JBC Commons (New College of Florida)
Not a member yet
9773 research outputs found
Sort by
DEEP DIVE: AN INVESTIGATION OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN OCTOPUS MOTHER
Octopuses are fascinating animals with a bad reputation, however, they are slowly but surely gaining the recognition they deserve. The goal of this study was to identify a hierarchy of motivating factors in brooding octopuses, using three O. joubini that had laid eggs in captivity as case studies. To address feeding motivation, I continued to supply the animals food, both free-roaming and directly to their dens. To address the importance of hiding, I disturbed the dens and monitored the animals’ responses. To address the importance of brooding, I encouraged one subject to make choices between returning to her eggs or moving to another viable hide. The study found individual differences in behavior, but also consistent patterns. I found that, as expected, none of the subjects accepted food after laying eggs, with one exception. Hiding was determined to be of higher priority than protecting the eggs. Lastly, one of the octopuses displayed a very interesting pattern of moving away from the eggs after a disturbance, but would be found with the brood again the following day. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of these behaviors
ANALYSIS OF STRESS INDICATORS IN SHARKS IN RELATION TO CAPTURE METHOD
As apex predators in the marine ecosystem, population declines in sharks can cause catastrophic imbalances leading to decreased biodiversity and eventual ecosystem collapse (Guida et al., 2016). Today, overfishing and unintentional bycatch are the leading causes of population declines in elasmobranchs and are so significant that the international union for conservation and nature (IUCN) quantifies approximately one-quarter of all elasmobranchs on the red list for threatened species (Guida et al., 2016). This study addresses this issue by examining the impact of two large-scale capture methods used within commercial fisheries. Longline and gillnet fishing operations subject many species of elasmobranchs to accidental bycatch and the impact of capture and release is typically not examined. Hematological indicators for stress response in 17 sharks subject to gillnet and longline capture were measured and quantified to determine the overall impact of capture method on shark survival and stress impacts. Alternative influential factors including species, sex, and maturity were compared across pH, lactate, and cortisol concentrations. Trends in stress response were observed across all 4 independent factors, but significant conclusions could not be drawn due to limitations in sample size and inaccuracies in stress quantification results
Network Effects and Economic Growth The Role of Arts Clustering in Sarasota
An analysis of Sarasota\u27s arts organizations reveals that Arts clustering is a critical factor in its urban economic and social advancement, offering a blueprint for economic development in similarly specialized regions. Sarasota is identified as demonstrating the specialist view of urban development, where its clustered arts organizations reap and produce network effects, enhancing both the city\u27s cultural draw on tourists and its economic welfare. Additionally, previously published literature which aims to quantify Sarasota\u27s arts exports is expanded upon. Sarasota\u27s Arts cluster generates additional economic activity beyond what has been previously quantified, indicating the arts as a higher yielding asset than previously thought. These findings conclude with a call to reevaluate current public arts funding models, suggesting that the large output these organizations generate could be higher with government assistance
PRIMA DONNA: UNDERSTANDING WOMEN IN OPERA AND THE ISSUES OF REPRESENTATION AND POWER
Often characterized by dramatic singing and intense costumes, opera expands beyond popular culture\u27s misrepresentation. With its history tracing back to early theater and developing as time progressed, opera has a complicated past with women. This thesis attempts to explore women’s roles in opera and issues of representation and power. This research is accompanied by my ethnographic research at the Sarasota Opera. I have spent considerable time observing and interviewing people at the opera in the context of this thesis. The ethnography also fills the gaps where academic research is limited. I examine history’s commentary on women through opera, the representation of women on and off stage, and the power of women gain or lose in opera
GLOBALIZATION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRENDS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AMONG CHINESE AND JAPANESE NATIVE SPEAKERS
This thesis deals with the influences of globalization, economic and social trends on the path of English as a second language among Chinese and Japanese native speakers. Current teaching methodologies and research are discussed, along with historical background before evaluating the various economic and social influences on language learners in the globalizing world. Methodology and pedagogy recommendations made by this thesis focus on Comprehensible Input Hypothesis, Active Learning, and Affective Filter, and the implementation of these into teaching methodologies into a cohesive pedagogy in the reality of the language learning environment. Through the analysis of globalization, economic and social trends, this thesis presents Comprehensible Input, Active Learning, and Affective Filter as effective components of teaching methodologies which can improve learner outcomes in China and Japan if utilized by teachers
Behind the Fishnets: An Introduction to the Making of the Rocky Horror Documentary
“Rocky Horror: Behind the Fishnetsis” is an ethnographic-style documentary that delves into the vibrant world of a student-led production of the iconic musical at New College. Through intimate interviews and immersive footage, the film captures the dynamic interactions between the cast and crew as they navigate rehearsals, challenges, and personal revelations. It explores how the production catalyzes self-discovery, empowerment and forging deep connections within the community. By observing the performers on stage and immersing myself in the environment as the creator, the documentary sheds light on the transformative power of theatrical expression in shaping individual identities and fostering a sense of belonging. Through its ethnographic lens, Rocky Rhythms offers a compelling glimpse into the intersection of art, culture, and community within the unique academic environment of New College of Florida
JAMAICAN IS…JAMAICAN ISN’T: A MULTI-MEDIA EXPLORATION OF THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN GENDER, SEXUALITY AND JAMAICAN NATIONAL IDENTITY
This senior project highlights the life histories of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) Jamaican Americans - individuals born and raised in the United States - and or those who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. Through oral history interviews with LGBTQIA+ Jamaican Diaspora individuals, I seek to understand the impact of queerness and nationality on their sense of identity. Combing their stories with scholarly research, I move away from the traditional undergraduate thesis and instead developed a multimedia exhibit consisting of the video and aural presentation of the oral histories; photographs of participants; oral, dance and musical performance; as well as informational videos and staging work. This is a report of this creative process
EL CIMARRONAJE: AN ETHNOMUSICAL ALBUM THAT CHANNELS THE SURVIVAL OF BLACK DOMINICAN CULTURE AND HISTORY
This thesis challenges the denials of blackness as well as the anti-blackness and anti- Haitian sentiments that prevail in the Dominican society, while also addressing the Spanish-Taino only descendant narrative. It does so through EL CIMARRONAJE, a musical album that fusions Afro-Dominican rhythms with other musical styles. EL CIMARRONAJE itself, intends to demonstrate in this essay how Afro-Dominican culture and history have survived through these rhythms. This thesis starts by tracing their history in the first chapter; while in the second chapter, it highlights the different aspects of how EL CIMARRONAJE through its production in collaboration with traditional Dominican percussionists channels the survival of black Dominican culture and history. Thus, EL CIMARRONAJE is not only vocal about blackness in the lyrics of some of the songs but also highlights the importance of shared interest networks and embodied ethnography during its production. It presents and places a meaningful importance on traditional Dominican percussionists, as the most authentic agents that play a crucial role in the reproduction of black Dominican culture and history through these rhythms. This thesis embraces the Africanity of the Dominican people and culture by placing a meaningful importance on the oral knowledge and traditions that have been passed down generation after generation. It also confronts racist narratives. In addition, it portrays how Afro-Dominican culture and history have survived not only through Afro-Dominican drumming but also through the Dominican spiritual syncretism displayed during these drum ensembles. It also finds how what is perceived as Dominican folklore is in reality black Dominican culture and history
IMPACT OF HUMAN POPULATION ON ZOONOTIC DISEASE TRANSMISSION: A 22-YEAR REVIEW (2000-2022) OF RABIES, LYME DISEASE, AND HANSEN’S DISEASE IN FLORIDA
The Earth thrives under One-Health, a balance between humans, other animals, and environmental health. Zoonotic diseases can impact this equilibrium. In this retrospective review, I explore the impact of human population growth on zoonotic disease transmission, focusing on rabies, Lyme disease, and Hansen’s disease incidences in Florida from 2000-2022. While existing literature acknowledges various drivers that influence zoonotic disease transmission rates, limited attention has been directed toward the specific correlation with human population growth. Correlation and regression analyses were applied utilizing surveillance data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health, alongside demographic data from the United States Census Bureau. Visual representations including scatterplots, maps, and pie graphs were created to examine trends. Findings revealed a decline in rabies cases but increases in Lyme disease and Hansen’s disease, particularly prevalent in urban counties. Migration from the New England region exhibited no correlation with Lyme disease rates. Overall, the data suggest that while population growth alone does not have a strong correlation to increased zoonotic disease risk, further research into the interconnectedness among zoonotic diseases is vital for comprehensive understanding