Current Search: environmental (x)
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- Title
- The U.S. Environmental Movement 1890-2002: Discourse Divisions, Environmental Crisis Events, and Strategic Concessions.
- Creator
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Kane, Wendi, Wright, James, Morris, Joan, Rivera, Fernando, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The U.S. Environmental Movement is facing a paradox: increased mobilization over the last 100 years has not been entirely effective in halting environmental degradation. This research suggests that discourse divisions among environmental movement organizations constitute a fundamental obstacle to progressive change. The discourse divisions are evident in movement organizing patterns during periods of increased environmental crisis over the history of the modern environmental movement. In...
Show moreThe U.S. Environmental Movement is facing a paradox: increased mobilization over the last 100 years has not been entirely effective in halting environmental degradation. This research suggests that discourse divisions among environmental movement organizations constitute a fundamental obstacle to progressive change. The discourse divisions are evident in movement organizing patterns during periods of increased environmental crisis over the history of the modern environmental movement. In addition, evidence suggests that federal environmental policy is an outcome of increased organizing among movement organizations with more transformative visions of change. However, policy outcomes from increased pressure among transformative organizations are significantly correlated with Republican presidential administrations lending evidence to the idea that policy reform is a moderating strategy employed to silence radical change-makers. The results from this research contribute to the Marxist model of historical change under-discussed in the social movement literature. It also contributes to the ongoing debate in the environmental movement literature addressing the continued effectiveness of the environmental movement as a program for change.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005189, ucf:50638
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005189
- Title
- Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors: The Issue and its Dimensions.
- Creator
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Kelly, Brenna, Gay, David, Wright, James, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a variety of factors on environmental attitudes and behaviors. Studies have addressed a number of issues that are related to environmental matters. This examination extends the research in this area by incorporating educational attainment, political ideology, gender, marriage and family formation, religiosity and subjective spirituality, race and ethnicity, as well as several sociodemographic influences. The 2010 General Social Survey is...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a variety of factors on environmental attitudes and behaviors. Studies have addressed a number of issues that are related to environmental matters. This examination extends the research in this area by incorporating educational attainment, political ideology, gender, marriage and family formation, religiosity and subjective spirituality, race and ethnicity, as well as several sociodemographic influences. The 2010 General Social Survey is selected for the analysis because it is the most recent data available and contains items pertaining to environmental concern and behavior, and the independent and control variables. Directions for future research in the area will be discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004393, ucf:49393
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004393
- Title
- WATER SANITATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN LATIN AMERICA, COLOMBIA, AND CARTAGENA: A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, POVERTY, AND POLICY.
- Creator
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Sullivan, Andrea K, Sadri, Houman A., Bledsoe, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The objective of this research is to identify the need for stricter environmental standards and regulations in three areas of study. Organized by their level of analysis, these areas are Latin America (at the System-Level-of Analysis), Colombia (at the State-Level-of-Analysis), and the city of Cartagena (at the Sub-National-Level of Analysis). This research was accomplished in two phases. The first involved conducting an exhaustive literature search of sources, germane to the objective,...
Show moreThe objective of this research is to identify the need for stricter environmental standards and regulations in three areas of study. Organized by their level of analysis, these areas are Latin America (at the System-Level-of Analysis), Colombia (at the State-Level-of-Analysis), and the city of Cartagena (at the Sub-National-Level of Analysis). This research was accomplished in two phases. The first involved conducting an exhaustive literature search of sources, germane to the objective, published in Spanish and English. The second featured a site inspection conducted over a 10-day period during the month of May 2016 to Cartagena, Colombia. The purpose of the site inspection was to interview locals and to photographically document waste disposal practices. The results of this research determined that government at all levels (system, state, and subnational) play a significant and sometimes determinant role in managing waste and water pollution that are responsible for health problems primarily among the poor; these health problems are discussed in detail. This research discovered that the lack of government intervention is responsible for reducing the efficacy of waste management and water sanitation services. This research concludes with a discussion of how proactive waste management and water sanitation policies and practices can have a significant benefit not only to improving health but also has significant economic, social and environmental benefits that may reach beyond local levels.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000150, ucf:45936
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000150
- Title
- Weathering the Storm: Effects of Storm Periods on Ancient Populations of Coastal Florida.
- Creator
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Parbus, Brett, Barber, Sarah, Donoghue, Joseph, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Understanding human response to natural disasters is a core problem for environmental archaeologists. Hurricanes are often devastating to coastal populations, and recognizing behavioral change in response to these major storm events provides context for the resilience and adaptability of ancient coastal people. This research project focuses on retrodicting periods of increased storm frequency and intensity for regions of the Florida coast and comparing those storm periods to the existing...
Show moreUnderstanding human response to natural disasters is a core problem for environmental archaeologists. Hurricanes are often devastating to coastal populations, and recognizing behavioral change in response to these major storm events provides context for the resilience and adaptability of ancient coastal people. This research project focuses on retrodicting periods of increased storm frequency and intensity for regions of the Florida coast and comparing those storm periods to the existing archaeological record in order to determine if there are correlations between increased storminess and periods of site abandonment and/or changes in subsistence strategy. These potential correlations may aid in our understanding of human cultural response to dramatic environmental change. Particle size analysis was performed on sediment cores collected from 5 coastal Florida lakes in order to determine periods of increased storm occurrence dating back as far as 9000 B.P. After comparing these storm chronologies to dated materials from the existing archaeological record of the regions surrounding each of the coastal lakes, preliminary analysis shows the potential for correlation between periods of increased storminess and site abandonment. At the regional level and in several intra-site comparisons, there are some noticeable staggering effects between the periods of storminess and the radiocarbon dates of archaeological materials. Further investigation is needed to more fully understand the relationship between these two datasets, which may further our understanding of cultural resilience to environmental stressors and the catalyzing forces of site abandonment and subsistence change in coastal Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007765, ucf:52382
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007765
- Title
- ORGANIZATIONAL LEGITIMACY AND THE STRATEGIC USE OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION: THREE STUDIES RELATED TO SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE.
- Creator
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Cho, Charles, Roberts, Robin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation consists of three separate, but inter-related, studies overarching a common theme labeled "the role played by social and environmental accounting disclosures using different methodologies and framed within legitimacy theory." The first study investigates the use of different language techniques in social and environmental disclosures (SED) and tests whether the impression management hypothesis holds when disclosures are measured as such. The second study extends the ...
Show moreThis dissertation consists of three separate, but inter-related, studies overarching a common theme labeled "the role played by social and environmental accounting disclosures using different methodologies and framed within legitimacy theory." The first study investigates the use of different language techniques in social and environmental disclosures (SED) and tests whether the impression management hypothesis holds when disclosures are measured as such. The second study extends the "legitimacy on the Internet" arguments of Patten and Crampton (2004) by examining the content and presentation of corporate website environmental disclosure in relation to firm environmental performance of four size-matched sample groups constructed based on industry environmental sensitivity and America's Toxic 100 membership (the top 100 polluters in the US). The third study investigates whether and how Total, one of the world's largest integrated oil and gas companies headquartered in France, utilized legitimation strategies such as social and environmental disclosures, to respond to two significant environmental incidents. Taken together, these three studies build upon prior theoretical and empirical work to substantiate and advance social and environmental accounting research using various methodological lenses and perspectives.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001555, ucf:47155
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001555
- Title
- Investigating the Influence of the Built Environment on Energy-Saving Behaviors.
- Creator
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Sellers, Brittany, Jentsch, Florian, Smither, Janan, Sims, Valerie, Fiore, Stephen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation addresses a gap in the existing sustainability behavior research, by integrating research from the social sciences about environmental attitudes and knowledge with approaches from engineering regarding the characteristics of the built environment. Specifically, this dissertation explores the role of both environmental knowledge and design features within the built environment on building occupants' energy behaviors throughout the course of an environmental conservation...
Show moreThis dissertation addresses a gap in the existing sustainability behavior research, by integrating research from the social sciences about environmental attitudes and knowledge with approaches from engineering regarding the characteristics of the built environment. Specifically, this dissertation explores the role of both environmental knowledge and design features within the built environment on building occupants' energy behaviors throughout the course of an environmental conservation campaign. Data were collected from 240 dormitory residents using a multi-phase questionnaire approach to study these factors and their combined impact within the context of environmental sustainability practices on UCF's campus. The results from a series of correlational and multiple regression analyses indicate that both the design components of the built environment and the attitudes held by individuals within that environment have a significant positive influence on behaviors. Furthermore, these findings indicated that this effect increases significantly when the two factors work together. Finally, the results show that pro- environmental attitudes and behaviors can be successfully targeted through a cue-based energy conservation campaign. By addressing a gap in the extant Human Factors research about the relationship between attitudinal factors and the built environment, this dissertation provides a unique contribution to the field and points the way towards development of promising solutions for encouraging sustainable behaviors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006500, ucf:51387
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006500
- Title
- AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: RESPONSES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS, HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS.
- Creator
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Lasso de la Vega, Ernesto, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Over the last 30 years, environmental education has been part of the curriculum in Southwest Florida public schools. Curriculum objectives, such as, environmental attitude, knowledge, and awareness (AKA), have been investigated in the literature as ways to improve the overall behavior of future citizens toward the environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aforementioned objectives among the following groups: environmental specialists, high school instructors, high school...
Show moreOver the last 30 years, environmental education has been part of the curriculum in Southwest Florida public schools. Curriculum objectives, such as, environmental attitude, knowledge, and awareness (AKA), have been investigated in the literature as ways to improve the overall behavior of future citizens toward the environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aforementioned objectives among the following groups: environmental specialists, high school instructors, high school students, and the parents of the corresponding students in three Southwest Florida counties during the 2003-2004 school year. An instrument was developed to measure the groups' levels of awareness, knowledge, and attitude as well as their levels of self-efficacy. The returned surveys represented responses from: 27 environmental specialists, 15 high school instructors, 224 high school students, and 222 parents. This study found statistically significant differences among the groups regarding the levels of awareness, knowledge, and attitude as related to environmental issues. The environmental specialists scored highest for all AKA components as compared to the lowest levels presented by parent awareness, parent attitude, and high school student knowledge. In addition, factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and preference of leisure activities resulted in differences among the groups regarding their levels of environmental AKA. This study supports the evaluation of AKA levels among participants as an appropriate approach to the evaluation of environmental curriculum objectives. In addition, the study suggests a simplified measurement of AKA as an attempt to unify the parameters measured by numerous instruments found throughout environmental education literature. The results of this study may assist environmental specialists, instructors, and school districts in the evaluation of environmental education curricula.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000207, ucf:46266
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000207
- Title
- EFFECTS OF REAL ESTATE CYCLES ON RESIDENTIAL AMENITY VALUES FOR WATER RESOURCES.
- Creator
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Hillard, Amy, Milon, Walter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Little research has been conducted on the effects of housing price cycles on preferences for environmental landscape attributes over time (Cho, Kim, & Roberts, 2011). If the economic value of scarce resources like water resource amenities depends on consumer preferences, then it is useful to address possible effects of cyclical variation in the housing market on these values. This issue is addressed in the primary research question for this thesis: Did the 2007-2009 recession and consequent...
Show moreLittle research has been conducted on the effects of housing price cycles on preferences for environmental landscape attributes over time (Cho, Kim, & Roberts, 2011). If the economic value of scarce resources like water resource amenities depends on consumer preferences, then it is useful to address possible effects of cyclical variation in the housing market on these values. This issue is addressed in the primary research question for this thesis: Did the 2007-2009 recession and consequent real estate bust affect marginal willingness to pay for water resource amenities for properties in proximity to the lower St. Johns River (SJR) in Duval County, FL? Prior published studies on the most recent real estate cycle were used to evaluate the timing of housing market impacts during the most recent recession. Also, sales price and sales volume distributions for Duval County were evaluated to compare trends. Based on prior research and results, three separate hypotheses were generated and tested using the hedonic pricing method for residential properties in Duval County. The first hypothesis was that the recent recession impacted the implicit prices of water resource amenities for residential properties in proximity to the SJR. Two separate regression models were developed to test different recession periods (2007-2012 and 2008-2012) based on sample data. Time fixed effect binary variables were used to construct recession interaction effects with water related amenities (proximity to the SJR as well as tributary and riverfront properties). Results showed that during the recession period, sales prices for houses further away from the river experienced a greater negative impact than those closer to the river. This result is similar to research by Cohen, Coughlin, and Lopez (2012) who suggest that, higher priced or high tier residential houses (in this case, those closer to river) tend to hold their value more than low tier residential houses. Also, consistent with research by Bin, Czajkowski, Jingyuan, and Villarini (2015), sales prices for tributary and riverfront homes were not impacted by the recession. A second hypothesis was developed to test whether sales prices for houses in Duval County recovered to pre-recession levels. A regression model was constructed with a separate recession interaction effect variable for 2013-2015 and results indicated that the housing market did not make a full recovery from the recession. A final hypothesis was developed on the significance of interaction variables water quality indicator Chlorophyll-A and a recession effects binary variable. All water quality interaction variables introduced within the model were not significant at the 1% or 5% levels. Future research might include testing interactions with parcel land area and recession time effects and also examining other water quality indicators including Secchi Disk, dissolved oxygen, or turbidity. It may also be useful in the future to use an alternative method of measuring implicit prices of environmental characteristics, such as the repeat sales method.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004890, ucf:45423
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004890
- Title
- Critical Exposure Pathways: An Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Gaseous Effluents from Light-Water-Cooled Reactors.
- Creator
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Danna, Robert, McLellon, Waldron M., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; The analysis of the environmental impact of routine radioactive gaseous releases from operating nuclear power stations is discussed using a radiation dose assessment. This analysis includes a discussion of the origin of radionuclide effluents, a discussion of federal policies, and a calculation of radiation doses to man. A model of estimating the radioactive dose from gaseous effluents from light-water-cooled reactors is described...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; The analysis of the environmental impact of routine radioactive gaseous releases from operating nuclear power stations is discussed using a radiation dose assessment. This analysis includes a discussion of the origin of radionuclide effluents, a discussion of federal policies, and a calculation of radiation doses to man. A model of estimating the radioactive dose from gaseous effluents from light-water-cooled reactors is described using guidelines described in the Code of Federal Regulations and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Regulatory Guides. The environmental impact of these sources is then analyzed using dose rates calculated along critical exposure pathways for various radioactive nuclides. Examples are given using ractors that have been heretofore documented in the literature. the major radionuclides in the airborne effluents from a PWR, used as an example are noble gases, H-3, radioiodines, and radioactive particles. The results from the methodologies described in this paper are compared to federal radiation limits
Show less - Date Issued
- 1979
- Identifier
- CFR0008134, ucf:52949
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008134
- Title
- System justification theory: Synthesizing and applying its theoretical motivations in behavioral accounting research.
- Creator
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Olczak, Wioleta, Roberts, Robin, Libby, Theresa, Tian, Yu, Patten, Dennis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation consists of two studies on System Justification Theory, hereafter SJT. SJT (Jost and Banaji 1994) is a psychology theory stating that individuals justify the status quo even if doing so is against their own or their group's interest (Jost et al. 2004). Comprised of twenty propositions, SJT attempts to explain social and psychological factors driving individuals to perceive the social system as legitimate. These factors also drive individuals to support and maintain the...
Show moreThis dissertation consists of two studies on System Justification Theory, hereafter SJT. SJT (Jost and Banaji 1994) is a psychology theory stating that individuals justify the status quo even if doing so is against their own or their group's interest (Jost et al. 2004). Comprised of twenty propositions, SJT attempts to explain social and psychological factors driving individuals to perceive the social system as legitimate. These factors also drive individuals to support and maintain the social system. The synthesis and application of this psychological theory in behavioral accounting research is limited, but could provide explanatory evidence on individual decision-making in accounting. The first study of this dissertation synthesizes SJT's four foundational theories (-) cognitive dissonance, social identity, social dominance, and belief in a just world (-) in behavioral accounting research, specifically focusing on two predominantly used theoretical motivations, cognitive dissonance and social identity theory. Behavioral accounting and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have increasingly become more complex as interest in these two areas continues to grow. The first study reviews prior behavioral accounting research that applied cognitive dissonance or social identity theory, and then demonstrates how the application of SJT in behavioral accounting research addresses more complex research questions that cannot be addressed solely from one or a combination of SJT's four foundational theories. The second study then applies SJT's theoretical motivations in a complex managerial accounting setting by investigating whether maintaining the status quo is a factor explaining managers' decisions to overstate environmental capital expenditure (ECE) projections. This study uses an experimental design to understand whether the presence of an overstatement status quo and a system threat affects managers' decisions to overstate environmental projections. The results indicate that managers are more likely to overstate ECE projections when the industry exhibits an overstatement status quo. Additionally, this propensity to overstate ECE projections is further exacerbated when managers face a stakeholder threat, suggesting they (")dig in their heels(") and maintain the status quo. This study extends environmental accounting research by demonstrating that the societal status quo affects managers cognitively and psychologically as they make environmental disclosure decisions. Results also contribute to practice by shedding insight as to why managers make certain environmental disclosure decisions. Specifically, the results show that the social system impacts managers' willingness to use environmental disclosures as a legitimating tool. Overall these two studies contribute to behavioral accounting research by exploring and applying a psychological theory in a managerial environmental accounting setting. It demonstrates how a commonly used psychology theory that has never been utilized in accounting research could address broad and complex accounting topics
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007697, ucf:52447
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007697
- Title
- The Colonial Legacy of Environmental Degradation in Nigeria's Niger River Delta.
- Creator
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England, Joseph, Walker, Ezekiel, Lyons, Amelia, Sacher, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Nigeria's petroleum industry is the lynchpin of its economy. While oil has been the source of immense wealth for the nation, that wealth has come at a cost. Nigeria's main oil-producing region of the Niger River Delta has experienced tremendous environmental degradation as a result of decades of oil exploration and production. Although there have been numerous historical works on Nigeria's oil industry, there have been no in-depth analyses of the historical roots of environmental degradation...
Show moreNigeria's petroleum industry is the lynchpin of its economy. While oil has been the source of immense wealth for the nation, that wealth has come at a cost. Nigeria's main oil-producing region of the Niger River Delta has experienced tremendous environmental degradation as a result of decades of oil exploration and production. Although there have been numerous historical works on Nigeria's oil industry, there have been no in-depth analyses of the historical roots of environmental degradation over the full range of time from the colonial period to the present. This thesis contends that the environmental degradation of Nigeria's oil producing region of the Niger Delta is the direct result of the persistent non-implementation of regulatory policies by post-independence Nigerian governments working in collusion with oil multinationals. Additionally, the environmental neglect of Nigeria's primary oil-producing region is directly traceable back to the time of colonial rule. Vital to this argument is the view that the British colonial state created the economic institutions which promoted Nigerian economic dependency after independence was achieved in 1960. The weakness of Nigeria's post-colonial dependent system is exposed presently through the continued neglect of regulatory policies by successive post-colonial Nigerian governments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004534, ucf:49251
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004534
- Title
- HURRICANE KATRINA AND THE PERCEPTION OF RISK: INCORPORATING THE LOCAL CONTEXT.
- Creator
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Campbell, Nnenia, Canan, Penelope, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This paper identifies social conditions that shape perceptions of risk to environmental toxins among residents in the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. Demographic information from a randomly selected sample of 2,548 residents was used to explore the concept of the "White male effect" as discussed in previous literature, which has found that white males are particularly risk accepting compared to all other race and gender groups. This analysis also...
Show moreThis paper identifies social conditions that shape perceptions of risk to environmental toxins among residents in the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. Demographic information from a randomly selected sample of 2,548 residents was used to explore the concept of the "White male effect" as discussed in previous literature, which has found that white males are particularly risk accepting compared to all other race and gender groups. This analysis also evaluated the influence of trust in government and beliefs about environmental justice on perceived exposure and compared responses from residents within and outside the City of New Orleans to determine whether there is evidence of location-specific differences. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed strong support for the combined race and gender effects proposed by previous literature. Additionally, hypotheses regarding the influence of trust in government and belief in environmental injustice were supported. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002712, ucf:48170
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002712
- Title
- A BURKEAN METHOD FOR ANALYZING ENVIRONMENTAL RHETORIC.
- Creator
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Stewart, John, Dombrowski, Paul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The work of Kenneth Burke provides a method of rhetorical analysis that is useful in terms of bringing features of texts to the surface that are not readily apparent, such as how they produce identification in their audiences, and in revealing rhetorical factors related to but outside the text, for example the authors' motives. Burke's work is wide-ranging and open to many interpretations, so it can be difficult to apply. This study condenses some of his more important concepts into a...
Show moreThe work of Kenneth Burke provides a method of rhetorical analysis that is useful in terms of bringing features of texts to the surface that are not readily apparent, such as how they produce identification in their audiences, and in revealing rhetorical factors related to but outside the text, for example the authors' motives. Burke's work is wide-ranging and open to many interpretations, so it can be difficult to apply. This study condenses some of his more important concepts into a simplified method which has several practical applications; it focuses on how Burke's theories can be applied to analyzing environmental texts, and helps reveal how those texts are rhetorically effective. This method is also shown to be useful for rhetoricians and other students of language in analyzing the motives and meanings behind complicated texts. An example analysis is developed in detail to demonstrate the utility of this approach for analyzing environmental rhetoric and help clarify how to apply it to other texts. A publication by the Center for Ecoliteracy (CEL), a nonprofit organization engaged in environmental education, provides the basis for a concrete example of applying this method to a current work of environmental rhetoric. The CEL serves as an example of current environmental organizations and their rhetoric, and a Burkean analysis of its publications begins by revealing some of the principles operating in the texts that make them rhetorically effective. This analysis also goes beyond basic dialectics to question how the texts function as "symbolic action" and how they fit into Burke's hierarchic system of language. The method developed in this study not only determines how the text produces identification in an audience, but also the motives behind producing the text. The CEL's publications are good representative examples of current environmental writing, so the conclusions drawn from an analysis of the CEL's texts can be applied to other environmental rhetoric.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002594, ucf:48248
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002594
- Title
- IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE COMMISSION OF BURGLARIES.
- Creator
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Donmez, MUSTAFA, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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As in many countries, burglary is very important crime in Turkey. Scientific methods and techniques are needed to solve complex burglary cases. This study was completed in the Bursa Police context since they classified many crime data conducive to scientific studies under a project called BEMTAP. The main purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the commission of burglaries, using an epid-criminological perspective. While measuring the relative importance of predictor...
Show moreAs in many countries, burglary is very important crime in Turkey. Scientific methods and techniques are needed to solve complex burglary cases. This study was completed in the Bursa Police context since they classified many crime data conducive to scientific studies under a project called BEMTAP. The main purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the commission of burglaries, using an epid-criminological perspective. While measuring the relative importance of predictor variables on the number of burglaries and on repeated burglaries, two different models were constructed and validated. For the first model of predictors, Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis were performed; for the second one, logistic regression was used. The results show that offender factors are more influential than opportunity and environmental factors in explaining the variability in frequency of burglaries committed and the likelihood to commit repeated burglaries. In conclusion, the best way to reduce burglary rate is to focus on offender factors. Dealing with oppportunity and environmental factors would also contribute to a decreased burglary rate.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003926, ucf:48706
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003926
- Title
- ENERGY-USE BEHAVIOR AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
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O'Connell, Lillian, Canan, Penelope, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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As the effects of global climate change become increasingly apparent, many concerned individuals are making efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. One simple and effective method of reducing oneÃÂ's personal carbon footprint is through energy conservation behavior. Studies have shown that occupant behavior can control as much as 50% of residential energy use and that energy use varies widely between residences with the same number of occupants depending on...
Show moreAs the effects of global climate change become increasingly apparent, many concerned individuals are making efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. One simple and effective method of reducing oneÃÂ's personal carbon footprint is through energy conservation behavior. Studies have shown that occupant behavior can control as much as 50% of residential energy use and that energy use varies widely between residences with the same number of occupants depending on consumption behavior. In light of this, energy conservation behavior is a valuable method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing the effects of climate change. Motivating people to conserve energy could have profound positive effects on the environment. The following study applies Icek AjzenÃÂ's Theory of Planned Behavior (1991) to energy conservation behavior among college students in the state of Florida. This research tests the hypothesis that pro-environmental attitudes, influence of peers, and a high level of perceived control over behavior have a significant impact on energy conservation behavior.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003183, ucf:48614
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003183
- Title
- Mass Media and the Evolution of the Environmental Movement: 1960-1979.
- Creator
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Anguish, Donald, Foster, Amy, Nair, Deepa, Murphree, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis examines how particular forms of mass media spurred and guided the United States environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Its objective is to better understand how mass media contributed to the evolution of the environmental movement. Three particular types of media form the basis of this study: writing (books, newspapers, and magazines), audio-visual material (movies and television), and photographs. These three mediums of communications and their intrinsic effects on the...
Show moreThis thesis examines how particular forms of mass media spurred and guided the United States environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Its objective is to better understand how mass media contributed to the evolution of the environmental movement. Three particular types of media form the basis of this study: writing (books, newspapers, and magazines), audio-visual material (movies and television), and photographs. These three mediums of communications and their intrinsic effects on the human psyche and society as a whole are major contributing factors to a raised environmental consciousness, a lasting legacy of environmentalism, and the promotion of the environmental movement itself.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005920, ucf:50840
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005920
- Title
- Method for Derivation and Synthesis of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Requirement Limits for Achieving System Level Electromagnetic Compatibility.
- Creator
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Freeman, Larry, Wu, Thomas, Wahid, Parveen, Wei, Lei, Sundaram, Kalpathy, Chow, Louis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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As humans endeavor to build large-scale complex systems, it will necessitate the integration of engineering practices and techniques to allocate many of the design aspects and responsibility across traditional boundaries. Many of today's large-scale complex systems, like commercial aircraft, satellite systems, and even automobiles use parts from all over the world. A recently completed airframe, largest commercial aircraft in the world, took nearly 30 years to build, required over 400...
Show moreAs humans endeavor to build large-scale complex systems, it will necessitate the integration of engineering practices and techniques to allocate many of the design aspects and responsibility across traditional boundaries. Many of today's large-scale complex systems, like commercial aircraft, satellite systems, and even automobiles use parts from all over the world. A recently completed airframe, largest commercial aircraft in the world, took nearly 30 years to build, required over 400 different suppliers from 20 different countries. These kinds of projects dictate a method for derivation and synthesis of electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) requirement limits for achieving system level electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).If a system level EMC design is an assemblage of compliant subsystems, then the subsystems should be an assemblage of compliant module and component designs. This requires tailoring the system level requirements through to module or component level designs. The method discussed is applicable to a variety of designs across varying levels of complexity and importantly implementable early in the design process. The method provides rationale for derivation of limits while maintaining traceability to system level requirements. Specific examples using the four common divisions of EMC requirements, conducted emissions, radiated emissions, conducted susceptibility, and radiated susceptibility are included. An overall system engineering approach and formal methodology is included. Detailed comparison examples using commercial and military EMC requirements are also included. Lastly, a discussion is included on comparison and margin analysis of input filtering for verifying compliance to requirements at the system level.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006303, ucf:51603
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006303
- Title
- ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY IN THE GLOBAL CAPITALIST SYSTEM: A WORLD-SYSTEMS APPROACH AND STUDY OF PANAMA.
- Creator
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Freeman, Mark, Jacques, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The current global capitalist system is at odds with environmental protection and the protection of indigenous people that are directly linked to the land on which they live. In environmental security literature, many have argued that, theoretically and functionally, it is possible to link national security with environmental security. However possible this may be on paper, in practice, the global capitalist system prevents this from becoming a reality. Using a world-systems approach, this...
Show moreThe current global capitalist system is at odds with environmental protection and the protection of indigenous people that are directly linked to the land on which they live. In environmental security literature, many have argued that, theoretically and functionally, it is possible to link national security with environmental security. However possible this may be on paper, in practice, the global capitalist system prevents this from becoming a reality. Using a world-systems approach, this thesis will show that core countries seeking to expand capital by tapping into new markets, locating new sources of raw materials and even forming strategic military partnerships in periphery countries unavoidably degrade the natural environment and thus, adversely affect the lives and health of indigenous people. It is also the argument in this paper that the primary purpose of strategic military partnerships with periphery states, such as those formed in Panama and Colombia, are primarily meant to protect economic interests, thus perpetuating the capitalist cycle. The end result is that, while it is theoretically possible, through a different theoretical lens, to bridge the definitional and theoretical gulf between national security and environmental security, the reality of the system subverts this endeavor, and will continue to do so under its current configuration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001981, ucf:47425
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001981
- Title
- WHOSE SUSTAINABILITY? AN ANALYSIS OF A COMMUNITY FARMING PROGRAM'S FOOD JUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA.
- Creator
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Davenport, Sarah, Mishtal, Joanna, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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As the 1960s Environmental movement has grown, sustainability and justice discourses have come to the fore of the movement. While environmental justice discourse considers the unequal effects of environmental burdens, the language that frames "sustainability" is often socially and politically neutral. This thesis critically examines sustainability initiatives and practices of an urban farming organization in Florida. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in 2017, I explore the extent to which these...
Show moreAs the 1960s Environmental movement has grown, sustainability and justice discourses have come to the fore of the movement. While environmental justice discourse considers the unequal effects of environmental burdens, the language that frames "sustainability" is often socially and politically neutral. This thesis critically examines sustainability initiatives and practices of an urban farming organization in Florida. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in 2017, I explore the extent to which these initiatives incorporate race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class when working to provide sustainably grown food in diverse communities. I argue that the organization's focus on justice for the environment, rather than for communities, and education as a barrier in low-income, food desert neighborhoods neglects to integrate experiences of those living on the margins into their initiatives. This research raises awareness of the need for a critical examination of sustainability in practice and a politically aware incorporation of environmental justice themes into sustainability agendas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000402, ucf:45805
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000402
- Title
- Environmentalism and Environmental Constitutional Ballot Initiatives in Florida: The Elements of Support for Amendment One in 2014 in the Context of Current Environmental Attitudes.
- Creator
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Jones, Michael, Jacques, Peter, Knuckey, Jonathan, Jewett, Aubrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Americans express support for (")the environment(") with environmental support cutting across political and demographic differences and cleavages. In the past 15 years, however, period effects, political sorting, and the emergence of a powerful anti-environmental movement have lessened the generalized levels of environmental support. Using the 2012 CCES survey, the expressed attitudes regarding multiple environmental issues found significant differences in levels of environmental support...
Show moreAmericans express support for (")the environment(") with environmental support cutting across political and demographic differences and cleavages. In the past 15 years, however, period effects, political sorting, and the emergence of a powerful anti-environmental movement have lessened the generalized levels of environmental support. Using the 2012 CCES survey, the expressed attitudes regarding multiple environmental issues found significant differences in levels of environmental support nationally by party, Tea Party attitudes, ideology, and certain demographic characteristics. For Floridians, the differences between the most pro-environmental respondents and the most anti-environmental are narrower; partisan identification itself is not significant in environmental attitudes; but ideology, Tea party support, and to a lesser degree, gender and race are associated in explaining variances in environmental attitudes. Voting decision behavior previously observed only for certain environmental issues appears to be influenced by multiple environmental positions. The significance of age on environmental attitudes remains perplexing with evidence for both younger and older respondents' support for environmentalism, as compared to the support expressed by persons aged 40-59. Support and opposition for a specific Florida constitutional ballot proposition on environmental land conservative acquisition reflect partisan and gender divides, and the impact of attitudes regarding an unpopular elected national official. Environmentalism appears to be further evidence of the (")Big Sort(") in American politics, increasingly likely to be used as an interparty wedge issue and for intraparty base mobilizations. The need for further research and the implications for environmental activists conclude this thesis.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005960, ucf:50795
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005960