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- Title
- COMPARING SEXUAL COGNITION AND RISK BY GENDER.
- Creator
-
Dauk, Jacquelynne, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The ways in which sexuality is perceived among members of society has substantial effects in regards to overall health and well-being. The current study investigates not only the nature of sexual cognition but also the differences in cognition in regards to participant genders. More specifically, this study seeks to investigate the differences in sexual attitudes and thoughts among different genders that may lead to different forms of sexual risk. In order to identify these differences,...
Show moreThe ways in which sexuality is perceived among members of society has substantial effects in regards to overall health and well-being. The current study investigates not only the nature of sexual cognition but also the differences in cognition in regards to participant genders. More specifically, this study seeks to investigate the differences in sexual attitudes and thoughts among different genders that may lead to different forms of sexual risk. In order to identify these differences, societal influences such as social roles, parenting styles, and sexual education are all examined in regards to gender. Factors such as age and demographics were also considered. Participants consisted of university students who answered online questionnaires regarding sexuality. Results indicate that there exists a mediational relationship between participant gender, sexual cognition, and sexual risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000183, ucf:45967
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000183
- Title
- FEAR OF CRIME AND PERCEIVED RISK OF VICTIMIZATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Truman, Jennifer, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Fear of crime is argued to be a social problem that may lead to restriction of activities, increased security costs, and avoidance behaviors. Findings from research indicate that there are many demographic influences on the fear of crime. Specifically, gender has been found to be one of the most consistent predictors of crime, that is, females significantly fear crime more than males. Additionally, research suggests that a person's fear of crime or perceived risk to crime may increase...
Show moreFear of crime is argued to be a social problem that may lead to restriction of activities, increased security costs, and avoidance behaviors. Findings from research indicate that there are many demographic influences on the fear of crime. Specifically, gender has been found to be one of the most consistent predictors of crime, that is, females significantly fear crime more than males. Additionally, research suggests that a person's fear of crime or perceived risk to crime may increase their engagement in precautionary behaviors, such as carrying a weapon for protection. The current study examined these relationships using data collected from 588 students at the University of Central Florida in the fall of 2006. The results indicated that females reported significantly higher mean scores on the fear scale for all crimes except property crimes, as well as higher mean scores for most crimes on the perceived risk of victimization scale. Females also reported feeling less safe from crime in their neighborhood and at home. Furthermore, females were more likely to engage in precautionary behaviors, but less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Fear of crime was not a significant predictor of the use of precautionary behaviors. However, respondents with greater perceived risk were more likely to use a greater number of precautionary behaviors. Additionally, respondents who had a perceived lack of safety were more likely to use precautionary behaviors and engage in them more often. Risky lifestyle behaviors were not significant predictors of either fear or guardianship activities. Exposure to the media was only shown to increase fear, perceived risk, and perceived lack of safety at the bivariate level. And finally previous victimization was not a significant predictor of fear or perceived risk. Overall, the results were fairly consistent with previous literature. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001622, ucf:47185
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001622
- Title
- RISK FACTORS FOR ADULT VICTIMIZATION AMONG FLORIDA'S HOMELESS WOMEN.
- Creator
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Weichsel, Rebecca, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Much of the existing research on violence against homeless women has concluded that homeless women are particularly vulnerable to violence and experience victimization at rates often exceeding the rates of housed women. Little research, however, has focused upon the specific risk factors that expose homeless women to physical assault, rape, and stalking. Utilizing a sample of 737 homeless women from the Florida cities of Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami, this study investigated the...
Show moreMuch of the existing research on violence against homeless women has concluded that homeless women are particularly vulnerable to violence and experience victimization at rates often exceeding the rates of housed women. Little research, however, has focused upon the specific risk factors that expose homeless women to physical assault, rape, and stalking. Utilizing a sample of 737 homeless women from the Florida cities of Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami, this study investigated the risk factors for experiencing adult personal victimization. The characteristics of homelessness, demographics, drug and alcohol use, subsistence activities, childhood victimization, mental health status, and criminal activities were examined as predictors of violence. The results indicate that over three-quarters of the sample had experienced violence, physical, sexual, or stalking, as adults. Consistent with prior research, childhood sexual abuse and time spent in jail or prison were significant predictors of violence. However, contrary to prior research, severe childhood physical abuse did not predict adult violence. Rather, the key childhood predictors of adult violence appear to center upon abuse that is primarily emotional in nature. Also contrary to prior research, the excessive use of alcohol or illicit drugs and engaging in risky subsistence activities did not predict violence. The results also imply that the women's experiences of violence may precipitate their episodes of homelessness, indicating that the violence is a cause of their homelessness. Violence against women continues to be a significant social problem particularly among especially vulnerable populations such as homeless women. Such violence deserves the attention of service providers such as healthcare workers, social services, and criminal justice systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000678, ucf:46488
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000678
- Title
- EFFECTS OF A PLANT-BASED VEGAN DIET ON THE RISK OF CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Silavent, Chelsie M, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Cancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even...
Show moreCancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even suppression of disease progression. Specifically, a diet that excludes animal-based products but consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables (i.e., plant-based vegan diet) is reported to retard disease progression among some individuals diagnosed with cancer. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of a plant-based vegan diet as a treatment approach with individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. The methodology included a systematic review of literature focusing on use of a plant-based vegan diet on cancer risks in research articles published in peer reviewed journals from 2006 to 2018. Consistent findings include evidence that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimal amounts of animal products showed a decrease risk of the development of various types of cancer. Recommendations for nursing education, practice, policy and research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000558, ucf:45619
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000558
- Title
- HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT: A STUDY OF PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF DROPOUT AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES.
- Creator
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Garcia, Daniel, Mann, Mary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Dropping out from high school is becoming a growing trend that necessitates new and more powerful intervention strategies to be utilized. Large numbers of adolescents between the ages of 16- 24 have been shown to receive no high school diploma or equivalent. The effects of dropping out are far reaching, with many students who dropout facing depression and alienation that may lead to other negative consequences. This research focuses on the need for preventative action against the issue of...
Show moreDropping out from high school is becoming a growing trend that necessitates new and more powerful intervention strategies to be utilized. Large numbers of adolescents between the ages of 16- 24 have been shown to receive no high school diploma or equivalent. The effects of dropping out are far reaching, with many students who dropout facing depression and alienation that may lead to other negative consequences. This research focuses on the need for preventative action against the issue of dropout. One hypothesis to be tested is whether or not current dropout prevention techniques can be applied to students who are not at risk for dropping out. The researcher theorizes that if all students are exposed to these strategies then perhaps the overall school environment will yield less students who are at risk to begin with.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004481, ucf:45071
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004481
- Title
- The Unacceptable Rise: An Investigation of School Shootings in the United States.
- Creator
-
Gulliford, Tracy, Sellnow, Deanna, Sellnow, Timothy, Spence, Patric, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research study examined teachers` understanding of risk factors and characteristics of potential perpetrators of school shootings, as well as the steps to take when they are identified in students. Participants completed a survey that contained Likert-type scale items regarding selfefficacy and open-ended questions regarding school violence experiences. A mixed methods analysis revealed three primary conclusions. First, teachers have high levels of self-efficacy regarding the importance...
Show moreThis research study examined teachers` understanding of risk factors and characteristics of potential perpetrators of school shootings, as well as the steps to take when they are identified in students. Participants completed a survey that contained Likert-type scale items regarding selfefficacy and open-ended questions regarding school violence experiences. A mixed methods analysis revealed three primary conclusions. First, teachers have high levels of self-efficacy regarding the importance of and ability to deal effectively with troubled students. This conclusion suggests that teachers do internalize the relevance of this issue to them. Second, this study revealed a gap in terms of the explanation and distribution component of the IDEA model. More specifically, teachers are under-informed about how to identify characteristics of potential perpetrators and what forces may influence them to engage in school violence. Third, this study revealed a need for additional modes through which training modules and sessions should be distributed to prepare teachers to dissuade violent acts from occurring in their classrooms and schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007644, ucf:52486
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007644
- Title
- IDENTIFYING PATIENTS AT RISK FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: CAN OBESITY IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER HIGH-RISK DIAGNOSES BE USED FOR SCREENING PURPOSES?.
- Creator
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Lima, Clelia, Norris, Anne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects about 15 million adults in the United States, and is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. The under-diagnosing of OSA has been linked to the inadequate screening by primary care practitioners (PCPs). Existing screening tools are not widely used by PCPs possibly due to time constraints they experience as providers. This study demonstrates how common high-risk diagnoses (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia,...
Show moreObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects about 15 million adults in the United States, and is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. The under-diagnosing of OSA has been linked to the inadequate screening by primary care practitioners (PCPs). Existing screening tools are not widely used by PCPs possibly due to time constraints they experience as providers. This study demonstrates how common high-risk diagnoses (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia, arrhythmia, and coronary artery disease) can be used to help PCPs identify adult patients at risk for OSA. Unlike other screening tools, these diagnoses are easy to identify in a routine visit. This study was a retrospective chart review that used a random sample of 220 electronic health records. Seventy percent of the sample was positive for OSA, 69% had obesity, and 33% had two or more high-risk diagnoses. The setting of this study was six sleep centers located in five cities in Central Florida. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data to determine interaction among variables and odds ratios. The variables "obesity" and "two or more high-risk diagnoses" had significant effects on the likelihood of being diagnosed with OSA independently of each other (odds ratio of 4.2 and 4.3 respectively; p<.001). However, there was no significant interaction between these two variables (p=.56). The predictive value for an OSA diagnosis using "obesity" was 83%, and it was 88% using "two or more high-risk diagnoses." These findings argue for the use of high-risk diagnoses to identify patients at risk for OSA. PCPs are in an ideal position to increase the number of patients screened and treated for OSA because they routinely see patients with these diagnoses in their practices. Proper diagnosis and treatment of OSA has the potential to improve patients' outcomes and their quality of life.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003620, ucf:48863
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003620
- Title
- Site Specific Sinkhole risk assessment in Central Florida using Cone Penetration Testing.
- Creator
-
Shamet, Ryan, Nam, Boo Hyun, Chopra, Manoj, Wang, Dingbao, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As Florida's population is expanding and greater fluctuations in groundwater levels are being recorded, Central Florida has been experiencing a higher frequency of sinkhole occurrences than ever before in recorded history. Sinkholes in Central Florida are formed by a combination of bedrock weathering and overburden soil erosion due to the groundwater recharge and are a part of Florida's past and future geology. The initial stage of a sinkhole is referred to as soil raveling and is the most...
Show moreAs Florida's population is expanding and greater fluctuations in groundwater levels are being recorded, Central Florida has been experiencing a higher frequency of sinkhole occurrences than ever before in recorded history. Sinkholes in Central Florida are formed by a combination of bedrock weathering and overburden soil erosion due to the groundwater recharge and are a part of Florida's past and future geology. The initial stage of a sinkhole is referred to as soil raveling and is the most effective time to perform soil improvement measures, such as grouting, to mitigate further expansion of a subterranean void. Subsurface exploration tests, commonly implemented by geotechnical engineers for site characterization, have been shown to detect these sinkhole anomalies even when no signs of subsidence are evident on the ground surface. Secondary geophysical testing has also been proven to detect sinkhole raveling anomalies, but at the expense of additional time and money added to the specific project. In this study, current practices in detecting premature sinkholes were expanded upon with a primary focus on Cone Penetrometer testing data (CPT). Cone Penetrometer tests provide valuable high-resolution quantitative information regarding the discrete strength characteristics of relatively loose sandy and clayey subsoil. CPTs are also much quicker and cleaner to perform when compared to other subsurface testing procedures (e.g. Standard penetration tests). Therefore, CPTs were chosen for this study to understand how they can be implemented to assess risk of future sinkhole collapse, or other karst construction concerns, in Central Florida specific soils. By implementing the findings presented in this report, Geotechnical engineers and contractors in central Florida will be able to practically evaluate the size and severity of potential forming sinkhole without the use of additional subsurface geophysical testing. The results of this study hope to eliminate extraneous testing costs, as well as maximize the efficiency of estimating mitigation products and procedures required all while still ensuring a safe design in Central Florida's highly karst areas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006657, ucf:51246
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006657
- Title
- The Effect Of Brand Diversification And Systematic Risk On Firm Shareholder Wealth: The Case Of Brinker International, Inc.
- Creator
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Makki, Abdullah, Croes, Robertico, Lee, Ji-Eun, Hara, Tadayuki, Beaumont, Paul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Divestiture activity within the restaurant industry has increased in the last twenty years, however there is a dearth of research investigating the subsequent effects of the phenomenon. In particular none of the studies in the literature, have specifically examined the effects of restaurant firms' brand diversification strategies and systematic risk on shareholder wealth when controlling for divestiture completions. This research extends the knowledge from previous work on corporate...
Show moreDivestiture activity within the restaurant industry has increased in the last twenty years, however there is a dearth of research investigating the subsequent effects of the phenomenon. In particular none of the studies in the literature, have specifically examined the effects of restaurant firms' brand diversification strategies and systematic risk on shareholder wealth when controlling for divestiture completions. This research extends the knowledge from previous work on corporate unbundling and brand diversification strategies to the unique restaurant industry. Drawing on agency theory, the long- and short-term effects of the resulting brand diversification levels on firm shareholder wealth following a divestiture is examined. In addition, the effect of systematic risk on shareholder wealth following a divestiture is investigated. The study is applied to one of the leading U.S. restaurant firms, Brinker International, Inc., since the company has completed a number of divestitures that have resulted in a reduction of its brand diversification. Time series data from 1994 to 2013 is used in the study. The Wharton Research Data Services database and Brinker International, Inc.'s Securities and Exchange Commission annual and quarterly filings are utilized in acquiring the data for the study. Data analysis for the study consists of a cointegration error correction model. Specifically, the study's methodology includes unit root tests, cointegration, vector error correction, and causality tests for the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between shareholder wealth, brand diversification, and systematic risk. In addition, a short-term positive relationship exists between Brinker's level of systematic risk and divestiture completion. In addition, a negative short-term relationship is found between Brinker's brand diversification and shareholder wealth with divestiture completion. However, no statistically significant relationships are found between brand diversification, systematic risk, and shareholder wealth for Brinker in the short term. Overall, the study's model for the short-term explains 23.63% of the variance in Brinker's shareholder wealth. This study provides various theoretical and managerial implications for the restaurant literature, as well as, provides a catalyst for future studies to expand on the relationships between brand diversification, systematic risk, and shareholder wealth for restaurant firms when considering divestitures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006473, ucf:51431
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006473
- Title
- Two Applications of Financial Economics to Real Estate.
- Creator
-
Dibartolomeo, Jeffrey, Gatchev, Vladimir, Chen, Honghui, Turnbull, Geoffrey, Harrison, David, Schnitzlein, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
My first essay examines the effects of dividend policy on the liquidity risk of REITs. I argue that the mandatory high cash payouts of REITs reduce investor reliance on the stock market to satisfy their liquidity needs. Using a sample of equity REITs from 1980 through 2015, I find strong empirical evidence consistent with this paradigm. Unlike non-REIT property companies, I find REITs exhibit negative sensitivity to marketwide liquidity shocks; a result that is evident across most property...
Show moreMy first essay examines the effects of dividend policy on the liquidity risk of REITs. I argue that the mandatory high cash payouts of REITs reduce investor reliance on the stock market to satisfy their liquidity needs. Using a sample of equity REITs from 1980 through 2015, I find strong empirical evidence consistent with this paradigm. Unlike non-REIT property companies, I find REITs exhibit negative sensitivity to marketwide liquidity shocks; a result that is evident across most property type sectors. Moreover, while my findings are robust across a wide range of portfolios based on size, dividend frequency, leverage, market-to-book, operations type, and the presence of dividend reinvestment plans, smaller REITs mitigate liquidity risk only when their dividend frequency is relatively high. Finally, I find that price sensitivities to marketwide liquidity shocks increase after firms elect to discontinue REIT status. These findings strongly support the notions that investors view dividend payouts as a substitute for liquidity, and that REITs' relatively high mandated payout requirements benefit investors with reduced liquidity risk.My second essay re-examines the ability of the Mills-Muth neoclassical land use theory to explain urban sprawl. I test the robustness of Brueckner and Fansler's (1983) seminal study using data drawn from the 1970 U.S. Census. A repeated sampling test shows that their 1970 sampling methodology led to spurious estimates; their conclusions regarding the economic factors driving sprawl cannot be supported. Nor can they be supported using more recent data from the 2000 and 2010 Census. Given this, I offer two alternate measures of urban sprawl: the traditional population density gradient and a new measure that relaxes the monotonicity constraint implied by traditional density gradients. I find the factors identified by neoclassical theory better explain sprawl when using the density gradient and the non-monotonic measure than the Brueckner-Fansler approach.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006995, ucf:51619
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006995
- Title
- The Relationship Of Participation In A Summer Transition Program For At-Risk Ninth Grade Students And Their Progress Towards On-Time Graduation.
- Creator
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Harper, Joseph, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Gordon, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The primary purpose of the study was to identify whether or not relationships exist between at-risk students in the transition program of a local Central Florida public school district and their on-track graduation progress during high school. Data were also used to describe student demographics of at-risk students and compare those demographics to the school demographic profile. On-track status is a major metric since students have not formally completed the program nor have they graduated....
Show moreThe primary purpose of the study was to identify whether or not relationships exist between at-risk students in the transition program of a local Central Florida public school district and their on-track graduation progress during high school. Data were also used to describe student demographics of at-risk students and compare those demographics to the school demographic profile. On-track status is a major metric since students have not formally completed the program nor have they graduated. This study adds to the district's understanding of the effectiveness of its transition program. The study's findings will inform the district in its efforts to accurately define its return-on-investment in the transition program.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004859, ucf:49708
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004859
- Title
- The Relationship of Participation in a Summer Transition Program for At-risk Ninth Grade Students and their Performance in Algebra I.
- Creator
-
Sanchez, Jose, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Gordon, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the Summer Transition Program in a large suburban school district.(&)nbsp; One of the common concerns of education leaders is the number of students who choose to dropout of high school.(&)nbsp; The eighth to ninth grade Summer Transition Program has been implemented to address the high school dropout issue and was the focus of this study.(&)nbsp; The researcher examined if participation in the Summer Transition Program could be predicted by student subgroup, to what...
Show moreThis study examined the Summer Transition Program in a large suburban school district.(&)nbsp; One of the common concerns of education leaders is the number of students who choose to dropout of high school.(&)nbsp; The eighth to ninth grade Summer Transition Program has been implemented to address the high school dropout issue and was the focus of this study.(&)nbsp; The researcher examined if participation in the Summer Transition Program could be predicted by student subgroup, to what extent, if any, participation in the Summer Transition Program had on the academic success in Algebra I, and if there is a relationship with academic success in Algebra I and at-risk factors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004928, ucf:49635
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004928
- Title
- Modeling Risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women in a Court-Ordered Substance Treatment Program.
- Creator
-
Deavers, Frances, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Bowers, Clint, Eldridge, Gloria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Developing a comprehensive model of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) risk factors and their inter-relationships is vital to improving methods of risk identification and treatment delivery. The CDC posed three general categories that may serve as a framework for such a model: sexual network, individual behavior, and social/ structural risk. None of the extant risk models incorporate measures from all three categories. Additionally, none of these models, generally focused on individual...
Show moreDeveloping a comprehensive model of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) risk factors and their inter-relationships is vital to improving methods of risk identification and treatment delivery. The CDC posed three general categories that may serve as a framework for such a model: sexual network, individual behavior, and social/ structural risk. None of the extant risk models incorporate measures from all three categories. Additionally, none of these models, generally focused on individual behavior, use medical data on infection as their outcome variable. This is problematic because the ultimate outcome of infection is also influenced by sexual network and social/ structural variables, in addition to individual behaviors. Therefore the current study aimed to develop a comprehensive model of risk incorporating sexual network, individual behavior, and social/ structural risk variables, using medical data on infection status as the outcome variable. The sample consisted of 506 women in a court-ordered substance treatment program. An Exploratory Factor Analysis provided preliminary evidence for a three factor model corresponding to the CDC framework. However, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis failed to confirm this model. Additionally, a logistic regression suggested that this model has limited clinical utility for this sample. Future studies may more conclusively determine the importance of various STI risk variables, the relationships between them, and whether they mirror the CDC theoretical framework. With rates of infection still high in the United States, and even increasing among women for certain STIs, this is a critical public health issue that should continue to be examined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005323, ucf:50502
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005323
- Title
- The Relationship Between Participation in an Academic Intervention Program and Performance in Coursework for At Risk Eighth-Grade Middle School Students.
- Creator
-
Hyatt, Victoria, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Lee, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of the research was to examine the academic intervention program implemented to address academic concerns in the middle grades in one large urban school district in central Florida. Educational leaders at all levels are concerned with the choice of one in four students who make the decision to not complete high school coursework, leaving before earning a high school diploma. The researcher examined to what extent, if any, participation in the middle grades academic intervention...
Show moreThe focus of the research was to examine the academic intervention program implemented to address academic concerns in the middle grades in one large urban school district in central Florida. Educational leaders at all levels are concerned with the choice of one in four students who make the decision to not complete high school coursework, leaving before earning a high school diploma. The researcher examined to what extent, if any, participation in the middle grades academic intervention program affected academic success in coursework and what difference, if any, there were between academic coursework grade point averages and at-risk eligibility factors, for levels of student participation in the academic intervention program. The at-risk eligibility factors for placement into this middle grades intervention program included prior year retention, prior year course failure(s), and prior year grade point average of 2.0 or below on a 4.0 scale. The school district of study provided each middle grades school with one teaching allocation to support the academic intervention program. Data from six of the 12 middle schools that tracked students in the academic intervention program for the 2013-2014 school year were retrieved from the school district central office. Interviews were conducted with all 12 academic intervention program supervising administrators to determine the delivery method provided for the program at each school. The study provides information on the effectiveness of the academic intervention program, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005810, ucf:50030
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005810
- Title
- Risk Perceptions of Climate Change in International Environmental Negotiations.
- Creator
-
Dellert, Christine, Jacques, Peter, Knox, Claire, Hamann, Kerstin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Climate change poses an unprecedented risk to global human security and future generations. Yet actions to mitigate or adapt to the changing climate system vary greatly among countries and their constituencies. Despite mounting evidence detailing the economic, social, and ecological risks of climate change, many scholars agree that the greatest threats associated with climate change involve delaying or ignoring necessary action. Using theorizing of (")risk society(") from Ulrich Beck and...
Show moreClimate change poses an unprecedented risk to global human security and future generations. Yet actions to mitigate or adapt to the changing climate system vary greatly among countries and their constituencies. Despite mounting evidence detailing the economic, social, and ecological risks of climate change, many scholars agree that the greatest threats associated with climate change involve delaying or ignoring necessary action. Using theorizing of (")risk society(") from Ulrich Beck and others, this thesis examines how countries, environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and business interests construct the risk of climate change and how their respective discourses conflict in international environmental negotiations. This research uses computer-assisted qualitative data analysis to explore statements submitted by each of these constituencies to the sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2010. Analysis of these texts identifies climate change discourse as crisis or opportunity, in addition to discourses of development, environmentalism, and rights or responsibilities to provide us a better understanding of how we perceive and respond to ecological risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005602, ucf:50252
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005602
- Title
- DETERMINANTS OF EXCHANGE RATE HEDGING: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF U.S. SMALL-CAP INDUSTRIAL FIRMS.
- Creator
-
Lehner, Zachary, Gilkeson, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Using a sample of 141 U.S. small-cap industrial firms, I examine the firm characteristics that influence its use of foreign exchange derivatives to hedge exchange rate risk. Companies in the industrial sector produce goods and services that are used for the production of another final product. The performance of this sector is closely correlated to the level of demand from the final consumer. I find firm size, the amount of foreign sales, and firm liquidity influence the firm's decision to...
Show moreUsing a sample of 141 U.S. small-cap industrial firms, I examine the firm characteristics that influence its use of foreign exchange derivatives to hedge exchange rate risk. Companies in the industrial sector produce goods and services that are used for the production of another final product. The performance of this sector is closely correlated to the level of demand from the final consumer. I find firm size, the amount of foreign sales, and firm liquidity influence the firm's decision to use foreign exchange derivatives to hedge exchange rate risk. For those firms that hedge exchange rate risk using derivatives, a second test examines the firm characteristics that influence the extent of its hedging activities. I find the extent of hedging is influenced by the amount of foreign sales, the amount of foreign assets, and the number of foreign subsidiaries the firm operates. A final test examines whether certain firm characteristics influence its decision to use options as part of its hedging operations. I find no evidence that the firm characteristics examined herein influence that decision.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003787, ucf:44762
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003787
- Title
- PERCEPTIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN CONSUMER DECISION-MAKING.
- Creator
-
Khaddaria, Raman, Gerking, Shelby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation is an empirical investigation into the roles that different quantifiable and measurable perceptions play in defining individual behavior across a variety of decision-making contexts. In particular, the focus lies on smokers and the choices they make with regard to smoking and beyond. Chapter 1 analyzes a nationally representative sample of adults (23 years and older) in the United States, pertaining to the Annenberg Perception of Tobacco Risk Survey II (1999-2000). It is...
Show moreThis dissertation is an empirical investigation into the roles that different quantifiable and measurable perceptions play in defining individual behavior across a variety of decision-making contexts. In particular, the focus lies on smokers and the choices they make with regard to smoking and beyond. Chapter 1 analyzes a nationally representative sample of adults (23 years and older) in the United States, pertaining to the Annenberg Perception of Tobacco Risk Survey II (1999-2000). It is observed that three dimensions to smoking behavior viz., risk, temporality and addiction, interact to determine the smoking status of an individual. Although previous studies mostly looked into each of these dimensions in isolation, in this chapter, we empirically illustrate how perceptions on risk, time dimensions and addiction, jointly influence the smoking behavior of adults. Chapter 2 casts the smoker in the role of a parent and explores parental behavior towards the general health-risks facing their children. Using the dataset from a survey (2009), conducted in Orlando, Florida, on parents, having at least one child aged between 1 and 16 years, the chapter arrives at two findings relevant for policy: i) In each of the 'smoker' and 'non-smoker' parent categories, parents exhibit equal concern for themselves and their children, and ii) the level of concern shown by smoker-parents, towards health-risks faced by their children, is the same as that shown by their non-smoking counterparts. The analysis in this chapter also affirms the need to incorporate subjective risk assessment in willingness-to-pay (WTP) exercises to facilitate a deeper behavioral analysis of health risk valuation. Lastly, in Chapter 3, we focus on the issue of quantitative assessment of the perception of health risks from smoking. Particular interest lies in understanding how variants of a metric - namely, a survey question - have been employed in academic studies and industry-surveys, in order to measure smoking-related risk-perceptions. In the process of reviewing select tobacco-industry survey records, we analyze the implications of different features of this metric, (e.g., use of a 'probe', the 'Don't Know' option), and various interview modes (e.g. telephonic, face-to-face), for the estimates of perceived risk arrived at in these studies. The review makes clear that two aspects of health risks from smoking - the risk of contracting a smoking-related disease, as against the risk of prematurely dying from it conditional upon getting affected - have not been jointly explored so far. The dataset obtained from the Family Heart Disease and Prevention Survey (November 2010-March 2011), provides a unique opportunity to explore these two kinds of probabilities, particularly with regard to the risks of lung-cancer from smoking. Chapter 3 concludes by illustrating how individuals evaluate both these aspects of health-risks. While the probability of getting lung-cancer is found to be overestimated in conjunction with previous studies, the conditional probability of premature death is severely underestimated. Additionally, it is found that individuals' subjective assessments of either of these risk aspects predict smoking behavior in an identical manner. This calls into question the so-called 'rationality' of smoking decisions with implications for policies designed for the control of tobacco consumption.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003918, ucf:48736
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003918
- Title
- EXAMINING ROUTE DIVERSION AND MULTIPLE RAMP METERING STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING REAL-TIME CRASH RISK ON URBAN FREEWAYS.
- Creator
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Gayah, Vikash, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Recent research at the University of Central Florida addressing crashes on Interstate-4 in Orlando, Florida has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of calculating the crash risk on the freeway (Abdel-Aty et al., 2004; 2005, Pande and Abdel-Aty, 2006). These models yield the rear-end and lane-change crash risk along the freeway in real-time by using static information at various locations along the freeway as well as real-time traffic data that is obtained from the roadway....
Show moreRecent research at the University of Central Florida addressing crashes on Interstate-4 in Orlando, Florida has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of calculating the crash risk on the freeway (Abdel-Aty et al., 2004; 2005, Pande and Abdel-Aty, 2006). These models yield the rear-end and lane-change crash risk along the freeway in real-time by using static information at various locations along the freeway as well as real-time traffic data that is obtained from the roadway. Because these models use the real-time traffic data, they are capable of calculating the respective crash risk values as the traffic flow changes along the freeway. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of two Intelligent Transportation System strategies for reducing the crash risk along the freeway by changing the traffic flow parameters. The two ITS measures that are examined in this research are route diversion and ramp metering. Route diversion serves to change the traffic flow by keeping some vehicles from entering the freeway at one location and diverting them to another location where they may be more efficiently inserted into the freeway traffic stream. Ramp metering alters the traffic flow by delaying vehicles at the freeway on-ramps and only allowing a certain number of vehicles to enter at a time. The two strategies were tested by simulating a 36.25 mile section of the Interstate-4 network in the PARAMICS micro-simulation software. Various implementations of route diversion and ramp metering were then tested to determine not only the effects of each strategy but also how to best apply them to an urban freeway. Route diversion was found to decrease the overall rear-end and lane-change crash risk along the network at free-flow conditions to low levels of congestion. On average, the two crash risk measures were found to be reduced between the location where vehicles were diverted and the location where they were reinserted back into the network. However, a crash migration phenomenon was observed at higher levels of congestion as the crash risk would be greatly increased at the location where vehicles were reinserted back onto the network. Ramp metering in the downtown area was found to be beneficial during heavy congestion. Both coordinated and uncoordinated metering algorithms showed the potential to significantly decrease the crash risk at a network wide level. When the network is loaded with 100 percent of the vehicles the uncoordinated strategy performed the best at reducing the rear-end and lane-change crash risk values. The coordinated strategy was found to perform the best from a safety and operational perspective at moderate levels of congestion. Ramp metering also showed the potential for crash migration so care must be taken when implementing this strategy to ensure that drivers at certain locations are not put at unnecessary risk. When ramp metering is applied to the entire freeway network both the rear-end and lane-change crash risk is decreased further. ALINEA is found to be the best network-wide strategy at the 100 percent loading case while a combination of Zone and ALINEA provides the best safety results at the 90 percent loading case. It should also be noted that both route diversion and ramp metering were found to increase the overall network travel time. However, the best route diversion and ramp metering strategies were selected to ensure that the operational capabilities of the network were not sacrificed in order to increase the safety along the freeway. This was done by setting the maximum allowable travel time increase at 5% for any of the ITS strategies considered.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001437, ucf:47054
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001437
- Title
- IMPROVING PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH SIMULATION AND COMPLETION DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS.
- Creator
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Cates, Grant, Mollaghasemi, Mansooreh, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Despite the critical importance of project completion timeliness, management practices in place today remain inadequate for addressing the persistent problem of project completion tardiness. Uncertainty has been identified as a contributing factor in late projects. This uncertainty resides in activity duration estimates, unplanned upsetting events, and the potential unavailability of critical resources. This research developed a comprehensive simulation based methodology for conducting...
Show moreDespite the critical importance of project completion timeliness, management practices in place today remain inadequate for addressing the persistent problem of project completion tardiness. Uncertainty has been identified as a contributing factor in late projects. This uncertainty resides in activity duration estimates, unplanned upsetting events, and the potential unavailability of critical resources. This research developed a comprehensive simulation based methodology for conducting quantitative project completion-time risk assessments. The methodology enables project stakeholders to visualize uncertainty or risk, i.e. the likelihood of their project completing late and the magnitude of the lateness, by providing them with a completion time distribution function of their projects. Discrete event simulation is used to determine a project's completion distribution function. The project simulation is populated with both deterministic and stochastic elements. Deterministic inputs include planned activities and resource requirements. Stochastic inputs include activity duration growth distributions, probabilities for unplanned upsetting events, and other dynamic constraints upon project activities. Stochastic inputs are based upon past data from similar projects. The time for an entity to complete the simulation network, subject to both the deterministic and stochastic factors, represents the time to complete the project. Multiple replications of the simulation are run to create the completion distribution function. The methodology was demonstrated to be effective for the on-going project to assemble the International Space Station. Approximately $500 million per month is being spent on this project, which is scheduled to complete by 2010. Project stakeholders participated in determining and managing completion distribution functions. The first result was improved project completion risk awareness. Secondly, mitigation options were analyzed to improve project completion performance and reduce total project cost.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000209, ucf:46243
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000209
- Title
- INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF SIMULATION ON TRANSFER IN A HIGH RISK CONFRONTATIONAL SETTING.
- Creator
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Kinsell, Carolyn, Hirumi, Atsusi, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Individuals, who work in high risk confrontational (HRC) settings in which a conflict exists, experience high-stress levels in their jobs and are known to have a high level of decreased performance and decreased survival. Individuals being trained to handle such conflicts should be trained effectively to accomplish the ultimate objective, staying alive. The problem is the lack of research and program evaluations examining effectiveness of training simulations in the transfer of skills under...
Show moreIndividuals, who work in high risk confrontational (HRC) settings in which a conflict exists, experience high-stress levels in their jobs and are known to have a high level of decreased performance and decreased survival. Individuals being trained to handle such conflicts should be trained effectively to accomplish the ultimate objective, staying alive. The problem is the lack of research and program evaluations examining effectiveness of training simulations in the transfer of skills under HRC settings. The purpose of my study was to test if the skill of target acquisition could be effectively transferred to a real environment (RE) after exposure within a virtual environment (VE). Ackerman's (1988) Theory of Ability Determinants of Skill Acquisition supports the progression participants advance through in the transfer of learning. A randomized posttest only comparison group design was used. The population involved 24 novice paintball players. Participants were randomly assigned to a simulation treatment or a non-simulation comparison application. Two days after receiving the intervention, participants engaged in live practice sessions (game 1 and game 2) in a RE where target acquisition skills were measured. Evidence suggests significant differences were found between novice players in the type of intervention received and the number of targets acquired in a RE, whereas, no significant change in scores was found between practice sessions, and no interaction was found between intervention received and practice. Recommendations for replicating studies include: (a) focusing on the manipulation of specific variables within the training context, (b) using different live environments, (c) examining factors that influence teaming and strategy formation, and (d) combining experts and novice players for a closer representation of a population in an HRC setting.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002083, ucf:47573
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002083