World (WOW) Cafe, it became apparent that the greatest changes in lesbian portrayal on stage came from queer and feminist authorship. Additionally, WOW Cafe became the common denominator in the success of many lesbian playwrights due to the freedom it gave its writers and performers. As an independent theatre, WOW allowed its members to experiment with few rules, and offered a stage to pieces too experimental, feminist, or queer to see commercial Broadway success. Thesis discussion includes analysis of historically homophobic theatre, the techniques and topics conveyed in the work of The Five Lesbian Brothers and Split Britches, and the importance of WOW as a stepping stone for the success of plays like Lisa Kron's Well. Lesbian-centric work is often left out of theatre history in classrooms even today, and by diving deeper into the important history of queer women in drama, the intent of this thesis is to add to the academia in a way that helps future lesbian artists, performers, and students recognize themselves in the narrative.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000483, ucf:45787
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000483
- Title
- CONCEPTIONS ABOUT TERRORISM: HOW FEARFUL ARE WE AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT US?.
- Creator
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Jackson, Rebecca, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since the crusades, terrorism has been a form of violence used to promote some kind of agenda, whether political, social, religious or ideological (Martin 2018). With many different definitions of what constitutes terrorism, it is somewhat difficult to measure what exact impact terrorism has had globally. Attacks such as those on 9/11 in the United States and the Manchester bombings have been accepted worldwide as examples of acts of international terrorism. International terrorist attacks...
Show moreSince the crusades, terrorism has been a form of violence used to promote some kind of agenda, whether political, social, religious or ideological (Martin 2018). With many different definitions of what constitutes terrorism, it is somewhat difficult to measure what exact impact terrorism has had globally. Attacks such as those on 9/11 in the United States and the Manchester bombings have been accepted worldwide as examples of acts of international terrorism. International terrorist attacks have lasting effects on both those directly affected as well as the larger community and beyond. Studies have shown that Americans are overly afraid of terrorism given their risk and want to put a complete and 'final' end to terrorism (Friedman 2011; Mueller 2005). Additionally, media outlets and politicians speak of threats and demand action which spreads fear and perceived risk (Bloch-Elkon 2011; Nellis and Savage 2012). This study seeks to contribute to the previous literature on people's fears regarding terrorism and how their emotions affect the desires to have action done regarding terrorist attacks. The current research uses a sample of 302 people to compare the levels of fear and the likelihood to want more action taken towards terrorism. The results from the statistical analysis show that fears and desire to seek action are shaped by many different variables. Gender was found to be the biggest predictor of higher levels of fear and political affiliation was determined to be the strongest predictor for desire to seek action.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000496, ucf:45628
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000496
- Title
- STUDIES ON THE POTENTIAL REGULATION OF USP30 BY OMI/HTRA2 PROTEASE.
- Creator
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Jin, Sunmi, Zervos, Antonis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The intent of this thesis is to determine whether the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin specific protease 30 (USP30) is cleaved by Omi/HtrA2 (hereafter referred to as Omi) protease during mitochondrial stress. USP30 is a mitochondrial protein that is anchored in the outer mitochondrial membrane and has components in the intermembrane space (IMS) as well as in the cytoplasm. USP30's IMS component has a six-amino-acid sequence that is very similar to Omi's consensus cleavage sites. Under normal...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to determine whether the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin specific protease 30 (USP30) is cleaved by Omi/HtrA2 (hereafter referred to as Omi) protease during mitochondrial stress. USP30 is a mitochondrial protein that is anchored in the outer mitochondrial membrane and has components in the intermembrane space (IMS) as well as in the cytoplasm. USP30's IMS component has a six-amino-acid sequence that is very similar to Omi's consensus cleavage sites. Under normal conditions, Omi resides exclusively within the IMS; therefore, if Omi were to cleave USP30, it would target the part of the protein located in the IMS component. Omi is known to play a crucial role in a variety of diseases including cancers, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. Since Omi is a serine protease, it is assumed to carry its normal function through the direct cleavage and degradation of specific substrates. If USP30 deubiquitinase is a bona fide substrate of Omi, this will provide new and important information on the mechanism by which Omi regulates the polyubiquitination process during mitochondrial stress.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000498, ucf:45629
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000498
- Title
- MICROMANIPULATION AND GENETIC ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL SPERM CELLS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATIONS.
- Creator
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Penn, Amanda, Borgon, Robert, Ballantyne, Jack, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Sexual assault investigations utilize both physical and biological evidence to aid in the investigation. Physical evidence may include fingerprints, hair, fibers, stains, soil, and glass. Biological evidence may include semen, saliva, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood, and skin. Semen, often found in small or trace quantities, is of great importance when trying to identify the perpetrator. From the semen sample, DNA profiles using autosomal short tandem repeats (aSTRs) (gold standard in...
Show moreSexual assault investigations utilize both physical and biological evidence to aid in the investigation. Physical evidence may include fingerprints, hair, fibers, stains, soil, and glass. Biological evidence may include semen, saliva, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood, and skin. Semen, often found in small or trace quantities, is of great importance when trying to identify the perpetrator. From the semen sample, DNA profiles using autosomal short tandem repeats (aSTRs) (gold standard in forensic science) or Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) can be obtained and can be used to identify a perpetrator through comparison to suspect reference samples or by searching the profile against a DNA database (CODIS). Obtaining DNA profiles can be challenging when assaults are reported many days after the incident. The amount of semen will decrease as the time frame increases due to various factors such as drainage from the vagina. To potentially overcome this obstacle and improve the recovery of profiles from extended interval samples, it may be possible to develop novel collection and analysis methods using individual or few sperm cells. Small quantities of sperm cells may still be present in extended interval samples that may otherwise fail to provide a DNA profile using conventional methods. The work presented here focuses on the development of these novel analysis methods using micromanipulation techniques and enhanced amplification strategies for the analysis of individual sperm cells to determine if a full DNA profile is present. The developed methods will be applied to the analysis of extended interval post coital samples.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000522, ucf:45624
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000522
- Title
- EFFECT OF PROPIONIC ACID-DERIVATIVE IBUPROFEN ON NEURAL STEM CALL DIFFERENTIATION; A POTENTIAL LINK TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.
- Creator
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Samsam, Aseelia, Naser, Saleh, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Propionic acid (PPA) is a short chain fatty acid that is produced by the human gut microbiome. Propionate, butyrate and acetates are the end products of the fermentation of the complex carbohydrates by human gut friendly microbiome and are being used as sources of energy in our body. PPA is used as a food preservative against molds in various daily products and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism. In a recent study we showed that PPA in human neuronal stem cell (NSC) culture...
Show morePropionic acid (PPA) is a short chain fatty acid that is produced by the human gut microbiome. Propionate, butyrate and acetates are the end products of the fermentation of the complex carbohydrates by human gut friendly microbiome and are being used as sources of energy in our body. PPA is used as a food preservative against molds in various daily products and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism. In a recent study we showed that PPA in human neuronal stem cell (NSC) culture increases the astrocyte population and decreases the neuronal number and increases the inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of a propionic acid-derivative, Ibuprofen, a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on neural stem cells proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Ibuprofen is an over counter drug that is used for alleviating pain, headache, and fever. To examine the effect of ibuprofen on developing brain we used human NSC in vitro, exposed them to increasing concentrations of ibuprofen, and investigated neural proliferation and differentiation. Here we show that NSAIDs, not at therapeutic, but very high concentrations cause an imbalance in NSC differentiation towards glial cells, therefore causing astrogliosis seen in some cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, upon removal of Ibuprofen, inflammatory cytokines; TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10, significantly increase (p
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000579, ucf:45625
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000579
- Title
- EFFECTS OF A PLANT-BASED VEGAN DIET ON THE RISK OF CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Silavent, Chelsie M, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Cancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even...
Show moreCancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even suppression of disease progression. Specifically, a diet that excludes animal-based products but consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables (i.e., plant-based vegan diet) is reported to retard disease progression among some individuals diagnosed with cancer. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of a plant-based vegan diet as a treatment approach with individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. The methodology included a systematic review of literature focusing on use of a plant-based vegan diet on cancer risks in research articles published in peer reviewed journals from 2006 to 2018. Consistent findings include evidence that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimal amounts of animal products showed a decrease risk of the development of various types of cancer. Recommendations for nursing education, practice, policy and research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000558, ucf:45619
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000558
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS USE AMONG ADULTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Asevedo, Bridget A, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this integrative literature review was to understand the effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain management in adults. Anecdotal reports suggest the use of medical marijuana as a pain management therapy could be an alternative to opioids and other medications which have long term consequences. Potential uses span the health care continuum, from prescribed outpatient symptom management, to acute care, extended care, home care, and hospice treatment settings. The methodology...
Show moreThe purpose of this integrative literature review was to understand the effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain management in adults. Anecdotal reports suggest the use of medical marijuana as a pain management therapy could be an alternative to opioids and other medications which have long term consequences. Potential uses span the health care continuum, from prescribed outpatient symptom management, to acute care, extended care, home care, and hospice treatment settings. The methodology included a review and synthesis of relevant research articles from 2012 to 2018, written in the English language. The findings suggest medical cannabis has the potential of effectively managing chronic pain in older adults. Adverse effects, if present, are mild and resolve without intervention. Lower doses of medical cannabis were reported to be more effective in treating chronic pain compared to higher doses. Inconsistencies in the efficacy of THC were noted compared to CBD for managing neuropathic pain. Implication for nursing practice, policy, education, and recommendation for future research were discussed along with study limitations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000575, ucf:45620
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000575
- Title
- FALL RISK ASSESSMENT IN COMMUNITY- DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: AN EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL MIXED METHODS STUDY.
- Creator
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Dool, MaryAnn, Thiamwong, Ladda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Abstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional...
Show moreAbstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the study was conducted at Lutheran Towers an independent living facility located in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Three measurement tools were used: demographic data sheet, an objective tool: BTrackS Balance Test (BBT), and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Results: In phase 1, 37% of participants had a high risk for falls assessed by the objective measure (BBT), and about 11% had high concern of fall risk assessed by the subjective measure (Short FES-I). Approximately 32% had congruent results between subjective and objective measures and 68 % presented incongruent results between subjective and objective measures. In phase 2, three themes were generated from the qualitative data :1) Perception and experience on fall risk assessment; 2) Perception of the subjective measure (Short FES-I) and 3) Perception of the objective measure (BBT). Conclusion: Those who have incongruent perceptions of their fall risk and physical abilities are most at risk. Performing fall risk assessment using both subjective and objective measures is critical for developing fall prevention plans, to identify those most at risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000571, ucf:45616
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000571
- Title
- DEVELOPMENT OF A SPANISH VERSION OF THE MAIN CONCEPT ANALYSIS FOR ANALYZING ORAL DISORDERED DISCOURSE.
- Creator
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Simonet, Karla, Kong, Anthony Pak-Hin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Aphasia is an acquired language impairment caused by damage in the regions of the brain that support language. The Main Concept Analysis (MCA) is a published formal assessment battery that allows the quantification of the presence, accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of content in spoken discourse produced by persons with aphasia (PWA). It utilizes a sequential picture description task (with four sets of pictures) for language sample elicitation. The MCA results can also be used clinically...
Show moreAphasia is an acquired language impairment caused by damage in the regions of the brain that support language. The Main Concept Analysis (MCA) is a published formal assessment battery that allows the quantification of the presence, accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of content in spoken discourse produced by persons with aphasia (PWA). It utilizes a sequential picture description task (with four sets of pictures) for language sample elicitation. The MCA results can also be used clinically for targeting appropriate interventions of aphasic output. The purpose of this research is to develop a Spanish adaptation of the MCA by establishing normative data based on native unimpaired speakers of Spanish. In the pilot study, thirty-eight unimpaired Spanish participants were recruited by previous student researchers. Each participant was asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and a short form of the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test was administered to rule out any unidentified language problems. The MCA was then be administered to participants and their oral description was audio recorded for later orthographic transcription. A total of 81 unimpaired participants that consisted of different genders, ages (young, middle-aged, and older groups), levels of education (high versus low), and dialect origins (e.g., Spain, Puerto Rico, Columbia) were recruited in the main study to establish a more balanced set of data. One person with aphasia (PWA) was recruited for this study. Based on the collected normative samples, the essential information was identified for each participant. A dialect-specific scoring criteria including target main concepts and lexicons of the Spanish-MCA were developed. The Spanish-MCA was conducted to test the validity of the assessment battery. In the current study, a preliminary set of data using the MCA scoring criteria has been established. Similar to findings in Kong and Yeh 2015, the results of the Spanish-MCA showed age and education did impact discourse performance. Results from one-way ANOVA revealed statistical differences between age groups and education levels of the unimpaired participants recruited. The groups of participants with a higher education conveyed more AC concepts compared to the other dialect groups. To compare data for PWA, it is suggested that a larger sample size of PWA be recruited to validate the Spanish-MCA.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000553, ucf:45622
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000553
- Title
- THE INFLUENCE OF 3D POROUS CHITOSAN-ALGINATE BIOMATERIAL SCAFFOLD PROPERTIES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF BREAST CANCER CELLS.
- Creator
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Le, Minh-Chau N., Steward, Robert L., Florczyk, Stephen J., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in regulating cancer cell behavior. The tumor microenvironment describes the cancer cells, and the surrounding endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, along with the extracellular matrix (ECM). The tumor microenvironment stiffens as cancer undergoes malignant progression, providing biophysical cues that promote invasive, metastatic cellular behaviors. This project investigated the influence of three dimensional (3D)...
Show moreThe tumor microenvironment plays an important role in regulating cancer cell behavior. The tumor microenvironment describes the cancer cells, and the surrounding endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, along with the extracellular matrix (ECM). The tumor microenvironment stiffens as cancer undergoes malignant progression, providing biophysical cues that promote invasive, metastatic cellular behaviors. This project investigated the influence of three dimensional (3D) chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffold stiffness on the morphology, growth, and migration of green fluorescent protein (GFP) � transfected MDA-MB-231 (231-GFP) breast cancer (BCa) cells. The CA scaffolds were produced by the freeze casting method at three concentrations, 2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt% to provide different stiffness culture substrates. The CA scaffold material properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy imaging for pore structure and compression testing for Young's Modulus. The BCa cell cultures were characterized at day 1, 3, and 7 timepoints using Alamar Blue assay for cell number, fluorescence imaging for cell morphology, and single-cell tracking for cell migration. Pore size calculations using SEM imaging yielded pore sizes of 253.29 +/- 52.45 [micro]m, 209.55 +/- 21.46 [micro]m, and 216.83 +/- 32.63 [micro]m for 2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt%, respectively. Compression testing of the CA scaffolds yielded Young's Modulus values of 0.064 +/- 0.008 kPa, 2.365 +/- 0.32 kPa and 3.30 +/- 0.415 kPa for 2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt% CA scaffolds, respectively. The results showed no significant difference in cell number among the 3D CA scaffold groups. However, the 231-GFP cells cultured in 2 wt% CA scaffolds possessed greater cellular size, area, perimeter, and lower cellular circularity compared to those in 4 wt% and 6 wt% CA scaffolds, suggesting a more prominent presence of cell clusters in softer substrates compared to stiffer substrates. The results also showed cells in 6 wt% CA having a higher average cell migration speed compared to those in 2 wt% and 4 wt% CA scaffolds, indicating a positive relationship between substrate stiffness and cell migration velocity. Findings from this experiment may contribute to the development of enhanced in vitro 3D breast tumor models for basic cancer research using 3D porous biomaterial scaffolds.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000492, ucf:45626
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000492
- Title
- THE PRESENCE OF PAIN RELATED CYTOKINES AND CHEMOKINES IN SCHWANNOMAS AND THEIR POTENTIAL ASSOCIATION WITH CHRONIC PAIN IN SCHWANNOMATOSIS.
- Creator
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Nagamoto, Jackson D, Fernandez-Valle, Cristina, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Schwannomatosis (SWN) is a genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to develop multiple Schwannomas anywhere in the peripheral nervous system. This can be due to a mutation in the LZTR1 or SMARCB1 genes on chromosome 22. SWN has the defining clinical symptom of chronic pain and a lack of vestibular schwannomas, which sets it apart from other, related disorders such as Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2). Currently, it is unknown what causes the chronic pain of SWN patients but it is...
Show moreSchwannomatosis (SWN) is a genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to develop multiple Schwannomas anywhere in the peripheral nervous system. This can be due to a mutation in the LZTR1 or SMARCB1 genes on chromosome 22. SWN has the defining clinical symptom of chronic pain and a lack of vestibular schwannomas, which sets it apart from other, related disorders such as Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2). Currently, it is unknown what causes the chronic pain of SWN patients but it is hypothesized that cytokines may have promote the neuropathic pain experienced by patients. This study investigates the presence of the chemokine CCL2 and the cytokine IL6 in human SWN schwannomas and non-SWN schwannomas to determine if there is a difference in the presence of these cytokines between the two tumor types. It was demonstrated that all of the SWN schwannomas expressed both CCL2 and IL6 whereas the non-SWN schwannomas expressed only one or the other protein if either. These results indicate that the presence of these cytokines within the SWN schwannomas is different from non-SWN schwannomas and could be a potential contributing factor in the occurrence of neuropathic pain experienced by SWN which is part of the differential diagnosis for NF2 and SWN.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000525, ucf:45627
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000525