Digital Commons Network^™

A Study Of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Statements: Using Computational Text Analysis To Navigate Changing Institutional Values, Thao Chu

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Towards An Erotic Masculinity: Audre Lorde’S Insight To Unpacking Desire, Noah Chartier

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Zines, Platform, And Refuge: Media And Mediation For Queer Identities, Kate Theerman Rodriguez

Dean James E. McLeod Freshman Writing Prize

In light of the 29% decrease in LGBTQ+ representation on television as reported by GLAAD for the 2022-2023 season, this paper explores the role that varying forms of media play in the identity formation and mediation of queer and marginalized individuals. The author does so by positioning Fanzines, or ‘zines’, from the punk-rock movement and the production of digital content within a feedback loop of identity mediation. The loop comprises the stages of Representation, Consumption, Position and Projection, and Production. By combining personal narrative with theoretical analysis, the author explores how media serves as a vital space for marginalized communities …

Combating Cyberbullying On Social Media: A Machine Learning Approach With Text Analysis On Twitter, Amir Alipour Yengejeh

Data Science and Data Mining

The popularity of the electronic mobile devices along with social media as well as networking websites have been tremendously increased in the recent year. Most people around the world daily engage in the variety of cyberspace additives. Even though the users can take most advantages of these system such as exchange the idea and information, being sociable, and enjoyments, they might be faced with such adverse behaviors such as toxicity, bullying, extremism, and cruelty. The recent statistics reports that such mentioned behaviors has been noticeably grown on the cyberspace such that can threaten the individuals and even any community. Thus, …

Machine Learning Approaches For Cyberbullying Detection, Roland Fiagbe

Data Science and Data Mining

Cyberbullying refers to the act of bullying using electronic means and the internet. In recent years, this act has been identifed to be a major problem among young people and even adults. It can negatively impact one’s emotions and lead to adverse outcomes like depression, anxiety, harassment, and suicide, among others. This has led to the need to employ machine learning techniques to automatically detect cyberbullying and prevent them on various social media platforms. In this study, we want to analyze the combination of some Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms (such as Bag-of-Words and TFIDF) with some popular machine learning …

Utilizing Pitchbook In A Live Case Study

Journal of Economics and Finance Education

This article discusses how to incorporate PitchBook in a live case study for Venture Capital, Investment Banking, or Mergers and Acquisitions courses. Students conduct a live case study in which they prepare an executive summary, forecasted financial statements, and an investment pitch deck for real companies preparing to raise private capital. PitchBook provides extensive capital market data on private equity, venture capital, and merger and acquisitions data across the globe. Students utilize PitchBook to gather data critical to prepare companies to go on a “Road Show” to raise private capital.

On The External Validation Of An Undergraduate Finance Program’S Assurance Of Learning

Journal of Economics and Finance Education

This study examines the assurance of learning in a finance program by analyzing the factors influencing students’ CFA Level 1 exam (CFA-L1) scores. Results show that (1) performance in CFA-L1 is explained by factors similar to those identified in studies on normalized standard examinations; (2) knowledge retention from non-Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK)-aligned courses is almost non-existent. The author suggests that replacing core courses with CBOK-aligned courses is the most effective way to “close the loop.” The author notes that internal validation tools (e.g., course assessments) are not useful due to systemic grade inflation and the culture of favoring soft …

Predicting Viral Rumors And Vulnerable Users With Graph-Based Neural Multi-Task Learning For Infodemic Surveillance, Xuan Zhang, Wei Gao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In the age of the infodemic, it is crucial to have tools for effectively monitoring the spread of rampant rumors that can quickly go viral, as well as identifying vulnerable users who may be more susceptible to spreading such misinformation. This proactive approach allows for timely preventive measures to be taken, mitigating the negative impact of false information on society. We propose a novel approach to predict viral rumors and vulnerable users using a unified graph neural network model. We pre-train network-based user embeddings and leverage a cross-attention mechanism between users and posts, together with a community-enhanced vulnerability propagation (CVP) …

Rising From The Dust: (In)Visible Women In Australian Mining, Angela Webb

Postgraduate

Artivism (Art + Activism) has effectively raised awareness, challenged societal norms, and catalysed change through creative expression. Deepwell (2020) noted that “art engages with feminist politics” and “feminist politics reinvents art”. Deepwell's statement emphasises the mutual influence and transformative power between art and feminist politics. Art serves as a vehicle for expressing and advancing feminist ideologies, while feminist politics, in turn, reshapes artistic practices, content, and perspectives, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse art discourse. (EXTRACT taken from page 2 of exergesis)

Zine And Collage-Making As An Engine For Queer Self-Making: Cutting, Pasting, And Seeing What Sticks, Robin Lao

Postgraduate

The purpose of this project aims to explore the potential of graphic design as a means of discovering and expressing queer identity on both a personal level and as a form of public engagement- to connect the individual to community and discover new knowledge of the self.

This project aims to add to the conversation and representation of queer identity so that both current and future generations can exist comfortably in their bodies and the spaces they occupy in the world. The necessity of more queer, more diverse and nuanced perspectives within studies of queer identity is more important than …

Man In A Room: Methods Of Cinematic Identification & Repulsion In The Work Of Paul Schrader, Ingrid Dieckmann

Postgraduate

This project takes the form of practice-led research consisting of a short experimental film and an accompanying written exegesis. Together they investigate a specific form of cinematic identification associated with the films of Paul Schrader. Schrader’s films have developed a cinematic identification that oscillates between attraction and repulsion and in doing so complicates the spectator’s identification with the main character. To understand how Schrader’s films engender this form of identification the written component conducts an analysis of the cinematic techniques employed in his films, and a literature review of research. It uses the outcome of this research to then set …

Conversational Localization: Indoor Human Localization Through Intelligent Conversation, Sheshadri Smitha, Kotaro Hara

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

We propose a novel sensorless approach to indoor localization by leveraging natural language conversations with users, which we call conversational localization. To show the feasibility of conversational localization, we develop a proof-of-concept system that guides users to describe their surroundings in a chat and estimates their position based on the information they provide. We devised a modular architecture for our system with four modules. First, we construct an entity database with available image-based floor maps. Second, we enable the dynamic identification and scoring of information provided by users through our utterance processing module. Then, we implement a conversational agent that …

Generation Expansion Planning In Isolated Power Systems: A Robust Approach With Dunkelflaute Assessment, Taraneh Ghanbarzadeh, Daryoush Habibi, Asma Aziz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Generation expansion planning is vital for decarbonizing power systems and ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future. Strategically adding new generation and grid capacity is essential for supporting a seamless transition to renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, achieving the optimal capacity mix of energy resources to ensure network reliability and economic efficiency presents significant challenges, particularly for isolated electricity grids. These challenges are exacerbated during periods of low renewable generation and due to the inherent intermittency of weather-dependent energy resources. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to optimizing long-term expansion planning for an isolated electricity grid, focusing …

Differentiation Versus Denial: Impact Of Messaging About Player Transactions On Team Reputation, Ticket Sales, And Sports Channel Subscriptions, Joseph R. Blaney, Stephen K. Hunt

Faculty Publications - Communications

Part of a concerted effort to quantitatively test claims made throughout image repair research, this study provides a greater understanding of the effectiveness of the differentiation strategy over simple denial and provides further clarification for related claims made in image repair research. Sports teams who differentiate major roster changes from a team rebuild score higher on measures of reputation, intent to purchase tickets, and intent to subscribe to premium sports channels. On behalf of practitioners, scholars should consider the conditions under which the ability to claim differentiation is plausible with a loyal clientele or customer base.

Prophetic Dissent In Dark Times: The New Poor People’S Campaign And The Rhetoric Of National Redemption, Stephen E. Rahko, Byron B. Craig

Faculty Publications - Communications

In this paper, we offer an analysis of an important social movement challenging the fantasy of Christian nationalism: the new Poor People’s Campaign, and specifically the rhetoric of the Bishop Dr. William J. Barber II. We argue that Barber’s rhetoric represents a source of dissent against Christian nationalism through his strategic use of the jeremiad. Barber’s progressive jeremiad offers a distinctively moral narrative that recovers the radical Christian legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ultimately, we argue that Barber’s jeremiad advances a distinctive narrative of American national redemption through democratic renewal and reconstruction.

We’Re Going Streaking!: Associations Between The Gamification Of Mediated Communication And Relational Closeness, Caleb T. Carr, Sarah F. Rosaen

Faculty Publications - Communications

Communication technologies have long been used to develop and maintain relationships; but recently, channels have increasingly sought to gamify interactions among users. The present study explored if individuals’ interpersonal and entertainment use motives were associated with interpersonal interactions and message composition, as well as subsequent relational outcomes (i.e., closeness). A survey of 156 collegiate Snapchat users revealed that interpersonal and entertainment motives were significantly related to Snapchat behavior (Streak count and Streak Snaps, respectively) and relational closeness. However, those using Streaks for entertainment motives sent impersonal Snaps more frequently and reported lower relational closeness with their partner.

Proximal Discourses In Residential Facility Care Providers’ Sense-Making Of Their Communication With Family Members Of A Loved One With Alzheimer’S Disease, Aimee E. Miller-Ott, Tristin Evans

Faculty Publications - Communications

Families often stay involved in the care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease even after relocation to a residential care facility, and through this transition, communication between the residential care providers and families becomes integral to keeping family informed and providing good care to the patient. However, care providers of people with Alzheimer’s living in residential facilities find themselves overwhelmed by expectations related to their caregiving role and struggle with making sense of their experiences. Fifteen care providers of people with Alzheimer’s disease living in a residential facility participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Using relational dialectics theory as the …

Remembering Redlining: Trauma, Anti-Blackness, And Afro-Pessimistic Affect In Them, Byron B. Craig, Stephen E. Rahko

Faculty Publications - Communications

Scholars of public memory have long recognized the importance of popular culture as a site in America’s memory infrastructure. In this paper we seek to contribute to this bourgeoning scholarship by advancing an analysis of the way the Amazon Prime series Them strategically remembers the traumatic violence of America’s racial past. Through its skillful use of allegory and the Black horror genre, Them offers an Afro-pessimistic rebuke of America’s post-racial fantasy. Ultimately, we argue that popular culture remains a crucial site for the politics of memory, especially given the growing threat of censorship of America’s racial history in education as …

Words, Words, Words: Participants Do Not Read Consent Forms In Communication Research, Daria Parfenova, Alina Niftulaeva, Caleb T. Carr

Faculty Publications - Communications

Informed consent is an essential part of conducting human subjects research; but its utility is dependent on participants actually reading the consent forms provided. This research conducted secondary analysis of data (N = 1,283) to assess how long participants spent on the consent forms. Participants spent an average of 35.4 seconds on consent documents: not a nonsignficant amount of time (i.e., different from 0 seconds), but insufficient to read or even skim consent forms. Women spent slightly less time on consent forms. Neither the length nor readability of a consent form predicted time spent reading, and neither readability nor gender …

Technology Affordances And Curriculum Flexibility In Higher Education Blended Learning, Clement Chimezie Aladi

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores technological affordances in blended learning, their influence on the flexibility of statistics and data science curricula, and students' satisfaction with learning. While blended learning is often perceived as a flexible learning approach, its correlation with flexibility lacks substantial evidence in existing literature. This study contends that technological affordances significantly impact curriculum flexibility in blended learning, an aspect currently underrepresented in blended learning educational literature. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Technology Affordance and Constraint Theory (TACT) and Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK), this research investigated six hypotheses to elucidate how technological affordances and the teacher's technology …

Economic Uncertainty As A Source Of Self-Uncertainty And A Threat To Confidence In Elections, Kaiyuan Chen

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Elections play a central role in building public trust. Yet, ironically, distrust in elections is also pervasive, posing a threat to many political systems. It is therefore important to understand factors that affect public’s confidence in elections. Drawing from work in social psychology, this research proposes that economic uncertainty should undermine confidence in elections, because it could elicit self-uncertainty. Two studies were designed to test this hypothesis. Study 1 ( N = 87,822) was a secondary data analysis of a large-scale multi-nation dataset. The main finding was that economic uncertainty predicted reduced confidence in elections especially among political liberals (vs. …

Mentoring Latinas On Doctoral Journeys: Testimonios Of Cultural And Gender Identity, Jacqueline Rangel

CGU Theses & Dissertations

In the United States, Latinas are underrepresented in obtaining PhDs that lead to high level professional careers and academia. This may be due, in part, to patriarchal academic institutions and approaches that have historically devalued the cultural experiences and identities of marginalized populations, including Latinas in higher education. However, research suggests that mentorship can support Latinas in successfully obtaining PhDs and disrupt institutional norms and practices. Framed by LatCrit, Mestiza Consciousness, and Mujerista Mentoring, this study sheds light on the experiences of twenty-four Latinas who earned PhDs-with or without mentors during their doctoral journeys. As such, the purpose of this …

Reviving The Sleeper Effect, Tehreem Riffat

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The present study was conducted to delve into the cognitive dynamics of the sleeper effect. The study investigated the role of persuasive message repetition (once, twice), the position of a discounting cue, which challenged the stated position of a communication, the cue’s credibility (high/low) and the timing of the cue (presented before or after the persuasive communication) on the outcome of a sleeper effect experiment. Analytically, the study was conceptualized as a 2 (Cue Credibility: high/low) x 2 (Cue presentation: before/after the persuasive message), (Elaboration: Communication was read once or twice) x 3 Test (pretest, posttest 1, posttest 2) design. …

An Explanatory Analysis Of Populist Leaders As A Risk Factor For Genocide, Adal Isaw

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the association between political leadership and genocides, by investigating whether leaders involved in these events manifest populist characteristics. Understanding this association is necessary for grasping the nature of genocides and developing effective alleviation and intervention strategies. The study categorizes leaders and analyzes their roles using historical records, including speeches, official documents, policies, and public statements. Leaders were classified as either populist or non-populist based on a qualitative content analysis using literature-based predetermined keywords and phrases to gauge the intensity of populism. Archive.org was used to count these keywords, and a comparative method …

Calliphoridae Of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Andrew Meeds

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This project aimed to establish a baseline understanding of the blow fly fauna of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (OPCNM). Blow flies are the most commonly used insect in criminal investigations due to their tendency to be the earliest to locate and colonize remains. By understanding their distributions and patterns of seasonality, forensic entomologists can determine which species are most likely to colonize remains and identify which species may require further study. An 11-month comparison between fresh and aged chicken liver-baited traps improves understanding of primary and secondary colonizers in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and offers insights into effective …

Biographical Reflections On Academic Freedom—Part One, Didier Bigo, Akos Kopper, Emma Mc Cluskey, Elspeth Guild, Nicholas De Genova, Arnaud Kurze, Anna Leander

Department of Justice Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we all became used to people wearing masks and covering their faces to protect society. By now these masks are off and we can clearly see everyone’s faces; we can read their lips and can understand their expressions and gestures. Words, however, are not coming freely from these mouths. The war on Gaza is just the last example of how questions of how to talk and what can be said permeate the academic community, undermining the essence of being a researcher, teacher and scholar. We, the editors of pariss felt that we should not remain silent …

Final Resting Places: Reflections On The Meaning Of Civil War Graves, Paul Ashdown

Civil War Book Review

In Final Resting Places, some of the most accomplished historians of our time reflect on the importance of the Confederate and Union cemeteries that eventually emerged and explore how monuments to the fallen have become cultural flashpoints in our struggle to come to terms with the war's root causes and legacy.

Ucf Pegasus Plan - 2nd Grade - Supply & Demand, Renata Veronica Nunez Saenz, Valeria Bonilla, Julia Buquicchio, Leah Silverman, Mya Buck

Pegasus Plans: Social Studies Unit Plans for Florida Teachers

During this unit, students will explore the fundamental concepts of economics. Through collaborative discussions, multimedia resources, and formative assessments, students will develop a robust understanding of how markets operate in their community and how people provide goods and services based on societal needs. Students will investigate the production process of familiar goods and learn the roles of producers and consumers in economic systems. They will also examine the concept of supply and demand with real-world applications by analyzing how changes in supply and demand affect prices and consumer behavior. The unit includes vocabulary introductions, practical demonstrations, and visual aids to …

Ucf Pegasus Plan - 1st Grade - Maps & Globes, Anna C. Howell, Alejandra Vega-Casillas, Gianna M. Astriab, Georgia De Los Santos, Lindsay Schultz

Pegasus Plans: Social Studies Unit Plans for Florida Teachers

During this unit, students will explore, analyze, and construct maps. The students learn about what a globe is and how they are similar to and different from traditional maps. The daily lessons delve into the elements of maps, including cardinal directions, map symbols, and map keys, in addition to the seven continents and what makes each of these land masses unique. Through developmentally appropriate songs, games, and books, students will be highly engaged throughout this geography unit.

Going Federal, Staying Stateside: Felons, Firearms, And The ‘Federalization’ Of Crime, Jonathan Abel

Faculty Scholarship

Scholars have long debated the federalization of crime. Proponents assert that federal prosecutions are more likely than state prosecutions to result in convictions and severe punishments, and thus more likely to deter crime. Opponents argue that federalization leads to the arbitrary, and even racist, punishment of a few unlucky defendants plucked from a sea of similarly situated peers. Everyone seems to agree about one thing, though: the federal system outstrips the state system in effectiveness and severity. Yet, no one has obtained the state-court data needed to substantiate these comparisons. This Article fills that gap with an examination of the …