Digital Commons Network^™

2025 Coloring Pages

Special Collections & University Archives Coloring Pages (Text)

No abstract provided.

Using Mini-Datasets To Build Quantitative Research Skills, Julio Montanez

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

This resource provides a gentle introduction to undergraduate students on the intricacies of creating quantitative datasets.

Rose, The Commissioner, And The Hall, Richard C. Crepeau

On Sport and Society

It seems that the biggest news in baseball this week is off the field. Usually, that is not a good thing. Yesterday, the Commissioner of Baseball, Rob Manfred, announced that Pete Rose and sixteen other players have been re-instated from baseball’s “permanently ineligible” list. Among the sixteen others are several players caught up in the Black Sox scandal of 1919.

Using Generative Ai To Enrich Instructional Videos With Embedded Quizzes, Efren De La Mora Velasco, Shaurya Agarwal

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

This entry describes a strategy to enhance student engagement in asynchronous online courses by embedding AI-generated quizzes into instructional videos. Using ChatGPT and video transcripts, the instructor created targeted multiple-choice questions that aligned with key video topics and improved interactivity. Results from the CGN5341 course showed increased video view duration, higher engagement, and positive student feedback on the usefulness of short, segmented videos with embedded quizzes.

Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission Comment Tool For Proposed Changes To Bear Hunting Regulations, Amy Donley, Jacquelyn Reiss, Alexandria Mcclarty, Elise Lorenzo

Institute for Social and Behavioral Science (ISBS)

No abstract provided.

Incorporate Peer Review Feedback To Enhance Personal Reflection, Daniel W. Eadens

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

Peer review feedback is a utilitarian strategy and great practice in any course. Providing peer reviews has significant advantages including having to make judgements about peer submissions requiring a higher taxonomy of knowledge about the material, resulting in increased understanding. Additionally, this teaches students mistake avoidance, improving skills as well as increasing motivation. This entry provides details about an assignment which asks students to personally reflect and then offer supportive feedback to peers regarding their leadership development.

Win-Win Field Placement: Creating Research Innovations In Online Msw Programs, Christina Kuchman, Hsiu-Fen Lin

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

This win-win field placement project proposes an innovative research education for the online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Students usually have challenges in fulfilling the competency requirement on research and feel disconnected between research, practice, and policy (Betts et al., 2024). Through this innovation, we can unleash the potential of the student, the agency, and the university. More importantly, we believe that this approach can be applied to other majors that require a field education and a research methods course as part of their curriculum, such as education, public health, criminal justice, and environmental science.

Applying Universal Design For Learning Strategies To Increase Student Engagement With Your Course Syllabus, Amy Sugar, Amanda Groff

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

Apply Universal Design for Learning to syllabi design.

Introduction To Prompt Engineering, Mary Rubin, Rachel Vacek

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This presentation explores the fundamentals of effective prompt engineering, which involves well-crafted instructions for AI models to generate meaningful responses. Effective prompts can be written using frameworks like CLEAR and TRACI. The CLEAR Framework focuses on conciseness, logical structure, explicitness, adaptability, and reflection, while TRACI emphasizes task, role, audience, creation, and intent.

Additionally, the presentation addresses ethical considerations and best practices in prompt engineering, including academic integrity, attribution and transparency, and the importance of evaluation and assessment. By mastering these techniques, users can optimize their interactions with AI models, ensuring accuracy, relevancy, and minimizing bias.

Know Your Library - Alexander Street Videos, Diamond R. Williams

Libraries' Documents

No abstract provided.

Gender-Targeted Substance Use Interventions For Young Cisgender Women And Transgender Women – A Scoping Review (Preliminary Results), Stephanie A. Nairn, Jason D. Phillips, Thomas Jones, Carolina Rodriguez, Debbie Schmill

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Abstract Polysubstance use among young people has recently become the focus of popular media, public health interventions, and research due to alarming increases in polysubstance use-related morbidity and mortality in younger age groups in North America. Research also suggests that gender is an important factor to consider when trying to understand polysubstance use and to develop effective interventions for substance use in young people.

Cisgender and transgender women's experience of polysubstance use is contextualized by intersecting structural, social, and individual-level factors. For example, young cisgender women are more likely to be the victims of rape, incest, childhood sexual and emotional …

Comparative Evaluation Of Linear Regression, Cross Validation And Regularization Approaches In Multivariate Data Analysis, Ransford Owusu, Felix Yeboah, Francis Effah Boateng

Data Science and Data Mining

This study evaluates linear regression and its enhanced variants incorporating cross-validation and regularization techniques for high-dimensional, multivariate datasets. We address challenges such as multicollinearity and overfitting. Methods including Ridge, LASSO, and Elastic Net are compared against ordinary least squares regression. Empirical analysis using an automobile dataset for fuel efficiency prediction shows that while OLS regression captures basic relationships, its limitations are mitigated through regularization and cross-validation, resulting in improved model interpretability. The findings provide a comprehensive framework for predictive modeling in complex data environments and offer insights into statistical methodology and practical applications in the automobile industry.

A Report On Health Care Access By The United States Citizens., Kelvin Njuki, Emil Agbemade

Data Science and Data Mining

Access to health care is a critical factor in ensuring public health. This study analyzes data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the years 2015–2018 to examine the relationship between health care coverage, affordability, and costs among U.S. families. Re-sults indicate that families with at least one member covered by health insurance were more likely to afford medical care and incur lower health care costs. Despite a high proportion of families with health care coverage during this period, the number of insured family members declined over the years. These findings underscore the importance of health care coverage in …

Ucf Libraries Promotion Criteria, Jason D. Phillips

Library Faculty

At UCF, library faculty are promoted on the basis of their professional effectiveness and their demonstrated record of achievement. As noted above, performance of Professional Responsibilities is the most important factor in promotion, as this accounts for the majority of a librarian’s annual responsibilities. Achievements in Research/Scholarship/Creative Works and Service are also required, with standards delineated later in the document.

Optimized Hiv/Aids Resource Allocation In Ohio: A Linear Programming Approach, Godfred Ahenkroa Kesse

Data Science and Data Mining

This study employs a linear and integer programming approach to optimize HIV resource allocation in Ohio, aiming to minimize new infections and enhance the impact of limited resources. With the advances in HIV prevention and treatment, Ohio faces challenges in addressing disparities in access to healthcare, particularly among high-risk populations. The proposed model integrates data on infection rates, transmission patterns, demographic factors, and cost-effectiveness to provide a decision-support framework for policymakers. Using epidemiological data and equity constraints, the model prioritizes high-risk regions and populations while ensuring fair resource distribution. Results indicate that increased funding allocations significantly enhance the potential to …

Building And Defending Lgbtq+ Collections, Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This chapter explores the critical role of collection development policies in libraries, particularly in supporting and defending LGBTQ+ collections. The authors argue that a robust, regularly updated, and transparent collection development policy is essential for ensuring equitable representation and resisting censorship. They emphasize that such policies must account for the needs of historically underserved communities, including LGBTQ+ populations, and serve as tools for advocacy and defense against internal and external challenges.

Using real-world examples, the chapter highlights the consequences of outdated or ineffective policies, including instances of hidden censorship and administrative interference in material acquisition. The authors advocate for retrospective …

At What Cost? The Personal Stakes Of Intellectual Freedom, Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This chapter explores the emotional, professional, and political costs faced by librarians advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion and intellectual freedom within libraries. Through personal narrative and critical reflection, the authors introduce the concept of "queer battle fatigue"—a framework for understanding the cumulative psychological toll on LGBTQ+ individuals who are consistently placed in advocacy roles within predominantly cisheteronormative institutions. A case study of a drag storytime event at a university library illustrates the social backlash, institutional pressures, and moral injury experienced by organizers, demonstrating how well-intentioned programming can become flashpoints for political controversy. The authors highlight the intensifying hostility toward LGBTQ+ representation …

Introduction, Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This introductory chapter sets the stage for a collection addressing the censorship and resistance surrounding LGBTQ+ materials in libraries. The editors, drawing from personal experiences and professional challenges, reflect on the increasing sociopolitical hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities and the parallel rise in restrictions within library spaces. They argue that libraries cannot remain neutral as targeted attacks on marginalized groups intensify, and they position this book as both a chronicle of current struggles and a practical toolkit for resistance. Highlighting contributions from a diverse group of librarians across various library types and geographic locations—including voices from Canada, Ireland, and the Philippines—the …

Enemies Within The Gates: Contending With Internal Censorship Challenges, Jason D. Phillips

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This chapter explores the rarely discussed but impactful issue of internal censorship within academic libraries, focusing on challenges to LGBTQ+ materials. Drawing on personal experiences at a regional public university in the American South, the author recounts multiple instances where library staff and leadership acted in ways that undermined the inclusion of LGBTQ+ resources. These incidents ranged from quietly removing or hiding books to resisting the addition of LGBTQ+ periodicals and graphic novels, and even denying purchase requests without explanation. The chapter underscores how fear of controversy, personal bias, and institutional conservatism can result in "soft censorship," despite the profession's …

Advanced Machine Learning Techniques For Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction, Godfred Ahenkroa Kesse

Data Science and Data Mining

of mortality, necessitating advanced predictive models to aid early detection and prevention. This study explores the application of machine learning techniques, including Lo- gistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and XGBoost, to predict CVD risk using a dataset of 69,997 observations encompassing demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Data preprocessing involved one-hot encoding of cat- egorical variables and scaling to ensure compatibility with all models. Model performance was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC-ROC. Among the models, XGBoost demonstrated the highest accuracy at 74%, leveraging its gradient-boosting framework to effectively handle feature interactions and imbalanced …

Predicting Blood Glucose Levels: A Linear Regression Approach For Non-Invasive Monitoring, Godfred Ahenkroa Kesse

Data Science and Data Mining

Accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels is vital for the management of diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. This study explores a linear regression approach to estimate glucose levels non-invasively using a dataset enriched with demographic, physiological, and sensor-based variables. Following rigorous data preparation, including normalization and encoding, a Box-Cox transformation was applied to address violations of regression assumptions, stabilizing variance and improving model validity. Stepwise selection and hypothesis testing were employed to refne the model, retaining signifcant predictors such as AGE, GENDER, HEARTRATE, and DIABETIC, while excluding variables like NIR Reading and LAST EATEN for their minimal contribution. …

Ucf Pegasus Plan - 1st Grade - Maps & Globes, Cecilia Nuss, Mackenzie Luley, Jessenia Diaz, Alyssa Arnott, Miranda Howley

Pegasus Plans: Social Studies Unit Plans for Florida Teachers

During this unit, students will explore and create various maps and globes through multimedia resources, Hands-on activities, and assessments. The daily lessons cover topics such as a compass rose, cardinal directions, map titles, and physical features on maps and globes. By the end of this unit, students will be able to identify key elements and locate physical features of maps and globes. Through the use of songs, hands-on activities, games, books, and class discussions, students will be engaged throughout the unit.

Strategies For Identifying Collaborators: ​Writing & Presenting Collaboratively​, Rachel E. Vacek, Sarah A. Norris

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

A presentation for the University of Central Florida library faculty meeting that highlighted best practices and strategies for effectively collaborating with colleagues on scholarly activities, such as writing journal articles and other publications and presentations.

Raising Cybersecurity Awareness In Central Florida Communities, Jacob S. Freeman

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The threat of cyberattacks is larger than ever. As our lives move further into the digital age, attackers become smarter, learn new techniques, and exploit subtler vulnerabilities. If we want to train a generation that is protected from these threats, it is our responsibility to start educating people early, not just after they enter the workforce.

To do this, I partnered with a non-profit student organization called the Collegiate Cyber Defense Club, better known as Hack@UCF, to teach the UCF student body and others in the Central Florida area about cybersecurity. Our focus was on both understanding modern threats and …

Change Through Social Media: Sparking Wildlife Conservation One Click At A Time, Bryce J. Fable, Lauren Fitzsimmons, Noshi Kapoor, Anne Reichle, Sara Wise, Robin O'Meallie, Greg Zboch

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

As the natural world faces unprecedented threats, conservation efforts depend not only on research and policy but also on public awareness and engagement. This project partnered with the Zoo Miami Foundation to promote awareness through social media initiatives and interactive educational events at the University of Central Florida.

The authors began by studying Zoo Miami’s ongoing conservation projects and the specific environmental pressures faced by endangered species and habitats. To align with Zoo Miami’s exceptional standard of credibility, the team conducted in-depth research that extended beyond the foundation’s website to create material that served to both inform the general public …

What Kind Of World Do I Want To Live In?, Gabriel T. Silva

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Marine Conservation and Restoration is one of the most influential courses through community engagement and class discussion on conservation and restoration strategies. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Walters’ CEE (Coastal & Estuarine Ecology) Lab to plant mangroves and census oysters for restoration projects and to contribute to microplastics research based out of the Indian River Lagoon. Through this course, I gained experience that can be utilized in active research and active restoration through hands-on work both in the field and in the laboratory which will strengthen my academic CV and personal skill development. Engagement with the local …

Enhancing Ulcerative Colitis Care: Combining A Fasting Mimicking Diet With Induction Therapy, Umed Norkulov, Arianna Rivera, Fawaz Qazi

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

This project analyzed a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of adding a Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) to advanced induction therapy for patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) The study (NCT0405410) was a Phase 3, randomized controlled trial involving 32 active participants. The intervention group (n=14) received advanced therapy plus the FMD, while the control group (n=18) received therapy alone. The primary objective was to determine if the FMD could improve remission rates and biomarkers. The trial found a statistically significant (P=0.05) benefit for the combined treatment group. The intervention group achieved a 57% clinical response rate compared to 38% in the control …

From Weight To Risk: Understanding Obesity’S Role In Diabetes Mortality, Orina V. Thomas

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The goal of the study was to look into the potential relationship between obesity and diabetes-related mortality in the state of Florida. Diabetes is a significant chronic illness that has a wide range of effects throughout the state and is linked to major complications and early mortality. Understanding this association is crucial for guiding public health initiatives because obesity is one of the most significant and avoidable risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

To examine this association, I conducted an ecological correlation study using 2022 data from all 67 Florida counties. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was used …

Health-Link Society, Reagan M. Lenihan

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

No abstract provided.

Facilitation Of Historic Preservation In Parramore, Aiyana Gross

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The Parramore Speaks project is an initiative hosted by the UCF Public History Department designed to give agency back to the resident’s of Parramore by putting the preservation of their history back into their hands. Through a collaborated with the City of Orlando, RICHES and the PHC Internship, I had the unique opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to preserving and sharing the endangered local histories of communities located here in Central Florida. I worked personally with the oral interviews and transcriptions for individuals such as Reggie McGill, Alzo J. Reddick, Walter Hawkins and Paul Perkins, tirelessly …