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- Title
- MUSIC'S NORMALIZATION INFLUENCES ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS.
- Creator
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Craske, Michelle, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With the large role that music and the media plays in our society today it, is necessary to examine the effects that they have on certain harmful behaviors. The current study was based upon the Cultivation and Social Cognitive theories. The purpose of this study was to further examine the relationship between music and risky sexual behaviors. A total of 715 participants from the University of Central Florida answered multiple questionnaires via the SONA system. Questionnaires included topics...
Show moreWith the large role that music and the media plays in our society today it, is necessary to examine the effects that they have on certain harmful behaviors. The current study was based upon the Cultivation and Social Cognitive theories. The purpose of this study was to further examine the relationship between music and risky sexual behaviors. A total of 715 participants from the University of Central Florida answered multiple questionnaires via the SONA system. Questionnaires included topics such as music listening/viewing habits, sexual behaviors, dating behaviors, and demographics. The sample was comprised of primarily Caucasian young adults, with an average age of 20.71. The study hypothesized that music is influential because listeners begin to think that the behaviors depicted via music lyrics and videos are normal, thereby influencing the sexual behaviors of listeners. A series of linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS to determine how musical preference and listening habits relate to the sexual behaviors of participants. Data was also analyzed using a series of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) to determine any significant differences in how participants viewed their sexual behaviors in comparison to their perceived sexual behaviors of peers and friends. Results of the repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that African American participants exhibited more of a cultivation effect of their sexual behaviors than Caucasian or Hispanic participants.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004559, ucf:45188
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004559
- Title
- WHAT DO YOU THINK OF OTHERS WHO PURSUE COSMETIC SURGERY? INFLUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH PERCEPTIONS OF COSMETIC SURGERY.
- Creator
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Vergara, Angela, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the current climate in which it seems like popular media determines normality, it is not surprising to find that reality television, especially programs geared towards elective cosmetic surgery, are correlated with the decision making processes associated with actually pursuing cosmetic surgery. Research suggests that attitudes towards cosmetic surgery have changed dramatically due to the public's exposure to reality makeover shows; these shows have increased the popularity of such...
Show moreIn the current climate in which it seems like popular media determines normality, it is not surprising to find that reality television, especially programs geared towards elective cosmetic surgery, are correlated with the decision making processes associated with actually pursuing cosmetic surgery. Research suggests that attitudes towards cosmetic surgery have changed dramatically due to the public's exposure to reality makeover shows; these shows have increased the popularity of such procedures and have highlighted and implied that cosmetic surgery is associated with little pain and risk. In this study, I sought to determine if attitudes toward cosmetic surgery vary as a function of ethnicity and gender, as well as examine the influence of the media on openness to pursuing cosmetic surgery. Examining how others view those who pursue elective cosmetic surgery and the variables associated with those who obtain cosmetic surgery will shed light on the processes associated with the decision to pursue the procedures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004137, ucf:44887
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004137
- Title
- SPARSIFICATION OF SOCIAL NETWORKS USING RANDOM WALKS.
- Creator
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Wilder, Bryan, Sukthankar, Gita, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Analysis of large network datasets has become increasingly important. Algorithms have been designed to find many kinds of structure, with numerous applications across the social and biological sciences. However, a tradeoff is always present between accuracy and scalability; otherwise promising techniques can be computationally infeasible when applied to networks with huge numbers of nodes and edges. One way of extending the reach of network analysis is to sparsify the graph by retaining only...
Show moreAnalysis of large network datasets has become increasingly important. Algorithms have been designed to find many kinds of structure, with numerous applications across the social and biological sciences. However, a tradeoff is always present between accuracy and scalability; otherwise promising techniques can be computationally infeasible when applied to networks with huge numbers of nodes and edges. One way of extending the reach of network analysis is to sparsify the graph by retaining only a subset of its edges. The reduced network could prove much more tractable. For this thesis, I propose a new sparsification algorithm that preserves the properties of a random walk on the network. Specifically, the algorithm finds a subset of edges that best preserves the stationary distribution of a random walk by minimizing the Kullback-Leibler divergence between a walk on the original and sparsified graphs. A highly efficient greedy search strategy is developed to optimize this objective. Experimental results are presented that test the performance of the algorithm on the influence maximization task. These results demonstrate that sparsification allows near-optimal solutions to be found in a small fraction of the runtime that would required using the full network. Two cases are shown where sparsification allows an influence maximization algorithm to be applied to a dataset that previous work had considered intractable.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004732, ucf:45387
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004732
- Title
- INFLUENCING OPINIONS ABOUT BATS: THE IMPACT OF LEVELS OF INTERACTION DURING EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS.
- Creator
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Hynes, Samantha, Chin, Dr. Matthew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This experiment was run to see whether the educational presentations done at zoos and other educational facilities are effectively changing patrons' negative misconceptions about the animals they were seeing. Participants were invited to attend one of three educational presentations, where they were exposed to either a low, intermediate or high level of interaction involving a bat. I hypothesized that regardless of the level of interaction, participants would learn the information, but that a...
Show moreThis experiment was run to see whether the educational presentations done at zoos and other educational facilities are effectively changing patrons' negative misconceptions about the animals they were seeing. Participants were invited to attend one of three educational presentations, where they were exposed to either a low, intermediate or high level of interaction involving a bat. I hypothesized that regardless of the level of interaction, participants would learn the information, but that a higher level of interaction would cause the biggest perceptual change in terms of how participants felt about the bat and the highest degree of learning. Across the board, participants increased their factual knowledge, with no significant differences between the baseline, taxidermy or live bat conditions. The taxidermy group had the largest difference in attitude change, but the live bat did have a role in influencing participants' views as to whether bats were beneficial to the environment. These results imply that educational facilities can use a taxidermy bat or a live bat with their patrons and depending on how they utilize the inclusion of the interactive stimulus, it will cause perceptual and educational differences.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004300, ucf:45043
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004300
- Title
- The Impact of Family Influence and Involvement on Career Development.
- Creator
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Joseph, Latashia, Daire, Andrew, Van Horn, Stacy, Hopp, Carolyn, Blank, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Career decidedness at early stages produces positive effects on student performance, college completion, and professional development. Emerging adults are taking 5 to 10 years longer to make career decisions than non-emerging adults (Lehmann (&) Konstam, 2011). The purpose of this study will be to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in college students' career decision-making and its influences on their career readiness...
Show moreCareer decidedness at early stages produces positive effects on student performance, college completion, and professional development. Emerging adults are taking 5 to 10 years longer to make career decisions than non-emerging adults (Lehmann (&) Konstam, 2011). The purpose of this study will be to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in college students' career decision-making and its influences on their career readiness and development. College students will provide information on their parents' involvement and influence during their secondary education. Ultimately, this research will identify how family influences the career decision-making processes and will educate professionals about how to incorporate the family as a way to avoid delays in the desired career paths of emerging adults.This mixed methods study investigated the influence of family on the career decision- making process among emerging adults attending a metropolitan university in the southeastern United States. It also sought to identify the nature of parental involvement in activities, academic achievement, choosing a major, and career choice in college students. The first two questions formulated the basis for quantitative research methods, and qualitative methods aided in exploring the third question. The Career Involvement and Influence Questionnaire (CIIQ) and the Career Development Inventory (CDI) provide the source of data collection for this study. The study yielded no significant relationship or differences among caregivers' (mothers, fathers, and other caregivers) involvement in career decisions (CIIQ) or future influences and level of career decidedness (CDI). The qualitative results provided clarity as to some of the commonalities and differences that existed among responses of the participants. Implications of the findings refer to counselor education, clinical practice, and future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004391, ucf:49367
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004391
- Title
- THE IMPACT OF MEDIA ON ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN AND SEXUAL ATTITUDES IN EMERGING ADULTS.
- Creator
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Patrick, Melissa, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between exposure to media variables and emerging adults' attitudes toward women and sex. Previous research indicated that exposure to media variables can influence the thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes of those exposed. The current study examined how age at exposure to media variables impacted attitudes about sex and attitudes toward women. Six-hundred and ninety four college students were given a questionnaire containing an...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between exposure to media variables and emerging adults' attitudes toward women and sex. Previous research indicated that exposure to media variables can influence the thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes of those exposed. The current study examined how age at exposure to media variables impacted attitudes about sex and attitudes toward women. Six-hundred and ninety four college students were given a questionnaire containing an attitudes toward women scale, a sexual attitudes scale, and a media viewing questionnaire. ANOVAS and linear regressions were performed on the data and results for the study were significant. Results indicated that age of media exposure impacted sexual attitudes and attitudes toward women.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004521, ucf:45171
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004521
- Title
- Identifying Influential Agents in Social Systems.
- Creator
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Maghami, Mahsa, Sukthankar, Gita, Turgut, Damla, Wu, Annie, Boloni, Ladislau, Garibay, Ivan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation addresses the problem of influence maximization in social networks. Influence maximization is applicable to many types of real-world problems, including modeling contagion, technology adoption, and viral marketing. Here we examine an advertisement domain in which the overarching goal is to find the influential nodes in a social network, based on the network structure and the interactions, as targets of advertisement. The assumption is that advertisement budget limits prevent...
Show moreThis dissertation addresses the problem of influence maximization in social networks. Influence maximization is applicable to many types of real-world problems, including modeling contagion, technology adoption, and viral marketing. Here we examine an advertisement domain in which the overarching goal is to find the influential nodes in a social network, based on the network structure and the interactions, as targets of advertisement. The assumption is that advertisement budget limits prevent us from sending the advertisement to everybody in the network. Therefore, a wise selection of the people can be beneficial in increasing the product adoption. To model these social systems, agent-based modeling, a powerful tool for the study of phenomena that are difficult to observe within the confines of the laboratory, is used.To analyze marketing scenarios, this dissertation proposes a new method for propagating information through a social system and demonstrates how it can be used to develop a product advertisement strategy in a simulated market. We consider the desire of agents toward purchasing an item as a random variable and solve the influence maximization problem in steady state using an optimization method to assign the advertisement of available products to appropriate messenger agents. Our market simulation 1) accounts for the effects of group membership on agent attitudes 2) has a network structure that is similar to realistic human systems 3) models inter-product preference correlations that can be learned from market data. The results on synthetic data show that this method is significantly better than network analysis methods based on centrality measures.The optimized influence maximization (OIM) described above, has some limitations. For instance, it relies on a global estimation of the interaction among agents in the network, rendering it incapable of handling large networks. Although OIM is capable of finding the influential nodes in the social network in an optimized way and targeting them for advertising, in large networks, performing the matrix operations required to find the optimized solution is intractable.To overcome this limitation, we then propose a hierarchical influence maximization (HIM) algorithm for scaling influence maximization to larger networks. In the hierarchical method the network is partitioned into multiple smaller networks that can be solved exactly with optimization techniques, assuming a generalized IC model, to identify a candidate set of seed nodes. The candidate nodes are used to create a distance-preserving abstract version of the network that maintains an aggregate influence model between partitions. The budget limitation for the advertising dictates the algorithm's stopping point. On synthetic datasets, we show that our method comes close to the optimal node selection, at substantially lower runtime costs.We present results from applying the HIM algorithm to real-world datasets collected from social media sites with large numbers of users (Epinions, SlashDot, and WikiVote) and compare it with two benchmarks, PMIA and DegreeDiscount, to examine the scalability and performance.Our experimental results reveal that HIM scales to larger networks but is outperformed by degree-based algorithms in highly-connected networks. However, HIM performs well in modular networks where the communities are clearly separable with small number of cross-community edges. This finding suggests that for practical applications it is useful to account for network properties when selecting an influence maximization method.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005205, ucf:50647
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005205
- Title
- INFLUENCE MAP METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING SYSTEMIC SAFETY ISSUES.
- Creator
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Barth, Timothy, Pet-Armacost, Julia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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"Raising the bar" in safety performance is a critical challenge for many organizations. Contributing factor taxonomies organize information on why accidents occur. Therefore, they are essential elements of accident investigations and safety reporting systems. Organizations must balance efforts to identify causes of specific accidents with efforts to evaluate systemic safety issues in order to become more proactive about improving safety. This research successfully addressed two problems: (1)...
Show more"Raising the bar" in safety performance is a critical challenge for many organizations. Contributing factor taxonomies organize information on why accidents occur. Therefore, they are essential elements of accident investigations and safety reporting systems. Organizations must balance efforts to identify causes of specific accidents with efforts to evaluate systemic safety issues in order to become more proactive about improving safety. This research successfully addressed two problems: (1) limited methods and metrics exist to support the design of effective taxonomies, and (2) influence relationships between contributing factors are not explicitly modeled within a taxonomy. The primary result of the taxonomic relationship modeling efforts was an innovative "dual role" contributing factor taxonomy with significant improvements in comprehensiveness and diagnosticity over existing taxonomies. The influence map methodology was the result of a unique graphical and analytical combination of the dual role taxonomy and influence relationship models. Influence maps were developed for several safety incidents at Kennedy Space Center. An independent assessment was conducted by a team of experts using the new dual role taxonomy and influence chain methodology to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of contributing factors identified during the formal incident investigations. One hundred and sixteen contributing factors were identified using the influence map methodology. Only 16% of these contributing factors were accurately identified with traditional tools, and over half of the 116 contributing factors were completely unaddressed by the findings and recommendations of the formal incident reports. The new methodology is being applied to improve spaceport operations and enhance designs of future NASA launch systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001274, ucf:46928
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001274
- Title
- An Ecological Analysis of Social and Economic Influences on Black and White Infant Mortality Risk In Orange County, FL.
- Creator
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Lopez-Littleton, Vanessa, Liberman, Aaron, Wan, Thomas, Wright, James, Lieberman, Leslie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Black health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study...
Show moreBlack health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study examines the relationships between individual and environmental influences on the health risk experienced by blacks, whites, as well as the differential between the two populations. This multi-level analysis was conducted using five-year aggregate data centering on the 2000 decennial census (1998 - 2002) as the most recent census data available. During the study period, the 193 census tracts in Orange County, Florida, experienced 504 infant deaths which included 242 black and 241 white infant deaths. Using the infant mortality target rate developed for Healthy People 2000 as the (")normal(") infant mortality rate, risk was calculated as the percentage of deviation from the (")normal("). A rate was also calculated to demonstrate the difference between black and white percent deviations from the (")normal("). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between socioeconomic influences (Socioeconomic Disadvantage), social risk factors (Social Disorganization), and behavioral risk factors (Poor Behavioral Choices) using a latent variable approach based on a conceptual model which integrated the social determinants of health framework and conflict theory. In this study, an inverse association was found between socioeconomic disadvantage and infant mortality risk for black infants. This finding is contradictory to the expected finding and may have been due to multicollinearity or the operationalization of the endogenous study variable for black infant mortality risk. Thus, this study highlights the complexity of unraveling the interrelationship between social and economic risk factors. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the latent variable approach in public health research as well as the need to broaden the approach to selecting indicators. This study concludes with specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the health outcomes of vulnerable populations using the social determinants of health framework.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004129, ucf:49109
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004129
- Title
- SOMALI PIRACY AND THE INTRODUCTION OF SOMALIA TO THE WESTERN WORLD.
- Creator
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Jean-Jacques, Daniel, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis investigates the origins of the modern phenomenon of Somali piracy within a deeper historical context. More specifically, this analysis concentrates on the development of piracy in the north of the country. It is here contended that Somali piracy is, in fact, the product of the confluence of three historical currents. The first of these currents is the progressive degeneration of traditional Somali institutions due to exposure to the colonial and global markets. The second is the...
Show moreThis thesis investigates the origins of the modern phenomenon of Somali piracy within a deeper historical context. More specifically, this analysis concentrates on the development of piracy in the north of the country. It is here contended that Somali piracy is, in fact, the product of the confluence of three historical currents. The first of these currents is the progressive degeneration of traditional Somali institutions due to exposure to the colonial and global markets. The second is the increasing reliance of northern Somalis on maritime resources due to over exploitation of the land and the fishing initiatives of the Barre regime. The final current is the intrusion of foreign fishing vessels into Somali territorial waters, beginning in the early 1990s, for the purposes of illegal fishing and the dumping of toxic waste.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003611, ucf:48876
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003611
- Title
- TRUST ON THE WEB: THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CONSENSUS ON INFORMATION CREDIBILITY.
- Creator
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Del Giudice, Katherine, Hancock, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Models of the need-driven information search and the information appraisal process were formed from a comprehensive literature review of factors affecting perceived credibility and trust in online information. The social component of online credibility has not, to date, been thoroughly researched. This componentÂÂ's impact on the development of the perceived credibility of online information was examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, the impact of...
Show moreModels of the need-driven information search and the information appraisal process were formed from a comprehensive literature review of factors affecting perceived credibility and trust in online information. The social component of online credibility has not, to date, been thoroughly researched. This componentÂÂ's impact on the development of the perceived credibility of online information was examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, the impact of positive, mixed, and negative social feedback on the development of the perceived credibility of a web page was evaluated. In the second experiment, the effect of social feedback on credibility was examined under two levels of motivation for information use to investigate whether social feedback becomes less important as motivation to obtain quality information increases. The results of Experiment 1 suggest that type of feedback can influence perceived web page credibility. Pages with negative audience feedback received the lowest credibility ratings, while pages with positive audience feedback received the highest credibility ratings. Pages with mixed or no audience feedback received higher credibility ratings than pages with negative feedback, but lower credibility ratings than pages with positive feedback. In Experiment 2, high motivation did not impact the number of web page elements participants reported that they used to determine credibility. High motivation for information use also did not reduce the impact of audience feedback on perceived credibility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003240, ucf:48540
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003240
- Title
- THE SOUND OF POLITICS: AN EXAMINATION OF POLITICAL ORIENTATIONS AND MUSICAL PREFERENCES AMONG COLLEGE AGED ADULTS.
- Creator
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Stringer, Omari, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Music fits in a larger media culture that can influence the thoughts and beliefs of many people. Specifically, there is an interest in the relationship between music and any influences it may have on political views or orientations. Based on the existing literature, it is hypothesized that there will be a significant correlation between political orientations and involvement in music and political orientations with music genre preferences. It is also hypothesized that there will be a...
Show moreMusic fits in a larger media culture that can influence the thoughts and beliefs of many people. Specifically, there is an interest in the relationship between music and any influences it may have on political views or orientations. Based on the existing literature, it is hypothesized that there will be a significant correlation between political orientations and involvement in music and political orientations with music genre preferences. It is also hypothesized that there will be a relationship between socioeconomic status and music preferences. Furthermore, it is expected that participants will report a high level of music involvement, considering how accessible music is to many students (Agbo-Quaye & Robertson, 2010; RIAA, 2016). Results indicate that there is a correlation between political orientation and several genres, in addition to demographic variables. Participants reported a high level of music involvement and high usage of music streaming services. Additional analysis indicates that two of the top five genres participants listened to (alternative and religious music) can be a significant predictor of political orientation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000159, ucf:53149
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000159
- Title
- SOFT POWER AND HARD POWER APPROACHES IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY: A CASE STUDY COMPARISON IN LATIN AMERICA.
- Creator
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Weinbrenner, John, Dolan, Chris, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of soft power versus hard power in U.S. policy towards Latin America. In recent years America's unipolar moment has been challenged from populist leaders in the region to its inability to get a handle on the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs that reach its shores. This thesis is a step to understanding the difference between power and influence as well as the effects of hard power and soft power in U.S. foreign policy. A...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of soft power versus hard power in U.S. policy towards Latin America. In recent years America's unipolar moment has been challenged from populist leaders in the region to its inability to get a handle on the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs that reach its shores. This thesis is a step to understanding the difference between power and influence as well as the effects of hard power and soft power in U.S. foreign policy. A historical comparative case study analysis has been conducted utilizing the cases of FDR's Good Neighbor policy and Reagan's contra war policies. This qualitative approach examined specific short-term and long-term goals of each policy and analyzed each strategy's ability to achieve those stated goals. The results of the study reveal that both soft and hard power approaches can have positive as well as negative effects on American influence in Latin America.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001600, ucf:47175
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001600
- Title
- ATTITUDES TOWARD DIVERSITY AND LIFE IN THE U.S. HELD BY CHILDREN OF HISPANIC IMMIGRANTS: DO THEIR PARENTS PLAY A ROLE?.
- Creator
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Ruiz, Vanessa, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The present study explores how children of Hispanic immigrants (CHIs) perceive life in the U.S., and how they view cultural diversity. Questionnaires were given to 92 non-U.S. born CHIs and one of their non-U.S. born Hispanic immigrant parents (HIPs) who have lived in the U.S. between 1 and 17 years (M yrs = 8.43); their views of the U.S. were assessed along with their acceptance of diversity, acculturative stress, and levels of acculturation. In this study, I found that CHIs generally hold...
Show moreThe present study explores how children of Hispanic immigrants (CHIs) perceive life in the U.S., and how they view cultural diversity. Questionnaires were given to 92 non-U.S. born CHIs and one of their non-U.S. born Hispanic immigrant parents (HIPs) who have lived in the U.S. between 1 and 17 years (M yrs = 8.43); their views of the U.S. were assessed along with their acceptance of diversity, acculturative stress, and levels of acculturation. In this study, I found that CHIs generally hold positive views of the lives in the U.S. and also hold favorable views toward cultural diversity. Furthermore, this study hypothesized that HIPs significantly influence their CHIs attitudes toward both the U.S. and toward cultural diversity. Overall, my findings validated the theoretically based expectation that demonstrates the power of parental attitudes on their children's attitudes. A significant correlation was found between HIPs' attitudes toward the U.S. and their children's attitudes, as well as, CHIs' attitudes toward the U.S. correlating significantly with their perceptions of their parents' attitudes toward the U.S. Multiple and stepwise regressions further confirmed the importance of parental attitudes toward their children's attitudes toward the U.S. and their openness to cultural diversity. Findings from this study provide implications for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004875, ucf:45413
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004875
- Title
- STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING WITH EMPHASIS ON COMPUTER VISION, DAMAGE INDICES, AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.
- Creator
-
ZAURIN, RICARDO, CATBAS, F. NECATI, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is the sensing and analysis of a structure to detect abnormal behavior, damage and deterioration during regular operations as well as under extreme loadings. SHM is designed to provide objective information for decision-making on safety and serviceability. This research focuses on the SHM of bridges by developing and integrating novel methods and techniques using sensor networks, computer vision, modeling for damage indices and statistical approaches....
Show moreStructural Health Monitoring (SHM) is the sensing and analysis of a structure to detect abnormal behavior, damage and deterioration during regular operations as well as under extreme loadings. SHM is designed to provide objective information for decision-making on safety and serviceability. This research focuses on the SHM of bridges by developing and integrating novel methods and techniques using sensor networks, computer vision, modeling for damage indices and statistical approaches. Effective use of traffic video synchronized with sensor measurements for decision-making is demonstrated. First, some of the computer vision methods and how they can be used for bridge monitoring are presented along with the most common issues and some practical solutions. Second, a conceptual damage index (Unit Influence Line) is formulated using synchronized computer images and sensor data for tracking the structural response under various load conditions. Third, a new index, Nd , is formulated and demonstrated to more effectively identify, localize and quantify damage. Commonly observed damage conditions on real bridges are simulated on a laboratory model for the demonstration of the computer vision method, UIL and the new index. This new method and the index, which are based on outlier detection from the UIL population, can very effectively handle large sets of monitoring data. The methods and techniques are demonstrated on the laboratory model for damage detection and all damage scenarios are identified successfully. Finally, the application of the proposed methods on a real life structure, which has a monitoring system, is presented. It is shown that these methods can be used efficiently for applications such as damage detection and load rating for decision-making. The results from this monitoring project on a movable bridge are demonstrated and presented along with the conclusions and recommendations for future work.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002890, ucf:48039
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002890
- Title
- Domestic Violence in Rural (&) Non-Rural Areas: A Study on the Influence of Population Density on Arrest Rates in the State of Florida.
- Creator
-
Gonzalez Cruz, Kiara, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Reckdenwald, Amy, Corzine, Harold, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Domestic violence (DV) is a global issue that can affect anyone regardless of what role they play in a family household. It does not discriminate by education, age, religion, etc. DV includes any type of violence or abuse that occurs within a domestic setting. For the purposes of this study, this content primarily focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV) as the main form of DV and is used interchangeably throughout the text. This study examines the influence of population density on arrest...
Show moreDomestic violence (DV) is a global issue that can affect anyone regardless of what role they play in a family household. It does not discriminate by education, age, religion, etc. DV includes any type of violence or abuse that occurs within a domestic setting. For the purposes of this study, this content primarily focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV) as the main form of DV and is used interchangeably throughout the text. This study examines the influence of population density on arrest rates for DV and some factors behind the likelihood of arrests in urban and rural areas. The literature between both of these societies has demonstrated a clear difference in social behaviors that shape the response to DV (Websdale and Johnson 1998). Normative social influence theory suggests that people's influence may lead someone to conform in order to be liked or accepted by a group (Izuma 2017). This theory hypothesizes that the proportion of people living in rural per county will have fewer arrests for DV than the proportion of people living in non-rural areas because of the need for positive relationships that can lead to conformity (Izuma 2017). Furthermore, it is predicted that there are less arrests in rural areas because of the effects of informal social controls in these areas. Informal social controls can take place between police and citizens that may interact more personally through socialization. An example is when citizens take matters into their own hands, therefore prolonging the reporting of crimes to police. This study uses secondary data provided by sources such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website and Social Explorer. Broader implications of this research are that it could shed some light on the social dynamics that impact the outcome of crime in both densely populated and sparsely populated areas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007808, ucf:52366
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007808
- Title
- Comparing the Receptive Vocabulary Knowledge of Intermediate-level Students of Different Native languages in an Intensive English Program.
- Creator
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Alkhofi, Anas, Folse, Keith, Mihai, Florin, Purmensky, Kerry, Xu, Lihua, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Because most(-)if not all(-)intensive English programs (IEP) assign students to specific levels based on a placement test that does not involve any form of explicit vocabulary testing, some degree of variation in lexical knowledge of students within an individual class should not be surprising. However, very little research has ever quantified this variation. The current study fills the gap in this important area of TESOL research by investigating vocabulary variation among intermediate-level...
Show moreBecause most(-)if not all(-)intensive English programs (IEP) assign students to specific levels based on a placement test that does not involve any form of explicit vocabulary testing, some degree of variation in lexical knowledge of students within an individual class should not be surprising. However, very little research has ever quantified this variation. The current study fills the gap in this important area of TESOL research by investigating vocabulary variation among intermediate-level students at one IEP. Participants (N=79) were split into two main proficiency groups, high intermediate (N=28) and low intermediate (N=51). The 2K, 3K, and 5K levels from the Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT) were used as a vocabulary measure. In this study, VLT scores were analyzed by proficiency level and by students' original individual classes (N=7). The results revealed considerable vocabulary variation. In some instances, vocabulary size varied by 900 word families per student. First language influence was also investigated by comparing the largest two language groups in the sample, Arabic (N= 28) and Spanish (N=12). Spanish-speaking students significantly outperformed the Arabic speaking students in all vocabulary measures (except for the 2K level). The study, therefore, raises questions about the approaches used in teaching a class that has both Spanish and Arabic speakers. Implications and suggestions for further studies are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005569, ucf:50281
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005569
- Title
- NOT QUITE THE INGéNUE: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MIDDLE-AGED FEMALE CHARACTER IN MUSICAL THEATRE.
- Creator
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Snyder, Tara, Chicurel, Steven, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Not Quite the Ingénue: The Development of the Middle-Aged Female Character in Musical Theatre is an exploration of the influences which have defined the function of middle-aged female characters within the musical theatre genre. This author was cast in the role of Arlene MacNalley, a forty-three year old woman, in the University of Central Florida's fall 2006 production of the musical Baby. Preparation for performance of this thesis role required identification of the traits and...
Show moreNot Quite the Ingénue: The Development of the Middle-Aged Female Character in Musical Theatre is an exploration of the influences which have defined the function of middle-aged female characters within the musical theatre genre. This author was cast in the role of Arlene MacNalley, a forty-three year old woman, in the University of Central Florida's fall 2006 production of the musical Baby. Preparation for performance of this thesis role required identification of the traits and factors which would be vital for a realistic and relevant portrayal of Arlene. This document provides the reader with a working definition of middle age. It also furnishes a sampling of types, or stereotypes, of middle age female characters in musicals. The major thrust of the document emphasizes researching and understanding the importance of key socio-economic events' influence on the creation, direction, or depiction of middle-aged female characters. Three distinct characters are used to develop this theory, Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!, Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! and Arlene MacNalley in Baby. Further analysis within the thesis details essential differences between the original version of Arlene and the updated 2006 version of Arlene portrayed in the University of Central Florida's production of Baby. Conclusions drawn from the research, performance and writing processes indicate an increasing significance for the middle age female character as the genre of musical theatre continues to develop.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001714, ucf:47300
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001714
- Title
- THE EFFECTS ADVERTISING PLAYS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' MORAL INTENTIONS BEYOND PURCHASE BEHAVIOR.
- Creator
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Crockett, William, Massiah, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Advertisements affect our daily lives and as technology and the practice of marketing has developed over the course of history, we have become exposed to greater amounts of product and service campaigns. The purpose of advertisements is to educate the consumer with the goal of ultimately selling the product, and many companies and organizations would not be able to survive without the use of advertisements. Ultimately, it is a necessity for a business to prosper in a competitive market, but...
Show moreAdvertisements affect our daily lives and as technology and the practice of marketing has developed over the course of history, we have become exposed to greater amounts of product and service campaigns. The purpose of advertisements is to educate the consumer with the goal of ultimately selling the product, and many companies and organizations would not be able to survive without the use of advertisements. Ultimately, it is a necessity for a business to prosper in a competitive market, but there are possible side-effects for the consumer that are beyond the intentions to buy. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the effects advertisements play on the college student in particular. Different static/multi media advertisements have been shown to various college students ranging in gender and background to discover the comprehensive ramifications of specific promotions to study the moral and ethical impact that advertisements play on students' moral intent. An analysis and conclusion will be given, along with ideas for possible future studies. Recommendations will also be stated for marketers to be morally responsible for the advertisements they portray so the audience is not effected in a way that can lead to unwanted consequences. Ultimately, the results did not support the original hypotheses, leading to thought- provoking questions concerning our current marketing practices and the effectiveness of static and multimedia advertisements on college students. Future studies need to take place to reveal the accuracy of the study and to ultimately answer the question, "Are current advertisements influencing the audience at hand?"
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004250, ucf:44899
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004250
- Title
- MEDIA EFFECTS ON BODY IMAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND INTERNAL INFLUENCES: WHAT MATTERS MOST?.
- Creator
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VanVonderen, Kristen, Kinnally, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Media effects on body dissatisfaction is a long-studied issue; however, aspects of the research - such as those regarding cultivation theory and its effects on body image - are unclear or incomplete. This study attempts to clarify the relationship between cultivation and body dissatisfaction. Besides cultivation, social comparison theory is also examined because upward comparisons with media images and peers can shape and reinforce body image attitudes as well. Additionally, the study...
Show moreMedia effects on body dissatisfaction is a long-studied issue; however, aspects of the research - such as those regarding cultivation theory and its effects on body image - are unclear or incomplete. This study attempts to clarify the relationship between cultivation and body dissatisfaction. Besides cultivation, social comparison theory is also examined because upward comparisons with media images and peers can shape and reinforce body image attitudes as well. Additionally, the study examines the connection between media and body dissatisfaction by looking at a broader social context - one that includes other social/environmental influences, such as peer and parental attitudes, as well as internal influences such as self-esteem. A sample of 285 female undergraduate students completed media exposure, parental influence, peer influence, and self-esteem measures, as well as internalization of the thin-ideal and body dissatisfaction measures. Overall, the study found that while peer comparisons and self-esteem are associated with internalization of the thin ideal, they are not as powerful as the most significant indicators - media attitudes regarding weight and body shape and media comparisons. Contrastingly, peer comparisons and self-esteem were observed to be the strongest indicators of body dissatisfaction. These findings suggest that cultivation is directly associated with the internalization of the thin ideal. However, the cultivation of media messages may not have a direct effect on body dissatisfaction, as social/environmental influences and the internal variable of self-esteem proved to be the most significant indicators.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003995, ucf:48676
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003995
