Matching Items (2)
Description
This thesis project was inspired by healthcare disparities between rural and urban communities. This topic was operationalized in this paper through a comparison of dental care access in rural and urban areas of both Panama and Arizona. The significance and origin of the research were first introduced, followed by a literature review to establish baseline care access information in each of the locations. The methods of the research conducted include on-site observational data collection as well as patient interviews and conversations summarized by thematic analysis. Data showed different primary barriers to care in each location with an emphasis on geographic and policy variables. The results were discussed in terms of the factors identified as contributing to the disparities in access between the rural and urban communities in each location, and further, through a comparison of these disparities and their root causes, between Panama and Arizona. Recommendations were detailed for steps to continue this study and expand its scope, as well as suggested measures to minimize the access disparities faced by rural communities.
ContributorsMartinez, Jacob (Author) / Kizer, Elizabeth (Thesis director) / Maupin, Jonathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Cetacean-based ecotourism is a popular activity and an important source of revenue for many countries. Whale watching, a subset of cetacean-based ecotourism, is vital to supporting conservation efforts and provides numerous benefits to local communities including educational opportunities and job creation. However, the sustainability of whale-based ecotourism depends on the behavior and health of whale populations and is therefore vital that ecotourism industries consider the impact their activities have on whale reproductive behavior. To address this statement, behavioral data (e.g. direction change, breaching, slap behaviors, diving, and spy hops) were collected from humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Las Perlas Archipelago off the Pacific coast of Panama to determine if vessel presence had an influence on whale behaviors. Studies were recorded during their breeding season from August through September in 2019. Based on 47 behavioral observations, higher boat density corresponded with humpback whales changing direction which is believed to be a sign of disturbance. This result is important given Panamanian regulations implemented on February 13 of 2007 prohibit whale-based tourism from disturbing whales, which is measured as changes in behavior. Because there is no systematic monitoring of whale watching activity to enforce the regulations, there is currently little compliance among tour operators. The integration of animal behavior research into management planning will result in more effective regulation and compliance of conservation policies.
ContributorsAmrein, Arielle (Author) / Gerber, Leah R. (Thesis advisor) / Guzman, Hector M (Committee member) / Polidoro, Beth (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020