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Iron (III) and Grain Size in the IRL
Full text linkThere are many bio limiting nutrients that are being affected by a variety of human impacts. One of these is labile Iron. The goal of this project is to find if there is a correlation between grain size distribution and the concentration of Iron (III) in near surface sediments
Analyzing the Cause of Catastrophic Storm Surge during Hurricane Michael (2018) in the Florida Panhandle
Full text linkThis study explores the relationship between meteorological variables & storm surge dynamics in the Florida Panhandle, focusing on the impact of Hurricane Michael in 2018. By analyzing correlations between reanalysis meteorological data & water level measurements, the study identifies wind speed as the primary driver of storm surge. Notably, wind speed exhibits stronger correlations during Hurricane Michael’s Impact Period, underscoring its influence on storm surge dynamics. These findings enhance our understanding of storm surge mechanisms & contribute to improved predictive capabilities for coastal hazard management. Future research aims to refine storm surge forecasting models and additional factors influencing localized surge impacts. This project contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate coastal hazards & enhance community resilience
Assessing the Correlation between Chlorophyll a Levels in Biofilm and the Water Column
Full text linkBiofilm accumulation on ships increases drag and fuel consumption. Despite continuing advancements in anti-fouling coatings, there is limited research on how environmental parameters influence biofilm development. Understanding how in situ variables can influence biofilm development can lead to better management strategies for preventing and removing growth on ships
The Permanent Editioral Board: Aviators Code Initiative
Full text linkhe Permanent Editorial Board (PEB) provides editorial oversight and stewardship of the Aviators Code Initiative (ACI) and implementation of the family of codes of conduct and supporting materials
Palythoa caribaeorum (Cnidaria: Zoantharia) in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Where Management Strategies Meet Ecological Reality
No full textEffective coral-reef management and conservation involve adaptively updating approaches based on emerging information. This thesis aims to inform management practices surrounding the zoanthid species Palythoa caribaeorum, which has become increasingly controversial in recent years due to its complex relationship with both living and dead corals, raising questions about its overall impact on coral reefs. In dynamic and fragile coral-reef ecosystems, such as the Florida Keys Reef Tract (FKRT), which is the study area for this project, it is crucial to understand the role of competitive species, like P. caribaeorum. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify the parameters most strongly associated with the distribution of P. caribaeorum and 2) evaluate the relationship between its abundance and key reef-structure attributes, to better understand its potential role in coral-reef restoration. The distribution model indicates that maximum silicate concentration, minimum dissolved oxygen concentration, maximum depth, and minimum temperature are the best predictive factors for the distribution of P. caribaeorum in the Florida Keys. The model also reveals that the Middle Keys are particularly suitable for the species compared with the Lower and Upper Keys, which contrasts with what we know about the distribution of hard corals. Additionally, reef elevation was found to be positively related to the abundance of P. caribaeorum, suggesting that areas with a high cover of P. caribaeorum may contribute to preserving ecosystem functions, such as shoreline protection. This relationship takes on added significance within the context of the FKRT, which is characterized on average by low accretion potential and high erosion rates. As a result, corals along the reef tract are particularly vulnerable to stress and increased erosion from opportunistic species. Although P. caribaeorum competes with living corals for space, the solution to coral-reef degradation is not as simple or straightforward as removing the zoanthid from the reef. First, P. caribaeorum is not easily eradicated, and it quickly recolonizes space following partial-colony removal. Even some of the fastest-growing corals, like Acropora cervicornis, are less successful when in contact with it, which creates an added risk to new Acropora colonies outplanted through restoration. Second, the species has been shown to deter bioeroders and possibly prevent the erosion of dead corals and removing it could destabilize the underlying reef structure. Therefore, removing mats of P. caribaeorum as a part of coral-outplanting efforts should be reconsidered. Instead, managers might prioritize outplanting at sites that have minimal distributional overlap between P. caribaeorum and stony corals
A Monte Carlo Simulation Approach To Solve Two-Stage Stochastic Programming and Its Application to Bond Portfolio Optimization
No full textWe present a Monte Carlo simulation-based approach for solving a stochastic two- stage bond portfolio optimization problem, where the main objective is to mini- mize the total cost of the bond portfolio while making strategic decisions on bond purchases, holdings, and sales under uncertain market conditions such as interest rate fluctuations and future liabilities. The proposed algorithm not only identifies the appropriate number of randomly generated scenarios required to transform the stochastic problem into a deterministic one but also includes a stopping cri- terion to terminate the scenario generation process once further samples yield no significant improvement in the optimal solution. Additionally, we formulate a com- prehensive two-stage model that allows the investor to make a buying, holding, or selling decision in both of the first and second stages, capturing the dynamic na- ture of investment strategy over time. The practical relevance of the methodology is demonstrated through its application to a real-world bond market dataset. The numerical results show that the proposed approach effectively minimizes costs, satisfies liability constraints, and provides a robust and flexible solution for bond portfolio optimization
Indian River Lagoon Transition Zone Hypothesis Database
No full textSupplementary material for published paper: Turner, R.L. 2025. The Transition Zone Hypothesis on biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon System, Florida. Florida Scientist 88(4):125-135. https://doi.org/10.70931/8804/MUFC8959
This article can be found in the repository, The Transition Zone Hypothesis on Biodiversity of the Indian River Lag by Richard L. Turne
Oral History Interview with Dr. John Kiss, 2025
No full textThis is an executive summary of the interview between Gordon Patterson and Provost John Kiss on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, detailing Kiss’s first year at Florida Tech
Oral History Interview with Pete Mazzone
No full textIn this interview conducted on June 23, 2025, Pete Mazzone reflects on his nearly 40-year career at the Florida Institute of Technology. Arriving in 1985, Mazzone began as the Assistant Athletic Director, where he significantly expanded the intramural program. He later transitioned into coaching, leading the cross-country team for many years. Mazzone shares vivid memories of the university\u27s evolution, including the transition from the legendary Hedgecock Gymnasium to the Clemente Center, the tenures of every university president, and the controversial history of the football program. He discusses the unique challenges and dynamics of athletics at a rigorous academic institution, the impact of Title IX, and his cherished memories of remarkable coaches like Tom Folliard and John Reynolds. Throughout the conversation, Mazzone emphasizes his passion for working with college-age students and his belief that athletics provides a vital anchor for their academic success and personal growth
The Relationship between Compound Annual Growth Rate and Wildlife Strikes in U.S. Cities
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between urban expansion and wildlife strikes at airports around the U.S. To analyze this correlation, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each city’s population was compared to the Average Annual Wildlife Strike Reports (AAWSR) at each airport. The data were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau (2025) population records and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) National Wildlife Strikes Database (2025). The research was intended to determine if urbanization contributes to the frequency of wildlife strikes. The results concluded that there was a near-zero correlation between CAGR and AAWSR. This indicates that population growth is not a strong indicator of wildlife strike frequency. It is more likely that other factors play a greater role in wildlife strike prediction, such as habitat structure, wildlife mitigation procedures, and land use at airports. The study highlights the importance of wildlife mitigation strategies as well as the need for future research to explore additional variables to aid in the reduction of wildlife strikes at airports in the U.S