Digital Commons Network^™

Chatgpt Assignments To Use In Your Classroom Today, Kevin Yee, Kirby Whittington, Erin Doggette, Laurie Uttich

UCF Created OER Works

No abstract provided.

Diamond's Hidden Gems - Pbs, Diamond R. Williams

Libraries' Documents

UCF Libraries is delighted to announce the latest addition to their streaming video offerings: PBS Videos via Alexander Street. As online instruction has become commonplace, so too has the demand for quality streaming videos. Access to academic videos supports faculty and students in teaching, completing assignments, or developing a better understanding of complex concepts.

PBS Videos are a fantastic addition to the sources the UCF Library provides for educational videos!

Time-Specific Safety Performance Functions For Different Advanced Traffic Management Strategies, Jingwan Fu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Time-specific Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) were proposed to achieve accurate and dynamic crash frequency predictions and bridge the gap between annual crash frequency prediction and real-time crash likelihood prediction. This research proposed time-specific SPFs considering the temporal variation in crashes and traffic characteristics. Firstly, the developed time-specific SPFs that include different ATM strategies (i.e., HOV, merge, diverge and reversible lanes segments) were investigated in this study. The results indicate that the traffic turbulence during specific hours would relate to crash occurrence. Further, the variables that represent the speed and occupancy differences between the HOV lanes/reversible lanes and general-purpose lanes were …

Contributions To Professional School Counselors Entering And Remaining In The Profession: A Grounded Theory, Kathryn Babb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

As the mental health needs of children and adolescents have reached a crisis level, the need for trained mental health professionals in the field is as important as ever. However, many states are currently experiencing a shortage of educators, including school counselors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand the factors that contribute to school counselors selecting their career, as well as understanding what elements lead to the retention of professional school counselors. As there are no existing theories related to understanding the career choice of professional school counselors, nor pertaining to the supports leading to the retention …

Local-Level Maternal And Infant Health: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of The Relationship Between Social Determinants Of Health, Maternal And Infant Health Outcomes, And Public Health Programs In Florida, Jacquelyn Reiss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Current data highlight significant disparities in infant and maternal health (IMH) outcomes both when comparing outcomes to other countries and between groups within the U.S. Previous studies indicate that disparities in health outcomes are caused by health inequities. Health inequities are a result of marginalized groups historically being denied resources and exposed to increased risk directly impacting health. These resources and risks are considered social determinants of health (SDoH), such as income, housing, transportation, and access to care. Although SDoH influence individuals across multiple levels of society, communities are sites where individuals directly access protective resources and are potentially exposed …

Radioprotectant Ceria Nanoparticles Drug Delivery System To Reduce Reactive Oxygen Species Levels And Mitigate Spaceflight Osteopenia, Balaashwin Babu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In the extreme environment of space, radiation induced health issues is a major concern. The ability to induce higher levels of free radicals and reactive oxidative species (ROS) are factors to be addressed. Ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) can provide a means to scavenge ROS through regenerative redox coupling that occurs on the surface and acts as a radioprotectant. Additionally, the defect levels in CNP can be categorized by the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio with a high ratio indicating superoxide scavenging, a radical species with high oxidative potential. However, engineering a specialized Ce3+ NP often requires a harsh reducing agent. We hypothesized a wet-chemical …

Magic Show: Themed Experiences Utilizing Animation, Emma Cuitino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Magic Show is an animated short film created in the Unity game engine that follows a mischievous fairy named Faye, who attempts to deceive her human audience, the viewer, into believing she can do magic. My goal in the program was to create a themed entertainment experience. I created a point-of-view animated film as an alternative to traditional theme park 3D/4D attractions that typically take place in a theatrical setting with large audiences. This allows for a more intimate experience and accessibility in the absence of a physical theater. The storyline itself is a study of imposter syndrome. Instead of …

Me And My Baby: Directing & Designing "Chicago" At The High School Level, Leo Arteche Arencibia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Directing a musical production in a high school setting under normal circumstances is a challenging undertaking – doing so in the throes and aftermath of a global pandemic, with its school closures, quarantines and general chaos, was an exercise in patience and creativity. For my Master's Thesis, I directed and designed a production of Chicago at Miami Arts Charter School, a performing arts high school in the Wynwood arts district, where I have taught for twelve years and served as the Theatre Director for the past eight years. Chicago made perfect sense as the first "post-pandemic" production. First, it is …

Two Essays On Esg, Natalya Bikmetova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

My dissertation studies the potential for the increased importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) information for corporations and investors in the U.S. market. In my first essay, I examine the effect of coverage by ESG rating agencies on firm ESG performance and disclosure policy. To control for the selection in coverage, I construct a sample of firms with existing ESG ratings from some agencies and study the marginal effect of an additional coverage on a firm relative to firms that did not receive the additional coverage. I find that when firm ESG coverage intensifies, its ESG ratings improve, its …

Two Essays On The Airbnb Market, Debanjana Dey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This dissertation analyses the Airbnb market in Orange County, FL to provide insight on the performances of short-term vacation rentals listed on the platform. In the first essay we examine the factors affecting the demand and supply of this real estate sector before and after the Covid-19 pandemic, using occupancy, pricing and revenue models. The results identify the aspects of the Airbnb peer-to-peer sharing model that do and those that do not recover quickly after local covid restrictions are lifted. In particular, host experience, professional management, and proximity to major tourist attractions are some of the key factors that generate …

Transforming Costuming Design: Costuming For The Actor's Comfort, Lisa Evenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis explores ways to transform costuming concepts for theatre productions that provide a more inclusive and comfortable environment for actors while still maintaining the essence of the characters they are portraying. This thesis examines theatrical bodies of work as case studies to illustrate options for incorporating costume designs that take into consideration the emotional and physical welfare of the actors. The purpose of this study is to inform theatre teachers how to create costumes that aid in psychological comfort of students regarding gender identity and age, as well as for flexibility in casting due to disproportionate gender ratios that …

Music Direction And Piano Accompaniment In Musical Theatre: A Practical Guide, Danielle Hayes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Music direction for musical theatre is not a topic that has been widely theorized, defined, or researched; there are a handful of resources available to the inclined reader, and a scant few universities that offer a degree in Music Direction for Musical Theatre. Due to this, many music directors, myself included, have had to piece together our educations á la carte, researching each aspect of the job individually. Thus, I have created a practical "how to" guide that can be used to advance you, the reader, through a production as the music director from booking the gig to closing night. …

Flow Theory In The Actor's Process: Can The Pursuit Of Optimal Experience Alleviate Anxiety?, Kimberly (Kimber) King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Using techniques from acting scholars and practitioners, this practice as research study seeks to lesson anxiety in actors by measuring the actor's preparation, rehearsal and performance process against each of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's conditions of flow. Csikszentmihalyi's flow theory describes flow as an "optimal experience" in which a person is so invested in their goals, there is "no threat for the self to defend against" (M. Csikszentmihalyi 76). His research identified conditions that when present, can induce a state of flow. However, actors can be plagued by negative thoughts and self-consciousness. While a certain amount of anxiety is expected and normal, …

Creative Collaborations: An Arts Integrated Educational Business, Michele Perkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

One of the main reasons I have been attracted to the world of theatre is its versatility. Theatre incorporates many other disciplines: Science, Mathematics, History, Language, Philosophy, and Psychology to name a few. I have always had daydreams about running a school program that utilizes a play as the unifying force behind the research and application of traditional academic subject. When I first started as an English teacher, I created many projects that incorporated other disciplines, such as creative writing, acting, and music. When I began teaching theatre, I began to focus solely on skills that applied to theatre. I …

Theatrical Intimacy: Navigating A New Normal, Elizabeth Smith-Cortelyou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis explores theatrical intimacy choreography and coordination during current significant social shifts. Covid restrictions, keen awareness of "correctness", and a desire to "do better" have allowed protective practices like theatrical intimacy to become not only generally accepted but expected in rehearsal spaces. Using techniques such as consent-based spaces, actor disclosures, and common language acquired through training with Chelsea Pace and Laura Rikard, the founders of Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE), I explore choreographing close relationship moments through high school productions of Jane Eyre and Footloose presented in 2021-22 at Lake Highland Preparatory in Orlando and with older BFA/MFA student actors …

Play As A Means Of Connection, Charles Street

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis research and practical application focuses on rediscovering the playfulness of the actor's process and evaluating how that translates into an actor's performance. An actor's confidence can be found in their willingness to play with vocal placement, physical tensions, and emotional and mental patterns and depth. As an actor, my definition of play theory is the act of choosing to be spontaneous, creative, and explorative in the process of storytelling to ultimately lead to stronger choices that develop rich connections. Through the lens of play theory, I demonstrate how play affects our mind, emotions, body, and voice. This thesis …

Compact And High Optical Efficiency Near-Eye Displays With Liquid Crystal Flat Optics, Junyu Zou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Since the concepts of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) were introduced, they have attracted people's attention worldwide, both in the industry and research areas. As the most promising hardware architecture that can bring AR/VR into daily life, near eye displays (NEDs) have been studied and investigated heavily over the past half-century, especially the concept of "Metaverse" introduced by some top companies in recent years. However, the form factor and optical efficiency are two major bottlenecks for the current NEDs before they can become the major platform. Liquid crystal (LC) flat optics have several advantages, including compact, high diffraction …

Volume Xxx (2023)

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Marge & Julia, Rodger Tarr

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Sally Baskin Hooker: Reminiscences, Barbara Wingo

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Getting The Story, Ann Mccutchan

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Jackie Robinson Steals Home, Leonard Pellicer

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Obojobo Information Literacy Modules 2023 Archive, Chereeka Garner

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Obojobo is a learning platform that was created and maintained at the University of Central Florida. It was maintained by an individual employed by the university and maintenance of the platform did not continue after their departure from the university. As time progressed and federal accessibility standards were updated, the platform moved out of compliance. As a result, the content was removed from Obojobo, updated to meet existing accessibility guidelines, and rehomed in Webcourses. This is an archive of the original content.

International Coastal Cleanup: A Wave Of Change, Declan Ridgeway, Alexander Lavin, Julia Kruger, Luke Flajole

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2023

The Service-Learning Marine Conservation and Restoration class organized and planned an International Coastal Cleanup that was held at Canaveral National Seashore on September 23, 2023. We operated educational tables that allowed for community engagement and provided an understanding of the presence of microplastics in the ecosystem. The team created promotional posters to inform the public about the event and what would be taking place throughout the day. We shared these posters in our spheres and garnered interest from those in the UCF community and abroad. We had the opportunity to remove harmful debris throughout many crucial habitats of the Canaveral …

Excess Body Weight And It’S Association To Diabetes Mortality Among Florida Adults, Shivanie M. Sharma

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2023

“Excess Body Weight and Its Association to Diabetes Mortality” is a topic that has been highly studied and researched. However, there has yet been a study that looks at excess body weight and its association to Diabetes Mortality among Florida Adults. Specifically, by utilizing data from the Florida Health Charts. This includes the analyzation by Person (Florida Blacks versus Whites), Place (Florida counties), and Time (rate of diabetes mortality though the years in Florida). This study further provides information on the idea of the “obesity paradox.” But, it also sheds light on the implications and limitations based on previous epidemiological …

Serving With Serv, Parker Maron, Bryce Ballard

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2023

Our project’s goal is to share our experience of volunteering with SERV; an environmental service organization located in Seminole County whose mission is to clean and restore local waterways and parks. Some of the things we did with them range from removing trash at local park to getting down and dirty, planting native water plants at a lake in order to slow and prevent shore erosion. These events SERV held showed us the benefit of serving our community: it made sure community areas stayed clean, that local lakes would stay healthy for the public to enjoy, and allowed us to …

Exploring English As A Foreign Language (Efl) Saudi Arabian Teachers' Perceptions Vis-A-Vis The English Education Context In Primary And Secondary Schools, Mona Abdullah A. Al Mogeerah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is given a great deal of attention by the government as it is keen to provide an educational system that caters to teacher and student needs. Because English has the potential to provide access to resources that may facilitate advancement in science and technology, it is difficult to deny or underestimate the importance of the English language in Saudi Arabia. Despite the history of EFL teaching and resources allocated to the teaching of English in Arabia, the quality of Saudi students' English language skills has raised many concerns. Saudi students currently …

Decolonized Femininity And Post-Colonial Trauma Autobiographies: Reading Adriana Páramo, Julia Alvarez, And Azar Nafisi Through 'Scriptotherapy', Nicole Suárez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis investigates testimonies of three female authors from Latin America and the Middle East through scriptotherapy narratives which "give voice to previously repressed memories," defined by Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson. Through the genre of autobiography, women have an opportunity to showcase acts of resistance towards the inner turmoil of colonial trauma that has been brought upon their existence. Decoloniality re-integrates the roots of colonial power into re-invigorated narratives that will become lineage. The only way that they can create their own identity is through "legending," Gilles Deleuze's conceptualized theoretical framework, which does not offer an escape from colonialism …

Healthcare Access And Experiences Among Transgender University Students, Micah Reisner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background

As transgender identification rises in younger generations, it is imperative that colleges and universities account for the health and wellbeing of this growing subset of the student body. Previous research indicates that transgender populations experience unique barriers to accessing healthcare, including socioeconomic barriers and a lack of healthcare providers experienced in transgender medicine. These barriers contribute to low rates of healthcare utilization and significant health disparities in transgender populations.

Methods

A community health assessment of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) students at the University of Central Florida was conducted in order to assess: (1) students' access to and experiences with …

The Perfect Storm: Motherhood, Intimate Partner Violence, And Covid-19, Kelly Blauschild

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an insidious societal problem with potentially lethal ramifications. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread conditions and virus risk mitigation procedures like social distancing and stay-at-home orders exacerbated factors that contribute to IPV such as poverty and substance use. Though anyone can experience IPV, mothers carried unparalleled burdens in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic such as increasing childcare responsibilities, growing financial difficulties, and worsening mental health, and many of these factors have been linked to experiencing IPV. The growing body of literature indicates a rise in IPV during COVID-19, but little has …