Digital Commons Network^™

Pokémon Go: Fostering Community In Location-Based Augmented Reality, Miranda Ward

Communication Studies

While most modern video games are played from the comfort of one's own home, Pokémon GO (2016) is a game that requires people to leave their homes and interact with other people in the real world. Pokémon GO contains community-building mechanics that reward players for interacting with each other and catching Pokémon. Due to this, players use third-party applications to organize meetups, particularly through Campfire, which is an app owned by the same company who created the game, Niantic. Uses and Gratifications Theory can be applied to understand why players choose to play Pokémon GO and what needs the game …

Incorporating Domestic Students Returning From International Educational Experiences Into Internationalization At Home: Challenges And Opportunities, Andrew M. Robinson

Journal of Global Education and Research

While domestic student—international student interactions have received attention in the literature as a means of advancing internationalization at home (IaH), the potential contributions of domestic students who return from international educational experiences (IEEs) have been noted but remain largely unexplored. This article seeks to initiate a conversation on this topic by identifying mechanisms through which such knowledge transfer might happen, barriers it might face, and possible approaches to facilitate greater knowledge transfer. The article’s analysis draws upon three antecedent bodies of literature to reflect upon findings from 20 original interviews with domestic returnee alumni of a comprehensive university in Ontario, …

Indian Culture Through The Lens Of Bollywood, Harika Rao

Lynn University Digital Press Books

Indian Culture Through the Lens of Bollywood offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian culture, delving into its rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and social structures that have evolved over millennia. The eBook examines the diverse aspects of India’s society, from its major religions and linguistics to culinary traditions and artistic expressions. By presenting a nuanced view of Indian culture, this text aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Course: DJLC 200

The Role Of Graphics And Packaging In Brand Protection, Charlotte Smith

Graphic Communication

This project was focused on how packaging and graphics can be utilized to help minimize the occurrence and risks of counterfeit products in the pharmaceutical industry. During this project, a brand protection plan for a fictional pharmaceutical product was formulated that focused on both developing packaging that is difficult to counterfeit and fostering consumer education. This plan involved covert, semi-covert and overt anti-counterfeiting features which were implemented in the packaging. An educational website was also created for users and distributors in order to enable the end users to identify if that product is genuine. The project objective was to better …

Insights From Father-Toddler Communication Via Tiktok, Joy Lee Hernandez, Abha Gupta

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This qualitative study investigates the characteristics of interactions between fathers and toddlers, as well as their influence on language development. By utilizing video clips from the social media platform TikTok, this research observes and analyses fathers' responses and interactions with their toddlers. The findings indicate that fathers play a crucial role in supporting language development by engaging in conversations, expanding vocabulary, and providing emotional support. The study underscores the significance of fathers' involvement in nurturing language skills during early childhood. However, further longitudinal research is necessary to establish a definitive link between fathers' language input and toddlers' language development. Overall, …

Tikking The Tok And Leading The Way: Teacherpreneurs Leading On Tiktok, Jori S. Beck, Derrick Riddle

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Teacher shortages in the United States have increased the need for resources for teachers just learning to teach. The purpose of this study was to explore how teacherpreneurs, a type of teacher leader, are leading on TikTok. We grounded this study in the research on teacher leadership, including the five waves of teacher leadership and the most recent development of teacherpreneurship, as well as social media influencers. We qualitatively analyzed 300 videos from 30 different teacherpreneuers to determine the following themes: diverse narratives, entertainment, instructional resources, and advocacy. We describe implications for practice, including teacher preparation, as well as future …

Exploring The Role Of Mass Media In Enhancing Farmer-To-Farmer Extension Activities In Bosomtwe District, Ghana, Anthony Kwame Appiah, Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Fred Nimoh, John-Eudes Andivi Bakang, Fred Ankuyi

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Farmer-to-farmer extension has always existed among farmers. It helps to strengthen information flow, reduce extension costs, and empower farmers playing a crucial role in enhancing their livelihoods. Currently, scanty information exists on the role of mass media in enhancing farmer-farmer extension activities. It is against this background that this study was carried out. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data from 400 farmers who were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. The results show that, compared to newspapers, books, TV, radio, computers, and social media, the mobile phone is the most accessible and most used mass media tool …

Metagenomic Sequencing For Early Detection Of Future Engineered Pandemics: Foreshadowing The Privacy Challenge, Nir Eyal, Bridget Williams, Kevin M. Esvelt, Jane R. Bambauer

UF Law Faculty Publications

In this commentary, we imagine how a global system of metagenomic sequencing could be governed in order to reap the benefits and manage the risks. Global institutional engineers and their academic partners would need to develop a new governance model to ensure that all partners involved in a global metagenomic surveillance system cooperate as needed.

Picking Corn, Aaron Sanderford

College of Journalism and Mass Communications: Theses

Nebraska’s shifting media landscape, marked by the decline of newspapers and traditional broadcast viewership, has created an opportunity for innovative, local storytelling. My professional project, Picking Corn, is a podcast that gives voice to Nebraska’s political conversations, focusing on in-depth, long-form interviews with key political figures. Inspired by successful models like The New York Times Daily and NPR Politics Pod, this podcast aims to engage audiences by prioritizing thoughtful questions and meaningful dialogue.

In its first year, Picking Corn reached over 3,300 listeners across platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud. The podcast achieved a 72% episode completion rate—far exceeding …

Optimizing Sublimation Transfer Printing: Influence Of Temperature And Dwell Time On Different Synthetic Fabrics With A Focus On Color Metrics And Delta E Evaluation, Ramya Potnis

All Theses

Various techniques are employed to create images on textile fabrics. This study utilized a dye sublimation transfer process to print onto synthetic textile fabrics. Sublimation transfer printing is a widely used method for applying designs onto fabrics. However, achieving consistent and accurate color reproduction remains a significant challenge. Factors such as temperature and dwell time can heavily influence the color accuracy and overall quality of the prints, making it essential to study their effects.

The study focuses on the influence of temperature and dwell time to evaluate the color quality of the sublimation transfer prints across different synthetic fabrics. The …

How Couples Navigate Interethnic Differences In Asian American Population: A Grounded Theory Approach, Michelle Nakaula

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Several studies have discussed the impact of cultural factors in Asian American families. Previous research has demonstrated useful strategies used in dealing with distress and relationship dissatisfaction regarding cultural differences. There is limited data or studies that explore additional challenges faced by interethnic couples, rather than interracial couples and the impact of family dynamics on these relationships. Each partner’s identity development process was influenced by their understanding of different cultural traditions and customs. These unique experiences shaped their understanding of roles and expectations within their relationship and parenting styles. Additionally, these family relationships and cultural backgrounds play a role in …

Obesity: Influencing Behavioral Consumption Through Meal Kit Distribution, Alejandro Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Founded in 2002, Everyone’s Harvest is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to providing access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers markets and community food programs. Its key initiatives—Fresh Rx, Market Match, Edible Education and Farms Together —focus on alleviating nutrition insecurity and combating diet-related health conditions by providing vulnerable populations the resources to purchase, or receive, fresh produce and gain nutritional knowledge. This study explores a new intervention: the distribution of farmers' market meal kits as a complementary strategy to the current Edible Education program. These meal kits, which feature seasonally available produce and pre-measured ingredients, aim to …

Legal Chefs’ Appetizing Taglines To Engage Consumers In The Age Of Social Media: The Struggle Against Trademark Genericide, Emily Mcdonald

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Many have heard the phrases “raisin bran,” “escalator,” “nylon,” and “aspirin,” all of which are “old” trademarks that have undergone genericide. Genericide occurs when a trademark has become common from the customer’s perspective concerning specific goods or services rather than associated with the source, which is usually the company that registered the trademark. In short, businesses are no longer able to use the trademark exclusively. Another common trademark phrase that became generic was “Taco Tuesday.” In light of the prolific use of social media today, recent data and statistics show that “food” has become a predominant category and trend on …

Disney's Postfeminist Follies: Disney’S Postfeminist Portrayal Of Women In The Age Of Fourth Wave Of Feminism, Morgan Crafton

Honors Theses

In 2022, Disney CEO Bob Chepak spoke out against the "Don't Say Gay" bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis’ supporters derisively labeled Disney as “woke." However, the company does not warrant the label. Though Fourth Wave feminism has broadened Disney’s idea of a woman, the entertainment company largely operates with a postfeminist lens that prevents its heroines from being feminist representations of women. Audiences see this in "Frozen," (2013), "Moana" (2016), "Encanto" (2021), and "Turning Red" (2022). Disney’s postfeminist rhetoric allows it to portray supposedly progressive women without challenging societal notions of misogyny. Thus, Disney’s criticisms for “wokeness” …

The Heroine Among Us: An Analysis Of The Feminine Principle Of The Heroine Archetype In Motion Pictures And Its Implication For Social Discourse, Neldie Gonzales

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores an emerging myth perceived by the rise of the feminine principle in modern society that challenges traditional gender roles. It forms a connection between the heroines seen in film and those in the real-world. It explains how the characteristics of unity, equality and love align to the feminine principle, the acquisition of which defines the archetypal hero along the hero’s journey as described by Joseph Campbell. This work proposes that stories containing this kind of archetypal hero are seeded by the discourse occurring in real-world society. Conversely, it suggests that when viewed by billions of people, blockbuster …

An Analysis Of Security Risks Posed By Text-Based Generative Ai And Corporate Security Weaknesses Leading To Data Leaks, Tashya Rakshana Byreddy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Generative AI (GenAI) has become a fundamental part of modern life, influencing how we work, learn, and interact with technology. This project focuses specifically on text-based GenAI, which is widely used for tasks such as information gathering, code improvement, and content creation. Despite its benefits, it presents significant security risks that are often underestimated by users. This project investigates these risks and the corporate security gaps that lead to unintentional data leaks. The project also provides a brief overview of Large Language Models (LLMs), which are based on the deep learning technique known as Transformer architecture, used for performing …

The Exploration Of Modern Life And Nature: A Public Relations Campaign Plan For Community Artists, David Mitchell

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Art can unite individuals and foster a sense of community. When art is accessible, it can act as a meeting place for individuals to connect and share their experiences. It may also generate economic opportunities for artists and communities. In this scholarly document, I briefly discussed how artists, particularly community artists, use visual arts to create connections within communities and to preserve cultures. Further, I discussed the lack of research on public relations in the art field and the importance that public relations holds for visual arts. I explained the critical role my public relations plan and non-profit art organization …

Digital Storytelling Strategies For Viewer Engagement: A Rhetorical Analysis Of Youtube Videos By Nonprofit Healthcare Organizations, Maame Aba Afful

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As reliance on digital media and social media platforms such as YouTube increases, health organizations infuse rhetorical strategies to create memorable and impactful health-related videos to raise awareness and attract support. Nonprofit healthcare organizations use digital storytelling to communicate their impact. In this study, I conduct a rhetorical analysis of five digital storytelling videos shared on the YouTube pages of nonprofit healthcare organizations to: identify how the videos leverage rhetorical appeals, point-of-view (POV), and metadata; and discuss how such strategies might influence viewer engagement or brand objectives. My findings suggest that nonprofit healthcare organizations integrate positive and negative emotional appeals …

Ai At The Helm: Transforming Crisis Communication Through Theory And Advancing Technology, Timothy Whims

All Theses

This thesis investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, into crisis communication, focusing on how AI technologies can enhance response strategies and stakeholder engagement during crises. By leveraging established communication frameworks such as Image Repair Theory, Situational Crisis Communication Theory, and the Discourse of Renewal, this research explores the potential for AI to improve both the speed and precision of crisis responses. The study highlights how AI can assist in monitoring public sentiment, drafting tailored responses, and managing real-time information during crisis events. However, it also addresses the limitations of AI, such as its inability to …

Thinking And Doing Beyond Science And Risk Communication As Mere Transmission, Inez Z. Ponce De Leon

Department of Communication Faculty Publications

I look back on my professional experience as both bench and social scientist, and examine my misun derstandings of science communication as a field, which were fueled by my ideologically-driven stance on the primacy of the bench sciences over all other fields of study. I begin with my work as a molecular biologist, continue with my socialization into the social sciences at the PhD level, and narrate my ex periences as a researcher attempting to break down the notion of science and risk communication as mere vessels for sharing scientific information. I do this by discussing my research findings, and …

The Lived Experiences Of Women In Construction: Career Supporting Strategies, Cheryl Anne Loar Croall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Women are underrepresented in the United States construction industry, representing only 11% of the workforce, and this lack of diversity in the male-dominated occupation results in barriers to female career advancement. The problem is that women in construction experience obstacles to career progression due to gender work life balance, sexual harassment, and pay inequality; barriers such as these keep women out of leadership roles. Three recommended techniques to support women’s career progression in construction and combat barriers to career advancement include social support, fighting back (openly challenging discrimination), and positive reappraisal (reframing negatives to positives). Understanding the effectiveness of these …

Computer Use Frequency And Cardiovascular Health In Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Meilan Hu, Shu Fen Diong, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

With increased computer usage amongst midlife and older adults, concerns are emerging with regards to the potential adverse health effects of computer use given the sedentary habits it may encourage. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between computer use and cardiovascular risk in midlife and older adults. From the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States II: Biomarker Project (2004–2009) and the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II), 2004–2006, we examined five cardiovascular risk biomarkers—high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein—in relation to self-reported general …

Sands Of Change In The Mississippi Delta: How Local Newspapers Prevent News Deserts From Silencing Their Communities, Sophia H. Lapalme

Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes the results from four interviews conducted with media professionals working in the Mississippi Delta to determine the risks news deserts pose in the Mississippi Delta. The interviewees represented The Yazoo Herald, Greenwood Commonwealth, The Panolian, and The DeSoto Times-Tribune. The Mississippi Delta is the poorest region of the poorest state in the United States of America, increasing the likelihood of news deserts since they form in poor and rural areas. The interviewees answered thirteen questions that addressed changes in the newspaper industry, the roles journalists fill in society, the future of journalism, and their concerns about news …

What Journalism Feels Like: Considering The Body Of The Journalist, Mark Deuze, Laura Glitsos

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

All journalists have bodies. This commonsensical fact acquires more currency every day as the work of reporters and editors becomes automated, robotized, and taken over by (generative) artificial intelligence. The embodied nature of news work matters, not in the least because of the personal attachment practitioners have to what journalism is, or should be. However, in the rich history of journalism studies, bodily perspectives are remarkably absent—beyond descriptions of journalists as sociodemographic profiles. In this essay, we explore various theoretical frameworks to bring the body back into the study and practice of journalism. In our argument, we apply the insights …

Harvesting Hope: How La Casa De La Cultura Serves Migrant Families Through Health And Advocacy Programs, Ana Ruiz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project aims to enhance community engagement in Pajaro through strategic outreach and marketing efforts for weekly meetings hosted at La Casa de la Cultura. By increasing awareness and participation, the initiative seeks to empower residents, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to access vital resources and services. The project will collect data on attendance and community interests, leading to more tailored presentations that address pressing concerns. Ultimately, this outreach aims to foster a unified, informed community capable of advocating for its needs and accessing available support systems effectively.

A Native American Free Press: The Opportunities And Threats To Press Freedom In Indian Country, Bryan Pollard

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Tribal media – media outlets often operated by a tribe for a Native audience – are an indispensable public service to their communities. They are relied upon for news and information about current events and governmental actions, and often reinforce cultural and community values. These outlets are often financially subsidized by the tribal government if the operation is too small or geographically remote to generate the revenue necessary for financial independence. Herein lies a central dilemma: Can tribal media, under the influence of tribal governments, serve as an independent voice free of political interference and capable of fair and truthful …

Dungeons & Dragons In Times Of Transmedia, Nazario Robles Bastida, Ricardo Victoria Uribe

Journal of Roleplaying Studies and STEAM

This paper explores the current state of transmedia storytelling, that is, the art of developing a cohesive narrative through a variety of media. Using Dungeons & Dragons as a case study, this study explores the complex nature of current forms of transmedia storytelling, as well as the complex relationships between media producers and consumers that have arisen due to this narrative technique. Focusing in three specific examples within the franchise: Drizzt Do'Urden, the Dungeons & Dragons Saturday morning cartoon series and the 2023 film Honor among Thieves, our analysis illustrate the fact that current media franchises are constituted by a …

Harnessing 360-Degree Video To Prompt Users To Think Along With Pro-Environmental Campaign Messages, Mincheol Shin, Heejae Lee

Mass Communications - All Scholarship

Three-hundred-and-sixty-degree videos visualized through virtual reality (VR) technologies are recognized as an effective tool for fostering positive attitudes towards environmental stewardship by immersing users in persuasive storytelling narratives. However, a lack of an overarching framework hinders the understanding of its role in promoting prosocial environmental behaviors, particularly its effects on information processing and behavioral intentions. Notably, recent studies have suggested that feeling transported into a VR environment (i.e., presence) could positively bias message evaluation and the way people process information by activating heuristics connected to immersive experiences (i.e., the bias hypothesis of the heuristic-systematic model). Drawing on this proposition, this …

Social Media As Health Educator: An Assessment Of The Understandability And Accuracy Of Tiktok Content About Contraception, Julianna Coleman, Maetal Haas-Kogan, Andrea Pelletier, Rachel Stoddard, Natasha Johnson, Julia Beatini, Nora Sun, Alex Keuroghlian, Deborah Bartz

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Contraception knowledge and attitudes are largely formed from conversations within one's social network. More recently, this network has expanded to include social media. As the fastest growing social media platform, we aimed to assess popular contraception videos on TikTok for content understandability, actionability and accuracy.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the most viewed, contraception-specific TikTok videos that were previously coded as containing educational messaging in a content-analysis study. We assessed videos for understandability (ability to explain a key message) and actionability (identify what they can do to act on that message) using the Patient Education Materials Assessment …

Data Security In The Apple Ecosystem: An Evaluation, Kayrene Woods

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of data security within the Apple ecosystem, focusing on the company’s privacy policies, user perceptions, and the effectiveness of its App Store review processes. Employing an interdisciplinary methodology, the research examines Apple’s commitment to data protection, emphasizing transparency and user trust. A survey of user experiences revealed varying levels of engagement and understanding of Apple’s privacy practices, with only 32.8% of respondents having read the Privacy Policy and mixed opinions on its clarity. Additionally, concerns persist about third-party app security, with 39.7% of users expressing apprehension and skepticism about Apple’s App Store review process. …