Digital Commons Network^™

Creepy, Invasive, And Exploitative Algorithms: A Cpm Analysis Of Users' Privacy Breakdowns And Recalibration Practices With Social Media Algorithms, Matthew J. A. Craig, Jeffrey T. Child

Human-Machine Communication

Social media content filtering algorithms can both provide desired personalized content and ads for users. However, sometimes these recommendations can resemble individual private information. How might users navigate these experiences to best manage their private information? The present exploratory study utilizes the rules- and systems-based framework of communication privacy management (CPM) theory to explore social media users’ experiences of privacy breakdowns with social media algorithms and investigates what users do in response to said breakdowns. These responses were refined using content analysis and divided into different categories of privacy breakdowns and recalibration strategies. Implications for future research surrounding human-machine communication …

The Hai-Io Model: A Framework For Understanding The Human-Ai Communication Process, Rae Francis Quilantang

Human-Machine Communication

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life calls for new theoretical frameworks that capture human-AI interaction’s dynamic, feedback-driven nature. Traditional models treat AI as a passive medium, overlooking its adaptive capabilities. This paper proposes the Human-AI Interaction Outcomes (HAI-IO) model, an interdisciplinary framework synthesizing human-machine communication, social exchange theory, dialogue systems, and computational feedback models like cybernetics and reinforcement learning. The HAI-IO model frames interaction as iterative and bidirectional—AI adapts through predictive processing while users adjust based on AI feedback. This mutual adaptation shapes trust, engagement, and system optimization. The model informs AI system design, user education, …

Development And Validation Of The Attitudes Toward Algorithms Scale: A Universal Scale To Measure Individuals Attitudes Toward Algorithmic Decision-Making, Nikolai Bock, Astrid M. Rosenthal-Von Der Pütten

Human-Machine Communication

Algorithmic decision-making (ADM) has become increasingly important across various fields, ranging from personal entertainment to criminal justice. While existing research has predominantly explored evaluative outcomes like individuals’ perceptions and interactions with these systems, there remains a significant gap in understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to these outcomes. Building on traditional behavioral intention theories, we identified attitudes toward algorithms and ADM as crucial determinants. In response to the lack of an appropriate measure for this construct, we developed and validated the Attitudes Toward Algorithmic Decision-Making Scale (ATAS), a novel instrument designed to assess core beliefs that drive attitude formation toward …

College Students’ Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Risks And Benefits In Pakistan, Rauf Arif, Muhammad Ittefaq, Lamia Zia

Human-Machine Communication

With the rapid advancements in technology over the past 2 decades, it has become crucial to understand people’s attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and its associated risks. Given the increasing access to the AI technologies, it is imperative to examine how young people in non-Western societies like Pakistan perceive AI risks and benefits. We conducted an online survey of college students who had used AI technology in the past 6 months. The results of our study indicate that the majority of college students view AI technology positively and perceive it as an opportunity to enhance workplace productivity. In addition, …

Casa Renovations: Examining Social Responses To An Anthropomorphic Media Representative That Is Separate From The Core Technology Being Represented, Rabindra Ratan, Dayeoun Jang, Taenyun Kim, Kelsey Earle, Gabriel E. Hales, Yiming Skylar Lei, Chaeyun Lim, Andrew Gambino

Human-Machine Communication

To extend our understanding of CASA and account for changes in technological complexity and configuration, this research asks: Do increasing levels of social cues in a media representative that is separate from the core technology it represents lead to increased perceived anthropomorphism of the core technology? And does such perceived anthropomorphism predict positive treatment of the core technology? We conducted two complementary studies observing e-scooter use and treatment, an online experiment focused on responses to video stimuli and a field experiment focused on actual user behavior. Findings suggest that, indeed, social cues in a media representative (i.e., an e-scooter rental …

Transformations And Revelations: The Communicative Constitution Of Trustworthiness And Trust Through Ai Development Practices, Tessa Bruijne, Anouk Mols, Jason Pridmore

Human-Machine Communication

This study explores AI development practices to understand how trustworthiness is built into AI systems, and how this generates trust in AI. Through a multi-sited ethnography based methodology, we analyze observations, interviews, and documentation from AI developers working on trustworthy AI. Our analysis shows two key practices: transformation and revelation. Through transformational AI development practices trustworthiness is (re)constituted, though more or lesser degrees. Through revelation practices, AI developers communicatively engage with others to generate trust. This focus on developers adds to the user-centric perspective and shows the role nontechnical development practices have in shaping trust and trustworthy AI before it …

Socio-Technical Exchange With Machines: Worker Experiences With Complex Work Technologies, Cameron W. Piercy, Reaia Turner-Leatherman

Human-Machine Communication

Machines are now commonplace work partners and Human-Machine Communication (HMC) is part of modern work. Guided by the machine heuristic and Social Exchange Theory (SET) this paper uses interviews with 22 workers to explore the socio-technical relationships between humans and machines at work. Participants worked with complex machines across a wide variety of industries and roles and findings reveal participants see machines as part of the work ecosystem, develop everyday machine heuristics to guide repeated interactions with machines, and that elements of human uniqueness persist in evaluations of humans and machines. Discussion points emphasize situated and developing human-machine interaction scripts, …

Pilot Fatigue And Required Rest Period For Korean Air Force Pilots Flying High-Performance Aircraft, Mijin Hong

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Over the years, significant advancements have been made in aircraft technology and in understanding the detrimental effects of fatigue on flight performance. However, integrating these advancements into crew rest regulations, particularly for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) operating high-performance jets, requires further review. This study employs a systematic review with thematic analysis to assess whether ROKAF’s current rest regulations are sufficient. Relevant studies were identified from English-language databases (e.g., FAA, ICAO, Google Scholar) and Korean-language databases (e.g., RISS, KCI). Titles and abstracts were initially reviewed, followed by full-text assessments based on inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on military …

Advanced Deep Learning Algorithms For Medical Imaging Applications: Tumor And Organ At Risk Segmentation, Ilkin Sevgi Isler

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Accurate segmentation of tumors and organs at risk (OAR) remains a fundamental challenge in medical image analysis, directly affecting diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. Although automated segmentation methods have advanced, they still face difficulties in anatomically complex regions and in cases with low tissue contrast. A major contributor to this variability is intra- and interobserver disagreement, introducing uncertainty into annotations and model predictions.

This dissertation investigates the role of segmentation uncertainty and its impact on model reliability, interpretability, and clinical integration, with a focus on lung, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers.

The first component introduces uncertainty-aware segmentation …

A Novel Au-Decorated Ni-Mof For The Photo And Electrochemical Treatment Of Mc-Lr, Stephanie Stoll

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Microcystins (MCs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria commonly found in harmful algal blooms (HABs) threatening many surface waters. Conventional removal methods, including membrane filtration and activated carbon, are costly and only achieve phase separation. This study introduces a novel Au-decorated Ni-metal-organic framework (Au/Ni-MOF) as a platform for the multi-modal treatment of MC-Leucine Arginine (MC-LR), utilizing photodegradation (PD), electrochemical oxidation (EO), and photoelectrochemical oxidation (PEO) by evaluating and comparing their effectiveness.

A 4 cm² Au/Ni-MOF achieved complete photodegradation of 20 ppb of MC-LR in 7 mL of DI water with a degradation rate constant of 0.0599 min^-1 under 35,000 …

A Variable Resistance Suit (Vars) And An Extendable Prosthetic Arm (Expa) For Physical Rehabilitation And Assistance, Ibrahim F. Kadhim

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation presents the design, development, and evaluation of two novel wearable assistive technologies – Variable Resistance Suit (VARS) and the Extendable Prosthetic Arm (EXPA) – to improve rehabilitation outcomes and functional independence of individuals with musculoskeletal impairment. VARS is a modular, lightweight, and wearable resistance training system that applies bidirectional, speed-dependent, and variable mechanical resistance to the elbow and knee joints. It addresses the limitations of traditional resistance equipment by offering a portable, safer, and more accessible alternative. Importantly, VARS enables targeted engagement of specific muscle groups during training, minimizing the risk of overloading adjacent or compensatory muscles. VARS …

Cnn's Portrayal Of The Build Back Better Act, Alexander J. Toj-Moody

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CNNs representation of the Build Back Better Act and its failure to pass senate reconciliation during the fall of 2021. The Build Back Better Act was a piece of legislation that intended to fix America’s social infrastructure, such as investing in education, the environment, expanded healthcare, etc. The bill ultimately failed and its replacement, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, cut numerous benefits that were proposed within the Build Back Better Act. Examination of broadcast transcripts during this period of time find an operationally liberal framing, though the focus …

Differential Interferon Synthesis And Signaling Between Parainfluenza Virus Acute And Persistently Infected Cells, Vonisha Kaigler

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

RNA virus infections can transition from an initial acute infection to a prolonged or persistent infection, in which infected cells survive and continue to produce progeny virus. This presents a major clinical problem as persistently infected (PI) cells extend viral shedding, maintain inflammation, and provide potential sources for new viral variants. The RNA virus, Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), with mutations in the P/V gene region (P/V mutant) is a strong inducer of antiviral responses. Interestingly, over time, there is an emergence of cells that survive as P/V mutant PI cells. Given that changes in innate immune signaling pathways can occur …

A Forgotten Kairos: Rhetorical Memory In 16th Century Europe, Phillip Martin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

In 16^th century Europe the nearly 2000-year-old discipline of rhetoric, still a pillar of education, underwent significant change. One of the more curious changes occurred in rhetoric’s subdivision known as memory, memoria, that is, memory’s “artificial” cultivation. During the 16^th century rhetorical memory was paradoxically both maximized and marginalized as a discipline. And by the early 17^th century memoria was all but extinct as a branch of rhetoric. The causal mechanisms of this transformation remain underexamined, particularly by rhetoric and composition scholars, and most explanations remain unclear and uncompelling. Accordingly, this thesis attempts a new approach …

A Community-Based Wellness Program To Increase Exercise Adherence For Menopausal And Postmenopausal Women: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study, Kristin M. Badillo

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Evidence exists that long-term commitment to an exercise routine is beneficial. Contrarily, there is a notable lack in exercise adherence among menopausal and postmenopausal women. Though research has thoroughly examined the reasons why menopausal and postmenopausal women may not be committed to an exercise routine, it remains unclear what motivates those who are adherent. This pilot study employed a mixed-methods design through administering surveys and conducting in-person focus group interviews. Additionally, an 8-week buddy system was implemented to assess the role of social support and its effect on exercise adherence. For quantitative data collection, a total of 7 participants enrolled …

Student-Athlete Vs Athlete-Student: Differences In Athletic Retirement Expectations, Terrie L. Bradshaw

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological Dissertation in Practice was to define the terms student-athletes and athlete-student by discovering any differences in non-cognitive variables between the two groups. Additionally, this study attempted to identify any differences in career transition expectations between student-athletes and athlete-students. Thirteen NCAA athletes from various universities across the United States were included. With the use of one-on-one semi structured interviews, five themes emerged. The themes that emerged were 1) Both types of athletes attend college for different reasons. 2) Differences in level of commitment. 3) Both types of athletes strive for academic success. 4) Different expectations …

Fit Index Criteria For Multisample Analysis In Sem With Ordinal Data: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study, Suat Babayigit

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Measurement invariance is crucial for valid group comparisons in structural equation modeling (SEM), yet testing invariance becomes challenging when using ordinal data. This dissertation evaluates the adequacy of widely used fit index difference criteria (ΔCFI, ΔRMSEA, ΔSRMR) for multisample invariance testing with ordinal indicators. Traditional Δ fit cutoff thresholds were established based on continuous, normally distributed data, but ordinal measures can distort invariance conclusions. Monte Carlo simulations address this issue by manipulating a comprehensive set of conditions: sample sizes (200, 400, 1000), group size ratios (equal vs. unequal), model complexity (low vs. high), underlying distributions (normal vs. nonnormal), Likert scale …

Integrating Education For Sustainable Development Into Elementary Curriculum Through Transdisciplinary Learning: A Case Study Of Teachers At Designated Green Schools, Amanda Ferguson

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The rising number of sustainability-focused jobs in the United States has underscored the need for greater exposure to Education for Sustainable Development in early education. While higher education and secondary schools offer courses on sustainability and the environment, elementary students have limited opportunities to engage with these topics. This embedded multiple-case study examined the role of Education for Sustainable Development in elementary classrooms, specifically through transdisciplinary lessons. The research was guided by the question: How do elementary teachers in county-designated Green Schools in a Florida district use transdisciplinary lessons to teach sustainability within their existing curriculum?

Using the theoretical framework …

Instructional And Motivational Factors Predicting Deep Learning Approaches In Pre-Clinical Medical Students, Kenneth L. Dearman

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Pre-clinical medical students predominantly employ surface learning approaches, focusing on memorization and exam preparation rather than developing a deep understanding of medical knowledge. This study employed a correlational design comparing two courses with different instructional approaches using expectancy-value theory to examine how instructional methods and motivational factors predict deep learning approaches among 148 pre-clinical medical students at a College of Medicine in the Southeastern United States. Initial results showed that the three separate constructs in task motivation (expectancy beliefs, values, and cost) did not mediate the relationship between active instructional methods and deep learning strategies. Instead, active learning was a …

Examining The Relationship Between Volunteerism And Revenue Streams In Youth-Centered Nonprofit Organizations: An Analysis Of Fundraising Revenue, Program Service Revenue, And Government Grants, Stephanie Aguguo-Orelus

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study examined the relationship between volunteerism and revenue streams in youth-centered nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in the United States. Utilizing financial data from IRS Form 990 filings spanning 2014 to 2023, the research analyzes how the number of annual volunteers impacts three primary revenue sources: donations, program service revenue, and government grants. Fixed-effects regression models are employed to evaluate these relationships across the full study period and in pre- and post-COVID-19 subsamples. The study also investigates the association between volunteerism and revenue diversification using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Findings reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between volunteer involvement and …

Decreasing Administrative Burdens For Promoting Social Equity: Three Essays On Innvations In Public Service Provision, Kyungmin Lee

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation investigates three aspects of administrative burdens in public service delivery and explores how these burdens—which often discourage eligible individuals from accessing needed services—relate to individuals' perceptions of and behaviors toward those burdens and ultimately to user outcomes. The first essay examines whether a shift from in-person to virtual service modalities imposes additional administrative burden—digital administrative burden—for service users. Using the secondary data from the 2022 “Survey of Citizens’ Perceptions of Public Administration” conducted in South Korea, the study applies Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) to assess the relationship between service modality and digital administrative burden. The findings suggest no …

Preserving Florida History In 3d: A Digital Public History Project Preserving Paleo-Native American Artifacts And Jack West Architecture From Warm Mineral Springs, Florida, Trevor D. Colaneri

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis project examines low-cost photogrammetry and 3D walkthrough tours to preserve a collection of artifacts and buildings from Warm Mineral Springs, Florida. The documented objects and structures consist of a small collection of artifacts from Warm Mineral Springs currently held by Florida’s Bureau of Archaeological Research and three buildings designed by noted architect Jack West, a Sarasota School of Architecture member, which suffered extensive damage from a category five hurricane in 2022. Warm Mineral Springs is an archaeologically significant site and is one of the few sites in Florida that demonstrate significant paleo-Native American cultural remains that has also …

Creating An Archive From Colonial Records: Representations Of The Caribbean In British Periodicals, 1750-1930, Natalie B. Herman

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The periodization of Caribbean literature is a highly contested topic. Much of this periodization problem relates to the question of what should be included in this category of Caribbean literature, a question that became particularly pertinent during the postcolonial era. Many studies of Caribbean literature have traced its supposed origins to the period of the early to mid-twentieth century when many Caribbean territories were well on their way to postcolonial independence while disregarding works produced during the colonial period as they were considered to favor colonialism. Through examining how Caribbean literature appeared in the pre-1950 period, research conducted for the …

Interactions Of Anti-Viral Ceria Nanoparticles With An Enveloped Rna Virus, Muhammad Hassan Mehmood Kalyar

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

There is growing interest in developing durable and broad-spectrum antiviral nanomaterials for surface disinfection. Silver-modified ceria nanoparticles (AgCNPs) are regenerative materials capable of inactivating a wide range of viruses through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that for enveloped RNA viruses, the lipid bilayer and viral spike glycoproteins are determinants of sensitivity to inactivation of infectivity by AgCNPs. This hypothesis was tested using Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), a model enveloped negative-sense single strand RNA virus containing a single spike glycoprotein G. Five rounds of serial passage of VSV in the presence of suboptimal AgCNP concentrations led to the …

Exploring The Role Of Fatty Acid Signaling In Macrophages, Ayomide Ogunsanmi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Dietary fatty acids play critical roles in both the gustatory and immune systems. In taste, they serve as the sapid molecules that underlie the ability to taste fat, whereas in the immune system, they serve as messengers that help facilitate the fuel-based reprogramming of macrophages (MΦ) that underlie optimal immune function. It has become clear in recent years that there is a functional interaction between the taste and immune system, and fatty acid signaling pathways serve as one focus of this overlap. Similar to taste receptor cells (TRCs), MΦ express G protein-coupled fatty acid receptors GPR120 and GPR84, and our …

Examining The Influence Of Multiple Mental Health Trainings On The Andragogical Practices Of Secondary English Language Arts Teachers: A Case Study, Sydney M. Smith

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The increasing prevalence of adolescent mental health issues has underscored the importance of examining how mental health training programs for teachers are implemented. This multiple-case, embedded study explored the impact of mental health trainings under states’ laws and Project AWARE on secondary English language arts (ELA) teachers’ andragogical and hebegogical instructional practices. The research was guided by two key questions: (1) How are mental health trainings under Project AWARE and state laws implemented in two southeastern states? and (2) How do high school English language arts (ELA) teachers in two southeastern states incorporate mental health trainings within their andragogical practices …

The Relationship Between Academic Advising And The Academic Success Of First-Generation, First Time In College Students, Nina Leonard

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Students navigate a variety of challenges that impact their success. As of 2024, Florida uses a myriad of metrics to predict retention rates. Studies have highlighted a relationship between students’ Year 2 retention and 4-year graduation rates. Recently, a large, urban university made significant investments in academic advising. The increased funding was influenced by a shift to gain a preeminent designation in the state. This study sought to determine what relationship, if any, academic advising had on student academic success. Quantitative analysis concluded that academic advising was connected to increased institutional grade point averages, retention to the second year, and …

Achievement In Performing Arts At Title I Schools In Florida: A Case Study On The Impact Of Administrative Leadership And Financial Decisions On Student Performance, Mario L. Ford

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Researchers have established that the leadership strategies of a principal can directly impact student achievement, though it has not been clearly stated how that occurs (Cox & Mullen, 2023). This single-case instrumental study investigates the financial and administrative priorities of a principal at a Title I high school in Florida and the impact they have on the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) ratings of band, chorus, and orchestra programs at the district level. Additionally, the purpose of this case study is to provide insight into how the principal at a Title I high school whose performing arts programs have a trend …

Revisiting Android Permission Evolution Through Temporal Analysis: A Data-Driven Study Of Behaviors And Implications, Ali Al Kinoon

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Malicious applications continue to pose significant privacy and security risks within the Android ecosystem, often exploiting user permissions and obscuring data collection practices behind opaque privacy policies. To address these challenges, this dissertation presents a comprehensive framework for enhancing Android app security through dataset construction, permission behavior analysis, and privacy policy classification. The framework systematically investigates key issues such as dataset fidelity, permission misuse, model performance, and the alignment between declared and actual data practices. Through a combination of empirical analysis and machine learning techniques, this work advances the development of more transparent and secure mobile applications. The first part …

Design And Development Of A Laser Diagnostic System For Ammonia And Nox Measurements In A Toroidal Jet Stirred Reactor At Atmospheric Pressure, Marzuqa Ahmed

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The need for more sustainable fuel alternatives in the modern aircraft industry is growing. SAF is the current sustainable fuel in use, but still produces harmful carbon emissions. A promising alternative to SAF is ammonia, which produces zero carbon emissions. By decomposing ammonia (NH₃) into its constituents of N₂ and H₂ using a chemical catalyst, a hydrogen-ammonia fuel mix is created. H₂/NH₃ mixtures still have the desired characteristic of burning without carbon emissions, but are less reactive than pure hydrogen. Additionally, ammonia is a widely used compound, so infrastructure already exists for production, …