CropPol: A dynamic, open and global database on crop pollination

Seventy five percent of the world's food crops benefit from insect pollination. Hence, there has been increased interest in how global change drivers impact this critical ecosystem service. Because standardized data on crop pollination are rarely available, we are limited in our capacity to understand the variation in pollination benefits to crop yield, as well as to anticipate changes in this service, develop predictions, and inform management actions. Here, we present CropPol, a dynamic, open, and global database on crop pollination. It contains measurements recorded from 202 crop studies, covering 3,394 field observations, 2,552 yield measurements (i.e., berry mass, number of fruits, and fruit density [kg/ha], among others), and 47,752 insect records from 48 commercial crops distributed around the globe. CropPol comprises 32 of the 87 leading global crops and commodities that are pollinator dependent. Malus domestica is the most represented crop (32 studies), followed by Brassica napus (22 studies), Vaccinium corymbosum (13 studies), and Citrullus lanatus (12 studies). The most abundant pollinator guilds recorded are honey bees (34.22% counts), bumblebees (19.19%), flies other than Syrphidae and Bombyliidae (13.18%), other wild bees (13.13%), beetles (10.97%), Syrphidae (4.87%), and Bombyliidae (0.05%). Locations comprise 34 countries distributed among Europe (76 studies), North America (60), Latin America and the Caribbean (29), Asia (20), Oceania (10), and Africa (7). Sampling spans three decades and is concentrated on 2001–2005 (21 studies), 2006–2010 (40), 2011–2015 (88), and 2016–2020 (50). This is the most comprehensive open global data set on measurements of crop flower visitors, crop pollinators and pollination to date, and we encourage researchers to add more datasets to this database in the future. This data set is released for non-commercial use only. Credits should be given to this paper (i.e., proper citation), and the products generated with this database should be shared under the same license terms (CC BY-NC-SA).Fil: Allen Perkins, Alfonso. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; España. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Estación Biológica de Doñana; EspañaFil: Magrach, Ainhoa. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; EspañaFil: Dainese, Matteo. Eurac Research. Institute for Alpine Environment; ItaliaFil: Garibaldi, Lucas Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; ArgentinaFil: Kleijn, David. Wageningen University & Research; Países BajosFil: Rader, Romina. University of New England; AustraliaFil: Reilly, James R.. Rutgers University; Estados UnidosFil: Winfree, Rachael. Rutgers University; Estados UnidosFil: Lundin, Ola. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; SueciaFil: McGrady, Carley M.. North Carolina State University; Estados UnidosFil: Brittain, Claire. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Biddinger, David J.. University of California Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Artz, Derek R.. United States Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service; Estados UnidosFil: Elle, Elizabeth. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Hoffman, George. State University of Oregon; Estados UnidosFil: Ellis, James D.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Daniels, Jaret. University of Florida; Estados Unidos. University Of Florida. Florida Museum Of History; Estados UnidosFil: Gibbs, Jason. University of Manitoba; CanadáFil: Campbell, Joshua W.. University of Florida; Estados Unidos. Usda Ars Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Brokaw, Julia. University of Minnesota; Estados UnidosFil: Wilson, Julianna K.. Michigan State University; Estados UnidosFil: Mason, Keith. Michigan State University; Estados UnidosFil: Ward, Kimiora L.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Gundersen, Knute B.. Michigan State University; Estados UnidosFil: Bobiwash, Kyle. University of Manitoba; Canadá. University Fraser Simon; CanadáFil: Gut, Larry. Michigan State University; Estados UnidosFil: Rowe, Logan M.. Michigan State University; Estados UnidosFil: Boyle, Natalie K.. United States Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service; Estados UnidosFil: Williams, Neal M.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Chacoff, Natacha Paola. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional; Argentin

History in the Open: Supporting Anthropology and History Faculty Projects with Digital Commons

Opening access to resources isn’t one size fits all. From new research to retrospective content, the Anthropology and History faculty at the University of Central Florida (UCF) are looking for innovative, cost-effective approaches to sharing their work and expertise. Through STARS, UCF’s Digital Commons instance, faculty have access to a platform for their materials and additional support services for a variety of projects. This session will explore the impetuses, creation, and outcomes of four faculty-led projects featuring open educational resources, open data, open syllabi, and an open image database

Forecasting Lightning Cessation Using Dual-Polarization Radar and Lightning Mapping Array near Washington, D.C.

Accurate forecasts of thunderstorms are important to space launch, aviation, and public safety. While prior studies have primarily focused on atmospheric conditions leading to lightning onset, less research has been dedicated to the challenging problem of predicting lightning cessation. This study verifies the probabilistic lightning cessation model developed by Joseph Patton (2017) at Florida State University for use by the U.S. Air Force\u27s 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The Washington, D.C. greater metropolitan area, which presents a climate different to that of central Florida, was chosen as the do- main of study. Consistent results would build confidence for use of the method at CCAFS/KSC and lend credence for use at other locations and possible implementation as a product for the Next-Generation Radar network. The lightning cessation algorithm employs the use of dual-polarization radar and New Mexico Tech Lightning Mapping Array in and around the Washington, D.C area. The algorithm incorporates the presence of graupel at -5°C, -10°C, -15°C, and -20°C levels, maximum reflectivity at 0°C, and composite (maximum) reflectivity in a generalized linear model. The model was tested for three probability thresholds: 95.0%, 97.5%, and 99.0%. A database of 47 isolated, warm season storms in the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area were tracked. Performance statistics show that the model revealed notable skill in the Washington, D.C. area, yet not to the desired level as indicated by the model\u27s performance in central Florida

National Merit Finalists At The University Of Central Florida-trends, Attrition, And Retention 1997-2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the trends, attrition and retention rates of National Merit Finalists at the University of Central Florida between the years of 1997 to 2005. This study was intended to provide information for higher education practitioners, faculty, and administrators to help them better understand the expectations and current trends of National Merit Finalists. The problem was to determine how to increase recruitment and retention while decreasing the attrition rates of these highly desirable students. The importance of this study includes identifying trends that may aid in future recruitment efforts for National Merit Finalists; finding the causes of dissatisfaction towards the University among these students; and identifying specific areas in which to alleviate those dissatisfactions. The results will hopefully provide insight into specific recruitment, services, and programming options for these students. The study examined data that was collected from the University of Central Florida\u27s Burnett Honors College database known as FileMaker 8.0. The data examined characteristics such as grade point averages (high school and college); valedictorian and salutatorian status; test scores (SAT and ACT); Honors in the Major (undergraduate thesis) students; Honors and university status (withdrawn, probation, removed, disqualified, enrolled, graduated); Honors college attrition; university attrition; ethnicity; gender ratios; majors; and, prestigious scholarships awarded in college (such as the Rhodes, Truman, Marshall). The actual size of the sample was one hundred ninety-eight National Merit Finalists. Data was also collected from a survey given to all University of Central Florida National Merit Finalists. Descriptive statistics were reported for each of the components examined. This data examined the types of scholarship packages that National Merit Finalists were offered; the reasons students chose the University of Central Florida over other universities; the college recruitment process; hours studied for the PSAT; siblings; perceptions on being a National Merit Finalist; the number of times students changed their majors; job status; transportation; computer attainment; disabilities; and the potential disadvantages of being labeled as a National Merit Finalist. The data could be utilized to examine the trends of our National Merit Finalists, in order to see what is working and what is not in terms or recruitment and retention; and also to further examine what these students want from their institutions. Findings indicated that problems exist in regard to the following: the recruitment of female and minority National Merit Finalists; males historically score higher on the SAT than females; decreasing the attrition rates of this population at the University of Central Florida; the majority of National Merit Finalists at the University of Central Florida come from Florida; the majority of National Merit Finalists at the University of Central Florida do not tend to be high school salutatorians or valedictorians; high school counselors seem to be the least effective tool for recruiting National Merit Finalists at the University of Central Florida; and the majority of National Merit Finalists at the University of Central Florida did not study at all for the PSAT test. However, the University of Central Florida is extremely competitive with other institutions of higher education with regard to scholarship packages. Results also revealed the following: the SAT is a more widely accepted tool for determining NMSC status as opposed to the ACT; the majority of National Merit Finalists have a GPA between 3.600 and 3.999 at the University of Central Florida; the University of Central Florida is succeeding in making its National Merit Finalists feel special during the recruitment process; the most influential reason that National Merit Finalists are choosing UCF is based upon the financial scholarship packages they are offered; and the majority of National Merit Finalists at the University of Central Florida do not feel that there are disadvantages toward being labeled as such. This data provides a basis for further research on National Merit Finalists trends, attrition, and retention. Practical considerations are revealed in the data that will influence future recruitment methods and lead to higher retention rates and increased student satisfaction. Several other recommendations are made to conduct further research studies on the trends, attrition, and retention rates of National Merit Finalists

Using a Community of Practice Approach to Transform: How an Academic Library Collections Unit Reorganized to Meet Growing Demands for E-Resources and Services During a Time of Institutional Change

In recent years, technical services operations and collection management at the University of South Florida (USF) Library was operating with flat budgets, a staff organization in a state of transition, ineffective workplace communication, and a progressive loss of institutional knowledge and skill sets. During the same time, the university was characterized by a fast‐developing dynamic research and learning environment. New research endeavors and academic programs were incorporating a variety of electronic resources in their activities. In response, library administrators implemented a strategy of organizing technical services operations into a community of practice with three key elements. The three elements included redefining technical staff organization, enhancing collaboration and communication, and building new work areas. This paper illustrates how the technical services operations at USF was remodeled by modifying staff organization and workspaces into collaborative teams. The team approach has focused skill sets on multiformat collection problem solving and enhanced service delivery to library patrons. The reorganization has transformed a department previously centered on processing print publications to a department focused on managing diverse activities including evidence‐based acquisitions programs in both e‐book and streaming formats as well as diverse e‐journal and database subscriptions. The new Collections & Discovery Unit has a shared mission and vision. The unit staff members have built a knowledge base of diverse information and solutions to meet the challenges of a fast‐changing academic landscape

Prevalence And Severity Of Fibropapillomatosis In Juvenile Green Turtles (chelonia Mydas) In Three Habitats On Florida\u27s Eas

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumor-forming disease mainly found in juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting Florida\u27s east coast. Despite increased research on the herpes virus that putatively causes it, long-term assessment is still needed of the distribution and severity of FP. Using the decades-long database compiled by the University of Central Florida Marine Turtle Research Group, I determined FP severity and distribution at three different sites: Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Sabellariid Worm Reef (SWR) and Trident Submarine Basin (TSB). Fibropapillomatosis occurred in \u3e 50% of IRL turtles, 18% of SWR turtles and \u3c1% of TSB turtles. Regression of FP tumors was correlated with its prevalence, i.e. when and where FP was common, tumor regression was common. The probability of a turtle being non-afflicted or mildly afflicted increased with both increasing straight-line carapace length (SCL) and increasing relative body condition (residuals of log body mass versus log SCL). Mean annual growth rates of IRL and SWR turtles did not vary with FP severity; however, mean annual growth rates in IRL (1.10 cm/y) were significantly higher than in SWR (1.05 cm/y) and TSB (1.04 cm/y). Annual apparent survival estimates for IRL and TSB turtles were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively, and were constant over time. Even with increased prevalence of FP, annual apparent survival estimates were constant and similar to survival estimates of juvenile green turtles in areas without FP. In IRL, survival rates among FP Categories 0, 1 and 2 were similar (0.74, 0.74 and 0.81 respectively) and lower only for FP Category 3 (0.63). Thus, while FP occurred in \u3e 50% of turtles in some Florida east coast populations, their annual apparent survival only declined in advanced cases (FP Category 3). These data suggest 1) FP afflicts smaller or younger turtles, 2) larger juveniles, sub-adults and adults are either non-afflicted or possibly recover from this disease, and 3) annual apparent survival rates of green turtle populations are independent of FP prevalence except when tumor growth is extreme

Homelessness in urban communities in the US: A Scoping Review utilizing the Socio-Ecological Model

Homelessness remains a core element of the current housing stability crisis in the United States, especially in urban communities. Disparities are an important part of the pathway to homelessness, but they alone are not enough to generate and perpetuate homelessness in the US. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze existing literature to provide an evidence-based framework to help inform homeless-related policies, programs, and interventions to improve the quality of life for homeless individuals. This scoping review aims to map the last five years\u27 literature around homelessness in U.S. urban communities by utilizing the socioecological model to analyze system-based implicated factors. The PubMed database was used to search articles from 2016 to 2020. Included articles were based in the United States at urban communities involving homeless individuals or families. A total of 145 articles were found for screening. Forty-nine articles met the selection criteria. A Florida-based university street medicine team involved in this research project highlights the need for an interprofessional approach to homelessness. The results of this scoping review suggest that structural, systemic, and historical factors at all the levels of the socioecological model are implicated in the complex reality of homelessness in U.S. urban communities generating individual and collective disparities. Future research and practice need to elucidate the impact of intersectionality among factors associated with homelessness

COMPARISON OF GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF HONOR SENIOR STUDENTS AND COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS SENIOR STUDENTS AT A FLORIDA UNIVERSITY

Attrition rates in theHonor College program division of Florida Atlantic University have risen in recent years. It has been determined that even though a higher high school grade point average is required for admission into the honor program of the university, many applicants to the program were under-prepared to asumme the workload demanded of the students by the Honor College. The requirements for admission into the honor program of the Florida Atlantic University is an overall high school grade point average of 3.5 and a score of 1000 points on the SAT examination while the requirement into the College of liberal Arts program of the university is an overall high school grade point average of 2.5 and a score of 900 point on the SAT examination. The problem was that it was unknown whether there is a difference between the grade point average of the seniors at the Honor College and the grade point average of the seniors at the liberal Arts college. The purpose of this practicum was to determine if there was a significant difference between the cumulative grade point average of the seniorFAUHonorCollegestudents and seniorFAUliberal ArtsCollegestudents. The research question was: “Is there a significant difference in the grade point average of FAU seniorHonorCollegestudents and FAU senior Liberal Arts College students?” An ex post facto research design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected from the FAU college Registrar’s office via the student Information Services (SIS) database on January 2003. The sample consisted of 50 subjects each from the respective colleges. A parametric test of independent mean, the t-test, was used to determine if there was a significant difference between the GPAs of seniorHonorCollege students and GPAs of senior Liberal Arts college students. Comparison of the two-sample means produced a calculated t value of .99. The critical t value was 2.0 with p = 0.92. Based on the results of the statistical testing, the null hypothesis which assumed no difference between the mean was accepted at the 0.05 level of significance. The alternative hypothesis which assumed a difference at the 0.05 significance was rejected. Several conclusions were drawn the study. There was strong positive relationship between the mean cumulative grade point average of the FAU Honor college senior students and cumulative grade point average of Liberal Arts College senior students. The result did not support the use of higher admission criteria of students into theHonorCollegeprogram. As a result of this investigation, it is recommended that the admission criteria of the Honor College should be lower or made the same as that of the Liberal Arts College. The results showed that even though students have higher high school GPA does not necessary mean that such students will continue to maintain higher education standard at the senior level of their college careers. In addition, monitoring of such student’s success at the Honor College should be conducted through the sophomore years and again at the senior year or the conclusion of the program of study

Exploring Environmental Heat Injuries in the Pediatric Population

Children are considered a vulnerable population in society. While thermoregulation in children is similar to that of an adult, children are vulnerable to heat-related illness. Student athletes have been found to be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness for numerous reasons, including intense outdoor play. Football players are perhaps the most at-risk population of student athletes due to the intense physical requirements, outdoor practice during the hottest months of the year, and the extensive protective equipment required. By conducting a literature review on the subject of pediatric heat illness, the purpose of this thesis is to explore evidenced based research and guidelines regarding heat-related illness prevention. This review of literature was conducted through the utilization of the University of Central Florida\u27s online databases using the EBSCOhost platform of: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ERIC, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus. This thesis is unique because it does not focus on an individual sport; rather, it focuses on pediatric athletes from various disciplines. The prevalence, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of heat-related injuries are complex phenomena requiring the attention of law makers, athletic associations, school officials, coaches, athletic trainers, parents, and students

Panama City Fisheries Resources Office: FY 2002 Annual Report

HIGHLIGHTS FOR FY 2002 1. United States Senator Bob Graham assisted with a Gulf sturgeon survey. 2. Completed 3-year Gulf sturgeon population study in the Choctawhatchee River drainage. 3. Completed Gulf sturgeon potential spawning habitat survey for Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama river systems. 4. Initiated Gulf sturgeon marine habitat and food resources study. 5. Completed Gulf sturgeon sentinel fish study. 6. Coordinated and conducted tagging of over 110,000 Phase II striped bass at Welaka and Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery. 7. Completed Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge fishery sampling. 8. Developed a manuscript regarding the fishery of Banks Lake NWR. 9. Initiated development of a fish Index of Biotic Integrity for Florida panhandle streams. 10. Coordinated Okaloosa darter workshop. 11. Continued examining insect communities on Eglin AFB. 12. Sponsored and coordinated stream restoration workshop. 13. Provided technical assistance via Partners for Fish and Wildlife for stream restoration within the Northeast Gulf Ecosystem. 14. Finalized regional curve development in the Northern Region of Florida and secured significant funds for FY03 to expand to other regions in Florida. 15. Initiated freshwater mussel conservation in the Northeastern Gulf Ecosystem