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Browsing by Author "Xiao, Dong"

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    Mass Shooting Digital Library
    Patel, Bhavya; Nunez, Tai; Singh, Arjit; Xiao, Dong; Naseh, Harris (2023-11-30)
    In light of the escalating prevalence of mass shootings in the U.S., there is an urgent need for a structured digital repository to centralize, categorize, and offer detailed analyses of these events. This project aims to develop a comprehensive website functioning as a digital library. This library will house mass shooting objects where each object symbolizes a specific mass shooting event, elaborating on who, what, when, where, why, and how. The website's central features will include the ability to visualize and compare various mass shooting incidents, facilitating a broader understanding of trends, patterns, and anomalies. Users will be able to explore the data via geographic visualizations, timelines, and more, providing an immersive and informative experience. Underpinning the platform, our backend system will utilize Python, Flask, and MongoDB, ensuring robust data collection and management. This data includes information fields, URL sources associated with each event, and more. On the front end, technologies like NextJS, React, and Javascript will drive the user interface, supported by essential libraries such as React Chrono and Leaflet.js for advanced visualization. Deployment will be executed via Firebase or AWS for the frontend and Heroku for the backend. Two primary user categories have been identified: general users, who can view the data, and administrators, who can modify the contents. Ensuring the integrity of the data input, admin access will be safeguarded by authentication processes. In summary, this digital library emerges as a timely and crucial initiative in response to the rising tide of mass shootings in the U.S. This project aims to provide comprehensive insights into the tragic events that have marked the nation. Beyond its functional capabilities, the digital library strives to improve understanding, awareness, and ultimately, change in the narrative surrounding mass shootings.