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Title: THE UNITED NATIONS FUND FOR POPULATION ACTIVITIES: CHANGING THE DIRECTION OF THE TOTAL FERTILITY RATE IN DEVELOPING NATIONS.
Creator: Fazecas, Michaela, ME Jungblut, Bernadette, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis builds on previous United Nations' research investigating factors affecting the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in six (6) states: Burkina Faso, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, the Philippines, and Uganda. The present research, however, provides a broader assessment of the TFR and the potential causes of its decline by examining countries across nine (9) regions of the world – sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the Caribbean, the...
Show moreThis thesis builds on previous United Nations' research investigating factors affecting the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in six (6) states: Burkina Faso, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, the Philippines, and Uganda. The present research, however, provides a broader assessment of the TFR and the potential causes of its decline by examining countries across nine (9) regions of the world – sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, and the former Soviet Socialist Republics of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The present analyses are also conducted over time, specifically from 1960 through 2002.Five (5) primary hypotheses regarding factors affecting the Total Fertility Rate are examined using feasible generalized least squares regression analysis. First, foreign debt is hypothesized to have a positive relationship to TFR. That is, holding all else constant, as foreign debt increases, TFR is expected to increase as well. Foreign debt is operationalized first, as total external debt; second, as long-term debt, and third, as total debt service as a percentage of exports of goods and services. Second, foreign aid, the level of socioeconomic development, and the extent of females' education are all hypothesized to have negative relationships to TFR. That is, all else constant, as foreign aid increases, TFR is expected to decrease. All else constant, as the level of socioeconomic development increases, TFR is also expected to decrease. All else constant, as the extent of females' education increases, TFR is also expected to decrease. Foreign aid is operationalized as first, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loans and International Development Agency (IDA) credits; and second, as official development assistance and official aid. The level of socioeconomic development is operationalized as the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in terms of purchasing power parity. The extent of females' education is operationalized as first, the adult female literacy rate (ages 15 and above), and second, as the ratio of young literate females to males (ages 15 – 24). Finally, whereas previous scholars have hypothesized that industrialization reduces TFR (the Western European "demographic transition" hypothesis), the present research proposes that this relationship may not hold in developing countries. This possibility is investigated by analyzing the relationships between TFR and first, the value added of agriculture (as a percentage of GDP); second, the value added of industry (also as a percentage of GDP); third, the value added of manufacturing as a percentage of GDP; and fourth, the value added of services as a percentage of GDP. The findings presented here suggest first, that the foreign debt and foreign aid have differing effects on TFR in different regions of the world. Second, the effects of socioeconomic development and females' education are more consistent (than foreign debt and foreign aid) across the different regions – but intriguing variations still exist. Finally, it appears that, with very few exceptions, the Western European-based demographic transition model does not hold for non-Western and developing areas. Therefore, new, region-specific models of TFR need to be developed – and public policy needs to be based on these more accurate, more context-appropriate models.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000139, ucf:46169
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000139

Title: THE IMPACT OF SELECTED SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC, TRAVEL-RELATED AND PSYCHOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON TRAVEL EXPENDITURES.
Creator: Peerapatdit, Nichakarn, Severt, Denver, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Several researchers have attempted to understand the tourism expenditure patterns from the traveler's perspective (Cai, Hong, and Morrision, 1995; Dardis, et al., 1981; Prais and Houthakker,1971; Sheldon and Mak , 1987; Jang, et al.,2003). However, an examination of the previous studies indicates that only limited understanding of the traveler's expenditure patterns has been provided either because of only anecdotal evidence in the studies, or because of their failure to examine the impacts...
Show moreSeveral researchers have attempted to understand the tourism expenditure patterns from the traveler's perspective (Cai, Hong, and Morrision, 1995; Dardis, et al., 1981; Prais and Houthakker,1971; Sheldon and Mak , 1987; Jang, et al.,2003). However, an examination of the previous studies indicates that only limited understanding of the traveler's expenditure patterns has been provided either because of only anecdotal evidence in the studies, or because of their failure to examine the impacts of the factors affecting expenditure patterns. This study examined the effects of socio-demographic, travel-related, and psychographic variables on travel expenditures. The expenditure patterns included lodging, meals and restaurants, attractions and festivals, entertainment, shopping, transportation, and total expenditures. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the body of literature in relation to travel expenditure by examining the variables under each of the three constructs identified in predicting travel expenditures. The results of the study provide a more comprehensive and holistic picture in the search of travel expenditures based on multiple independent variables. This study found that travel-related variables (i.e. number of adult(s) and length of stay) were the most influential variables affecting tourism expenditures per person per day. From a practical standpoint, this study sheds light by providing information about how the traveler's characteristic effects travel expenditure patterns and destination marketers may use this information to better segment their target market, allocate their marketing dollars more effectively, and tailor their products to compete for tourist's dollars. Since consumer dollars and tourism organizations' marketing budgets are limited, this study may provide information which will help tourism marketers to develop better strategic marketing tools to satisfy and fulfill those tourists' needs and understand certain reasons behind their spending patterns.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000300, ucf:46321
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000300

Title: USING SURROGATE MEASURES TO PREDICT PATIENT SATISFACTION IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
Creator: Egri, Erica, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With healthcare organizations struggling to remain competitive and financially stable in a market where minimizing costs is a priority, hospital administrators feel the sense of urgency when it comes to keeping patients satisfied with services in order to expand volume and market share. The Emergency Department is considered the front door of a healthcare organization, and keeping its visitors satisfied in order to guarantee a future visit or a referral to a friend or family member is a must....
Show moreWith healthcare organizations struggling to remain competitive and financially stable in a market where minimizing costs is a priority, hospital administrators feel the sense of urgency when it comes to keeping patients satisfied with services in order to expand volume and market share. The Emergency Department is considered the front door of a healthcare organization, and keeping its visitors satisfied in order to guarantee a future visit or a referral to a friend or family member is a must. While patient input on the services received in a healthcare facility is essential to improving quality of care, the costs associated with measuring, collecting and analyzing their feedback are remarkable. This research focuses on developing a linear regression model to predict patient satisfaction in the ED using surrogate measures related to patient's socio-demographic characteristics and visit characteristics. With a model of this kind, healthcare administrators can potentially eliminate survey costs while still being able to determine where the hospital stands in the eyes of the patient. Three modeling approaches were used to develop a multiple regression equation. Modeling approach 1 used monthly patient satisfaction scores as the dependent variable collected by a third-party survey organization. The goal of this model was to predict monthly patient satisfaction scores. Modeling approach 2 used patient satisfaction scores collected by the discharge registrar prior to the patient leaving the ED. The goal of this model was to predict patient satisfaction scores on a patient-by-patient basis. Modeling approach 3 used patient satisfaction scores collected by a third-party survey organization. The goal of this modeling approach was to predict patient satisfaction scores on a patient-by-patient basis. Each modeling approach developed in this study used its own survey tool. Though this study had limitations when it came to developing the models and validating the findings, results are very promising. Analysis shows that predicting average patient satisfaction scores on a monthly basis gives the most accurate results, with socio-demographic characteristics and visit characteristics explaining 96% of variation in monthly average patient satisfaction scores. Other model indicators, such as normality of residuals, predicted error, mean square error, and predicted R-square show that the model fits the data very well and has strong predictive ability. Models that attempted to predict patient satisfaction on a patient-by-patient basis appeared to be ineffective, with very large predicted errors and prediction intervals and low predictive ability.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001657, ucf:47241
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001657

Title: Wrong-Way Driving: A Regional Approach To A Regional Problem.
Creator: Faruk, Md. Omar, Al-Deek, Haitham, Uddin, Nizam, Hasan, Samiul, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Wrong-way driving (WWD) has been problematic on United States highways for decades despite its rare occurrence. Since WWD crashes are rare, recent researchers have studied WWD non-crash events such as WWD 911 calls and WWD citations to understand the overall nature and trend of WWD. This paper demonstrates the regional nature of the WWD problem and proposes regional transportation systems management and operations (Regional TSM(&)O) solutions to combat this problem. Specifically, it was found...
Show moreWrong-way driving (WWD) has been problematic on United States highways for decades despite its rare occurrence. Since WWD crashes are rare, recent researchers have studied WWD non-crash events such as WWD 911 calls and WWD citations to understand the overall nature and trend of WWD. This paper demonstrates the regional nature of the WWD problem and proposes regional transportation systems management and operations (Regional TSM(&)O) solutions to combat this problem. Specifically, it was found that 11% of all WWD multi-data events (e.g., multiple 911 calls for the same WWD event) traveled from one county to another. Additionally, 30% of all WWD single-data and multi-data events occurred at or near interchanges between two limited access highways in counties with multiple operating agencies. This indicates that a significant proportion of WWD events could potentially travel from one limited access facility to another. Moreover, 28% of WWD events occurred on limited access facilities shared by multiple agencies. To emphasize the regional nature of WWD, this paper determined the vulnerable demographic groups in different regions of Florida by developing WWD crash and citation prediction models. The models' findings indicate that certain demographic groups (such as elderly or Hispanic) increase WWD risk. The models' results can be used to improve driver education and increase law enforcement presence in high risk WWD locations. Regional TSM(&)O solutions, such as coordination and communication among agencies and regional traffic management centers (RTMCs), law enforcement co-location with RTMCs, and strengthening statewide TSM(&)O programs to manage WWD events are also proposed.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006874, ucf:51736
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006874

Title: A NEW APPROACH TO IDENTIFY THE EXPECTED CRASH PATTERNS BASED ON SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION SIZE AND ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS.
Creator: Salkapuram, Hari, Mohamed, Abdel-Aty, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Analysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from...
Show moreAnalysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from six jurisdictions in Florida, namely, Brevard, Seminole, Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough Counties and the City of Orlando. Using these data a simple methodology has been developed to identify the expected number of crashes by type and severity at signalized intersections. Intersection size, based on the total number of lanes, was used as a factor that was simple to identify and a representative of many geometric and traffic characteristics of an intersection. The results from the analysis showed that crash frequency generally increased with the increased size of intersections but the rates of increase differed for different intersection types (i.e., Four-legged intersection with both streets two-way, Four-legged intersection with at least one street one-way, and T-intersections). The results also showed that the dominant type of crashes differed at these intersection types and severity of crashes was higher at the intersections with more conflict points and larger differential in speed limits between major and minor roads. The analysis may potentially be useful for traffic engineers for evaluating safety at signalized intersections in a simple and efficient manner. The findings in this analysis provide strong evidence that the patterns of crashes by type and severity vary with the size and type of intersections. Thus, in future analysis of crashes at intersections, the size and type of intersections should be considered to account for the effects of intersection characteristics on crash frequency. In the second phase, data (crash and intersection characteristics) obtained from individual jurisdictions are linked to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database to include characteristics of the at-fault drivers involved in crashes. These crashes are analyzed using contingency tables and binary logistic regression models. This study categorizes crashes into three major types based on relative initial movement direction of the involved vehicles. These crash types are, 1) Initial movement in same direction (IMSD) crashes. This crash type includes rear end and sideswipe crashes because the involved vehicles for these crashes would be traveling in the same direction prior to the crash. 2) Initial movement in opposite direction (IMOD) crashes comprising left-turn and head on crashes. 3) Initial movement in perpendicular direction (IMPD) crashes, which include angle and right-turn crashes. Vehicles involved in these crashes would be traveling on different roadways that constitute the intersection. Using the crash, intersection, and at-fault driver characteristics for all crashes as inputs, three logistic regression models are developed. In the logistic regression analyses total number of through lanes at an intersection is used as a surrogate measure to AADT per lane and also intersection type is introduced as a 'predictor' of crash type. The binary logistic regression analyses indicated, among other results, that at intersections with one-way roads, adverse weather conditions, older drivers and/or female drivers increase the likelihood of being at-fault at IMOD crashes. Similar factors associated with other groups of crashes (i.e., IMSD and IMPD) are also identified. These findings from the study may be used to develop specialized training programs by zooming in onto problematic intersections/maneuvers.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001208, ucf:46954
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001208

Title: Preservice Teachers and Perceived Stress: A Comparative Study.
Creator: Evans, Kelsey, Russell, William, Hewitt, Randall, Hynes, Mike, Jahani, Shiva, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Teachers are being pushed to the brink of burnout and leaving the profession, placing teachers' health and wellness in jeopardy (Daniels (&) Strauss, 2009; Maslach (&) Leiter, 2008; Stephenson, 2012; Vladut (&) Kallay, 2010; Wilkerson, 2009). Yet, it has become increasingly clear teacher stress may start prior to entering the profession (Brown (&) Ryan, 2003, Darling-Hammond, 2006). The researcher used a non-experimental design to evaluate the perceived stress among pre-service teachers...
Show moreTeachers are being pushed to the brink of burnout and leaving the profession, placing teachers' health and wellness in jeopardy (Daniels (&) Strauss, 2009; Maslach (&) Leiter, 2008; Stephenson, 2012; Vladut (&) Kallay, 2010; Wilkerson, 2009). Yet, it has become increasingly clear teacher stress may start prior to entering the profession (Brown (&) Ryan, 2003, Darling-Hammond, 2006). The researcher used a non-experimental design to evaluate the perceived stress among pre-service teachers enrolled in internship, and if the coping style of mindfulness had any correlation on self-reported stress levels. The quantitative study surveyed 332 student interns using the Perceived Stress Survey (Cohen (&) Williams, 1988) to depict perceived stress levels of pre-service teachers. A demographic questionnaire was also administered. The results indicated an increase in perceived stress, suggesting that stress may vary across the demographic variables of gender. Mindfulness was researched as a potential solution, however, there was no correlation between mindfulness and stress levels. education is necessary in the discussion and implementation of mindfulness as a potential intervention tool for stress. Further research is needed for a deeper understanding of gender, and how mindfulness may be a positive intervention to perceived stress.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007628, ucf:52546
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007628

Title: Modeling Mass Care Resource Provision Post Hurricane.
Creator: Muhs, Tammy, Kincaid, John, Rollins, David, Dorman, Teresa, Taylor, Gregory, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Determining the amount of resources needed, specifically food and water, following a hurricane is not a straightforward task. Through this research effort, an estimating tool was developed that takes into account key demographic and evacuation behavioral effects, as well as hurricane storm specifics to estimate the number of meals required for the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida. The Excel based estimating tool was created using data collected...
Show moreDetermining the amount of resources needed, specifically food and water, following a hurricane is not a straightforward task. Through this research effort, an estimating tool was developed that takes into account key demographic and evacuation behavioral effects, as well as hurricane storm specifics to estimate the number of meals required for the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida. The Excel based estimating tool was created using data collected from four hurricanes making landfall in Florida during 2004-2005. The underlying model used in the tool is a Regression Decision Tree with predictor variables including direct impact, poverty level, and hurricane impact score. The hurricane impact score is a hurricane classification system resulting from this research that includes hurricane category, intensity, wind field size, and landfall location. The direct path of a hurricane, a higher than average proportion of residents below the poverty level, and the hurricane impact score were all found to have an effect on the number of meals required during the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004143, ucf:49053
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004143

Title: Predictors of Food Insecurity in 3 Central Florida Communities.
Creator: Towns, Tangela, Rivera, Fernando, Carter, Shannon, Wright, James, Dunn, Stacey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the association between different socio-demographic factors and food insecurity in the Central Florida Communities of Maitland, Winter Park, and Eatonville. Data from the Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Florida were utilized to analyze 3 main questions: In which community is food insecurity more prevalent? To what extent are food consumption, transportation, poverty, and unemployment associated with food insecurity? Does the...
Show moreThis study examined the association between different socio-demographic factors and food insecurity in the Central Florida Communities of Maitland, Winter Park, and Eatonville. Data from the Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Florida were utilized to analyze 3 main questions: In which community is food insecurity more prevalent? To what extent are food consumption, transportation, poverty, and unemployment associated with food insecurity? Does the association between food consumption, transportation, poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity remain when controlling for self-reported overall health, education, marital status, and race. The results revealed differences in predictors of food insecurities. Particularly, there was a positive relationship between food consumption and the knowledge of recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables suggesting that those who have nutritional knowledge practice healthy dietary behaviors. Furthermore, structural dysfunctions and affordability pose food consumption limitations on the communities studied (mainly Eatonville).
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004947, ucf:49564
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004947

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE SPLIT-TICKET VOTER.
Creator: Middents, Janelle, Knuckey, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis will focus on split ticket voting. Split ticket voting refers to an aspect of voting behavior where the individual will cast votes for different political parties for different offices. Through the development of countless theories and utilizing data, political scientists have managed to shed some light as to why an individual may engage in split-ticket voting. However, many of these studies have been too narrow in their focus, for instance, relying on a specific election without...
Show moreThis thesis will focus on split ticket voting. Split ticket voting refers to an aspect of voting behavior where the individual will cast votes for different political parties for different offices. Through the development of countless theories and utilizing data, political scientists have managed to shed some light as to why an individual may engage in split-ticket voting. However, many of these studies have been too narrow in their focus, for instance, relying on a specific election without taking into account some major variables that provide the foundation for voting behavior. The purpose of this study is to provide scholars with an idea of what characteristics exist most commonly among split-ticket voters compared with straight-ticket voters. What variables work together to cause an individual to engage in split ticket voting? Specifically, this thesis will examine the contribution of variables in explaining ticket splitting. Despite studies of the causes of split-ticket voting, the field is still unclear as to what causes an individual to engage in split-ticket voting. What individual variables cause an individual to engage in ticket splitting?
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003069, ucf:48311
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003069

Title: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN FLORIDA CHARTER AND NON-CHARTER PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS 2007-2009.
Creator: Sommella, Shannon, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if any relationship existed between the change in developmental scale scores (DSS) on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) for reading and mathematics, in selected Florida school districts among charter and non-charter public high schools, for grades 9 and 10. This study also investigated if any relationship existed in student achievement based on student demographics (gender, economically disadvantaged, primary home language (ELL) and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if any relationship existed between the change in developmental scale scores (DSS) on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) for reading and mathematics, in selected Florida school districts among charter and non-charter public high schools, for grades 9 and 10. This study also investigated if any relationship existed in student achievement based on student demographics (gender, economically disadvantaged, primary home language (ELL) and ethnicity), and examined if there was a difference in professional demographics of faculty (advanced degrees, teachers' average years of teaching experience, and percent of courses taught by out of field teachers gender), among charter and non-charter public high schools in the state of Florida. School data were analyzed from 234 charter and non-charter public high schools, within 15 districts across the state of Florida, for the years 2007-2009. The findings of this research suggest charter high schools in the state of Florida are not keeping the pace with their traditional public high school counterparts. Over a three year period, charter high schools had significantly lower developmental scale scores on the FCAT, in both reading and mathematics, than non-charter public high schools. The findings also suggest that student demographics, with respect to male gender, economically disadvantaged, and ELL, combined with charter school status, negatively impact student achievement as measured by DSS. The disparity noted with regard to faculty demographics between charter and non-charter public high schools, only touches on some considerable differences between the two school types; more information is needed on the variations so parents and students can make informed choices. For future research, replication of this study with an expanded sample size of charter schools and a longer period of time for data collection was recommended. Separate studies are recommended on the differences between charter and non-charter public schools with regard to instructional time, curriculum or grade levels offered, the differences between parent and student perceptions, and the differences between funding and principal background as it relates to student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003476, ucf:48985
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003476

Title: NOT REALLY BOLLYWOOD:A HISTORY OF POPULAR HINDI FILMS, SONGS, AND DANCE WITH PEDAGOGICAL APPLICATIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING INDIAN HISTORY AND CULTURE.
Creator: Nayee, Sanjana, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Contemporary fascination with 'Bollywood' proliferates much of reality TV dance shows, media blurbs and other communicative outlets. These avenues homogenize India as 'Bollywood', while social and political outlets place Indians and people of South Asian descent into fitted stereotypes that are ridiculed and largely distorted. The intent of this thesis was to explore how the growing international intrigues of popular Hindi films exist beyond 'Bollywood'. This study is especially important...
Show moreContemporary fascination with 'Bollywood' proliferates much of reality TV dance shows, media blurbs and other communicative outlets. These avenues homogenize India as 'Bollywood', while social and political outlets place Indians and people of South Asian descent into fitted stereotypes that are ridiculed and largely distorted. The intent of this thesis was to explore how the growing international intrigues of popular Hindi films exist beyond 'Bollywood'. This study is especially important because current U.S. demographics are undergoing a 'browning' effect yet a comprehensive method for understanding South Asian peoples and their cultures have been isolated to terrorist 'breeders', the model minority or as products primed for consumption. This thesis discusses the history of popular Hindi popular cinema, its changing methods of songs and dance and includes options of pedagogical applications within secondary level classrooms. In short, this thesis is an effort to highlight the similarities present amongst the differences that are consciously and unconsciously created or implicitly believed by the general population when attempting to decipher the many different components that exist across South Asian cultures, ethnicities, traditions, histories and identities.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004309, ucf:45055
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004309

Title: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES.
Creator: Heyne, Chad, Ni, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Over the past several decades there has been extensive research done in an attempt to determine what demographic characteristics affect economic growth, measured in GDP per capita. Understanding what influences the growth of a country will vastly help policy makers enact policies to lead the country in a positive direction. This research focuses on isolating a new variable, women in the work force. As well as isolating a new variable, this research will modify a preexisting variable that was...
Show moreOver the past several decades there has been extensive research done in an attempt to determine what demographic characteristics affect economic growth, measured in GDP per capita. Understanding what influences the growth of a country will vastly help policy makers enact policies to lead the country in a positive direction. This research focuses on isolating a new variable, women in the work force. As well as isolating a new variable, this research will modify a preexisting variable that was shown to be significant in order to make the variable more robust and sensitive to recessions. The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between several demographic characteristics and their effect on the growth rate of GDP per capita. The first step is to reproduce the work done by Barlow (1994) to ensure that the United States follows similar rules as the countries in his research. Afterwards, we will introduce new variables into the model, comparing the goodness of fit through the methods of R-squared, AIC and BIC. There have been several models developed to answer each of the research questions independently.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003837, ucf:44712
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003837

Title: Don't do the crime if you can't do a man's time: examining sentencing disparities using offender demographics.
Creator: Rinker, Vanessa, Corzine, Harold, Donley, Amy, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Looking back, America has seen its fair share of differences among its population, so it should not come as a shock that sentencing disparities are a serious criminal justice issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are sent to Federal prisons where they receive sentences for crimes they have been convicted of committing. The United States Sentencing Commission publishes these results annually. No matter the number of persons entering the prison system on the federal level,...
Show moreLooking back, America has seen its fair share of differences among its population, so it should not come as a shock that sentencing disparities are a serious criminal justice issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are sent to Federal prisons where they receive sentences for crimes they have been convicted of committing. The United States Sentencing Commission publishes these results annually. No matter the number of persons entering the prison system on the federal level, the number of female offenders often remains about the same (8555 in 2000; 9451 in 2007; and 9302 in 2008). While it is illegal to openly discriminate against a defendant and give them a sentence based on his or her demographics, the laws are written in ways where discrimination can still be allowed. The current research examines the relationship between not only gender, but also looks to education, race, age, and the crime committed to explain this gap in sentencing. Methodology: The data for the current research are from the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC), an annual report comprised of details for every person who entered federal prison in the given year. The current research used data from the year 2016 and includes 67,660 cases. Findings: Findings are supportive of previous research. Whether or not a defendant will receive a sentence is influenced by gender, age, race, education, and offense type. Sex, race, and education also affected the length of the sentence received. Unlike previous studies, age did not appear to be significant when determining the length of a sentence.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007087, ucf:51958
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007087

Title: FLORIDA SCHOOL INDICATOR REPORT DATA AS PREDICTORS OF HIGH SCHOOL ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS (AYP).
Creator: Carr, John, Bozeman, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to identify variables reported in the 2008-2009 Florida School Indicator Report (FSIR) that had a statistical impact, positive or negative, on the likelihood that a school would achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in reading or mathematics using the logistic regression technique. This study analyzed four broad categories reported by the FSIR to include academic, school, student, and teacher characteristics. FSIR and AYP data was collected for 468 Florida high...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to identify variables reported in the 2008-2009 Florida School Indicator Report (FSIR) that had a statistical impact, positive or negative, on the likelihood that a school would achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in reading or mathematics using the logistic regression technique. This study analyzed four broad categories reported by the FSIR to include academic, school, student, and teacher characteristics. FSIR and AYP data was collected for 468 Florida high schools that were categorized by the Florida Department of Education as presenting a comprehensive curriculum to grades 9-12 or grades 10-12. It was determined in this study that academic data associated with ACT results and the grade 11 FCAT Science were effective predictors of a school's academic health in reading and mathematics. Student absenteeism showed the greatest impact on a school obtaining AYP in reading while the percentage of students qualifying for free and disabled populations within a school showed the greatest impact on a school obtaining AYP in mathematics. Teachers teaching out of field were identified as having a negative influence on AYP in reading and mathematics while a teacher's experience was considered a positive influence on AYP in mathematics only. Further research is necessary to fully explore the use of logistic regression as a predictive tool at the state, school district, and school level.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003638, ucf:48848
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003638

Title: A Quantitative Study of the Relationship Between Pell Grant Aid and Associated Variables in a Florida Public State College.
Creator: Powers, Lynn, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Cox, Thomas, Roman, Marcia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Using Bean and Metzner's conceptual framework related to non-traditional student attrition, the responsible use of Federal Pell Grants was studied by examining the retention and academic performance of college-credit seeking students in a public college in Florida that predominantly offered two year degree programs. Also analyzed were differences between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients among various demographic categories. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that statistical...
Show moreUsing Bean and Metzner's conceptual framework related to non-traditional student attrition, the responsible use of Federal Pell Grants was studied by examining the retention and academic performance of college-credit seeking students in a public college in Florida that predominantly offered two year degree programs. Also analyzed were differences between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients among various demographic categories. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that statistical significance existed between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients in retention rates from fall to spring terms, as well as in the demographic variables of academic performance, gender, ethnicity, age group, residency, and credit hours achieved. Only the variable of ethnicity showed a medium practical effect size, with all the other variables indicating a small to no practical effect size.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005231, ucf:50581
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005231

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