The United States Environmental Protection Agency has declared the development of new, portable, and effective detection technology for toxic waste sites a necessity. Current methods are expensive, cumbersome, and often only marginally effective. This project was designed as a first step in a programmatic approach to explore the feasibility of using dogs to locate, delineate, and trace leaching from toxic chemical dump sites. Two Australian Shepherds were trained to detect formaldehyde, a chemical common to many hazardous dumpsites. The training method employed was an adaptation of the military working dog explosives detection protocol. Following training, the dogs were tested to ensure that they could indeed detect 0.5 ml of formaldehyde. Upon confirmation of the dogs’ ability to detect formaldehyde, threshold determinations were implemented. In Experiment I, 0.5 ml of formaldehyde was buried at depths ranging from zero to two feet, in an effort to determine the maximum depth at which the dogs were capable of detecting 0.5 ml of formaldehyde. Results from Experiment I indicate that the dogs were incapable of detecting 0.5 ml of buried formaldehyde, regardless of the depth at which the formaldehyde was buried, despite the fact that the dogs could readily detect 0.5 ml above ground. In Experiment II, field thresholds were determined by burying increasing amounts of formaldehyde (from zero to 10 ml in one ml increments) at a constant depth of one foot. The dogs were able to detect a combined total of 6.50 ml of buried formaldehyde. There was no difference in the dogs’ abilities when compared for ascending, descending, and overall trials. Further, no difference was found between the dogs and their abilities. Results from Experiments I and II indicate that it is indeed feasible to use dogs for the aforementioned purposes. / Master of Science

At least one-quarter of service members who have returned from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis, of which Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most common. Social support provided by close relationships has been shown to be a buffer against PTSD symptoms. However, PTSD can also have devastating effects on couple relationships, hampering this form of social support. One promising intervention for PTSD has been the use of service dogs specially trained to perform tasks related to PTSD symptoms. Anecdotally, there are promising individual outcomes for veterans with PTSD who are partnered with service dogs; however, the effects of these service dogs on the couple relationship for veterans who are married or in long-term relationships has yet to be explored. Seven couples participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews related to their experiences of their relationship before, during, and after acquiring a service dog trained to respond to PTSD symptoms. Responses were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes derived were loss of self, living with the enemy, to hope or not to hope, running the gauntlet, pawsitive reinforcements, and turning the tide. Results are weighed against existing literature in the field, clinical and public policy considerations are offered, and directions for future research are proposed. / Master of Science

Americans spent approximately $47.7 billion on pet products and services in 2010, an increase of 4.8% over 2009, making the pet industry a market segment ripe with opportunity for entrepreneurial small business venture (American Pet Products Association, 2013). Small businesses invite innovation, create and provide new jobs, foster entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, and create competition that drives future business endeavors (Hillary, 2001). The pet dog industry is a salient example of entrepreneurial activity in which the pressures of business, economics, and learning coalesce. Because small businesses bolster about half of the private-sector economy and represent more than 99% of all business firms (Small Business Administration, 2013), it is useful for small business owners to learn and prosper as entrepreneurs. "Entrepreneurship is a learning process, and a theory of entrepreneurship requires a theory of learning" (Minniti, 2010, p. 9). However, there is still limited knowledge and understanding of the interaction between learning and entrepreneurship, and such a process remains one of the most neglected areas of entrepreneurial research and thus understanding (Deakins and Freel, 1999). This study explored entrepreneurial decision making by using the construct of David A. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory to examine an entrepreneurial operation in the pet dog-training industry. The researcher worked hand-in-hand with the entrepreneur in a collaborative partnership to explore the phenomenon using narrative inquiry research methods. A series of semi-structured interviews were used to collect and analyze stories and identify key considerations for learning style in relation to entrepreneurship. The results showed the entrepreneur's preferred learning style aligned with his expressed style and demonstrated a keen sense of operations awareness. Additionally, the entrepreneur had learned how to leverage his strengths over time while recognizing and compensating for his weaknesses. For a novice or someone with a desire to learn more about their own entrepreneurial inclinations, results from a learning style instrument could provide such understandings with helpful implications for small business ownership. Future studies could contribute to entrepreneurial research and add greater voice to the pet dog industry. / Ph. D.

Background: Canine hypothyroidism is thought to cause abnormalities in glucose homeostasis, but the effect on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity has not been determined to date. Hypothesis/Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether hypothyroidism has an effect on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in dogs. We hypothesized that hypothyroidism causes insulin resistance. Animals: Sixteen euthyroid bitches were randomly selected and allocated into two groups. In 8 dogs, hypothyroidism was induced by administration of 1 mCi/kg I-131. Experiments were performed on non-anesthetized, fasted dogs in anestrous approximately 12 months after hypothyroidism was induced. Methods: The insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) and minimal model analysis were used to determine basal insulin and glucose concentrations, acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness (SG) and the disposition index (DI). Results: In the hypothyroid group, basal glucose concentrations were mildly decreased (P = 0.0079), whereas basal insulin was increased (P = 0.019). Insulin sensitivity was reduced in the hypothyroid group (P<0.001), whereas AIRg was higher (P=0.01). Other parameters were not different between groups. Conclusions/Clinical Importance: Hypothyroidism negatively affects glucose homeostasis by inducing insulin resistance. In hypothyroid dogs, the disposition index (insulin sensitivity x insulin secretion) remained unchanged due to a compensatory increase in insulin secretion, thereby maintaining glucose tolerance. In cases with impaired insulin secretion, such as canine diabetes mellitus, concurrent hypothyroidism can have important clinical implications in the successful management of the disease. / Master of Science

The study purpose was to determine whether canine corneal cultures demonstrate superior growth when cultured in a fully defined epithelial selective medium, Epilife®, compared to Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium (DMEM) with fetal bovine serum (FBS), and to characterize cultured canine corneal cells. Superficial keratectomies were performed on three dogs. Samples were trypsinized to separate cell layers. Post-trypsinization, immunohistochemistry confirmed that epithelial cells had been released from the stroma. Both cell populations (presumed epithelial cells and stromal tissues) were cultured in DMEM with FBS or Epilife®. First passage cells were fixed for immunocytochemistry and prepared for PCR. Immunocytochemical staining for pancytokeratin, vimentin, and E-cadherin was evaluated, and immunofluorescence for zonula occludens-1 was attempted. Amplification of cytokeratin 5 (CK5) mRNA was assessed by PCR. Primary presumed epithelial cells grew faster when cultured in DMEM with FBS compared to Epilife®. Stromal tissue segments in Epilife® medium failed to adhere to culture plates, indicating that this medium may inhibit attachment and growth of non-epithelial tissues. Staining of corneal tissue segments confirmed that epithelial layers were pancytokeratin and E-cadherin positive, while stromal cells were vimentin positive. Immunocytochemistry of cultured cells revealed that epithelial cells stained positively for pancytokeratin, vimentin, and E-cadherin, while stromal cells remained only vimentin positive. Greater amplification of CK5 mRNA occurred from epithelial cells grown in Epilife® compared to epithelial cells in DMEM with FBS or the stromal cells. Based on PCR results, Epilife® medium may support retention of the epithelial characteristic of CK5 mRNA expression better than DMEM with FBS. / Master of Science

Objective: To evaluate the effect of fenoldopam on renal function in normal dogs subjected to bisection nephrotomy. In addition, effects of bisection nephrotomy on renal function in normal dogs were evaluated. Study Design: Controlled, randomized, blinded experiment Sample Population: Sixteen mixed breed adult dogs Methods: Dogs were paired for sex, body weight, and approximate age and were assigned to one of two groups: fenoldopam (F) or placebo (P). Baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), urinalysis (UA), and urine culture were performed prior to surgery. A left bisection nephrotomy was performed via a standard midline celiotomy. Dogs in Group F received perioperative intravenous infusion of fenoldopam (0.1 ìg/kg/min) for 90 minutes; dogs in Group P received 0.9 % saline (equivalent volume/kg) for 90 minutes. Body temperature, heart rate, respiration, direct arterial blood pressure, and urine volume were recorded during anesthesia. Renal function was assessed by measuring SCr, BUN, and GFR based on quantitative renal scintigraphy using 99mTc-DTPA at 1, 21, and 42 days after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference between groups in physiologic parameters assessed. There was no significant difference in GFR, BUN, or SCr between groups or between operated or control kidneys. Conclusions: Bisection nephrotomy in normal dogs with renal arterial occlusion of 15 minutes and a simple continuous capsular closure does not adversely affect renal function. Clinical Relevance: Further study investigating perioperative effects of fenoldopam in dogs with existing renal dysfunction is indicated. Bisection nephrotomy, as described in this study, does not decrease renal function as measured by BUN, SCr, or GFR. / Master of Science

Objective-To assess the effect of 9 mm tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) on cranial tibial translation (CTT) in cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficient canine stifles. Study Design-In vitro cadaveric study. Animals-Twelve canine pelvic limbs. Methods-Each stifle was placed in a jig at 135° with a simulated quadriceps force and tibial axial force, and the distance of CTT was measured with the CCL intact (iCCL), transected (tCCL), and after performing a TTA using a 9 mm cage. In addition, a material testing machine was used to assess the force required to elicit CTT in each scenario. Results-The mean CTT for iCCL was 0.42 mm, 1.58 mm after severing the CCL, and 1.06 mm post TTA. The tCCL CTT measured without any quadriceps force was 2.59 mm. Differences between the intact and tCCL (p<0.0001) and tCCL and TTA (p=0.0003) were significant. The difference between the tCCL with and without the quadriceps force was not significant (p=0.0597). The force required to cause CTT was greater in the TTA than the tCCL up to 6mm (p<0.0001). As axial load increased, the force required to advance the tibia increased in both treatment groups (p value for overall weight effect =0.0002). Conclusions- These data confirm that TTA does reduce CTT in tCCL stifles in this model. The addition of a simulated quadriceps force to a CCL deficient stifle prior to a TTA, by itself, may not significantly lessen CTT. Clinical Relevance- While this in vitro model demonstrated that TTA reduced CTT in canine stifles with CCL transected, the modular limitations preclude extrapolation to the effect of TTA on the live dog. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to evaluate attachment of people to their pets as compared to their human relationships. Specifically, this research was meant to discover if pet attachment was a more secure attachment than human-human attachment. One hundred and ninety-four students from an Introductory Psychology class at the University of Central Florida completed a survey regarding pet and human attachment. The results are discussed.

This thesis is a study of architecture on how to improve the life of homeless animals through strengthening the relationship between us, humans and the animals we live among. There are millions of shelter animals being killed every year which is both dreadful and expensive. This number can be decreased greatly if people acted more responsibly towards the creatures they have domesticated. It is true that most people enjoy taking care of animals, they usually feel a strong emotional connection with them, specially those who share their homes with their pets. The problem is that many find the animal shelters a depressing place filled with sick unwanted animals. How can we, design professionals, encourage people to interact more with animal shelters? How can the design affect both physical and emotional health of these animals? Can architecture raise awareness about the creatures in our urban civilization? This project explores a few design approaches that can teach people about shelters and urban animals and how physically different we are from them. The building is also a study of an animal shelter as a system that can improve their day-to-day life to become healthier and happier. It is proposed that these architectural changes would aid the adoption rate as well as creating a happier pet and owner. / Master of Architecture / Each year millions of adoptable animals are killed in shelters simply because people are not responsible enough to take action. People have always loved animals and have domesticated them from thousands of years ago. This makes us responsible for their lives and their well being. The general understanding is that animal shelters are very sad depressing places filled with sick unwanted animals. This keeps people away from animal shelters. People usually show affection to animals when they are interacting with them. How can the housing for these unwanted animals be a desirable place where people want to visit? How can it be the place where our physical differences are celebrated so we learn about their different needs? This project explores different ways to encourage interaction between humans and animals as well as to create a wholesome place for the animals to live. Through the beautiful experience of the shelter, these design approaches would motivate people to adopt healthy and happy animals.

Les changements climatiques soulèvent d'importants questionnements sur la vulnérabilité et la résilience des écosystèmes nordiques et des populations humaines du Nunatsiavut, lesquelles occupent la région depuis près de 7000 ans. Dans le cadre d'une initiative de recherche interdisciplinaire dans l'archipel de Nain sur la côte subarctique du Labrador, ce projet visait à reconstituer la variabilité paléoenvironnementale et paléoclimatique postglaciaire de Dog Island et à documenter leurs impacts sur l'évolution des lacs situés à proximité de sites archéologiques (Oakes Bay 1). Misant sur une approche paléolimnologique, les indicateurs biologiques (diatomées), physiques et géochimiques préservés dans les carottes sédimentaires de deux lacs ont été analysés. Les résultats du lac Oakes Bay West révèlent la sensibilité du bassin lacustre aux perturbations qui ont lieu dans son bassin versant, possiblement attribuables à des modifications dans le couvert végétal, les régimes hydrologiques et les processus géophysiques depuis 4900 ans cal. BP. Deux événements majeurs, caractérisés par des apports sédimentaires importants, ont été identifiés entre 4650-4150 ans cal. BP puis à partir de 1520 ans cal. BP. Autrement, les assemblages de diatomées suggèrent une légère diminution du pH, potentiellement liée au développement de la végétation et des sols du bassin versant, au refroidissement progressif du Néoglaciaire ou, plus récemment (depuis 1050 ans cal. BP), au processus de paludification préalablement identifié dans la région. La succession des assemblages biostratigraphiques et les profils physico-chimiques du lac Evilik ont permis de retracer l'isolation postglaciaire du lac provoquée par le relèvement glacio-isostatique et la régression marine. On observe une transition en trois étapes distinctes: 1) un milieu littoral marin peu profond et instable entre 3350-2700 ans cal. BP; 2) une période transitoire saumâtre marquée par la perte de contact régulier avec la mer entre 2700-1840 ans cal. BP; et 3) l'établissement des conditions lacustres vers 1840 ans cal. BP. / Climate change raises important questions about the vulnerability and resilience of both the northern ecosystems and the human populations in Nunatsiavut that have inhabited the region for nearly 7000 years. As part of an interdisciplinary research initiative within the Nain Archipelago on the subarctic coast of Labrador, this project sought to reconstruct the postglacial paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic variability of Dog Island and to document their impacts on the evolution of lakes located in the vicinity of significant archaeological sites (e.g., Oakes Bay 1). Using a paleolimnological approach, biological (diatoms), physical and geochemical indicators preserved in sediment cores from two lakes were analyzed. Results from Oakes Bay West reveal the sensitivity of the lake basin with respect to watershed disturbances, possibly due to changes in vegetation cover, hydrological regimes, and geophysical processes since 4900 cal. BP. Two major events, characterized by significant sedimentary inputs, were identified between 4650-4150 cal BP and then from 1520 cal BP onward. Otherwise, the diatom assemblages suggest a slight decrease in pH, potentially related to the development of vegetation and soils in the watershed, to the progressive cooling of the Neoglacial period or, more recently (since 1050 years cal. BP), to the paludification process previously identified in the region. The succession of biostratigraphic assemblages and the physico-chemical profiles of Evilik lake have allowed us to reconstruct the postglacial isolation of the lake caused by the processes of glacio-isostatic rebound and marine regression. A three-stage transition is observed: 1) a shallow and unstable littoral marine environment between 3350-2700 cal. years BP; 2) a brackish transitional period marked by the loss of regular contact with the sea between 2700-1840 cal. years BP; 3) the establishment of lacustrine conditions around 1840 years cal. BP.