Digital Commons Network^™

Florida Frontiers Radio Program #492, Dr. Ben Brotemarkle, Florida Historical Society

Florida Frontiers Radio Transcripts

SEGMENTS | One-man "A Christmas Carol" | Florida Phosphate and the Soviet Union | Surfing Santas

Peat And Patty: Providing A Voice For Nature Through Animation, Clinnie Brinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Peat and Patty is a 3D animated short story of a young scientist, Patty, and her pet parrot Peat, whose goal is to save their world from a dying ecosystem. Ultimately, they inadvertently receive help from a nearby polar bear which leads to the success of Patty's experiment. The purpose of this story is to highlight the dangers of global warming to our own ecosystem thus building eco-consciousness in viewers. We currently have natural disasters increasing in frequency, a rising global temperature, and pollution in our bodies of water (Rossati). By personifying nature, animation can invoke empathy from viewers towards …

Low-Resource Machine Learning Techniques For The Analysis Of Online Social Media Textual Data, Toktam Amanzadeh Oghaz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Low-resource and label-efficient machine learning methods can be described as the family of statistical and machine learning techniques that can achieve high performance without needing a substantial amount of labeled data. These methods include both unsupervised learning techniques, such as LDA, and supervised methods, such as active learning, each providing different benefits. Thus, this dissertation is devoted to the design and analysis of unsupervised and supervised techniques to provide solutions for the following problems: Unsupervised narrative summary extraction for social media content, Social media text classification with Active Learning (AL), Investigating restrictions and benefits of using Curriculum Learning (CL) for …

Modeling The Effects Of Diversity And Corporations On Participation Dynamics In Floss Ecosystems, Olivia Newton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

A multitude of societal issues associated with the development of technology have emerged over the years including, but not limited to: insufficient personnel for maintenance; a lack of accessibility; the spread of harmful tools; and bias and discrimination against marginalized groups. I propose that a systems perspective is necessary to identify potential leverage points in technology production systems to influence them towards increased social good and evaluate their effectiveness for intervention. Toward this end, I conducted a mixed-methods study of a widely-adopted approach in tech production, free/libre and open source software (FLOSS) development. A survey was distributed to elicit responses …

Torward Real-World Cross-View Image Geo-Localization, Sijie Zhu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Cross-view image geo-localization aims to determine the locations of street-view query images by searching in a GPS-tagged reference image database from aerial view. One fundamental challenge is the dramatic view-point/domain difference between the street-view query images and aerial-view reference images. Recent works have made great progress on bridging the domain gap with advanced deep learning techniques and geometric prior knowledge, i.e. the query is aligned at the center of one aerial-view reference image (spatial alignment) and the orientation relationship between the two views is known (orientation alignment). However, such prior knowledge of the geometry correspondence of the two views is …

Extracellular Vesicle-Associated Biomolecules As Potential Biomarkers For Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis, Lina Bedoya Martinez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves progressive neurodegeneration leading to the loss of normal neuronal function. Extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aß), through the abnormal cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by ß- and γ-secretases, is one of the hallmarks of AD. Current research focuses on finding potential candidates for biomarkers and techniques with improved sensitivity for early disease detection. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in body fluids are a source of biomarkers for AD diagnosis. EVs transport pathologically significant biomolecules, like nucleic acids and proteins, across the blood-brain barrier, mediating local and distant cell-to-cell communication. Therefore, this study evaluated EV-associated DNA and …

Polyelectrolyte Functionalized Forward Osmosis For Water Reclamation From Synthetic Spacecraft Wastewater, Alina Ripp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This study investigated the application of a polyelectrolyte (PE)-assisted metallic iron nanoparticle-integrated forward osmosis (FO) membrane to treat synthetic spacecraft wastewater comprising urea, ammonium carbonate, and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). The draw solution (MgSO4) diluted via the FO operation was further treated using a nanofiltration (NF) membrane aimed at producing potable quality water by the FO-NF hybrid process. A cellulose triacetate FO membrane was functionalized by layer-by-layer deposition of polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) followed by incorporating zero valent iron nanoparticles (ZVINP) within the "bilayers". It required 14 bilayers to ensure a uniform coating as demonstrated via scanning …

The Facile Preparation Of Bis(Imino)Pyridine Complexes Via Mechanochemistry And Inorganic Synthons Via Benign Reductants, Thomas Shaw

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis is comprised of two key themes: (i) leveraging mechanochemical synthetic methods for the green preparation of bis(imino)pyridine ligands and associated first row transition metal coordination complexes, and (ii) the preparation and characterization of both historic and novel mid-valent inorganic synthons via the use of dimethylphenylsilane as a stoichiometric reducing agent. The first portion of this thesis highlights the utilization of solvent-free vibratory ball-milling in lieu of traditional, solvent-based refluxes. A variety of both bis(imino)pyridine ligands and complexes were formed in drastically reduced timeframes with solvent-economical work-up procedures. This methodology was also leveraged for the isolation of acetyl(imino)pyridine ligands …

Data Dimensionality Reduction Techniques: What Works With Machine Learning Models, Yuting Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

High-dimensional data has a wide range of applications in research, such as education, health, social media, and many other research fields. However, the high dimensionality of data can raise many problems for data analyses. This study focuses on commonly used techniques of dimensionality reduction for machine learning models, which play an essential and inevitable role in data prepossessing and statistical analysis. The main issues of high-dimensional data for machine learning tasks include the accuracy of data classification and visualization in machine learning models. Therefore, in this study, machine learning algorithms are used to predict and classify datasets to evaluate the …

Advanced Deep Learning Methodologies For Deepfake Detection, Aminollah Khormali

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The recent advances in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and an abundance of training samples along with robust computational resources have significantly propelled the field of AI-generated fake information in all kinds, e.g., deepfakes. Deepfakes are among the most sinister types of misinformation, posing large-scale and severe security and privacy risks targeting critical governmental institutions and ordinary people across the world. The fact that deepfakes are AI-generated digital content and not actual events captured by a camera implies that they still can be detected using advanced AI models. Although the deepfake detection task has …

Ceria Defect Engineering Using Thin-Films/Ald And Biological Applications, Udit Kumar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Ceria nanostructures have been utilized for various engineering applications due to their unique defect structure, enabling them to have regenerative redox properties. The ability to shuttle between Ce3+ and Ce4+ oxidation states extends to unique properties. Defect level in ceria is usually expressed in the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. It can be achieved by varying the size(0 to 3D), morphologies, dopants, hetero-nanostructures, and external stimuli. However, it is still a challenge to have precise control over defect structures in the ceria lattice. The current study aims to explore the thin film deposition techniques for cerium oxide using ALD (Atomic layer deposition) and …

Aruba's Taxing Dilemma: Navigating Tourist Perceptions On Room Tax And Turnover Tax In Paradise, Jorge Ridderstaat, Robertico Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Jeong-Yeol Park

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

This study presents the second part of our assignment for the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). Our study investigated the effects of two tax proposals (a turnover tax rate increase from 6% to 7% and a room tax rate increase from 9.5% to 12.5%) on tourism demand. We used monthly time-series data on tourism arrivals from several markets, including the U.S., The Netherlands, and other markets. We also segmented the arrival data based on the accommodations used in Aruba (high-rise, low-rise, and other accommodations). We applied several procedures to prepare and test the data before applying an Autoregressive Distributed Lag model …

S9 E1: Our Favorite Things, Rebecca Hines, Lisa Dieker

Practical Access Transcripts

Drs. Rebecca Hines and Lisa Dieker are back for season nine! This season we are talking all about "their favorite things." This includes topics such as co-teaching, technology, and a few special guests! Please tune in today as they kick off the first episode of the season and focus on technology.

Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Accesss).

Episode 34: Stella Sung: Combining Art And Technology, University Of Central Florida

Knights Do That Podcast Transcripts

Season three of Knights Do That, UCF’s official podcast, returns with its seventh guest, Stella Sung, a renowned composer, Pegasus Professor, trustee chair professor, and director of the Center for Research and Education in Arts, Technology and Entertainment (CREATE) at UCF. Sung started her career at UCF as a music professor and now teaches in the School of Visual Arts and Design, where she encourages students to stay on the cutting edge of art across all forms.

Here she shares the importance of integrating science and the arts, as well as her research on using virtual and augmented reality …

Employee Accomplishment Report 2021 - 2022, University Libraries, Megan Haught

Libraries' Documents

The UCF Libraries Employee Accomplishment Report contains the following information about Libraries employees for fiscal year 2021-2022: books & book chapters, articles, conference proceedings, book reviews, presentations, service, awards & grants and professional development.

Episode 33: Bethany Backes: Championing Against Violence, University Of Central Florida

Knights Do That Podcast Transcripts

Season three of Knights Do That, UCF’s official podcast, returns with its sixth guest, Bethany Backes, an assistant professor in the Violence Against Women faculty cluster and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Criminal Justice and School of Social Work. Backes worked for more than 10 years as a social science analyst for the U.S. Department of Justice and joined UCF in 2019.

Here she shares her research with the cluster, what it means to be a champion both against violence and for social justice, and how she has succeeded in academia.

Episode 17: Isabella Castro, Christina Torres

Futures in Languages Transcripts

No abstract provided.

Orange County, Fl Substance Use Disorder Treatment Gap Analysis, Amy Donley Phd, Caroline Austin, Jacquelyn Reiss

Institute for Social and Behavioral Science (ISBS)

The University of Central Florida's Institute for Social and Behavioral Science (ISBS) partnered with the Orange County Drug-Free Office to undertake a gap analysis focused on substance use disorder treatment. Specifically, we designed a study to determine the capacity of treatment options, identify barriers to seeking treatment, and illuminate what works particularly well. The gap analysis results can guide future decisions on allocating resources best to ensure that treatment is accessible to all in need.

Tennis In Transition, Richard C. Crepeau

On Sport and Society

Over the past few months, I have written this column only a few times, the last being late July. This has not been because I have had nothing to comment upon. Rather the summer has been filled with travel, some to escape the heat of Florida. Over the past few days, I have been trying to decide how to restart. Many topics have shot by over the past three months, any number of which could now be subjects for this column. Not the least of these are the passing of two giants of contemporary American sport: Bill Russell in basketball …

Cte Teacher Recruitment, Training, And Retention Toolkit, Lisa Martino, Jodi Adams, Sara Shaw, Brandon Hudson

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This toolkit is a collaborative effort of ECMC Foundations fellows across four US states (Florida, Kentucky, Nevada, and Tennessee) with experience in postsecondary and secondary CTE teacher education, training, and recruitment. Through this project, fellows will apply lessons learned and best practices to create a digital toolkit of practical and proven strategies for recruitment, training, and retention of quality postsecondary CTE teachers.

Episode 30: Fernando Rivera: Sociology Research Empowering The Hispanic Community, University Of Central Florida

Knights Do That Podcast Transcripts

Season three of Knights Do That, UCF’s official podcast, returns with its third guest, Professor of Sociology Fernando Rivera, who is the founding director of the Puerto Rico Research Hub. Rivera has been studying the movement of Puerto Ricans to the Central Florida community for over 10 years. He has studied the differential patterns of health among Puerto Ricans in the United States by analyzing different social indicators, such as perceived discrimination, residential segregation and socioeconomic status and their impact on Puerto Rican health.

Here he shares insight on the Puerto Rico Research Hub’s local to global impact, the …

Figuring Embedded Librarianship: An Analysis Of The Embedded Journalist Metaphor In The Professional Discourse, Rachel L. Edford

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many academic libraries sought virtual instruction options, like the embedded librarian model, bringing renewed interest to the topic. Debates defining embedded librarianship are plentiful and varied, but a review of the professional literature reveals a commonly used metaphor comparing embedded librarians to embedded journalists. This paper analyses the prevalence of that metaphor in the professional discourse through the lens of cognitive metaphor theory (CMT) to reveal the semantic and pragmatic implications of its use. CMT highlights the power of figurative language to reflect and define professional identities. The metaphor’s militaristic rhetoric counters negative …

The Future Of Destination Marketing Organizations In The Insight Era, Arthur Huang, Efren De La Mora Velasco, Adam Haney, Sergio Alvarez

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

There has been a growing interest in examining the implementation of insight-era technologies (e.g., AI, social media) and big data for sustainable tourism development. However, actionable guidelines to promote a holistic adaptation and the effective functioning of destination marketing/management organizations (DMOs) in the increasingly data-infused world are still needed. This perspective paper posits a research-based framework that DMOs can use to become more responsive and efficient in their marketing and planning efforts in the current AI-infused world. Four propositions are presented to support DMOs' transition to the insight-era: (a) DMOs' organizational adaptations and workforce development and training, (b) active engagement …

Developing And Validating A Scale Of Tourism Gentrification In Rural Areas, Chaohui Wang, Yumei Xu, Tingting Zhang

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

In recent years, tourism gentrification has made great progress in rural areas and has had significant impacts on these areas' development, specifically in the domains of the economy, living standards, community, culture, and environment. Tourists play a key role in developing tourism gentrification in rural areas, but research investigating tourism gentrification in rural areas from the tourist perspective is scarce. To fill this gap, we focus on tourism gentrification and develop a measurement scale from the tourist perspective through multiple qualitative and quantitative steps. Our findings confirm that tourism gentrification in rural areas from the tourist perspective comprises eight dimensions: …

The Ripple Effect Of Discrepancies In Urban Farming Affecting Food Security, Rhiley Hodges

Inside-Out: Interdisciplinary Studies

The purpose of this research is to call attention to the inequalities which exist in the agriculture field. According to research, a disconnect between people and food systems has caused discrepancies in who is or can be successful and who cannot. Variations in support and services offered can have a direct effect on food accessibility in urban communities.

Food Insecurity After Hurricane Maria: Perceptions And Psychological Effects Among Puerto Ricans, Valeria J. Sostre Sostre

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, leaving the island devastated. Maria directly affected the availability of nutritional food for survivors, creating an experience of food insecurity among Puerto Ricans. Using the US Adult Food Security Survey Module (Spanish Version) from the United States Department of Agriculture, Puerto Rican adult households without children (old) were assessed nine months after the hurricane with the aim of identifying specific groups of households that were food insecure and the psychological effects associated with food insecurity. Forty-six of the 85 households assessed were identified as food insecure, …

Episode 28: Peter Weishar: Reimagining Storytelling Through Themed Experiences, University Of Central Florida

Knights Do That Podcast Transcripts

Season three of Knights Do That, UCF's official podcast, returns with its first guest, Peter Weishar from the College of Arts and Humanities.

Weishar is the director of UCF's themed experience program, which includes an theatre MFA with a themed experience track, which launched in 2019, and an M.S. in themed experience, which launched in Fall 2021. This spring the first cohort of the themed experience track in the theatre MFA program graduated.

As UCF is training the future workforce of world builders and storytellers to fill the demand of this multi-billion dollar industry, Weishar — who …

Episode 27: James Evans: Season 3 Launches With A New Host, University Of Central Florida

Knights Do That Podcast Transcripts

Season 3 of Knights Do That, UCF’s official podcast, returns with a new host — James Evans.

Evans is a first-generation student and member of the Burnett Honors College. He is a junior majoring in accounting and minoring in computer science.  He is a former LEAD Scholar, orientation leader and resident assistant. Evans has also served within Student Government as a senator, fiscal committee chair, and Safety & Transportation coordinator. He currently serves as a member of the President’s Leadership Council.

Here Evans shares more about what drew him to hosting the podcast and his goals …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2022 - 2023, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Are You Ready For Some Football?, Richard C. Crepeau

On Sport and Society

For the past two weeks, the temperatures have been near 100 degrees Fahrenheit across much of the United States. Clearly, it is time for football to take center stage in Sportsworld. Heat, humidity, and football are in the air. The internet, social media, print media, radio, and television are full of little else. American sports fans seemingly cannot get enough football. Every season is now football season.