Digital Commons Network^™

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: …

Majorie In War And Peace, Gary R. Mormino

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

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 …

Deep Learning One-Class Classification With Support Vector Methods, Hayden D. Hampton

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Through the specialized lens of one-class classification, anomalies–irregular observations that uncharacteristically diverge from normative data patterns–are comprehensively studied. This dissertation focuses on advancing boundary-based methods in one-class classification, a critical approach to anomaly detection. These methodologies delineate optimal decision boundaries, thereby facilitating a distinct separation between normal and anomalous observations. Encompassing traditional approaches such as One-Class Support Vector Machine and Support Vector Data Description, recent adaptations in deep learning offer a rich ground for innovation in anomaly detection. This dissertation proposes three novel deep learning methods for one-class classification, aiming to enhance the efficacy and accuracy of anomaly detection in …

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 Modifications To Reduce A Brushless Exciter Response Time, Esnick Felissaint

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

As an alternative to converting a brushless exciter to static excitation in order to improve an exciter’s response time, conversion of the existing conventional brushless exciter is possible. A high initial response (HIR) brushless excitation system has the ability to force its output to ceiling voltage in 0.1 second or less, which is a response time similar to a static excitation system. To achieve the required fast response time, various modifications to the existing exciter components are required, including the ac exciter stator, permanent magnet generator (PMG), and voltage regulator. This paper describes those required modifications and associated technical information. …

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 …

Transformer-Based Methods For Starcraft Macromanagement And Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning, Muhammad Junaid Khan

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Transformers have emerged as the driving force behind innovative advancements in artificial intel- ligence (AI), particularly in the domain of generative AI. Originally designed for natural language processing, transformers have since demonstrated remarkable versatility across various domains, including computer vision and reinforcement learning. This dissertation investigates the application of transformer-based models to decision-making in the real-time strategy game, StarCraft II. StarCraft II (SC2) serves as an ideal platform for developing and testing AI agents due to its complexity and strategic depth. SC2 requires players not only to fight skirmishes (micromanagement) but also to build an army and construct fortifications (macromanagement). …

Strengthening The Cyber-Physical Resilience Of Active Distribution Systems, Xue Gao

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Inverter-based Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have experienced a significant rise in popularity due to their distinct advantages, such as improved power quality, advanced functionalities, and rapid response capabilities. These attributes make them particularly well-suited for modern power systems, where the growing demand for efficiency, flexibility, and reliability is crucial. As a result, the integration of inverter-based DERs into distribution networks has been steadily increasing, as they play a critical role in enhancing system performance and meeting the evolving requirements of contemporary power infrastructures.

However, the integration of inverter-based DERs presents several challenges that must be addressed for effective implementation. One …

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 …

Quantify Human Impacts And Climate Control On Hydrology Using Integrated Hydrologic Model, Yu Zhang

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate the impacts of human activities and climate control on hydrologic responses using the Integrated Hydrologic Model (IHM), which dynamically couples HSPF and MODFLOW. The study first evaluated the impacts of land use change and rainfall variability on hydrologic responses—such as streamflow, evapotranspiration (ET), groundwater ET, recharge, and groundwater heads—in the Anclote River basin (ARB), Florida. The results provided insights into the uncertainties in hydrologic responses due to rainfall variability. Secondly, hydrologic response flux changes were partitioned into anthropogenic causes, including groundwater pumping, irrigation, and land use change, by the IHM in …

Demystifying The Hosting Infrastructure Of The Free Content Web: A Security Perspective, Mohammed Alqadhi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This dissertation delves into the security of free content websites, a crucial internet component that presents significant security challenges due to their susceptibility to exploitation by malicious actors. While prior research has highlighted the security disparities between free and premium content websites, it has not delved into the underlying causes. This study aims to address this gap by examining the security infrastructure of free content websites. The research commences with an analysis of the content management systems (CMSs) employed by these websites and their role. Data from 1,562 websites encompassing free and premium categories is collected to identify CMS usage …

Analysis And Design Of Multiport Converters For Photovoltaic And Electrical Vehicle Applications, Reza Rezaii

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The widespread adoption of photovoltaic (PV) and electric vehicle (EV) technologies is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. A Multi-Port Converter (MPC) connects multiple PV panels, improving efficiency and reducing costs. In EVs, MPCs extend battery lifespan by adding energy sources, enhancing system quality beyond reliance on Li-ion batteries. This dissertation proposes a Quad-input LLC topology for PV microinverters. It utilizes a single LLC resonant tank and two Y switches configurations. An MPPT control strategy based on Perturb and Observe (P&O) method ensures independent MPPT for each panel. The zero-voltage switching (ZVS) is achieved across all switches for wide input …

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 …

Exploiting Dynamic Magnetic Fields For New Magnetorheological Fluid Damping Capability, Christian Vazquez

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The constituent parts of a magnetorheological (MR) sandwich beam combine to create a powerful damping device. The apparent viscosity of an MR fluid can change with the application of an adjacent magnetic field. Typically, this apparent viscosity rises as the field gets stronger. The resulting resistance to motion makes MR fluids a great choice for damping applications. The sandwich beam is a composite structure with two elastic outer layers and a damping material in between that forms the core layer. Using MR fluid as the damping agent produces good and tunable damping performance while possessing the benefits of a sandwich …

Multi-Agent Optimization Of Non-Cooperative Multimodal Mobility Systems, Md Nafees Fuad Rafi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

While multimodal mobility systems have the potential to bring benefits to travelers, drivers, environment, and traffic congestion, such systems typically involve multiple non-cooperative decision-makers who may selfishly optimize their own objectives without considering the overall system benefits. This paper aims to investigate market-based interactions of key stakeholders (i.e., service providers, drivers, and travelers) in the context of multimodal transportation (MT) systems. We propose a unified mathematical modeling framework to capture the decentralized travelers and drivers' decision-making process and balance the spatial demand and supply by locational service pricing. Such a model allows analyses of the impact of decentralized decision-making on …

Nonlinear Dynamical Characteristics Of Electroencephalogram Signatures In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Christopher I. Hernandez

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The application of nonlinear analysis in studying electroencephalography (EEG) signals has been increasingly applied to patients with neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Various nonlinear analysis methods have been employed to investigate MS, offering unique insights into understanding, diagnosing, and treating the condition. This study utilized two nonlinear analyses, sample entropy (SampEn) and Higuchi’s fractal dimension (HFD), to explore the effects of Interferon-β (IFN-β) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on patients with MS. Data were collected from 175 participants at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, across three groups: IFN-β (n = 39), DMF (n = 53), and healthy controls (n …

Lithium Niobate Piezoelectric Transformers For Compact Electronics And Atmospheric Plasma Generation, Justin R. Phelps

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This work presents piezoelectric transformers for compact electronics and atmospheric plasma generation, utilizing thin-film microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and bulk machined suspended transformers based on 128˚ Y-cut lithium niobate. As electronic devices continue to miniaturize, scaling down magnetic components remains a challenge due to difficulties in generating and confining sufficiently large magnetic fields. The most common configurations exhibit efficiencies of approximately 70% and can cause interference in surrounding electronics. In this work, thin-film flexural mode piezoelectric transformers are developed for on-chip, low frequency passive voltage gain and impedance transformation. These devices exhibit efficiencies as high as 95% and voltage gain above …

Effects Of Premixing On Emissions And Flame Stabilization For A High-Pressure Reacting Jet In Crossflow, Penelope Torres Serrano

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The effects of fuel premixing on the emissions and flame stabilization characteristics of a high-pressure, axially staged combustion system are experimentally examined. The experimental facility is split into two major components. The main stage provides a high-pressure, high-temperature crossflow that is consistent for all test conditions, and the axial stage provides the reacting jet-in-crossflow, where the flame temperature is varied by equivalence ratio sweep. Methane is injected through the axial stage into a high-speed vitiated crossflow under varying conditions, ranging premixing states, for various equivalence ratios. Experimentally, it is observed that NOx emissions increase with equivalence ratio and decrease under …

Design And Development Of A Real-Time Autonomous Uav Swarm Control System, Berk Cetinsaya

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation focuses on advancing control systems and path planning techniques for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), particularly in drone swarm operations and real-time digital twin (DT) integration. The research addresses key challenges in scalability, real-time responsiveness, and system adaptability to improve the efficiency and situational awareness of UAV systems. A comprehensive review of existing methods highlights the importance of swarm intelligence and nature-inspired algorithms. The study introduces a real-time DT that integrates multiple drone video feeds into a unified 3D environment. Additionally, the Camera-based Adaptive Line Formation and Dynamic Leader-Following Optimization (CALF-DLFO) strategy enhances drone swarm coverage and reduces update …

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 …

High-Performance, Energy-Efficient, And Scalable Accelerator Design For Emerging Machine Learning Applications, Lingxiang Yin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The use of machine learning (ML) is pervasive in numerous application domains, such as autonomous driving, scientific computing, robotics, and among others. However, the continuous growth of ML model complexity and data size is posing unprecedented computation and communication demands on current computing systems, especially in the era of large language models. The problem is further compounded by unstructured data and technology limitations.

To address these challenges, this dissertation research explores novel accelerator designs tailored for a wide range of machine learning applications. First, this research investigates a flexible communication fabric that can enable efficient training for deep learning applications …

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 …

Shifting Educational Paradigms: An Analysis Of Evolving Student Expectations Within A Reformed Physical Chemistry Curriculum, Kevin E. Morales

Undergraduate Scholarship and Creative Works

Students often hold negative expectations when enrolling in rigorous undergraduate courses. PhysicalChemistry is a challenging upper-level course for Chemistry majors; the course has a reputation as a demandingcourse that leads to students building negative expectations. This worsened when ambiguity existed in an instructor’s pedagogy. Not addressing those initial expectations of the students abates their motivation, which does not put them in the best place to learn, leading to poor academic performance. The course syllabus is often the first interaction a student has with the course; it can be a critical tool in (re)setting students' initial expectations and allows the instructor …