Digital Commons Network^™

Supervised Topic Modeling For Scientific Texts: Bayesian Shrinkage Methods And Domain-Specific Applications In Forensics And Online Aggression Sciences, Amir Alipour Yengejeh

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Topic modeling has become a powerful tool for analyzing large-scale textual corpora across scientific domains. However, traditional unsupervised approaches like Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) often produce redundant or weakly informative topics, limiting their interpretability and predictive utility. This dissertation presents a dual-track study that advances the field of interpretable topic modeling and domain-specific text analysis by (1) quantitatively analyzing research trends in Cyber Aggression and Abuse (CAA), and (2) developing a supervised topic selection framework for forensic science literature.

In the first part, we apply LDA to a corpus of 2,309 journal abstracts on CAA sourced from the Web of …

Analyzing The Global Changes In The Seasonal Cycle Of Sea Level, Storm Surge, And Ocean Waves, Amanda Barroso

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Changes in the seasonal cycle of extreme sea level components can modulate the flooding risk along coastlines. This dissertation evaluates the changes in and potential co-occurrence of the seasonal cycles of mean sea level, storm surge, and ocean waves. Seasonal cycles characterize the generally expected climate conditions throughout the year with distinct high and low patterns. These regular and predictable cycles have shown non-stationarity in some locations across the globe. This means the timing of the expected peak may shift to occur earlier or later. Shifts in the timing of the maximum sea level impact coastlines with increased risk of …

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, …

Morphology, Evolution And Host-Driven Convergence In Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea), Davide Dal Pos

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Understanding the functional and evolutionary significance of morphology is fundamental to interpreting the tree of life. In recent years, emerging tools have enabled broad-scale analysis of discrete morphological data and facilitated the study of entire phenomes, helping to re-establish morphology as a central component of evolutionary research. These advances allow us not only to examine individual traits in detail but also to compare them across taxa and explore their evolutionary trajectories. This approach is particularly critical when studying hyperdiverse groups that exhibit both high levels of morphological convergence and complex life cycles intricately tied to host use. A prime example …

Marine Ecosystem Services Disruption And Social Violence, Rafael Hurtado-Valdivieso

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Over the past century, human activities have profoundly altered ocean and coastal ecosystems, significantly impacting communities whose livelihoods depend on these environments. This dissertation explores how disruptions in marine ecosystem services contribute to the emergence of social violence in coastal communities, with a specific focus on the Colombian Caribbean. While prior research suggests a potential link between environmental degradation and conflict, empirical evidence remains limited and inconclusive. This study addresses that gap through a multi-method, interdisciplinary approach that integrates environmental science, political science, and computational modeling to examine the mechanisms linking ecosystem disruption to social violence.

The research follows a …

“Rights Not Rescue”: How Stigma Influences Harmful Legislation Toward Sex Workers In The Deep South, Abigail Mckenzie Conover

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

In the United States, while prostitution or sex work is not explicitly illegal at a federal level, certain characteristics have been criminalized, mainly in indirect ways. This is significant when considering the different ways that sex work is regarded (both positively and negatively) at an institutional level. The current study examines the potential correlation between structural/institutional stigma regarding sex work/sex workers and legislation meant to directly or indirectly harm sex workers. The overall goal of this research was to answer the following question: How does structural/institutional stigma against sex workers present itself in legislation? To accomplish this, I conducted a …

Preparing For The Habitable Worlds Observatory: Spectropolarimetric Radiative Transfer Models Of Terrestrial (Exo)Planets, Kenneth E. Goodis Gordon

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The next major step for the exoplanet community lies in the characterization of terrestrial exoplanets, especially when it comes to identifying biosignatures and determining the habitability of these worlds. In response to this, NASA has proposed the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), with the primary goal of searching for and characterizing Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZ) of their stars. However, current characterization strategies that only rely on the unpolarized flux from the planets lose some of the informational content of the observed light and therefore suffer from degeneracies in the calculated planetary parameters. The sensitivity of polarization to the …

Pride Or Prejudice: An Examination Of Queer Content In Florida High Schools, Niamh L. Harrop

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis explores how queer individuals reflect on the presence—or more often, the absence—of queer content in their high school education. Despite increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ people in popular culture and legal reform, formal educational spaces remain largely heteronormative and cisnormative structured from a heterosexual and cisgender standpoint. Through a critical qualitative approach, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with 13 queer participants who attended high school in Florida in the years between the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 and the passage of Florida’s H.B. 1557 (“Don’t Say Gay” law) in 2022. Using thematic analysis, four key themes were …

Hypertension, Diabetes, And Chronic Kidney Disease In Young Adults: Nhanes Data From 2013-2018, Ashly Rodriguez Reyes

Undergraduate Scholarship and Creative Works

Background. Several studies have reported the link between diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity as risk factors for the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultimately leading to renal replacement therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. Although extensively researched in adults aged 55 years and older, CKD remains under-researched for young adults. Despite its emergence as a healthcare concern, limited data exists on risk factors impacting young adults without major comorbidities.

Objective. This research study aims to understand the potential risk factors unique to this population, seeking to guide prevention strategies and improve prognosis in already diagnosed individuals. Additionally, …

Living In Fear: Be Empathetic (Life)-Tool Kit, Desiree A. Díaz, Heather Peralta, Samantha Stephenson, Danny Hernandez, Geraldine Luzincourt, Syretta Spears, Ann Marie Parker, Trysten Altamirano

Nursing Handouts, Tools, and Other Documents

Open source materials to immerse learners in rural and public health experiences are needed to ensure the new work force is equipped to care for a variety of people in differing circumstances. Public health remains a vital yet underemphasized component within healthcare education, specifically nursing education. This often limits opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to become strong advocates for equity and systemic change. A

This project emerged from a commitment to provide experiential opportunities replicating the communities we serve. A Empathy Walk and LIFE Clinic (Díaz et al., 2025) was created as a strategy designed to engage …

Ucf Libraries 2025 Faculty Research Showcase, Jasmine George, Patrick Green, Joe Bizon, Kristine Shrauger, Ying Zhang, Renee Cole Montgomery, Rachel Trnka, Mary Rubin, Min Tong, Arielle Petrovich, Jeanne Piascik, Sai Deng

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Libraries’ Faculty Research Showcase is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the scholarly achievements, research, and creative work of library faculty.

The 2025 Showcase features eight engaging presentations covering a diverse range of topics:

• Jasmine George – Student Engagement Initiatives Around Florida Academic Libraries

• Jasmine George & Patrick Green – Student Wellbeing at the Library

• Joe Bizon, Kristine Shrauger, Ying Zhang & Renee Cole Montgomery – Roadmapping Leganto Successfully

• Rachel Trnka – Florida Library History

• Mary Rubin – Escape the Ordinary: Escape Rooms as Active Learning Magic

• Min Tong …

Teachers' Feedback And Students' Emotional Wellbeing In Writing Courses, Amar Bahadur Sherma

Journal of English Learner Education

While feedback is a corrective business in every sphere of human life, most students do not have a positive perception of teachers’ feedback. Previous studies have emphasized the relationship between students’ writing achievements and the effectiveness of teachers’ feedback. However, no substantial research on how teachers’ feedback affects students’ emotional well-being has been undertaken. This article examines the relationship between students’ understanding of their teachers’ feedback on their writing assignments and emotional wellbeing. Data was collected from (N = 63) Nepali undergraduate students through Google Forms. The Forms consisted of structured and unstructured questions. According to the data, a mismatch …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Literacy: A Necessity In Modern Language Education, Samarnh Pang, Engheang Nol, Kimkong Heng

Journal of English Learner Education

This article aims to discuss the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in the context of an AI-driven world and argues that it is a necessity in modern language education. The article answers a few questions, focusing on why AI literacy matters for language students and educators, what AI competencies should be promoted, and how AI literacy can be effectively integrated into the curriculum and instruction. The article also brings to the fore key considerations for implementing AI literacy in language education. These considerations include providing support to students and teachers to navigate the complexity of AI use, offering AI …

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: English Learners And The Difficulty Within Assessment, Identification, And Program Development, Gloria A. Avila, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

This report explores the critical components of effective program placement for English learners, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and identification processes to ensure appropriate placement. It highlights the rapid growth of the EL population, particularly in the state of Texas, and underscores the importance of developing tailored educational programs that meet the unique needs of English learners. By examining current practices and identifying key areas for improvement, this paper aims to enhance the academic and linguistic outcomes for English learners, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

The Science Of Reading, Writing, And Dual And English Language Learners, Vickie Johnston, Nika Verna

Journal of English Learner Education

This paper presents an evidence-based approach to meeting the needs of dual language and English Language Learners (ELL) that includes leveraging the skills and knowledge of the home language, oral language instruction, and the utilization of both effective writing instruction and multicultural children’s literature. This evidence-based approach includes insights gleaned from the science of reading (SOR) and research on writing development with ELLs and instruction needed to help their written communication skills. Practical classroom applications for using multicultural children’s literature include integrating the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to ensure the literature chosen is necessary for some and beneficial …

Transforming K-12 Classrooms: Ten Essential Strategies For Cultural Responsiveness, Sandra Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Regina Reber

Journal of English Learner Education

Across the United States, in K-12 classrooms, diverse student populations continue to increase, challenging educators to meet student cultural, linguistic, and academic needs. The study examined the best practices related to culturally responsive teaching (CRT) strategies to better meet all students' needs. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from licensed K-12 educators in New Mexico and Colorado. The findings revealed three essential themes: culturally responsive pedagogy, the positive impact of CRT, and the creation of physical spaces to support inclusivity. The findings revealed the significance of building strong relational capacity, encouraging collaboration, supporting multilingualism, and creating effective physical …

Transforming Future Classrooms: Exploring Mainstream Candidates’ Self-Efficacy, Amanda Nelms

Journal of English Learner Education

The nationwide shortage of teachers is having a profound impact on schools across the country. In addition, many teacher candidates are entering the profession without adequate preparation to effectively work with MLs, potentially exacerbating challenges faced by this student population. One innovative approach to teacher preparation is the implementation of Grow Your Own (GYO) programs. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on GYO programs by focusing on the self-efficacy of secondary mainstream teacher candidates in teaching MLs. This mixed-methods study collected data throughout a course centered on research-based instructional practices for MLs. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test …

Why The “Whole Language Approach” To Reading Fails Ell Students & Instructional Strategies To Employ Instead, Caitlyn E. Petrus

Journal of English Learner Education

The research presented in this article demonstrates a qualitative view of the science of reading for phonemic awareness instruction, phonics instruction, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) in PK-12 schools. The research builds upon esteemed writers Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Sylvia Linan-Thompson’s work in their book Research-Based Methods of Reading Instruction for Learners, Grades K-4 and other reading experts such as Dr. Wiley Blevins and Dr. Lisa Moats to apply to the growing population for ELLs in PK-12 schools and how to shift from a “whole language classroom” to a classroom built on the …

Promoting Critical Ai Literacy Through Online Video-Based Discussion, Mazid Ul Hasan, Janet Mannheimer Zydney

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

Video-based discussions can foster critical AI literacy by focusing on the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of using AI in education. The discussion may include video presentations with real-world examples about AI's advantages and pitfalls, synchronous discussions on video platforms, and asynchronous discussions that allow students to post answers through video. Prompts such as whether AI's benefits outweigh its costs or vice versa may bring in nuanced discourse, promoting a critical outlook toward AI among students.

Ucf Pegasus Plan - 5th Grade - Spilled Tea And Signed Freedoms, Sarah Gaudiosi, Milka Lucas-Dominguez, Maya Lopez, Natalie Ferguson, Destineebrittney Selby

Pegasus Plans: Social Studies Unit Plans for Florida Teachers

During this unit, students will explore the causes, key events, influential figures, and significant documents of the American Revolution through hands-on activities, interactive timelines, primary sources, and multimedia tools. Students will deepen their understanding of American Independence by examining the contributions of African Americans and women during the Revolutionary War, analyzing the terms and impact of the Treaty of Paris, and reflecting on how the Revolution continues to influence American government and society today.

Mark Wollaeger, Kurt Koenigsberger

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Genetic Joyce, Emma-Louise Silva

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Detecting Physical Activity Using Wearable Sensor Data, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

This study focuses on detecting physical activity using wearable sensor data, specifically distinguishing between walking and running. A dataset comprising accelerometer and gyroscope readings is used to train and evaluate various machine learning models, including logistic regression, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, naïve Bayes, and XGBoost. Extensive preprocessing, such as creating lag features and rolling statistics, is performed to enhance temporal data representation. The models are evaluated using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. Incorporating lag and rolling features significantly improves model performance, with logistic regression achieving perfect scores across all metrics. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of enhanced …

Public Health Simulation Infused Program (Pship) Toolkit, Desiree A. Díaz, Mindi Anderson, Francisco Guido-Sanz, Peggy Hill, Samantha Stephenson, Heather Peralta, Syretta Spears, Geraldine Luzincourt

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Project Narrative

PURPOSE AND NEED

Purpose: Priorities set forth by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) are addressed in the proposed simulation program in an effort to meet curricular needs and foster care to the medically underserved in Florida, further exposing students to public healthcare needs. Interprofessional (nursing and social work) and intraprofessional (undergraduate nurse and Nurse Practitioner [NP]) instruction is essential in the simulation-based education (SBE) program, promoting important content on identifying risk factors and health assessment of the medically underserved community (MUC) (Education Priority 2, §831). Coordination of medical care is a vicarious learning opportunity for all …

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.

Data Science Job Salary Prediction Using Linear Regression, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

In the evolving landscape of data science, accurate salary prediction plays a crucial role in shaping career expectations, informing educational strategies, and guiding organizational hiring decisions. This study investigates the key factors influencing entry-level data science salaries in the United States by applying a multiple linear regression model to a recent dataset spanning from 2020 to 2024. Through data preprocessing, transformation, and diagnostic evaluation, we identify how job roles, experience levels, employment types, work arrangements, residency status, and company size impact compensation. Despite challenges such as outliers, heteroscedasticity, and non-normal residuals, model refinements like the Box-Cox transformation and variable selection …

Handwritten Digit Recognition Using Machine Learning, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

Handwritten Digit Recognition (HDR) remains a fundamental benchmark in pattern recognition and machine learning due to its practical applications and inherent classification challenges posed by diverse handwriting styles. This study investigates and compares two classical statistical classifiers—Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)—to recognize the digits from the MNIST dataset. Both models assume underlying normality in feature distributions and offer computational efficiency, making them suitable for high-dimensional input such as image pixels. Using 60,000 training and 10,000 test samples, we evaluate model performance through accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and confusion matrices. The results reveal that while GNB …

Integrating Background Music Into Instructional Videos To Support Learner Engagement And Motivation, Efren De La Mora Velasco

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

This strategy explores how integrating background music (BM) into instructional videos enhances learner engagement and motivation by aligning musical elements with multimedia learning principles. The implementation involved designing seven videos with expert narration, purposeful music composition, and sound effects to guide attention and support pacing without causing cognitive overload. Results showed increased learner attentiveness and motivation, with positive outcomes across all dimensions of Keller’s ARCS model. Practical recommendations for integrating music into online courses are included.

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.