View All Items

Title: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) ENABLES SENSORIMOTOR INTEGRATION FOR PROSTHETIC HAND DEXTERITY.
Creator: Abd, Moaed A., Engeberg, Erik D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Hand amputation is a devastating feeling for amputees, and it is lifestyle changing since it is challenging to perform the basic life activities with amputation. Hand amputation means interrupting the closed loop between sensory feedback and motor control. The absence of sensory feedback requires a significant cognitive effort from the amputee to perform basic daily activities with prosthetic hand. Loss of tactile sensations is a major roadblock preventing amputees from multitasking or using...
Show moreHand amputation is a devastating feeling for amputees, and it is lifestyle changing since it is challenging to perform the basic life activities with amputation. Hand amputation means interrupting the closed loop between sensory feedback and motor control. The absence of sensory feedback requires a significant cognitive effort from the amputee to perform basic daily activities with prosthetic hand. Loss of tactile sensations is a major roadblock preventing amputees from multitasking or using the full dexterity of their prosthetic hands. One of the most significant features lacking from commercial prosthetic hands is sensory feedback, according to amputees. Many amputees abandoned their prosthetic devices due to the lack of tactile feedback. In the field of prosthetics, restoring sensory feedback is the most challenging task due to the complexity of integration between the prosthetic and the peripheral nervous system. A prosthetic hand with sensory feedback that imitates the intact hand would improve the lives of millions of amputees worldwide by inducing the prosthetic hand to be a part of the body image and significant impact the control of the prosthetic. To restore the sensory feedback and improve the dexterity for upper limb amputee, multiple components needed to be integrated together to provide the sensory feedback. Tactile sensors are the first components that needed to be integrated into the sensorimotor loop. In this research two tactile sensors were integrated in the sensory feedback loop. The first tactile sensor is BioTac which is a commercially available sensor. The first novel contribution with BioTac is the development of an ANN classifier to detect the direction a grasped object slips in a dexterous robotic hand in real time, and the second novel aspect of this study is the use of slip direction detection for adaptive robotic grasp reflexes. The second tactile sensor is the liquid metal sensor (LMS), this sensor was developed entirely in our lab (BioRobotics lab). The novel contribution for LMS is to detect and prevent slip in real time application, and to recognize different surface features and different sliding speeds.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013875
Subject Headings: Artificial intelligence, Haptic devices, Tactile sensors, Sensorimotor integration, Artificial hands
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THE BANGLADESHI IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
Creator: Ahmed, Evana, Harris, Michael S., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: Immigrants from Bangladesh who have lived in South Florida for years are the subject matter of this qualitative study, which examines their experiences in the United States. I aimed to gain a better understanding of the cultural experiences and obstacles faced by Bangladeshi immigrants in south Florida, as well as their adaptation and acculturation to American culture, using data collected from participant observation and interviews with informants. In-depth interviews allow participants to...
Show moreImmigrants from Bangladesh who have lived in South Florida for years are the subject matter of this qualitative study, which examines their experiences in the United States. I aimed to gain a better understanding of the cultural experiences and obstacles faced by Bangladeshi immigrants in south Florida, as well as their adaptation and acculturation to American culture, using data collected from participant observation and interviews with informants. In-depth interviews allow participants to share their thoughts and feelings about their lives. This study has examined the cultural experience of Bangladeshi immigrants through food, language, religion, cultural practices, and gender roles. This study concludes based on data acquired from Bangladeshi immigrants, which demonstrates that with close contact and influence of other cultures, they are absorbing some aspects of the dominant culture, while they are practicing their own native culture. Ultimately, this thesis examines how Bangladeshis maintain and practice their natal culture in south Florida.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013936
Subject Headings: Immigrants--Bangladesh, Immigrants--Florida, Acculturation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INCORPORATING EMOTION RECOGNITION IN CO-ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS.
Creator: Al-Omair, Osamah M., Huang, Shihong, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The collaboration between human and computer systems has grown astronomically over the past few years. The ability of software systems adapting to human's input is critical in the symbiosis of human-system co-adaptation, where human and software-based systems work together in a close partnership to achieve synergetic goals. However, it is not always clear what kinds of human’s input should be considered to enhance the effectiveness of human and system co-adaptation. To address this issue,...
Show moreThe collaboration between human and computer systems has grown astronomically over the past few years. The ability of software systems adapting to human's input is critical in the symbiosis of human-system co-adaptation, where human and software-based systems work together in a close partnership to achieve synergetic goals. However, it is not always clear what kinds of human’s input should be considered to enhance the effectiveness of human and system co-adaptation. To address this issue, this research describes an approach that focuses on incorporating human emotion to improve human-computer co-adaption. The key idea is to provide a formal framework that incorporates human emotions as a foundation for explainability into co-adaptive systems, especially, how software systems recognize human emotions and adapt the system’s behaviors accordingly. Detecting and recognizing optimum human emotion is a first step towards human and computer symbiosis. As the first step of this research, we conduct a comparative review for a number of technologies and methods for emotion recognition. Specifically, testing the detection accuracy of facial expression recognition of different cloud-services, algorithms, and methods. Secondly, we study the application of emotion recognition within the areas of e-learning, robotics, and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). We propose a formal framework that incorporates human emotions into an adaptive e-learning system, to create a more personalized learning experience for higher quality of learning outcomes. In addition, we propose a framework for a co-adaptive Emotional Support Robot. This human-centric framework adopts a reinforced learning approach where the system assesses its own emotional re-actions.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013926
Subject Headings: Emotion recognition, Human-computer interaction, Affective Computing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EXAMING THE EFFECT OF RACE ON WRONGFUL CONVICTION COMPENSATION.
Creator: Albrecht, Emily R., Dario, Lisa M., Florida Atlantic University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Abstract/Description: Wrongful convictions have occurred throughout the United States’, but it was not until the creation of the Innocence Project in 1992 that these cases were re-examined. Like other facets of the criminal justice system, racial disparities are present in exoneration research. Studies have found the rate of exoneration is slower for African Americans compared to other races and represent a disproportionate number of rape exonerations relative to their share of the population. Actual compensation...
Show moreWrongful convictions have occurred throughout the United States’, but it was not until the creation of the Innocence Project in 1992 that these cases were re-examined. Like other facets of the criminal justice system, racial disparities are present in exoneration research. Studies have found the rate of exoneration is slower for African Americans compared to other races and represent a disproportionate number of rape exonerations relative to their share of the population. Actual compensation is rarely included in analysis, because total compensation awarded has been a black box till now. This is the first study addressing these gaps, by calculating actual compensation for wrongfully convicted sexual assault exonerees and examine racial disparities between awarded compensation. Findings indicate African American exonerees receive significantly more, around $574,657, compared to white exonerees. Implications include evaluating interrogation techniques, updating DNA databases, testing forensic evidence, and calling for states and territories to have compensation statutes.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013910
Subject Headings: Wrongful convictions, Compensation for judicial error, Race
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A PROBABILISTIC CHECKING MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE EXPLAINABILITY BASED ON PERSONALITY TRAITS.
Creator: Alharbi, Mohammed N., Huang, Shihong, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: It is becoming increasingly important for an autonomous system to be able to explain its actions to humans in order to improve trust and enhance human-machine collaboration. However, providing the most appropriate kind of explanations – in terms of length, format, and presentation mode of explanations at the proper time – is critical to enhancing their effectiveness. Explanation entails costs, such as the time it takes to explain and for humans to comprehend and respond. Therefore, the actual...
Show moreIt is becoming increasingly important for an autonomous system to be able to explain its actions to humans in order to improve trust and enhance human-machine collaboration. However, providing the most appropriate kind of explanations – in terms of length, format, and presentation mode of explanations at the proper time – is critical to enhancing their effectiveness. Explanation entails costs, such as the time it takes to explain and for humans to comprehend and respond. Therefore, the actual improvement in human-system tasks from explanations (if any) is not always obvious, particularly given various forms of uncertainty in knowledge about humans. In this research, we propose an approach to address this issue. The key idea is to provide a structured framework that allows a system to model and reason about human personality traits as critical elements to guide proper explanation in human and system collaboration. In particular, we focus on the two concerns of modality and amount of explanation in order to optimize the explanation experience and improve overall system-human utility. Our models are based on probabilistic modeling and analysis (PRISM-games) to determine at run time what the most effective explanation under uncertainty is. To demonstrate our approach, we introduce a self-adaptative system called Grid – a virtual game – and the Stock Prediction Engine (SPE), which allows an automated system and a human to collaborate on the game and stock investments. Our evaluation of these exemplars, through simulation, demonstrates that a human subject’s performance and overall human-system utility is improved when considering the psychology of human personality traits in providing explanations.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013894
Subject Headings: Human-computer interaction, Probabilistic modelling, Human-machine systems, Affective Computing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: SPIRITUALITY EMPOWERS BLACK LEADERSHIP: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF BLACK MEN STUDENTS’ LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUALITY.
Creator: Allen Jr., Keven, Salinas Jr., Cristobal, Floyd, Deborah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: In this qualitative study, spirituality, and leadership among 15 Black collegiate men enrolled at higher education institutions were examined. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe and explore the essence of spirituality within the lived experiences of undergraduate Black men student leaders. The objective was to understand the intersection of spirituality and leadership within Black men, and how it informed their decision making and influenced their career aspirations...
Show moreIn this qualitative study, spirituality, and leadership among 15 Black collegiate men enrolled at higher education institutions were examined. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe and explore the essence of spirituality within the lived experiences of undergraduate Black men student leaders. The objective was to understand the intersection of spirituality and leadership within Black men, and how it informed their decision making and influenced their career aspirations post their undergraduate collegiate experience. In this study, spirituality is defined as an “internal process of seeking personal authenticity, genuineness, and wholeness as an aspect of identity development” (Love & Talbot, 1999, p. 364). Guided by descriptive phenomenological methodology, four research questions were asked: (1) What is the meaning of spirituality for Black men student leaders? (2) How do Black men student leaders apply spirituality within their daily leadership practices and behaviors? (3) How do Black men student leaders define the connection between spirituality and leadership development? (4) How does spirituality inform the pathways and career aspirations of Black men student leaders? Four findings emerged as a result of the data analysis: (1) The Spirit and the Struggle: Spirituality Empowers Black Leadership, (2) The Spirit of Black Leadership is Service to Others, (3) Leading from Within: Spirituality is the “Backbone” of Black Men Leadership Identity, and (4) Spirituality Influences Black Men Career Aspirations.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013937
Subject Headings: Leadership, Men, Black, Spirituality, Higher education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: COGNITIVE MARKERS OF PROGRESSION FROM NORMAL COGNITION TO MCI AND FROM MCI TO DEMENTIA ACROSS EUROPEAN AND HISPANIC AMERICANS.
Creator: Arruda, Fernanda Ponce de Leon, Rosselli, Monica, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Objective: Our main objectives were to identify cognitive markers of progression to a more severe cognitive diagnosis, explore possible differences between ethnic groups and to correlate cognitive markers of progression with biomarkers of AD (hippocampal and entorhinal volumes) and frontal volumes (lateral orbitofrontal, medial orbitofrontal, superior frontal, and rostral middle frontal volumes). Method: 207 participants (Mage = 71.79, SD = 7.48, 123 Hispanic Americans [HA]) were followed for...
Show moreObjective: Our main objectives were to identify cognitive markers of progression to a more severe cognitive diagnosis, explore possible differences between ethnic groups and to correlate cognitive markers of progression with biomarkers of AD (hippocampal and entorhinal volumes) and frontal volumes (lateral orbitofrontal, medial orbitofrontal, superior frontal, and rostral middle frontal volumes). Method: 207 participants (Mage = 71.79, SD = 7.48, 123 Hispanic Americans [HA]) were followed for an average of 23 months. Participants were classified into 3 diagnostic groups (Cognitively normal [CN], mild cognitive impairment [MCI], or dementia) based on the CDR global score and the neuropsychological baseline data was used as predictors of progression status. For the CN group, the Benson Figure delayed recall was a predictor of cognitive decline, and within the MCI group, the Benson delayed recall, the HVLT immediate recall, the TMTB, category fluency, and three measures of the LASSI-L (A1 cued recall, A2 cued recall, and delayed recall) were significant predictors of progression to dementia and are suggested as cognitive markers of progression for MCI individuals. Memory cognitive markers and category fluency correlated with medial temporal lobe volumes, and the TMT-B correlated with superior frontal volume. We did not observe significant differences in cognitive markers across ethnic groups. Conclusion: we identified cognitive markers of progression for CN and for MCI diagnoses which were not different across ethnic groups. These findings contribute to literature on the early identification of individuals at risk of progression to a more severe cognitive status even within asymptomatic individuals which can facilitate a more time- and cost-effective practice that is essential to the provision of the appropriate treatment to those at higher risk of progression.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013924
Subject Headings: Alzheimer Disease, Biomarkers, Hispanic Americans
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: POPULATION ECOLOGY AND VITAL RATES OF APPLE SNAILS (POMACEA SPP.) IN WETLANDS.
Creator: Barrus, Nathan T., Dorn, Nathan J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: In this thesis, I explored the abiotic and biotic factors that explain the variation in reproduction, survival, and individual growth of the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), and I combined reproduction, survival, and individual growth to determine the factors limiting Florida Apple Snail populations. First, I examined how the variation in reproduction of the Florida Apple Snail and another non-native congener (P. maculata) can be explained by depth, temperature, photoperiod, and adult...
Show moreIn this thesis, I explored the abiotic and biotic factors that explain the variation in reproduction, survival, and individual growth of the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), and I combined reproduction, survival, and individual growth to determine the factors limiting Florida Apple Snail populations. First, I examined how the variation in reproduction of the Florida Apple Snail and another non-native congener (P. maculata) can be explained by depth, temperature, photoperiod, and adult densities. I also examined how metaphyton total phosphorus (TP) influenced individual growth rates of both species. I found that P. paludosa optimally reproduce in shallower water than P. maculata, that both species respond positively to increased metaphyton TP, and that P. paludosa respond weaker to variation in metaphtyon TP than P. maculata. Then, I examined individual growth across seasons, and examined how size-dependent survival varied across seasons in and out of the presence predators. I also investigated predators that strongly influence survival rates. I found that individual growth was slower in the dry season than the wet season, that survival was not size-dependent nor seasonal when predators were excluded from cages, and that survival was size-dependent in the dry season but not the wet season when in the presence of predators. Greater Sirens and Giant Water Bugs were found to be strong predators of P. paludosa < 10 mm Shell Length (SL), Greater Siren and Giant Water Bugs seasonal abundances were responsible for the differences in size-dependent survival across seasons. Finally, I incorporated differences in ideal hydrological and temperature conditions for reproduction, seasonal differences in individual growth, and changes in survival in and out of the presence of predators onto a zero-population growth isocline. I found that optimal hydrological and temperature conditions, and increased growth in the dry season, could not make up for losses of snails < 10 mm SL by predators which suggested that predators are limiting P. paludosa populations in our study area.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013919
Subject Headings: Florida applesnail, Population ecology, Everglades (Fla.)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DIRT, RUST, AND NON-GIRL STUFF.
Creator: Carballo, Victoria, Stollar, Thomas, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Visual Arts and Art History, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: Dirt, Rust, and Non-Girl Stuff explores identity, mental health, and tradition. Considering the customs of my Cuban heritage, I choose materials and processes that reflect conventions related to gender identity, expression, and craft. These subjects are represented via assemblages that exist as stand-alone sculptures and installations. Each piece is composed of materials and objects chosen based on their physical characteristics and associations to craft or notions of traditional gender norms...
Show moreDirt, Rust, and Non-Girl Stuff explores identity, mental health, and tradition. Considering the customs of my Cuban heritage, I choose materials and processes that reflect conventions related to gender identity, expression, and craft. These subjects are represented via assemblages that exist as stand-alone sculptures and installations. Each piece is composed of materials and objects chosen based on their physical characteristics and associations to craft or notions of traditional gender norms. The work hints to the viewer through metaphors created by material choice, found object associations, and the placement of each element. Each fragment of material represents a part of my identity. The porcelain acts as a metaphor for my body, often breaking, cracking, and shattering. Its fragility requires mending, stitching, and repair to become something or someone else. The crochet elements reference the women's gender roles and femininity that my parents yearned for me to exhibit. The metal tools and rusted objects are representative of the more masculine roles I took on to fulfill my father's need for a son. The work often exhibits the precarity, the needed repairs, or additions of femininity to the otherwise masculine materials to turn a too masculine body into a more feminine one. The arrangements are not motivated by order or beauty but by the tension caused by the divide between who I am and whom I am expected to be.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013960
Subject Headings: Art, Sculptures, Installations (Art)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ANALYZING BIPOC REPRESENTATION IN YOUNG ADULT FICTION.
Creator: Carbone, Bianca, Lettman, Stacy J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: This thesis uses an identity studies approach to look at the representation of BIPOC characters within three young adult speculative fiction: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Black Witch by Laurie Forest, and Cinder by Marissa Meyer. By incorporating identity studies to explore and analyze examples of misrepresentation and unconscious bias throughout stories centered on oppressive world building, racial hierarchies, this thesis draws upon the works of various scholars including:...
Show moreThis thesis uses an identity studies approach to look at the representation of BIPOC characters within three young adult speculative fiction: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Black Witch by Laurie Forest, and Cinder by Marissa Meyer. By incorporating identity studies to explore and analyze examples of misrepresentation and unconscious bias throughout stories centered on oppressive world building, racial hierarchies, this thesis draws upon the works of various scholars including: Stuart Hall, Michel Foucault, Orlando Patterson, Toni Morrison, and Edward Said. A lack of diverse authors and Eurocentrically-framed ideologies cemented into the publishing industry has led to instances of unconscious racialized misrepresentations of BIPOC characters as shown in the of three works of popular young adult fiction demonstrating the constraints created when authors shape and perpetuate identities for others, subjecting them to constructed identities and narratives.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013950
Subject Headings: Young adult fiction, Identity (Psychology) in literature, Speculative fiction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The physiological effects of Sargassum beach coverage on three species of sea turtle hatchlings.
Creator: Chaney, Abigail, Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Sea turtle hatchlings face a variety of obstacles as they crawl down the beach to the ocean after emergence. One of these obstacles is Sargassum, a floating brown macroalgae, that washes up in large quantities on beaches from Florida to South America. This study examined the physiological response and physical performance of three species of sea turtle hatchlings (D. coriacea, C. caretta, and C. mydas) after crawling over various heights of Sargassum. In all three species, the addition of...
Show moreSea turtle hatchlings face a variety of obstacles as they crawl down the beach to the ocean after emergence. One of these obstacles is Sargassum, a floating brown macroalgae, that washes up in large quantities on beaches from Florida to South America. This study examined the physiological response and physical performance of three species of sea turtle hatchlings (D. coriacea, C. caretta, and C. mydas) after crawling over various heights of Sargassum. In all three species, the addition of Sargassum significantly increased the amount of time it took to crawl down the pathway. There was no significant difference in righting response, blood glucose levels, or plasma corticosterone concentrations between different crawling treatments. During periods of high Sargassum accumulation, hatchlings will spend more time on the beach trying to navigate through the algae, leaving them vulnerable to predation for longer periods of time.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013939
Subject Headings: Sea turtles, Sargassum, Sea turtles--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF DEEP CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR IMAGE CLASSIFICATION.
Creator: Clark, James Alex, Barenholtz, Elan, Florida Atlantic University, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Within Deep CNNs there is great excitement over breakthroughs in network performance on benchmark datasets such as ImageNet. Around the world competitive teams work on new ways to innovate and modify existing networks, or create new ones that can reach higher and higher accuracy levels. We believe that this important research must be supplemented with research into the computational dynamics of the networks themselves. We present research into network behavior as it is affected by: variations...
Show moreWithin Deep CNNs there is great excitement over breakthroughs in network performance on benchmark datasets such as ImageNet. Around the world competitive teams work on new ways to innovate and modify existing networks, or create new ones that can reach higher and higher accuracy levels. We believe that this important research must be supplemented with research into the computational dynamics of the networks themselves. We present research into network behavior as it is affected by: variations in the number of filters per layer, pruning filters during and after training, collapsing the weight space of the trained network using a basic quantization, and the effect of Image Size and Input Layer Stride on training time and test accuracy. We provide insights into how the total number of updatable parameters can affect training time and accuracy, and how “time per epoch” and “number of epochs” affect network training time. We conclude with statistically significant models that allow us to predict training time as a function of total number of updatable parameters in the network.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013940
Subject Headings: Neural networks (Computer science), Image processing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN: RACE AND URBANIZATION IN THREE NEW JERSEY CITIES.
Creator: Cox, Reilly D., Bennett, Evan P., Florida Atlantic University, Department of History, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: Newark, Asbury Park, and Paterson all suffered in the second half of the 20th century due to the failure of city governments to begin to remedy decades of racism and discrimination and respond to the causes of the 1960s riots. The history of racism and discrimination in New Jersey informed the riots that occurred across the state in the 1960s and 1970s. After the riots, local governments misunderstood or ignored the driving causes and attempted urban renewal projects that either did not work...
Show moreNewark, Asbury Park, and Paterson all suffered in the second half of the 20th century due to the failure of city governments to begin to remedy decades of racism and discrimination and respond to the causes of the 1960s riots. The history of racism and discrimination in New Jersey informed the riots that occurred across the state in the 1960s and 1970s. After the riots, local governments misunderstood or ignored the driving causes and attempted urban renewal projects that either did not work or were never built. While the 21st century has seen these three cities bring in new investment and attractions, those developments may hurt lower-income and minority residents as rents rise.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013876
Subject Headings: Racism, Urbanization--New Jersey, Riots
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: URBAN HEAT ISLAND DRIVING FORCES AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT: A STUDY OF SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.
Creator: Cresswell, Kevin J., Mitsova, Diana, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Urban heat islands present a significant public health threat for cities. A confluence of warming climate and increasing urbanization should exacerbate urban heat health risks since hotter temperatures result in heat-induced morbidity and mortality. Southeast Florida, the only region in the continental United States with a tropical climate, embodies these trends with a growing regional urban population and climbing heat index. Despite this growing threat, only a few studies have explored...
Show moreUrban heat islands present a significant public health threat for cities. A confluence of warming climate and increasing urbanization should exacerbate urban heat health risks since hotter temperatures result in heat-induced morbidity and mortality. Southeast Florida, the only region in the continental United States with a tropical climate, embodies these trends with a growing regional urban population and climbing heat index. Despite this growing threat, only a few studies have explored urban heat islands there, while urban heat vulnerability has been neglected as well. Thus, assessment of the contributing factors to increasing urban temperatures as well as identifying susceptible populations to UHI effects is imperative to mitigate environmental threats posed by heat islands. Analysis was first conducted to understand regional heat island geospatial characteristics and intensity then correlation analysis performed to understand the influence of meteorological variables. Furthermore, the influence of land use orchestration and surface characteristics (e.g., imperviousness) was analyzed using a spatial regression process. Additionally, a composite index blending dimensions of physical exposure, sensitivity (socioeconomic, health), and adaptive capacity was constructed to gauge vulnerability from hotter temperatures associated with UHIs. Principal Component Analysis weighting was used to group and weight variables then an assessment conducted evaluating composite performance compared to alternative models.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013891
Subject Headings: Urban heat island, Florida, Urban planning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PARTICIPANTS’ RECOVERY IN DRUG COURT.
Creator: Cuevas, Selina F., Guastaferro, Wendy P., Florida Atlantic University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Abstract/Description: This study examined drug court participants’ lived experiences with addiction and recovery from the southern part of the U.S.. Results of the study answered the following: how do drug court participants discuss their lived experiences with each of the following key recovery concepts: accountability, unmanageability, and relapse? Recorded focus groups explored the a priori recovery concepts. Focus groups were used for identifying themes, and how participants apply these themes to recovery....
Show moreThis study examined drug court participants’ lived experiences with addiction and recovery from the southern part of the U.S.. Results of the study answered the following: how do drug court participants discuss their lived experiences with each of the following key recovery concepts: accountability, unmanageability, and relapse? Recorded focus groups explored the a priori recovery concepts. Focus groups were used for identifying themes, and how participants apply these themes to recovery. Audio files were transcribed and coded using NVivo 1.5 software for data analysis. The findings also present emergent themes which allowed participants to articulate their lived experiences as more than a disease, but as a recovery process. Drug court programs must prioritize the curriculum to reflect on the experiences depicted to effectively aid in recovery. Lastly, conducting the same focus groups throughout the duration of the program may be beneficial to properly track progress.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013911
Subject Headings: Drug courts, Civil commitment of drug addicts, Recovery
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: TWO ESSAYS ON PEER EFFECTS AND DIVERSITY WITHIN THE BOARDROOM.
Creator: Damm, Jason, Javakhadze, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Finance, College of Business
Abstract/Description: In this manuscript, I present two essays which examine the role of diversity within the corporate boardroom. The first essay determines that board compensation practices at competing firms influence the remuneration arrangements of directors. Consistent with the observational learning perspective, directors mimic the behavior of peer firms in setting their own compensation, but that diversity, in the form of gender, race/ethnicity, education, and experience moderates this relationship....
Show moreIn this manuscript, I present two essays which examine the role of diversity within the corporate boardroom. The first essay determines that board compensation practices at competing firms influence the remuneration arrangements of directors. Consistent with the observational learning perspective, directors mimic the behavior of peer firms in setting their own compensation, but that diversity, in the form of gender, race/ethnicity, education, and experience moderates this relationship. Diversity also leads to better board performance measured through its impact on excess CEO compensation and CEO turnover sensitivity. In the second essay, I document the presence of peer influence in diversity hires. As firms within an industry hire more women and minority directors, others will do the same. This type of herding behavior has both positive and negative outcomes. Firm stock and operating performance is worse in the years after a peer-driven diversity hire, yet board performance is better. I conclude that peer-driven decisions may be suboptimal, but that diversity can promote better governance in the boardroom.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013907
Subject Headings: Boards of directors, Executives--Salaries, etc, Diversity
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A NOVEL FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS OF LOWER LIMB MOVEMENTS: INTEGRATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY AND SENSOR-BASED SYSTEMS.
Creator: Davis, Edward P., Pandya, Abhijit, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: In this thesis, an augmented reality device was coupled with motion sensor units to function as a system of cooperative technologies for usage within exercise science and neurorehabilitation. Specifically, in a subfield of exercise science called biomechanics, the assessment and analysis of movements are critical to the evaluation and prescription of improvements for physical function in both daily and sport-specific activities. Furthermore, the systematic combination of these technologies...
Show moreIn this thesis, an augmented reality device was coupled with motion sensor units to function as a system of cooperative technologies for usage within exercise science and neurorehabilitation. Specifically, in a subfield of exercise science called biomechanics, the assessment and analysis of movements are critical to the evaluation and prescription of improvements for physical function in both daily and sport-specific activities. Furthermore, the systematic combination of these technologies provided potential end-users with a modality to perform exercise within, and correlated feedback based upon the end-user’s exercise performance. Data collection specific to biomechanics can provide both the end-user and their evaluators with critical feedback that can be used to modify movement efficiency, improve exercise capacity, and evaluate exercise performance. By coordinating both technologies and completing movement-based experiments, the systems were successfully integrated.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013952
Subject Headings: Augmented reality, Biomechanics, Sensors
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ghosts at the Border: Exploring the Link Between Feminicidio and Literary Studies.
Creator: De Leon, Alejandro, Kini, Ashvin R., Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: The intangible nature of the border leads to a wide array of implications for Latinx migrants. By dissociating borders from the literal space that commonly defines the word, borders can be put into conversation along with the institution of the university. By situating this paper in the larger scholarly discussion of the border and university critique it is possible to see how these intersections result in violent realities for Latinx migrants. Roberto Bolaño’s novel, 2666 provides a means to...
Show moreThe intangible nature of the border leads to a wide array of implications for Latinx migrants. By dissociating borders from the literal space that commonly defines the word, borders can be put into conversation along with the institution of the university. By situating this paper in the larger scholarly discussion of the border and university critique it is possible to see how these intersections result in violent realities for Latinx migrants. Roberto Bolaño’s novel, 2666 provides a means to map out the violent realities that universities manifest for Latinx migrants. The feminicide pandemic in the fictional town of Santa Teresa mirrors the very real violence that happens toward Latinx among these border cultures. In the shadow of the university, violence against Latinx prospers to unknowable heights and a question emerges. Is it possible to determine the extent of damage the university causes Latinx migrants? The answer is unthinkable, but this paper is a means not to answer this difficult question in complete but to begin assessing the damage.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013953
Subject Headings: Femicide, Immigrants, Latin Americans, Bolaño, Roberto, 1953-2003.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Numerical Simulation and Performance Characterization of Two Wave Energy Converters.
Creator: DePietro, Abigail R., VanZwieten, James, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This research consists of the numerical model development and simulation of two prototype Wave Energy Convertor designs (WECs) across three simulation types. The first design is an oscillating body WEC called the Platypus designed to capture wave energy as three paddle arms actuate over the surface of the waves. The second design is an overtopping type WEC called the ROOWaC which captures and drains entrained water to generate power. Modeling of these systems was conducted using two...
Show moreThis research consists of the numerical model development and simulation of two prototype Wave Energy Convertor designs (WECs) across three simulation types. The first design is an oscillating body WEC called the Platypus designed to capture wave energy as three paddle arms actuate over the surface of the waves. The second design is an overtopping type WEC called the ROOWaC which captures and drains entrained water to generate power. Modeling of these systems was conducted using two techniques: the Morison load approach implemented using hydrodynamic response coefficients used to model the Platypus and a boundary element method (BEM) frequency-domain approach to model both WEC designs in the time domain. The BEM models included the development of hydrodynamic response coefficients using a discretized panel mesh of the system for calculation of added mass, excitation, and radiation forces. These three model families provided both performance predictions and power output information to WEC developers that supply important data for future full-scale designs. These models were used to predict power generation estimates for both WECs as follows: the Platypus WEC was predicted to have a maximum efficiency range between 14.5-35% and the ROOWaC WEC was predicted to generate a maximum peak average power of 19 W upon preliminary results.
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013956
Subject Headings: Ocean energy resources--Research, Ocean wave power, Simulations, Mathematical methods and modelling
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PHALLIC POWER AS MONSTROSITY: CALIBAN’S THREAT OF MISCEGENATION IN AIMÉ CÉSAIRE’S A TEMPEST.
Creator: Dickson, Reba Karrie, Lettman,Stacy J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of English, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: This thesis takes a postcolonial, critical race, and monster theory approach to understanding Caliban as a “monstrous” figure, primarily because of threat of miscegenation within the ideological power structure of the Caribbean slave plantation system as depicted in A Tempest by Aimé Césaire. Through the lens of Louis Althusser’s theory on the construction of ideologies and recognizing race as an ideology, this thesis asserts that the colonized subject is interpellated or hailed as a “monster...
Show moreThis thesis takes a postcolonial, critical race, and monster theory approach to understanding Caliban as a “monstrous” figure, primarily because of threat of miscegenation within the ideological power structure of the Caribbean slave plantation system as depicted in A Tempest by Aimé Césaire. Through the lens of Louis Althusser’s theory on the construction of ideologies and recognizing race as an ideology, this thesis asserts that the colonized subject is interpellated or hailed as a “monster,” thereby allowing the colonizer to moralize and rationalize their altruicide and dehumanization of the colonized subject. Prospero, the colonial master serves as the arbiter of white masculine power whereby his phallus can be understood as a “characteristic feature of making horror and pleasure coincide” (Mbembe, Postcolony 175). When Caliban, the colonized subject, refuses to function within the interpellated identity of the “monster,” he attempts to redeem his lost honor by interpellating himself as a “BLACK MAN” (Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks 95). Prospero regards this as a threat to deconstruct the ideology of race and destroy his colonial legacy through an “unholy miscegenation” between Caliban and Miranda, his daughter, thus transforming them into “monsters.” The colonial master’s response to this attempted usurpation of phallic power results in the recourse to honor killing which Achille Mbembe identifies as altruicide—the altruistic homicide of the “monster,” of the colonized subject, that plagues society as a threat against whiteness (Critique of Black Reason 10).
Show less
Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013932
Subject Headings: Césaire, Aimé. Tempête. English, Césaire, Aimé--Criticism and interpretation, Miscegenation, Caliban (Fictitious character)
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (7797)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (1742)	+ -
Political & Rights Issues & Social Movements Collection (1547)	+ -
FAU College Collections (1049)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (687)	+ -

Speeches (667)	+ -
Foreign Pamphlets (522)	+ -
FAU Graduate Student Research (477)	+ -
Clarke Family Papers (436)	+ -
FAU Undergraduate Student Research (372)	+ -
FAU Founding Documents (358)	+ -
University Archives (272)	+ -
Updates, Florida Atlantic University Newsletter 1970-1979 (199)	+ -
FAU Commencements (141)	+ -
Yiddish Children's Books (138)	+ -
HBOI Technical Reports (114)	+ -
Florida Book Collection (101)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University Patents (81)	+ -
Kenneth R. Williams (60)	+ -
Marvin E. Kemery Collection (45)	+ -
Glenwood L. Creech (36)	+ -
Almanacs (35)	+ -
Theodore Pratt Collection (34)	+ -
HBOI Student Research (15)	+ -
Elliott Cross and James A. Cross Civil War Collection (14)	+ -
Division of Research (12)	+ -
FAU Libraries Newsletter (12)	+ -
Book Arts (7)	+ -
HBOI Indian River Studies (6)	+ -

College student newspapers and periodicals -- Florida -- Boca Raton (1187)	+ -
Universities and colleges -- Florida -- Boca Raton -- Periodicals (1187)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University -- Students -- Periodicals (1177)	+ -
College students -- Florida -- Boca Raton -- Periodicals (1016)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University -- History (746)	+ -

Clarke Family (429)	+ -
Genealogy (427)	+ -
Family History (426)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University-- History (397)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University-- Records and correspondence (356)	+ -
Speeches, addresses, etc., American -- 19th century (339)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University-- Planning (258)	+ -
College students --Research --United States. (236)	+ -
Working class -- Mexico – Periodicals. (175)	+ -
Working class -- Latin America -- Periodicals. (174)	+ -
Boca Raton (Fla.) -- Newspapers (172)	+ -
Criticism and interpretation (150)	+ -
History (147)	+ -
Netherlands -- History -- 1714-1795 -- Sources -- Early works to 1800 (138)	+ -
Sponges (133)	+ -
Children's literature, Yiddish (119)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University History (91)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University—Office of the President (91)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University Archives (90)	+ -
Symbolism in literature (89)	+ -
Sermons, American -- 19th century (87)	+ -
Netherlands -- Politics and government -- 1714-1795 -- Early works to 1800 (86)	+ -
Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University (83)	+ -
Marine natural products (82)	+ -
Mathematical models (80)	+ -

United States (202)	+ -
Florida (170)	+ -
Broward County (Fla.) (108)	+ -
12011 (48)	+ -
Broward (48)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Temporal Subject

Genre Subject

Title as Subject

Genre

Language

Creator

Format

Owner

Classical period, 1500-1700 (4)	+ -
1945- (2)	+ -
1965- (2)	+ -
1980- (2)	+ -
1989- (2)	+ -
1999- (2)	+ -
2001- (2)	+ -
Civil War, 1861-1865 (2)	+ -
1066-1485 (1)	+ -
1775-1783 (1)	+ -
1783-1809 (1)	+ -
1796-1918 (1)	+ -
1825-1855 (1)	+ -
1830-1837 (1)	+ -
1861-1865 (1)	+ -
1865-1950 (1)	+ -
1900-1945 (1)	+ -
1910-1921 (1)	+ -
1929 (1)	+ -
1936-1945 (1)	+ -
1946-1981 (1)	+ -
1951- (1)	+ -
1955- (1)	+ -
1955-1983 (1)	+ -
1959- (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (7797)	+ -
article (2243)	+ -
pamphlet (1998)	+ -
newspaper (1151)	+ -
thesis (687)	+ -

speech (672)	+ -
text (474)	+ -
poster (423)	+ -
abstract (386)	+ -
correspondence (282)	+ -
Minutes (Records) (264)	+ -
newsletter (239)	+ -
Program Review (217)	+ -
Ebook (138)	+ -
periodical (118)	+ -
technical report (115)	+ -
report (91)	+ -
patent (84)	+ -
issue (83)	+ -
program (83)	+ -
event program (72)	+ -
archival material (65)	+ -
postcard (65)	+ -
miscellaneous documents (57)	+ -
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (41)	+ -
E-book (39)	+ -
almanac (35)	+ -
capstone (32)	+ -
manuscript (30)	+ -
reports (30)	+ -

English (16466)	+ -
Dutch (260)	+ -
French (242)	+ -
German (209)	+ -
Yiddish (152)	+ -