University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida (UCF): STARS (Showcase of Text, Archives, Research & Scholarship)Not a member yet
166656 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparative Analysis of LASSO, Ridge, and Elastic Net for Variable Selection in High-Dimensional Maize Data
No full textIn high-dimensional genomic data analysis, traditional linear regression techniques often struggle due to the presence of a large number of predictor variables relative to observations. Penalized regression methods such as LASSO, Ridge, and Elastic Net have emerged as effective solutions by imposing regularization, which helps in managing multicollinearity and enhancing prediction accuracy. This study applies these techniques to the Maize dataset to model the time to male flowering, selecting relevant genetic markers as predictors. Our findings suggest that Elastic Net is particularly effective for high-dimensional data with correlated variables, achieving a balance between prediction accuracy and variable selection. The results are consistent with previous findings in genomic studies, including the work of Waldmann et al
Restoring Hope: The Sharing Center
No full textAs student volunteers at the Distribution Center of The Sharing Center we assisted in several key areas where all community donations are first received. Our responsibilities included sorting incoming donations, placing them into proper departments, and preparing items for the Thrift Store. We handled clothing donations (folding, organizing by age and gender) and helped verify electronics to ensure all battery or power-operated items functioned properly before being distributed.
Through this experience, we gained firsthand insight into how effectively The Sharing Center fulfills its mission of serving individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness through Christ-centered outreach. We witnessed a well-organized system that turns community generosity into tangible help for those in need.
One of the most valuable lessons we learned was the importance of teamwork and shared purpose. Working alongside staff and other volunteers taught us patience, coordination, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. Most importantly, connecting with the organization’s mission and the people it serves deepened our understanding of compassion in action. This experience left us with a strong sense of gratitude and purpose, reminding us how collective effort can make a meaningful difference in our community.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1008/thumbnail.jp
Captivating Chemistry: Luminous Lava Lamps
No full textOur group participated in STEM Day, an engaging biannual event that brings together K–12 students to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiences. When planning our presentation, we aimed to create an activity that was both visually exciting and easy for students of all ages to understand. We chose to demonstrate the concepts of polarity and density through a fun and interactive experiment in which students created their own lava lamps. This activity allowed the students to observe scientific principles in action while encouraging curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM learning.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1038/thumbnail.jp
The Complete Picture: Bird Behavior on Fragmented vs. Intact Oyster Reefs
No full textThe presence and health of Florida’s coastal birds rely heavily on the integrity of oyster reefs, which house their crawling and swimming prey items. During this project, we observed bird behaviors across oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) via camera trap footage. The IRL is an important coastal ecosystem that preserves numerous bird species. A previous study in the IRL suggested that live oyster reefs have birds exhibiting more foraging behaviors than on dead reefs, suggesting a need to maintain connected reefs. Our work supports the research of Ph.D. candidate Tara Blanchard, whose work will inform decision-making for future oyster reef restoration projects.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1049/thumbnail.jp
Smile, It Makes A Difference
No full texthttps://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1052/thumbnail.jp
Empowering Students for Their Future
No full textMy service-learning experience with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County gave me the opportunity to support an organization dedicated to helping students feel prepared for life after high school. Throughout the semester, I learned how the Foundation bridges gaps in access by providing mentorship, personalized future-planning guidance, workshops, and scholarship resources that many students might not receive otherwise. Being part of their mission helped me understand not only the practical side of supporting students, but also the emotional impact of having someone believe in you when you are still figuring out your next step. This experience taught me that small acts, like offering encouragement, sharing information, or simply listening, can help students feel more confident, more hopeful, and more willing to imagine a future they can work toward.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1064/thumbnail.jp
Episode 76: Daniel Guerrero - Spain, German Language, Studying a Master\u27s Degree in Politics, Economics, and Philosophy in Germany
No full textIn this episode, meet Daniel Guerrero, who graduated from UCF with a major in Philosophy. He took German language classes in the Modern Languages Department and is now studying a Master’s degree in Politics, Economics, and Philosophy in Germany. Hear Daniel share his educational journey which includes his move from Spain to the U.S. and an early interest in learning multiple languages. In our conversation, Daniel shares how his courses at UCF helped prepare him for his life in Germany now and what his days are like now as a student in his Master’s program. Daniel also shares advice for our listeners on how to enjoy the language learning experience
From Concept to Community: Building and Sustaining Communication Research Labs
No full textThis essay explores the conceptual, practical, and relational foundations of building and sustaining communication research labs. Drawing on early models of research teams, we argue that contemporary labs function as living systems that integrate research, teaching, mentorship, and community engagement. The essay outlines practical considerations for creating and maintaining labs, including recruitment, infrastructure, leadership succession, and digital presence, while emphasizing the importance of flexibility and autonomy. Rather than viewing labs as static organizational units, we position them as relational ecosystems that evolve through connection, shared purpose, and adaptability across time and institutions. Ultimately, this work encourages scholars to view lab-building as both a structural and philosophical endeavor that strengthens collaboration, fosters belonging, and bridges the gap between academic inquiry and public impact
How Fiscal and Labor Policies Influence Hospitality Entrepre- neurship: A Panel Data Analysis
No full textThis study investigates how state-level fiscal and labor policies influence the creation of hospitality firms in the United States from 2002 to 2022. Using a panel dataset and fixed- effects models with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, we analyze the effects of corporate, sales, property, and income taxes, along with minimum wage laws and educational attain- ment. We separate the results among accommodation and food service subsectors to iden- tify specific policy sensitivities. Our findings disclose that tax and labor policy impacts are highly sector-specific and context-dependent. Especially, minimum wage increases are pos- itively associated with firm formation in lower-income, lower-education states, but this effect weakens in more wealthy, higher-education contexts. These results challenge general as- sumptions about tax and wage policy effects and highlight the importance of institutional and socioeconomic setting in affecting firm formation within the hospitality sector