Digital Commons Network^™

Relationships Between Broad Aspects Of Personality Functioning And Generalized Anxiety Severity, Ashley A. Lee Lum

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study looked at the relationship between personality functioning and generalized anxiety severity with the use of the Level of Personality Functioning – Self-Report Scale (LPFS-SR). This scale looks at the four core functions of personality: Identity, Intimacy, Empathy and Self-Direction. The population consisted of undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida who completed the study online (n = 1335; 63.7% female; mean age = 19.85, SD = 3.64, range = 18-57). Findings revealed that generalized anxiety severity related to more identity and empathy problems in both men and women. For both findings, women showed a stronger effect size …

Semantic Bias As An Application Of The Universal Grammar Model In The Russian Language, Iryna Gural

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The theory of the Universal Grammar developed by Chomsky has been known for many years. The main idea behind the theory was that the processing of the language does not depend on the culture but it universal among all the languages. Further psycholinguistic studies developed the ideas about schematic comprehension of the language, giving rise to the idea of the "garden path effect". Research focused on the processing of the ambiguous sentences and found the tendency for readers to prefer interpretations of specific sentence areas as objects. The current study summarizes the ideas of psycholinguistic study and incorporates a novel …

Understanding The Healthcare Experiences Of Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (Daca) Recipients, Jacob A. Kluesener

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: There is limited research on the healthcare experience of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients both before and after enrollment in the program. DACA is a program designed to defer deportation to children and young adults in the United States for up to 2 years. The goal of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences of DACA students with regards to access to healthcare and perceptions of treatment. Method: This study is qualitative and uses a phenomenological approach. DACA Recipients (N = 5) were recruited from the UCF student population and 1:1 interviews were conducted. Interviews …

Is Perceived Intentionality Of A Virtual Robot Influenced By The Kinematics?, Jordan Sasser

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Research has shown that in Human-Human Interactions kinematic information reveals that competitive and cooperative intentions are perceivable and suggests the existence of a cooperation bias. The present study invokes the same question in a Human-Robot Interaction by investigating the relationship between the acceleration of a virtual robot within a virtual reality environment and the participants perception of the situation being cooperative or competitive by attempting to identify the social cues used for those perceptions. Five trials, which are mirrored, faster acceleration, slower acceleration, varied acceleration with a loss, and varied acceleration with a win, were experienced by the participant; randomized …

Investigation Of The Cell-Cycle Dependent Activity Of The Brca1-Rbbp8 Complex For Homologous Recombination, Jil Shah

Honors Undergraduate Theses

When cells undergo mitosis, they must replicate all six billion base pairs of DNA within the nucleus. With the sheer volume of information, it is impossible to replicate with 100% accuracy each time. Homologous recombination (HR) is one of many mechanisms the body has developed to correct and repair replication errors to DNA. HR is specific to double-stranded breaks to DNA, and it requires a sister chromatid to preserve the genetic code. BRCA1 and Rbbp8 interact to form a complex that is heavily involved in this process. Although there is a strong consensus about the involvement of these proteins in …

Don't Worry: A Personal Documentary Of My Grandmother And An Exploration Of Themes Of Motherhood, Loneliness, And Later Life, Olivia A. Wilson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent for this thesis is to to explore the ideologies of my grandmother and to learn from them. I do so by filming and editing a documentary with Grandma serving as my subject. She is a woman who has been very present in my life and who has lived and bestowed so much upon me that I still remain wanting more. I wish to know much more of her mind now than I did as a child of simpler times and ponderings. I have spent close to a year shooting and assembling this film that explores the nature of …

Proposed Biomedical Applications Of Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks As Drug Delivery Systems, Ariel Margaret Perry-Mills

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of highly crystalline nanoporous materials that self-assemble from inorganic metal oxide clusters and multitopic organic linkers. MOFs can be altered in terms of the types of metals and structures of organic linkers used, allowing for a high degree of customization and manipulation of the synergistic chemical or physical properties that arise from the precise coordination of their molecular components, including exceptionally large surface area and pore size. Zirconium-based MOFs, called UiOs in honor of their conception at the University of Oslo, also show remarkable chemical stability in both acidic and basic environments, making them …

The American Dream And The Filipino College Student, Angelo Gabriel G. Baldado

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The American Dream Ideology is defined by Sociologist, Jennifer Hochschild as, "All persons in the United States can achieve the American Dream, which is defined as the achievement of success however that is defined to oneself, through hard work and one's own efforts." Filipino Americans have a unique history with the United States and much of Filipino culture has roots within its history of colonization by Spain and the United States. Previous research has shown a high consistent rate of immigration into the United States, and high rates of social mobility among second-generation Asian immigrants compared to first-generation Asian immigrants. …

Split Probe Detection Of The Influenza A Virus For Improved Diagnostics In A Point Of Care System, Tamar Yishay

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A group of Influenza viruses, RNA containing viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family, consists of Influenza virus types A-D and has been known to cause the Flu, a respiratory illness associated with numerous detrimental symptoms that can lead to death. Influenza A virus (IAV) is constantly changing and is capable of causing pandemics. Currently used diagnostic methods include virus culturing, immunoassays including rapid influenza detection tests (RIDTs), and molecular assays including those based on RT-PCR. Most of the methods can be only performed in the certified diagnostic laboratories equipped with sophisticated instrumentation and/or special biosafety facilities. The results using these methods …

Righting Our Wrongs: Examining The Moderating Effects Of Moral Identity On The Relationship Between Counterproductive Work Behavior And Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Ian M. Hughes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There is a void that exists within the discretionary behavior literature as it pertains to the counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) relationship, respectively. The present study examined the moderating effects of moral identity on the relationship between CWB and OCB. In addition, exploratory analyses using moral identity sub-dimensions, organizational fairness, and job satisfaction were conducted. The study recruited 254 participants using MTurk. Using moderated multiple regression, a moderating effect for internalization (a moral identity sub-dimension) was revealed for the relationship between the organizational sub-dimensions of CWB and OCB. Other moderation analyses proved to be non-significant. Theoretical …

Urinalysis Screening Of Drugs In Adulterated Samples Via Direct Analysis In Real Time -- High Resolution/ Mass Spectrometry (Dart-Hr/Ms), Bianca E. Olivieri

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Current screening methods for drug analysis with urine samples includes examination of the sample with an immunoassay. These methods are used to determine the concentration of drug metabolites contained within the sample prior to further confirmatory testing. Drug testing plays a crucial role in maintaining safe workplace environments and safety of individuals. However, a positive result can lead to heavy consequences for the employee including suspension or removal from the workplace. Therefore, a majority of individuals add commonly known products into the sample to evade detection by developing a false negative result. Although specimen integrity examinations are performed to identify …

Academic Competence, Self-Efficacy, And Achievement Expectations Among International Students At The University Of Central Florida, Emily Hynson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

With the vast and continued growth of international students in the U.S., it is important to focus on this expanding group and identify factors that aid or hinder academic performance, achievement, expectations, and competence. Factors known to affect academics among international students, such as language barriers, acculturation to American society, university support and structure, social integration at the university, family support, and motivating factors to study in the U.S were examined. It was hypothesized that these known factors would negatively correlate with the academic outcomes of international students examined in the current study. It was also hypothesized that these factors …

Development Of A Spanish Version Of The Main Concept Analysis For Analyzing Oral Disordered Discourse, Karla Simonet

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aphasia is an acquired language impairment caused by damage in the regions of the brain that support language. The Main Concept Analysis (MCA) is a published formal assessment battery that allows the quantification of the presence, accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of content in spoken discourse produced by persons with aphasia (PWA). It utilizes a sequential picture description task (with four sets of pictures) for language sample elicitation. The MCA results can also be used clinically for targeting appropriate interventions of aphasic output. The purpose of this research is to develop a Spanish adaptation of the MCA by establishing normative data …

Effects Of A Plant-Based Vegan Diet On The Risk Of Cancer: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Chelsie M. Silavent

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Cancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even suppression of disease progression. Specifically, a diet that excludes animal-based products but consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables (i.e., plant-based vegan diet) is reported to …

Mechanical Characterization Of Anisotropic Fused Deposition Modeled Polylactic Acid Under Combined Monotonic Bending And Torsion Conditions, Aaron T. Santomauro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Mechanical strength of polylactic acid (PLA) is increasingly relevant with time because of its attractive mechanical properties and 3D printability. Additive manufacturing (AM) methods, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS), serve a vital role in assisting designers with cheap and efficient generation of the desired components. This document presents research to investigate the anisotropic response of multi-oriented PLA subjected to multiple monotonic loading conditions. Although empirical data has previously been captured for multi-oriented PLA under tensile and compressive loading conditions, the data has yet to be applied with regard to a representative component …

The Psychological Basis Of Threat Perception And Its Effect On The Use Of Force By Us Presidents, Collin J. Kazazis

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis creates a new variable for threat perception built upon psychological concepts and then applies this new variable to the question of why leaders use military force in certain situations. The concept of threat perception has a long history in the field in terms of its effect on leaders choosing to use military force. However, while the concept of threat perception is inherently psychological, previous proxies for the variable have included only situational factors, which is highly problematic. By utilizing the Operational Code, this study creates a new threat-perception variable based on cognitive constructs. Using a sample of US …

Nutritional Intake And Weight Gain In Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Literature Review, Kailey A. Kubisch

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in infants presents unique challenges in feeding and weight gain. The unpredictable clinical manifestations associated with the newborns withdrawal from exposure to drugs in utero can lead to costly delays in transition of the infant out of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).The purpose of this review of literature was to explore feeding positions and nutritional intake with the greatest impact on weight gain in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) following delivery. The secondary purpose was to compare the clinical manifestations of infants with NAS that influence nutritional intake and their relationship to length of …

Sex Determination Using Discriminant Function Analysis Of Carpals From Maya Sites In Belize From Pre-Classic To Spanish Colonial Period, Michelle D. Labbe

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The sexing of human skeletal remains is important for identification and demographic purposes. It is made more difficult when elements such as the skull and pelvis are not recovered or are in too poor of a condition to assess. Previous studies have used carpal (wrist) bones of contemporary populations to assess the viability of these skeletal elements exhibiting sexual dimorphism, as these bones are small, compact elements that are usually recovered in good condition. This study evaluates the use of carpal bones recovered from an ancient Maya population from Belize to determine the biological sex of individuals. The study sample …

Womens Perception Of Their Childbirth Expereinces: An Integrated Literature Review, Nancy M. Farmer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pregnancy and childbirth are a unique and sacred time in many womens' lives and the process of giving birth often leaves women and families in a vulnerable position.

This integrated literature review examined birthing experiences from the maternal perspective and focused on the short-term and long-term implications of negatively perceived maternal experiences. While there are several international studies, only a few have been published studies from the United States.

The integrated review showed a significant impact of provider-client communication and shared decision making on a woman's overall perception of her birthing experience. Reports of excess intervention, lack of informed consent, …

Exploring Environmental Heat Injuries In The Pediatric Population, Jennifer Bowman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Children are considered a vulnerable population in society. While thermoregulation in children is similar to that of an adult, children are vulnerable to heat-related illness. Student athletes have been found to be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness for numerous reasons, including intense outdoor play. Football players are perhaps the most at-risk population of student athletes due to the intense physical requirements, outdoor practice during the hottest months of the year, and the extensive protective equipment required. By conducting a literature review on the subject of pediatric heat illness, the purpose of this thesis is to explore evidenced based research and …

The Effect Of Corporate Social Responsibility On Firm Value And Performance, Jennifer E. Maxey

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In this thesis, I test the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm valuation and performance from the financial crisis of 2007 to year 2013. Prior research on CSR suggests that CSR is related to firm performance, but the results have not been consistent. My study focuses on the time period following the crisis since trust between firms and stakeholders may be more important following a negative shock. The components of CSR are broken out into environmental, human rights, diversity, community impact, employee relations, product, and corporate governance. I find evidence that at least some measures of firm performance …

Sepsis Knowledge In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Kelsey E. Tilton

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Sepsis is the most common cause of death in critically ill patients in settings other than cardiovascular intensive care units (ICUs). Research shows that early detection is the best way to prevent sepsis progression and improve patient outcomes. Nurses can play a critical role in the treatment of sepsis using their knowledge and resources to detect the presence of sepsis at the earliest possible point in the progression of the syndrome. Baccalaureate nursing students were surveyed to assess students' beliefs and knowledge of sepsis and to examine the gaps in students' abilities to identify sepsis. Methodology: An …

The Effects Of Medical Cannabis Use Among Adults With Chronic Pain: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Bridget A. Asevedo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this integrative literature review was to understand the effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain management in adults. Anecdotal reports suggest the use of medical marijuana as a pain management therapy could be an alternative to opioids and other medications which have long term consequences. Potential uses span the health care continuum, from prescribed outpatient symptom management, to acute care, extended care, home care, and hospice treatment settings. The methodology included a review and synthesis of relevant research articles from 2012 to 2018, written in the English language. The findings suggest medical cannabis has the potential of …

Autologous Skin Cell Spray-Transplantation As An Innovative Alternative To Autologous Split- Thickness Skin Grafts For Deep Partial Thickness Burn Wounds: An Integrative Literature Review, Alexandria M. Beaudet

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Burn wounds tend to be a critical problem with a complicated healing process. Although advancements have been made and the treatment of burn wounds has improved significantly, the healing process for deep-partial thickness burn wounds remains problematic. The purpose of this thesis is to review the available literature on an innovate biotechnology, autologous skin cell-spray transplantation, to more effectively treat burn wounds and potentially other injuries in the future. This study was conducted by critically researching and comparing (N=7) peer-reviewed research articles focusing not only on burn wounds using traditional treatments, but also the treatment of burn wounds using revolutionary …

The Effects Of An 8-Week Judo Program On The Psychosocial Factors Of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Auckland J. Burrell Jr

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of an 8-week judo program on self-competency, physical activity (PA) motivation, and enjoyment of PA in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: The sample included 20 children (ages 8 – 17) with a primary diagnosis of ASD. The participants completed an 8-week judo program that occurred once a week for 45 minutes. Participants were instructed to complete a series of questionnaires that measured athletic self-competency, PA motivation, and PA enjoyment at baseline and at the end of the 8-week judo program. Paired t-tests were conducted to examine differences …

Effect Of Propionic Acid-Derivative Ibuprofen On Neural Stem Call Differentiation; A Potential Link To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aseelia Samsam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Propionic acid (PPA) is a short chain fatty acid that is produced by the human gut microbiome. Propionate, butyrate and acetates are the end products of the fermentation of the complex carbohydrates by human gut friendly microbiome and are being used as sources of energy in our body. PPA is used as a food preservative against molds in various daily products and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism. In a recent study we showed that PPA in human neuronal stem cell (NSC) culture increases the astrocyte population and decreases the neuronal number and increases the inflammatory cytokines. In …

An Analysis Of Obstacles To Peace Between Iran And Israel, Emily M. Aspinwall

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The history of confrontation and cooperation between Iran and Israel is a volatile sequence. With the transformative impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on Iranian leadership and ideology, as well as Israel’s metamorphosis from a newly independent state to a regional rival, there is much to unpack in this relationship. From regime changes to nationalistic awakenings, Iran and Israel’s conflict is comprised of infinite layers brimming with historical and political implications. For the past 70 years, Iran and Israel’s diplomatic relationship has encountered numerous shifts, thus forming an axis of hostility, regional contention, and damaging rhetoric. This research analyzes the …

A New Measure Of The Authoritarian Personality: Untangling The Personal And The Political, Melodie Spiegel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Despite the existence of multiple scales designed to measure authoritarianism as a personality trait, current research disagrees as to whether current measures reliably measure all three dimensions of authoritarianism: submission, aggression, and traditionalism. This study focused on the development of a new scale in response to methodological and validity concerns of previously-used measures. This new scale was found to be a reliable measure of authoritarian belief in two subsequent studies of college-aged adults. Factor analysis of responses to the items of the new measure also provided evidence of the multidimensionality of authoritarianism as a construct. Further, significant correlations were found …

Barriers To Healthcare For The Transgender Population: A Focus On The Trans Persons' Experience Accessing Healthcare Services, Bryce E. Harrison

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Transgender people face several barriers to healthcare when accessing services. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived-experience of the transgender person accessing healthcare. Methods: Colaizzi phenomenological method was used to delve into the experience. The guiding question was: What is the lived experience (challenges, barriers, and/or difficulties) that the transgender person experiences when accessing healthcare? Results: Initial themes were collapsed to create relevant meanings. Five themes emerged from the protocols and were validated by participants. Overall, the transgender person is vulnerable in the healthcare system due to the lack of representation of their identity, which …

The Use Of Behavioral Pain Assessment Tools And Pain Outcomes In Nonverbal Patients, Patrick A. Healy

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Acute and critical care patients experience significantly more pain than those patients on a general nursing unit. Due to the severity of their condition, acute care patients may be nonverbal and unable to self-report their pain. Behavioral pain assessment tools are a method of objectively measuring pain in patients who are unable to communicate. While the use of these tools has been shown to improve short- and long-term outcome for patients, there is a paucity of evidence as to nurses' perceptions related to their use. The purpose of this study is to investigate acute care nurses' perceptions of the relationship …