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Title: Assessing Harm Reduction: A Qualitative Investigation about the Impact of Therapeutic Jurisprudence on Non-completing Drug Court Clients.
Creator: Francis, Traci, Sanborn, Joseph, Reynolds, Kenneth, Mccarthy, Bernard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Currently, the drug court treatment outcome literature provides little guidance about examining clients that fail to complete drug court. Typically, only successful clients are tracked and measured for outcome success characteristics and not much is known about unsuccessful client outcomes. A large portion of individuals who begin drug court do not complete the program. With unsuccessful rates ranging from 34 to 73%, it seems reasonable to examine the outcome of these cases. Ignoring this...
Show moreCurrently, the drug court treatment outcome literature provides little guidance about examining clients that fail to complete drug court. Typically, only successful clients are tracked and measured for outcome success characteristics and not much is known about unsuccessful client outcomes. A large portion of individuals who begin drug court do not complete the program. With unsuccessful rates ranging from 34 to 73%, it seems reasonable to examine the outcome of these cases. Ignoring this phenomenon is problematic because various stakeholders remain uninformed about the drug court model's full effectiveness. The focus on successful clients may fail to fully capture and understand positive residual effects of the drug court program. Questions in this research include: Do unsuccessful drug court clients experience positive program results? Has self-awareness increased about the extent of their substance abuse problem? Are unsuccessful clients more confident in their ability to effect positive change? Is there an increased motivation to change? If non-completers are more aware of the potential for harm, are there reductions in risky behaviors? This study is a qualitative investigation using a phenomenological design. The data source is a convenience sample of unsuccessful drug court clients that participated in a pre-trial intervention or post-plea adult drug court program in East Central, Florida. The unit of analysis is the individual, and the total number of participants interviewed is N=30. A grounded theory approach, a harm reduction paradigm from the psychotherapy arena, and a variation of an Intention-to-Treat design from the medical field were used to frame the research. This study found some reductions in both criminality and substance use. Several participants also reported improved familial relations and continued connections to the recovery community. Many participants demonstrated an increased self-awareness of a destructive lifestyle, an increased motivation to change destructive behaviors, and an increased self-efficacy in their ability to make substantive life changes. Incarceration was also found to be a motivator for positive change. Therefore, the inclusion of unsuccessful client outcomes was found to be critical to fully understanding the impact of the therapeutic jurisprudence model.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004109, ucf:49106
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004109

Title: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLEPROCUREMENT ACTIVITIESIN THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDSAT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.
Creator: McCarthy, Donna, Martin, Lawrence, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The aggregate annual expenditures of federal, state and local governments, in concert with universities and school districts represents incredible purchasing power and requires great prowess in its expenditure. Over the course of centuries, procurement has been used as a policy tool to improve society. This research delved into defining and determining the involvement of state and local governments in socially responsible activities related to the expenditure of public funds. Data collected...
Show moreThe aggregate annual expenditures of federal, state and local governments, in concert with universities and school districts represents incredible purchasing power and requires great prowess in its expenditure. Over the course of centuries, procurement has been used as a policy tool to improve society. This research delved into defining and determining the involvement of state and local governments in socially responsible activities related to the expenditure of public funds. Data collected in 2005 by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc., was reviewed to determine if the expectations set for the private sector known as corporate social responsibility could be applied to the public sector. The study found that the definition as established for the private sector with regard to procurement social responsibility may also be employed in the public sector. A composite index of Public Procurement Social Responsibility (PPSR) was created as a benchmark for future comparison. Further, the presence of top-down management support for socially responsible initiatives in procurement in the areas of formal policies, goals and objectives and performance tracking mechanisms dictated higher PPSR scores for agencies. Mean Scores for PPSR were reviewed using independent variables of agency type, location, population served, procurement volume, and budget size. While top-down support of PPSR initiatives dictated strong involvement of an agency, there was no correlation between agency type, size, procurement spend, or population size on the mean score of a governmental entity, with or without the presence of PPSR drivers. The variables that influence the PPSR activities of an agency are similar across all demographics. What appears to drive the participation in socially responsible initiatives of government is the buy-in and mandate through regulation, policy and example set by management. This posture is emulated not only professionally, but the data indicates that it influences personal behavior as well. In order to bring about societal change, results are best achieved through the creation of policy for participation, establishing benchmarks for measuring success and integrating performance review milestones for achievement of goals and objectives related to PPSR.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001486, ucf:47105
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001486

Title: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN TRANSPORTATION: AN EMPERICAL TEST FOR AUTHENTIC PARTICIPATION.
Creator: Figueredo, Jorge, Wang, Xiaohu, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation examines the public participation activities of State Departments of Transportation (SDOTs) in the United States. A review of existing literature and legal frameworks suggests that an "authentic" public participation results when dimensions of representativeness, use of public inputs, interactiveness, and quality of citizen inputs have been achieved. The study sought to identify conditions that serve as measurements that must presumably be satisfied for authenticity to exist...
Show moreThis dissertation examines the public participation activities of State Departments of Transportation (SDOTs) in the United States. A review of existing literature and legal frameworks suggests that an "authentic" public participation results when dimensions of representativeness, use of public inputs, interactiveness, and quality of citizen inputs have been achieved. The study sought to identify conditions that serve as measurements that must presumably be satisfied for authenticity to exist in public participation. The result was a Model of Authentic Public Participation that served as the basis for creation of a new four-tiered methodology to assess the performance of these districts relative to authenticity requirements. This study also sought to identify the key determinants that lead districts to achieve Authentic Public Participation in District public involvement programs. A Predictor Model for Authentic Public Participation was created to test whether the key internal and external determinants are responsible for districts achieving authenticity in their public participation programs. The data for this study came from a mail-back survey that was administered to senior district administrators in 380 State Departments of Transportation districts in the United States. A total of 233 surveys were returned for a response rate of 61.3 percent. The results of the study suggest that most SDOT districts struggle to implement public participation programs that achieve high levels of authenticity. The increased use of public participation tools, specifically those active tools that allow for increased interaction between district staff and the public, can assist districts in achieving higher levels of authenticity in their programs. Of key importance to achievement of authenticity is the willingness of district staff to adopt new ideas and innovation learned from dealings with the public. District public participation programs benefit from training that increases the individual's acceptance of public participation as a valid mechanism for serving the public. Recommendations were made for SDOTs to work toward: • The creation of increased opportunities for the occurrence of Authentic Public Participation • The creation of individual ownership of authenticity in public participation • The creation of community partnerships to foster authenticity in public participation
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000585, ucf:46479
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000585

Title: FILLING THE HOUSE: ENGAGING A MILLENNIAL PERFORMING ARTS AUDIENCE.
Creator: Schreck, Sarah, Dodd, Melissa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research is to identify best practices for public relations professionals when engaging with a Millennial performing arts audience, focusing on Hon and Grunig's relationship management theory (1999) and Kent and Taylor's theory of dialogic communication (2014) to build interactivity in a digital space. Performing arts organizations have successfully engaged with previous generations, but are facing new challenges when communicating with millennial audiences. Changing...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to identify best practices for public relations professionals when engaging with a Millennial performing arts audience, focusing on Hon and Grunig's relationship management theory (1999) and Kent and Taylor's theory of dialogic communication (2014) to build interactivity in a digital space. Performing arts organizations have successfully engaged with previous generations, but are facing new challenges when communicating with millennial audiences. Changing demographics have led to a stagnation and decline of performing arts attendance as the millennial generation has come of age. This massive population has new priorities for spending and consumption of entertainment, and social media is their preferred channel of communication as opposed to print and broadcast media. The researcher distributed a survey to patrons of the Orlando Shakespeare theatre to identify their perspectives of current public relations practices. Results from 148 respondents indicated that the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre maintains strong relationships with Millennials (N=6) and non-Millennials alike, as made evident by their practice of Baumgarth's cultural consumer behaviors (2014). However, a larger sample of Millennial patrons is necessary to determine best practices for the specific population. The primary product of this research is the creation of a theory-driven survey that can be used to effectively measure the depth of a performing arts organization's relationship with its patrons, and a case study exemplifying a successful organization.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000309, ucf:45725
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000309

Title: CONSTRUCTING AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORIES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Creator: Parry, Katherine, Cassanello, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: From the time of their occurrence up to the present, people have constructed and revised narratives about violent racial events in Florida. In the case of the racial violence in Ocoee and the lynching of July Perry, multiple accounts coexisted until one particular group in the 1990's contested earlier conservative white Southern narratives with new public memories containing African American perspectives of the events, demanding racial justice and memorialization of the events. A struggle...
Show moreFrom the time of their occurrence up to the present, people have constructed and revised narratives about violent racial events in Florida. In the case of the racial violence in Ocoee and the lynching of July Perry, multiple accounts coexisted until one particular group in the 1990's contested earlier conservative white Southern narratives with new public memories containing African American perspectives of the events, demanding racial justice and memorialization of the events. A struggle over the power to construct this narrative resulted in compromises between the two sets of memories. While some goals were attained, the landscape of memorization remains undeveloped. The construction of a narrative concerning the meaning of Harry T. Moore's life and death entered the public domain at his death and remained unchanging, carried forward by the collective memories of African Americans in Florida. Historians reassessed his role as a martyr for civil rights to the first martyr of the Civil Right's Movement. A group of African Americans in Brevard County were successful in attaining resources that included landscape and a memorial complex during the 1990's and the first decade of 2000. The construction of public memories and the power to gain landscape and resources for commemoration reflected the aims and power of each group. Because the public memories of July Perry were contested, the group could not attain commemorative landscapes. However, the narratives about Harry T. Moore had consensus, allowing significant commemorations.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002271, ucf:47836
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002271

Title: Reconceptualizing Responsiveness for Network Governance: Insights from Cross-Sector Efforts to Assist the Displaced Population From Puerto Rico in Central Florida.
Creator: Prysmakova, Safiya, Bryer, Thomas, Hu, Qian, Sadiq, Abdul-Akeem, Piccolo, Ronald F, Meek, Jack, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study further expands current knowledge on responsiveness in the public administration field and examines factors that contribute to more responsive public service delivery networks. This research reconceptualized the concept of responsiveness under the lens of New Public Governance as a legitimate democratic public value and answered the following research questions: What constructs constitute to the concept of public service responsiveness? How can public service responsiveness be...
Show moreThis study further expands current knowledge on responsiveness in the public administration field and examines factors that contribute to more responsive public service delivery networks. This research reconceptualized the concept of responsiveness under the lens of New Public Governance as a legitimate democratic public value and answered the following research questions: What constructs constitute to the concept of public service responsiveness? How can public service responsiveness be measured at the network level? Does the complexity of public service provision affect perceived public service network responsiveness? How do collaborative processes across network partners, community support, and resource munificence affect the responsiveness of public delivery networks? The study utilized a multi-method case study approach. The case of the study is focused on the cross-sector efforts in response to the crisis, caused by the massive displacement of the Puerto Rican population to Central Florida after Hurricane Maria. The data was collected using surveys administrated to the displaced population, and interviews conducted with the managers of service delivery organizations. Using quantitative methods, this study developed a valid and reliable model for measuring perceived public service network responsiveness, which is built on the constructs that include the sufficiency of service provision, dignity, clarity of communication and public engagement. The findings suggested that the displaced population that sought a higher number of low complexity services had a more negative perception of public service network responsiveness. The study suggested that negative perception in low complexity service provision can be caused by the low capability of the public service system and low level of public input, and can be characterized as (")consumeristic(") approach. The qualitative findings showed that collaborative processes can affect the responsiveness of public service networks. Increased community support proved to be a positive factor for public service network responsiveness, while a lack of flexible funding is a negative factor for public service network responsiveness.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007852, ucf:52762
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007852

Title: A COMPARISON OF CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, BEHAVIOR, AND ATTENDANCE.
Creator: Berger, Beth, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships existed between character education and the number of incidents of crimes and violence, attendance rates, and academic achievement in Florida public schools. Proponents of character education such as Lickona (1991) and Murphy (1998) posited that there was a positive correlation between teaching and practicing the six pillars of character education, and student achievement, and increased attendance. They also posited...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships existed between character education and the number of incidents of crimes and violence, attendance rates, and academic achievement in Florida public schools. Proponents of character education such as Lickona (1991) and Murphy (1998) posited that there was a positive correlation between teaching and practicing the six pillars of character education, and student achievement, and increased attendance. They also posited that there was a negative correlation between character education and incidents of crime and violence. The researcher acquired data in an attempt to determine whether or not the views of Lickona (1991), Murphy (1998) and others holding this view would yield similar results in the Florida public schools. The theoretical framework for the study was Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental theory of moral reasoning. The study was compiled between 2003 and 2004 based on data for the 1998-1999 school year and the 2002-2003 school year. These dates were chosen because they were the pre-implementation year (1998-1999) and four years after the character education mandate went into effect. Data from 67 Florida counties were solicited and 10 counties selected as samples of effective character education implementers and non-effective character education implementers in their elementary schools. Utilizing Statistical Package for Social Science (2004), data were analyzed for statistically significant relationships in order to confirm or negate the null hypotheses. The tests utilized were repeated measures ANOVAs. The study found a statistically significant relationship between those counties that effectively implemented a character education program in their elementary schools and student attendance, as compared to counties that did not effectively implement a character education program in their elementary schools. The study did not find a statistically significant relationship between those counties that effectively implemented a successful character education program in their elementary schools and student achievement, as compared to counties that did not effectively implement a character education program in their elementary schools. The study did not find a statistically significant relationship between those counties that effectively implemented a successful character education program in their elementary schools and lowered incidents of crime and violence, as compared to counties that did not effectively implement a character education program in their elementary schools. In all school districts studied, however, over the four-year period incidents of crime and violence were reduced, the absenteeism rate was reduced, and achievement had increased. This could have been due to the implementation of any type of character education program or it may have been due to other programs implemented in the Florida schools.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000333, ucf:46283
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000333

Title: PERCEPTIONS OF HOMELESSNESS AND STRATEGIES FOR RECEIVING SERVICES AMONG THE FLORIDA HOMELESS.
Creator: Young, Rebecca, Mishtal, Joanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Homelessness is a complex problem replete with profound social distress and suffering, but with few adequate solutions. The homeless are a marginalized population particularly vulnerable to structural forces and policy decisions, including lack of affordable housing, unemployment, systemic inequalities, and lack of adequate social safety net. Perspectives of homeless people are understudied in anthropological scholarship which tends to focus on service providers, with comparatively less...
Show moreHomelessness is a complex problem replete with profound social distress and suffering, but with few adequate solutions. The homeless are a marginalized population particularly vulnerable to structural forces and policy decisions, including lack of affordable housing, unemployment, systemic inequalities, and lack of adequate social safety net. Perspectives of homeless people are understudied in anthropological scholarship which tends to focus on service providers, with comparatively less attention on homeless people themselves who are commonly subjected to medicalizing and criminalizing discourses. Using ethnographic research methods, including participant-observation and interviews with homeless people who pursue food pantry services at Hope Helps Non-profit organization in Oviedo, Florida, this paper examines the experiences of homeless people in Florida, where the issue of homelessness has been acute and is often depoliticized in public discourses. Specifically , it focuses on coping strategies of homeless people in Oviedo, and ways in which they understand their life circumstances and secure necessary services. Findings demonstrate that the Florida homeless view reasons for their homelessness as primarily economic, but rarely critique policies behind low wages or unaffordable housing. The narratives also show that the homeless in this study obtain resources through networking, and despite use of assistance services, view themselves as independent, active agents. Results of this research have potential to improve the way social services for the homeless are structured, and to inform policy relevant to homeless in Florida. Furthermore, this research brings attention to a marginalized problem and population, and considers how particular discourses function to maintain a structurally inadequate system.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004626, ucf:45286
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004626

Title: A CASE STUDY OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF PRINCIPALS OF VOUCHER ELIGIBLE HIGH SCHOOLS IN FLORIDA.
Creator: Bolen, Robert, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The publication of A Nation at Risk in 1983 has prompted a series of attempts to revise the educational system's outcomes. Legislative and executive reform bills have resulted in Educational Vouchers being a prime source of reform. A case study of the perceptions of public high school principals in Florida that are at Voucher Eligible high schools to those perceptions of principals at schools graded 'A' as of the 2002-03 academic school year was the focus of this study. Four...
Show moreThe publication of A Nation at Risk in 1983 has prompted a series of attempts to revise the educational system's outcomes. Legislative and executive reform bills have resulted in Educational Vouchers being a prime source of reform. A case study of the perceptions of public high school principals in Florida that are at Voucher Eligible high schools to those perceptions of principals at schools graded 'A' as of the 2002-03 academic school year was the focus of this study. Four public high school principals from two Florida districts were used in this study. Two schools were identified as Voucher Eligible and graded "F" and two were examples of best practices or graded "A" or "B". Analyzed data identified recurring patterns between the four schools.Both advocates and detractors view of vouchers would be given a full historical review. Included in the research were the four major educational criteria of educational vouchers that were used in voucher development policy. The three major components of Florida's Voucher Programs, along with the No Child Left Behind Act were examined along with accountability measures and parent/student rights. The data revealed that there was a positive relationship between the minority rate of a school and the school's grade. Data also revealed that it would be beneficial for all schools and communities to work together to address the reading level issue as these programs have shown a positive relationship between the overall reading level and the school's grade.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001565, ucf:47152
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001565

Title: DEMOCRATIC VOICES SPEAKING LOUDLY: DOES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION YIELD ACCOUNTABILITY IN SPECIAL PURPOSE GOVERNMENTS?.
Creator: Beitsch, Owen, Wang, Xiaohu, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The American system of governance includes a network of state and local units identified as either general purpose or special purpose governments. The latter are often aligned with, but operate independently of, general purpose governments. Even as these special purpose or special district governments have shown extraordinary growth relative to their general purpose counterparts, there has been little interest in them or the structural characteristics that distinguish their systems for...
Show moreThe American system of governance includes a network of state and local units identified as either general purpose or special purpose governments. The latter are often aligned with, but operate independently of, general purpose governments. Even as these special purpose or special district governments have shown extraordinary growth relative to their general purpose counterparts, there has been little interest in them or the structural characteristics that distinguish their systems for maintaining order and assuring accountable behaviors. In the meanwhile, the literature regarding accountability has been expanded materially in the last several years leading to debates about its form, component parts, objectives, and the preferred means for achieving accountability as an end state. While these concepts may have application to special districts, inquiry has yet to extend to the particular devices required to monitor or control these governments. This research effort closes the knowledge gap by linking this little studied form of government with recent ideas about accountability and the role that citizen participation plays in developing or advancing accountable behaviors. The analysis applies an adaptation of the well known model developed by Romzek and Dubnick (1987) to create an accountability framework and documents the role that public participation plays in influencing accountable behaviors. The analysis culminates in a multivariate model that examines the role of pubic participation in the context of competing influences that might also force accountable behaviors. The research concludes that participation can be an important influence in shaping specific forms of accountable behavior but that other factors are also essential to sustaining accountability. Most notable among these other factors is the role of the workplace environment, defined here in terns of employee interaction, ethics training, purpose, overall sense of commitment and other attributes.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000602, ucf:46500
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000602

Title: OPINIONS ON GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON SOCIAL SECURITY: A YEAR AND COHORT ANALYSIS.
Creator: Castora, Melissa, Dietz, Tracy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This paper is an analysis of American's opinions on government spending on Social Security. The main objectives were to analyze the effect of year and cohort membership on the likelihood for American's to say that they think the government is spending too little on Social Security. The data was obtained from the General Social Survey. Results of the analysis conclude that year is statistically significant in predicting the likelihood of those who say the government is spending too little on...
Show moreThis paper is an analysis of American's opinions on government spending on Social Security. The main objectives were to analyze the effect of year and cohort membership on the likelihood for American's to say that they think the government is spending too little on Social Security. The data was obtained from the General Social Survey. Results of the analysis conclude that year is statistically significant in predicting the likelihood of those who say the government is spending too little on Social Security. When comparing every year to 1994, 1996 is the only year that year that respondents were less likely to respond that the government was spending too little on Social Security. Every other test year, up to and including 2004, there is a growing likelihood of respondents indicating that the government is spending too little on Social Security. Finally, cohort membership was included in the analysis. Results conclude that the Swing cohort and the Babyboom cohort are statistically significant in predicting opinions on government spending on Social Security when being compared to the youngest cohort, the Babyboomlet-bust cohort. However, the results of the analysis show opposite direction in opinions between these two cohorts. Interestingly, the only cohort not statistically significant is the Silent generation.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001016, ucf:46791
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001016

Title: SEXUAL HARASSMENT, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, AND LABOR MARKET OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN: CASE STUDY OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN.
Creator: Wilder, Rachel A, Guldi, Melanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis investigates an understudied question in the economics literature: how does sexual harassment experienced in and around public transportation affect labor market outcomes for women? Previous research suggests that access to public transport can improve labor market outcomes and that women's use of public transportation is sometimes limited by their experience of sexual harassment. It follows that when harassment is particularly widespread or severe - as is the case in much of...
Show moreThis thesis investigates an understudied question in the economics literature: how does sexual harassment experienced in and around public transportation affect labor market outcomes for women? Previous research suggests that access to public transport can improve labor market outcomes and that women's use of public transportation is sometimes limited by their experience of sexual harassment. It follows that when harassment is particularly widespread or severe - as is the case in much of South Asia - it may lead women who depend on public transportation for travel to make different labor market choices or not to work at all. If this effect exists, then it holds important implications for policymakers who aim to boost economic development and social equality by increasing women's labor force participation. I analyze the case of Lahore, Pakistan using data from the Lahore Urban Transport Master Plan Household Interview Survey. I present a descriptive analysis of women's transportation usage, safety onboard transport, and employment in Lahore. I then use ordinary least squares and logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between proxy variables for harassment and women's odds of employment, use of public transportation, and price and time of day of commute. Results do not support the hypothesis that sexual harassment on transportation affects labor market outcomes for women. Important limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000322, ucf:45779
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000322

Title: TO HYDRATE OR CHLORINATE:A REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF THE LEVELS OF CHLORINE IN THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY.
Creator: Doyle, Drew, Ni, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Public water supplies contain disease-causing microorganisms in the water or distribution ducts. In order to kill off these pathogens, a disinfectant, such as chlorine, is added to the water. Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant in all U.S. water treatment facilities. Chlorine is known to be one of the most powerful disinfectants to restrict harmful pathogens from reaching the consumer. In the interest of obtaining a better understanding of what variables affect the levels of...
Show morePublic water supplies contain disease-causing microorganisms in the water or distribution ducts. In order to kill off these pathogens, a disinfectant, such as chlorine, is added to the water. Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant in all U.S. water treatment facilities. Chlorine is known to be one of the most powerful disinfectants to restrict harmful pathogens from reaching the consumer. In the interest of obtaining a better understanding of what variables affect the levels of chlorine in the water, this thesis will analyze a particular set of water samples randomly collected from locations in Orange County, Florida. Thirty water samples will be collected and have their chlorine level, temperature, and pH recorded. A linear regression analysis will be performed on the data collected with several qualitative and quantitative variables. Water storage time, temperature, time of day, location, pH, and dissolved oxygen level will be the independent variables collected from each water sample. All data collected will be analyzed through various Statistical Analysis System (SAS) procedures. Partial residual plots will be used to determine possible relationships between the chlorine level and the independent variables and stepwise selection to eliminate possible insignificant predictors. From there, several possible models for the data will be selected. F tests will be conducted to determine which of the models appears to be the most useful. All tests will include hypotheses, test statistics, p values, and conclusions. There will also be an analysis of the residual plot, jackknife residuals, leverage values, Cook's D, press statistic, and normal probability plot of the residuals. Possible outliers will be investigated and the critical values for flagged observations will be stated along with what problems the flagged values indicate.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004907, ucf:45497
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004907

Title: THE NUCLEAR TABOO: A REAL EFFECT ON PUBLIC PERCEPTION?.
Creator: Kennedy, Cody Marlin, Dolan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research experiment investigated whether the nuclear taboo was more influential on participants when considering the use of nuclear weapons, or if the participants were influenced more by cost-benefit analysis when deciding to use nuclear weapons. In this study, we presented a fake military scenario to respondents with a total of eight different versions that either did or did not include: genocide, high casualties, and nuclear weapons. Participants could then select whether they agreed,...
Show moreThis research experiment investigated whether the nuclear taboo was more influential on participants when considering the use of nuclear weapons, or if the participants were influenced more by cost-benefit analysis when deciding to use nuclear weapons. In this study, we presented a fake military scenario to respondents with a total of eight different versions that either did or did not include: genocide, high casualties, and nuclear weapons. Participants could then select whether they agreed, disagreed, or needed more information as there answer. Breaking respondents down into these three groups, the results show that for all three respondent groups the independent variable with the strongest effect was nuclear weapons. The weakest variable was high casualty rates, while genocide had the second strongest effect on the respondents' decision-making process. These findings indicate that respondents were affected by the nuclear taboo and were less likely to cost-benefit analyze when giving their answer to the military proposal.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000544, ucf:45690
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000544

Title: DO THE RIGHT THING: THE ROLE OF PUBLIC SERVICE ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE BEHAVIORS OF CONTEMPORARY COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Jones, Jessica, Massiah, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between public service advertising and the likelihood of Generation Y to react in the prescribed manner. Public service advertising can be paid or unpaid but is used to try and influence a particular audience to act in a prescribed manner. This research will be comparing two different types of message styles, argumentative and emotional, and two contemporary prominent issues, organ donation and prescription drug abuse. The two...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between public service advertising and the likelihood of Generation Y to react in the prescribed manner. Public service advertising can be paid or unpaid but is used to try and influence a particular audience to act in a prescribed manner. This research will be comparing two different types of message styles, argumentative and emotional, and two contemporary prominent issues, organ donation and prescription drug abuse. The two issues are classified as either altruistic, where there is no direct benefit, or self-help, where the results are personal. Four different messages will be used: altruistic argumentative, altruistic emotional, self-help argumentative, and self-help emotional. Also, previous knowledge levels will be taken into account. All combined, the end results will measure the likelihood of an individual to perform the act, donate to the cause monetarily, or tell another person.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004268, ucf:44942
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004268

Title: SCIENTIFIC MOTHERHOOD: A POSITIVIST APPROACH TO PATRIARCHY IN FIN-DE-SIÈCLE ARGENTINA.
Creator: Kuperman, Aubrey, Pineda, Yovanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In late nineteenth and early twentieth century Argentina underwent large-scale immigration and fast-paced urban changes commonly associated with the coming of modernity. These changes led to elite fears of potential social instability. They turned to the French philosophy of Positivism, which advocated the view that all social problems could be systematically solved through scientific observation in order to "civilize" the Argentine nation. As a result, the government implemented numerous...
Show moreIn late nineteenth and early twentieth century Argentina underwent large-scale immigration and fast-paced urban changes commonly associated with the coming of modernity. These changes led to elite fears of potential social instability. They turned to the French philosophy of Positivism, which advocated the view that all social problems could be systematically solved through scientific observation in order to "civilize" the Argentine nation. As a result, the government implemented numerous policies that catered to upholding traditional family structures. The purpose of this thesis is to understand the ways in which these policies affected women of different social classes. In developing my arguments, I use secondary literature from prominent scholars in Argentine history, gender studies, and intellectual history, as well as primary sources, including essays written by prominent officials and elite women, government reports, laws and penal codes. This thesis examines the impact of scientific motherhood on Argentine society. Elite men and women viewed their role in society as that of fathers and mothers to the poor and the working classes. This study permits a broader understanding of the impact of Positivism and European influence on Argentine society and policymaking.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004355, ucf:44979
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004355

Title: A comparative analysis of public school collective bargaining agreements in Florida.
Creator: Berk, Aliza, Bartee, RoSusan, Gordon, William, Doherty, Walter, Edyburn, Dave, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examines the terms and conditions found in the 67 Florida public school collective bargaining agreements. Such collective bargaining agreements are negotiated between two parties, the teacher unions and their employers, under Florida Statute 447. The purpose of this mixed-methods study, conducted using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, is as follows: 1) to determine the extent to which CBA provisions exist within the master contracts of Florida teachers (2016-2017...
Show moreThis study examines the terms and conditions found in the 67 Florida public school collective bargaining agreements. Such collective bargaining agreements are negotiated between two parties, the teacher unions and their employers, under Florida Statute 447. The purpose of this mixed-methods study, conducted using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, is as follows: 1) to determine the extent to which CBA provisions exist within the master contracts of Florida teachers (2016-2017) and; 2) to determine the extent to which, if any, collective bargaining provisions vary among school districts (i.e. district size, district performance, district locale). The study finds that none of the eight desirable provisions were present in all 66 collective bargaining agreements indicating that collective bargaining agreements vary in terms of the inclusion of desirable provisions for teachers. The study also finds that that spatial relationship plays a role in determining bargaining outcomes. The results of this study provide insight into the terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements in Florida; thereby providing Florida school districts with information to construct the best possible competitive contracts in the future, which would then attract top talent as well as to protect the best interests of their districts.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007431, ucf:52711
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007431

Title: A Study of Hospital-Newspaper Relations in Florida.
Creator: Lennon, Mary C.K., ,, Social Sciences
Abstract / Description: Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis
Date Issued: 1977
Identifier: CFR0008128, ucf:52965
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008128

Title: Wealth Over Health? An Analysis of Macro-Level Factors That Influence Public Opinion on Health Care Policy.
Creator: Reiss, Jacquelyn, Hinojosa, Ramon, Hinojosa, Melanie, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Currently, the U.S. reports some of the worst health outcomes while spending the most money on health care when compared to other developed countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2018, Americans took out $88 billion in debt to cover the cost of medical care and approximately 28.5 million individuals remained uninsured. Despite poor health outcomes across the country, health care reform is a highly controversial issue and has been for the last...
Show moreCurrently, the U.S. reports some of the worst health outcomes while spending the most money on health care when compared to other developed countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2018, Americans took out $88 billion in debt to cover the cost of medical care and approximately 28.5 million individuals remained uninsured. Despite poor health outcomes across the country, health care reform is a highly controversial issue and has been for the last century. Historically, elites in the Republican party have aligned themselves with New Right political philosophies, which stand for a privatized health care system with minimal government involvement. Elites in the Democratic party have aligned with Pluralist political philosophies, which is an orientation that encourages government oversight to protect the health of its citizens. Recently there has been a rise in political polarization that has stemmed from the asymmetric movement of the Republican Party further to the right escalating the controversy around health care reform. In addition to growing polarization, recent studies have found that politicians are more responsive to the affluent classes while concurrently accumulating an influx of wealth. When neglecting to vote with the majority of their constituents, politicians have tried to change public opinion rather than address it. These short-term manipulation strategies have been found to confuse constituents more than mobilize them, contributing to the controversy around health care reform today. This project aims to understand how macro level structures affect public opinion on government funding of health care utilizing the thermostatic model and the works of Nicos Poulantzas and Michel Foucault as theoretical frameworks to understand how political structures influence public opinion and how political structures are shaped within Capitalistic societies. Specifically, the current study examines how the political leaning of Congress and the Presidency, total lobbying dollars contributed by the top five medical industries, and the number of health care bills passed per year affects public opinion on government funding of health care between 1986 and 2018. The data were accumulated from multiple sources including the General Social Survey, OpenSecrets.org, GovTrack.us, and the Senate, House, and White House websites. After completing bi-variate and multi-variate autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models the only variable that was found to impact public opinion was the political party of the Presidency.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007713, ucf:52453
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007713

Title: 'Let Me Lock It Up': A Rhetorical Exploration of Identity and an Emergent Counterpublic Within the YouTube Beauty Community.
Creator: Street, Rachel, Edwards, Dustin, Wheeler, Stephanie, Pinkert, Laurie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In light of calls to study digital composition outside of school-based domains (e.g. Yancey), this project specifically explores a counterpublic in the YouTube beauty community that has arisen in response to the encroachment of and attempts to institutionalize the space. Utilizing iconographic tracking and rhetorical analysis, this study illuminates a network of discourse geared toward a more responsible and educated consumption of makeup and participation within the beauty community. This...
Show moreIn light of calls to study digital composition outside of school-based domains (e.g. Yancey), this project specifically explores a counterpublic in the YouTube beauty community that has arisen in response to the encroachment of and attempts to institutionalize the space. Utilizing iconographic tracking and rhetorical analysis, this study illuminates a network of discourse geared toward a more responsible and educated consumption of makeup and participation within the beauty community. This study found that within the beauty community, a counterpublic has formed in response to a more commodified, product-centered public sphere that has dominated the space and is most associated with well-known YouTube channels. As a result, many in the (")community(") exhibit dialogue that hints at a fracturing between an (")us(") and (")them(") mentality and find difficulty identifying with the current state of the space. In response, the discourse of the counterpublic(-)which promotes utilizing products you already own, focusing on more creative and original content, and influencers being true to their identities(-)is shared and circulated through tags like (")The Beauty Community Tag(") or (")The Truthful YouTuber Tag.(") This research space is of particular interest for the writing and rhetoric field because many young adults seek to enter this space as a career or creative outlet. As a result, it is crucial that we, as teachers and scholars, understand the rhetoric present within the community and the implications it has for composition practices and real-world bodies. This study illuminates one current discourse network aimed at an anti-consumerist participation in the community.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007728, ucf:52435
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007728

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