Digital Commons Network^™

High-Order Harmonic Generation In Bulk And Thin Film Solids, Troie Journigan

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

High-order harmonic generation (HHG), a non-perturbative nonlinear light-matter interaction resulting in coherent emission of high-frequency light, has demonstrated promise as an optical probe of carrier dynamics, structural symmetries, and other properties of solids. HHG from bulk solids in transmission geometry, however, is influenced by nonlinear propagation of the driving laser, which leads to spectral skewing and temporal phase variations in the harmonic emission. These effects obscure the microscopic underlying physics, making HHG-based spectroscopy of bulk solids difficult to interpret. HHG in few-to mono-layer materials, however, avoids strong nonlinear propagation effects, and can provide novel material properties for HHG studies.

In …

Measuring Elementary Students' Level Of Acquisition Of Historical Habits Of Mind, Natalia E. Cruz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Providing elementary-aged students with opportunities to engage in authentic historical analysis is crucial to building their historical thinking skills. Teaching with primary and secondary sources allows students the opportunity to engage in authentic inquiry-based learning experiences where the acquisition of a historical concept is in their hands. This differs from the traditional social studies learning experience, as these inquiry-based learning experiences are student-centered, and the teacher is present as a guide. Developing social studies instruction utilizing the SOURCES Framework for Teaching with Primary and Secondary Sources (Waring, 2021) is an effective way to scaffold authentic historical inquiry at the upper …

Metaontological Dismissive Strategies: Implications And Applications In Metaphysics Of Race And Gender, Ethan F. Stumpp

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Metaontological discourse, inquiring into the nature, methodology, and aims of ontology, has functioned as the war ground for those skeptical of ontological projects against those who believe that ontological inquiry is substantive (i.e., meaningful, important, worth pursuing). I call the inquiry which engages in determining criteria to distinguish substantive from nonsubstantive inquiry/discourse: “the metaphysics of discourse”. In this project, I identify three frameworks in the metaphysics of discourse: Easy Ontology, The “Merely Verbal” Framework, and Metaphysical Structuralism. My primary concern is to show that these discourse frameworks or dismissive strategies all fail to provide sufficient criteria to properly delineate substantive …

Relationship Between Fentanyl Misinformation And College Students' Intentions To Administer Naloxone, Zoe Ryon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: The news media has spread misinformation about the toxicity and potency of fentanyl, exaggerating the extent to which bystanders could be harmed by fentanyl when responding to overdose situations. College students are increasingly among the victims of opioid overdose, and their peers may be the nearest person capable of administering naloxone – an overdose reversal medication. However, college students who fear incidental exposure to fentanyl may be worried about administering naloxone.

Objective: I sought to understand the relationship between undergraduate college students’ perceptions of the risks of fentanyl and their intentions to administer naloxone in an overdose situation.

Methods: …

Improving Screening For Intimate Partner Violence Amongst Older Adults, Olivia Bell

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This systematic literature review was conducted to gather a better understanding of screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) among older adults. IPV affects millions of people every year. Many screenings are conducted with women of reproductive age in medical settings, not older adults. This study focused on ways to improve screenings for older adults by addressing topics including elder abuse and IPV and the lack of resources/knowledge for IPV survivors who are older adults. This study was a literature review conducted with the University of Central Florida’s PRIMO database to find articles on IPV among older adults over the last …

Speed And Judgment: The Effect Of Caseload On Florida’S District Courts Of Appeal, Isabella C. Johnston

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Florida District Courts of Appeal have undergone many changes over the last three years, including the adoption of video conferencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the creation of a brand-new district for the first time since 1979. Included in this series of changes was a new rule that moves most of the circuit court’s appellate jurisdiction into the jurisdiction the District Courts of Appeals (DCAs). This change has added to the systemic pressures of the Florida DCAs. While the creation of a new district is a step in the right direction to protect the effectiveness and perception of …

Film Adaptation Of Novels Through Genai, Joshua M. Head

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

When a production company commits to creating a film based on a novel, it is essential that their team is equipped to manage the extensive responsibilities required to authentically translate the book to the big screen. This study aims to explore and address these challenges by utilizing contemporary Generative Artificial Intelligence technologies, including Large Language Models, Text-To-Speech, and Text-To-Image models. While recent advancements have focused on enhancing these models, there is a gap in research on their practical application and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This research will detail the steps necessary to deconstruct a novel’s narrative and produce the final …

Enhancing Student Graduation Rates By Mitigating Failure, Dropout, And Withdrawal In Introduction To Statistical Courses Using Statistical And Machine Learning, Shahabeddin Abbaspour Tazehkand

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The elevated rates of failure, dropout, and withdrawal (FDW) in introductory statistics courses pose a significant barrier to students' timely graduation from college. Identifying actionable strategies to support instructors in facilitating student success by reducing FDW rates is paramount. This thesis undertakes a comprehensive approach, leveraging various machine learning algorithms to address this pressing issue. Drawing from three years of data from an introductory statistics course at one of the largest universities in the USA, this study examines the problem in depth. Numerous predictive classification models have been developed, showcasing the efficacy of machine learning techniques in this context. Actionable …

Bayesian Variable Selection With Shrinkage Priors And Generative Adversarial Networks For Fraud Detection, Amina Issoufou Anaroua

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This research paper focuses on fraud detection in the financial industry using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in conjunction with Uni and Multi Variate Bayesian Model with Shrinkage Priors (BMSP). The problem addressed is the need for accurate and advanced fraud detection techniques due to the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities. The methodology involves the implementation of GANs and the application of BMSP for variable selection to generate synthetic fraud samples for fraud detection using the augmented dataset. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the BMSP GAN approach in detecting fraud with improved performance compared to other methods. The conclusions drawn …

School Experiences Of Young Adults Since The Passing Of "Don't Say Gay", Heather M. Summers

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

As of 2020, the US is home to an estimated over nine percent of youth 13-17 who identify as LGBTQ+ (Conron, 2020). There are hundreds of bills that have been passed into laws that restrict rights for LGBTQ+ individuals (Union, Mapping attacks on LGBTQ rights in US state legislatures in 2024, 2024). With risk factors specific to youth and with legislation altering the operation of schools, there is concern regarding the effect of such laws on students (Day, 2019). This dissertation provides an overview of how LGBTQ+ youth in schools have experienced the implementation of laws that emerged between 2022 …

Self-Transformation And Spirituality In Marketing, Mrudul Nilangekar

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Self-transformation and spirituality have not been extensively investigated in marketing research. However, these concepts are deeply impactful in an individual's life and are advocated by religious and spiritual traditions across the world. In Essay 1, I extend research on compassion, distance between self and other, and power by examining the effect of self-compassion on prosocial behavior. I test the effect of self-compassion on prosocial behavior mediated by the distance felt between self and other and moderated by felt power. Across five studies, I find that individuals in the self-compassionate and equal power mindset display higher prosocial behavior and lower empathy …

Comparative Analysis Of Metric And Non-Metric Ancestry Estimation Methods Of Maya Individuals, Griffon G. Binkowski, Channing Cook

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

Ancestry estimation finds its place in many fields of anthropology, including biological anthropology, osteoarchaeology, and paleopathology. A biological profile creates a framework for identity; with ancestry, it can aid researchers in determining the population group an individual is most genetically affiliated with. The heritability of dental traits makes teeth useful in estimating affinity. Ancestry estimation statistical programs using dentition, however, were originally developed upon limited and well- preserved databases, so archaeological Indigenous individuals are often grouped incorrectly as East Asian due to shared genetic traits. By using RStudio for anthropological statistical analysis, we aim to test the preservation bias and …

The Impact Of Well-Designed Graphics And Multimedia On Student Engagement And Learning In Online Classes, Joseph E. Lloyd

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The purpose of this research study was to examine the graphical redesign of an online Psychology course and determine the impact of that redesign on student engagement in the course, and students’ perceptions of the course, and the impact of the redesign elements on their learning. It also examined whether this redesign impacted students’ performance in the course. The results from this study could provide insights for instructors, instructional designers, and graphic designers on how the inclusion of such graphics affects student engagement and learning. In addition, how the students view their own engagement and learning with the addition of …

A Critical Discursive Analysis Of The Effects Of Confidence Chats On The Positioning Of Students With Disabilities During Mathematics Discourse, Kelly R. Penny

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This qualitative study investigated how confidence chats affect how students with disabilities (SWD) position themselves during mathematics discourse and the impact the confidence chats had on a student’s mathematical identity. A critical discourse analysis was conducted over a three-month period using transcripts from classroom observations, student-teacher confidence chats, and teacher interview debriefs. Findings revealed that following the confidence chats, SWD participated in discourse, and students were able to adjust their positioning in relation to others. Over the course of the study, student collaboration increased and their reliance on teacher support decreased. In addition, the findings indicated that confidence chats provided …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2024 - 2025, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Design Parameters For A Piezoelectric-Based, High-Authority, High-Bandwidth Flow Injection Valve, Sydney A. Giannuzzi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Aeromechanical Identification Methodology (AIM) is an approach to measure damping in turbomachinery to identify and map flutter boundaries across various operating conditions. Previous approaches required entering, or nearly entering, flutter to produce a binary “flutter” / “no-flutter” boundary. AIM is significantly safer; however, it is limited by actuation authority and bandwidth. A non-contact, high-frequency, high-amplitude piezoelectric-based valve provides a promising solution to bridge these gaps. This valve operates by ejecting high-frequency oscillatory flow from a piezoelectric-based converging nozzle as a non-contact method of imparting a harmonic force. This valve has broad applications for high-frequency flow modulation beyond the motivating structural …

Towards Robust And Accurate Text-To-Code Generation, Saleh Almohaimeed

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Databases play a vital role in today's digital landscape, enabling effective data storage, management, and retrieval for businesses and other organizations. However, interacting with databases often requires knowledge of query (e.g., SQL) and analysis, which can be a barrier for many users. In natural language processing, the text-to-code task, which converts natural language text into query and analysis code, bridges this gap by allowing users to access and manipulate data using everyday language. This dissertation investigates different challenges in text-to-code (including text-to-SQL as a subtask), with a focus on four primary contributions to the field. As a solution to the …

The Impact Of Bilingualism On Visual Semantic Processing, Ancuta Margondai

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Bilingualism has been shown to influence a variety of cognitive aspects, including attentional control, behavioral regulation, and the adaptation to fluctuating linguistic demands. Nevertheless, the influence of bilingualism on visual semantic processing remains ambiguous, characterized by inconsistent previous findings.. The present study aims to investigate the bilingual switch cost effect, characterized by slower response times and increased inaccuracy for bilinguals, in the context of visual semantic processing.

The study is grounded in three theoretical models: the Bilingual Interactive Activation (BIA) model, the Adaptive Control Hypothesis, and the Visual World Paradigm Theory. These models hypothesize that bilinguals would demonstrate enhanced visual …

Gait Entrainment & Energetics Of Young Adults To Discrete Mediolateral Perturbations, Lindsey D. Lee

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Entrainment is a natural phenomenon that occurs with synchronization to a rhythmic stimulus which can be auditory, visual, or mechanical. An everyday example is walking next to someone and synchronizing your steps. Previous studies have explored entrainment from auditory cues, such as a metronome, and mechanical cues, such as an exoskeleton applying a force at the ankle. These studies have found entrainment is more likely to occur if the stimulation frequency is close to the person’s natural locomotion frequency. Previously we found when discrete mediolateral perturbations were applied on a treadmill, participants increased their speed and retained this increased speed …

Supply Chain Security: Assessing Confidence In Food Defense Compliance As A Function Of Management Systems 4.0 Deployment In Truck Transportation, Celso Alvarado

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The secure transportation of food via trucks within the supply chain is a pivotal aspect of ensuring food safety and defense, necessitating the seamless integration of advanced security control processes and systems. This study primarily investigates how the integrated use of Industry 4.0 (4IR) technologies, such as AI, IoT, and Blockchain, alongside ISO standards like ISO 28001 and ISO 22000, in trucking management systems for food transport influences the confidence of supply chain professionals in ensuring that food products remain safe and untampered with during truck transportation.

To ensure the robustness of our survey, a two-round Delphi study involving 10 …

Hydrogen Cryo-Adsorption In Silica Aerogel: Analytical Model Of Adsorption In Porous Media And Experimental Validation, Adil Riahi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Hydrogen has incontestably gained attention as one of the best alternative energy sources to fossil fuels due to its volatility, abundance and eco-friendly attributes. The classical methods for hydrogen storage in its gaseous or liquid forms such as high-pressure tanks or cryogenic temperatures display several challenges. Hence, the need to come up with innovative methods to store and transport it is imminent. Comparative studies have demonstrated that material-based hydrogen storage has proven promising in enhancing energy efficiency. However, material selectivity is the missing part of the puzzle to achieve optimal hydrogen storage performance. This dissertation introduces a novel material for …

Enhancing Digital Reading Experiences For Older Adults: Investigating The Impact Of Font Selection And Hyperlinks In Newspaper Articles On Reading Speed, Comprehension, Engagement, Reading Pleasure, And Fatigue, Shalah Thomas

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study explores the impact of font selection, hyperlink presence, memory retention, and visual acuity on digital reading experiences for older adults. Initially designed to evaluate the effects of font types and hyperlinks on reading outcomes, the study adapted its approach after participants indicated a strong dislike for hyperlinks and largely avoided using them. Using a multiple linear regression analysis, this research examines how font choices, memory, and visual acuity influence reading speed, comprehension, engagement, pleasure, and fatigue. Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) analysis was employed to address multicollinearity. Results indicate that familiar fonts, strong memory retention, and good visual acuity …

Exploration Of Augmenting Tower-Based Rf Equipment Visual Inspections With Infrared Cameras, Michael Sterkel

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This research examines the potential benefits and limitations of integrating infrared (IR) cameras into tower-mounted Radio Frequency (RF) equipment visual inspections. These inspections are critical for assessing risks posed by age-related degradation and environmental impacts to safeguard from failure or malfunction. The visual inspection method for tower installed RF equipment poses significant physical risks to the climber and inspection results prone to error due to assessments performed by unaided sight or with a visual camera. I propose using thermography and infrared (IR) camera technology to conduct these visual inspections. Thermography and IR cameras would capture detailed thermal imaging data that …

Using Geographic Information Systems To Examine Unmet Healthcare Needs Among Transgender And Non-Binary Young Adults In Florida, Nino Franklin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This study explored healthcare utilization among the Transgender and Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) population of Florida using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of unmet healthcare needs. The aim was to provide a clear comparison of unmet healthcare needs across various regions, highlight areas with the highest and lowest levels of unmet needs, and understand the demographic factors influencing these disparities. Utilizing survey data from the NIH-funded U=CARE study, which involved TGNB participants aged 18-26 from diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the data were cleaned, geocoded, and analyzed within ArcGIS. Geocoded survey responses were linked to …

The Effects Of Esg On The Financial Performance Of Aerospace & Defense Companies, Cooper Trimble

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examines the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) activity and financial performance in the context of firms operating in the Aerospace & Defense industry. As societal pressure increases for companies to adopt ESG and related corporate sustainability practices, it is crucial to understand the repercussions of such adoptions. As the Aerospace & Defense industry continues to grow and capitalize on post-COVID travel booms, military modernization efforts, and increased demand for advanced aerospace technology, it is essential to understand the consequences of ESG implementation. By examining data from 2012 – 2023, this study produced results regarding the …

A Pandemic In The Educational Sphere: Collecting And Understanding Students' Responses To University Communication On Covid-19, Matthew R. Stapleton

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This dissertation addresses the lived experiences of Florida college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the communication that was provided to them through their university on the subject of the pandemic. This two-stage research process first involved the collection of survey responses on a variety of pandemic communication-centered topics from 39 university students from three universities (University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and University of South Florida). Second, a subsequent interview with 7 students provided qualitative information to further explicate themes and trends seen through data analysis.

Using health and technical communication alongside crisis communication analyses to understand what …

From The Slime And Mud: Rumination As Fuel For Artistic Process, Olivia Van Natta

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This thesis examines my work to harness ruminative thinking as a driving force for my art practice. With a combination of drawing and painting in watercolor pencil, I activate and engage with rumination through the act of sublimation as defined in clinical psychology. Repetition of process and hand-rendered detail serve as outward channels for my obsessive cyclical thoughts. Based on my experience living with the physical effects of a hyperactive mind, I depict botanical life symbolically in an effort to communicate impressions of the bodily sensations associated with rumination, such as palpable tension, anxiety, or dread. In my research, I …

A Succession Of Loves, Of Writing, And Of Memory: Reverberations Of Deleuze And Guattari Across In Search Of Lost Time, Dylan Hoven

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The theoretical oeuvre of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari often looks to In Search of Lost Time as a work that exemplifies or inspires their concepts. These chapters draw on their work regarding Marcel Proust as a conceptual basis for understanding The Search. Even so, their work on Proust is neither an exhaustive study of his novel nor a totalizing application of their philosophy. As a result, this study focuses on the successive loves of The Search as an element of the novel whose analysis is facilitated by the work of Deleuze and Guattari while not being a topic …

Ai Hacks For Educators, Kevin Yee, Laurie Uttich, Eric Main, Elizabeth Giltner

UCF Created OER Works

No abstract provided.

Development Of An Objective Battery For Ptsd, Kathryn O'Dell

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is marked by avoidance, arousal, re-experiencing, and negative mood and cognition. To date, these symptoms are assessed using self-report measures (e.g., the PCL-5) and clinician administered assessments (e.g., the CAPS-5). While these are the present gold-standard assessments for PTSD, they still are prone to bias on behalf of both the administrator and the patient. Presently, there is evidence that individuals with PTSD perform differently than individuals without PTSD on certain cognitive tasks that measure attention bias and avoidance behaviors. As such, creating a battery of these tasks may be a viable route for objectively measuring PTSD. …