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Title: Social science: The hope of democracy.
Creator: Barnes, Harry Elmer
Date Issued: 1931
Identifier: 370510, CFDT370510, ucf:5510
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/370510

Title: THE EFFECTS OF GENDER IN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE GROUPS.
Creator: Parks, Melissa, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This action research study investigated the effects of gender on same and mixed gender elementary school science groups. Qualitative data for this study was collected using surveys, student focus groups, student journals, and teacher-researcher field notes and observations. Students in this study were eager to participate in science groups and demonstrated a positive attitude toward the study of science. Results also showed the types of interactions between boys and girls varied and those...
Show moreThis action research study investigated the effects of gender on same and mixed gender elementary school science groups. Qualitative data for this study was collected using surveys, student focus groups, student journals, and teacher-researcher field notes and observations. Students in this study were eager to participate in science groups and demonstrated a positive attitude toward the study of science. Results also showed the types of interactions between boys and girls varied and those interactions affected their science attitude and participation. Recommendations were made for continued research to examine the long-term effects of gender groupings in the elementary science classroom.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000954, ucf:46725
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000954

Title: SCIENCE INQUIRY KITS AND TEACHER PREPAREDNESS TO TEACH SCIENCE AS INQUIRY IN ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS.
Creator: Clayton, Angela, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The National Science Education Standards (1996) indicate that science education should include inquiry instruction. Many teachers still struggle with how to implement inquiry in their classrooms and a lack of high quality inquiry-based instructional materials has been posited as a hindrance. The purpose of this qualitative study was to observe the instructional practices of three elementary teachers when using an inquiry-based science kit program in their fourth grade classrooms. Teacher...
Show moreThe National Science Education Standards (1996) indicate that science education should include inquiry instruction. Many teachers still struggle with how to implement inquiry in their classrooms and a lack of high quality inquiry-based instructional materials has been posited as a hindrance. The purpose of this qualitative study was to observe the instructional practices of three elementary teachers when using an inquiry-based science kit program in their fourth grade classrooms. Teacher practices and their attitudes towards their preparedness to teach science with the support of the curricular program were examined. Data were collected through pre/post survey comparisons, observations, and a focus group session. Results indicated that these teachers' attitudes were positively impacted. Teachers' access to science kits provided resources which facilitated more inquiry experiences with their students; however, resources alone did not fully address teacher science content needs.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002568, ucf:52844
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002568

Title: THE EFFECTS OF INFORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION ON STUDENTS' ATTITUDES AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.
Creator: Ashley, Samuel, Everett, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Will student attitudes towards science change when they are given a chance to explore an area of science in which they have indicated an interest? This action research thesis investigated this question over a period of nine weeks. The subjects of this study included twelve students enrolled in the same seventh grade physical science class. The school was located in a suburban setting in the Southeast United States. Data for this study was collected with anecdotal notes, participation grid,...
Show moreWill student attitudes towards science change when they are given a chance to explore an area of science in which they have indicated an interest? This action research thesis investigated this question over a period of nine weeks. The subjects of this study included twelve students enrolled in the same seventh grade physical science class. The school was located in a suburban setting in the Southeast United States. Data for this study was collected with anecdotal notes, participation grid, science attitude survey, student interviews, and student journals. This study found that when students are given the opportunity to pursue an area of science in which they demonstrate an interest, they are more likely to participate in their regular curriculum and increase positive attitudes' towards science. As a result of this increased engagement and improved attitudes' towards science, students academic performance in science also improved.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002166, ucf:47508
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002166

Title: THE USE OF SCIENCE REFORM INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND THEIR EFFECT ON 3RD GRADE STUDENTS' PARTICIPATION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS SCIENCE.
Creator: Robinson, Heather, Gresham, Gina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research study was to determine whether the use of science reform instructional methods had an effect on student participation in and attitudes towards science education. The participants in this 12 week study were third grade students. Data were collected using a pre and post attitudinal survey, student journals, a participation log, and a researcher reflection journal. Several conclusions were made. The use of science reform instructional methods did affect student...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to determine whether the use of science reform instructional methods had an effect on student participation in and attitudes towards science education. The participants in this 12 week study were third grade students. Data were collected using a pre and post attitudinal survey, student journals, a participation log, and a researcher reflection journal. Several conclusions were made. The use of science reform instructional methods did affect student participation and attitudes towards science. Student journals indicated that students enjoyed the use of technology, hands-on science equipment, working in pairs or small groups and the opportunity to share their ideas and learn from their classmates. This study does lend itself to additional research. Due to the small sample size, the shortened time for research, and the population, these research questions should be investigated with another group of students in order to make more definitive decisions regarding the methods to use in their classroom. If the research is conducted again using a different group of students, a larger population will be needed, as well as a lengthened period for research.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001626, ucf:47182
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001626

Title: THE USE OF HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY IN A STANDARDIZED SCIENCE CURRICULUM.
Creator: Alam, Sarah, Borgon, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Introduction The purpose of this project is to implement an innovative, and engaging knowledge transfer pedagogy for 5th grade science students. This project utilized Stealth Learning, a learning pedagogy developed by Dr. James Rosser.99,100,109,110 The program featured applied learning to develop skill sets in general and drone aviation, as well as minimally invasive surgery techniques. This was facilitated through the use of computers, table simulators, and drones. Methodology This project...
Show moreIntroduction The purpose of this project is to implement an innovative, and engaging knowledge transfer pedagogy for 5th grade science students. This project utilized Stealth Learning, a learning pedagogy developed by Dr. James Rosser.99,100,109,110 The program featured applied learning to develop skill sets in general and drone aviation, as well as minimally invasive surgery techniques. This was facilitated through the use of computers, table simulators, and drones. Methodology This project took standardized subject matter from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and converted it into content featuring the Stealth approach. The section that was converted was the "Practice of Science and the Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge" portion of the FCAT. This program includes curriculum workbooks and worksheets, mini drones, scientifically-validated video games (Super Monkey Ball 2), Stealth Learning music-vocab videos (Animotos), surgical simulation skill drills (Bean Drop), and competitions material (Spelling Bee). A website was also made to allow students to review material at home. This program was administered with the assistance of healthcare and aviation professionals to provide a mentoring component. The program included an execution phase consisting of seven sessions, which took place for 45 minutes each during the Spring Semester (April 2016). Preliminary Findings There are preliminary results for this project, which must be explored further in future studies. This project first analyzed the Science FCAT scores for 72 students in the 5th grade. Of the 72 students in the class, 22 (30.5%) passed the exam. Eleven of the students were enrolled in our program and 54% (6 of 11) passed in comparison to twenty-six percent of the students that underwent standard preparation passed the exam. Conclusion Especially for minorities and the socioeconomically disadvantaged, student performance on state standard exams is one of the most pressing challenges faced in education today. This study suggests that a state standard-based 5th grade curriculum can be converted into an innovative brain-based lesson plan to enhance performance on state standard exams. This initial investigation offers some encouragement for others to further pursue this research.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000201, ucf:46022
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000201

Title: THE EFFECTS OF SCIENCE INQUIRY IN A FOURTH GRADE CLASSROOM.
Creator: Luke, Stephanie, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects that science inquiry would have on fourth grade students' ability to communicate about scientific concepts learned, their perceptions about science and scientists, and my role as a teacher. The study took place in an elementary school setting for twenty weeks. Fourteen fourth grade students participated. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gather data for the study. Pre and post questionnaires and Draw a Scientist Tests were...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects that science inquiry would have on fourth grade students' ability to communicate about scientific concepts learned, their perceptions about science and scientists, and my role as a teacher. The study took place in an elementary school setting for twenty weeks. Fourteen fourth grade students participated. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gather data for the study. Pre and post questionnaires and Draw a Scientist Tests were used, along with observations, field notes, videotaped lessons, and reflections. The data revealed that students' ability to communicate about science concepts improved during the study. Their perceptions of science and scientists became more realistic. My role as a director of knowledge transitioned into a facilitator.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001033, ucf:46816
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001033

Title: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A "GENETIC EYEWITNESS" PROFILING SYSTEM FOR LOW TEMPLATE FORENSIC SPECIMENS: IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL PROTEIN, RNA, DNA BIOMARKERS.
Creator: Hanson, Erin, Ballantyne, Jack, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In many criminal investigations, valuable information regarding the physical appearance of suspected perpetrators or the time and order of events that transpired are provided by eyewitness accounts. However, the information obtained from eyewitnesses is often constrained by human recollection or subjective accounts and provides a biased description of the perpetrator's appearance or an inaccurate time line of events. Additionally, in numerous situations eyewitness accounts may not be...
Show moreIn many criminal investigations, valuable information regarding the physical appearance of suspected perpetrators or the time and order of events that transpired are provided by eyewitness accounts. However, the information obtained from eyewitnesses is often constrained by human recollection or subjective accounts and provides a biased description of the perpetrator's appearance or an inaccurate time line of events. Additionally, in numerous situations eyewitness accounts may not be available. An increasing reliance therefore is placed on the biological evidence recovered during criminal investigations to act as a silent witness, providing unbiased and scientific information that may aid in the resolution of criminal investigations. While the current capabilities of operational forensic crime laboratories include analytical methods to allow for a determination of the origin of a biological stain and for the recovery of a genetic profile of the donor, the sensitivity of such methods is not always sufficient to accommodate the limited amounts of biological material often recovered in forensic casework, Therefore, it is critical that continual advancements in the analysis of low template samples be made. In this report, we have sought to identify novel protein, RNA and DNA biomarkers that, in combination with enhanced profiling strategies, would allow for a determination of the time since deposition, the body fluid of origin and the genetic profile of the donor ("genetic eyewitness") of forensic low template specimens. First, we have developed a novel strategy for the determination of the time since deposition of dried bloodstains using spectrophotometric analysis of hemoglobin. An examination of the Soret band (lambda max = 414nm) in aged bloodstains has revealed a previously unidentified hypsochromic shift as the age of the stain increases. The extent of this shift permits a distinction to be made between stains that differ in age by only minutes, hours, days and months thus providing the highest resolution of any previously developed method. We also demonstrate that it may be possible to utilize a decline in enzyme activity to determine the age of a forensic biological stain. Second, we demonstrate that the differential expression of a panel of nine miRNAs allows for the identification of the body fluid origin of forensic biological stains using as little as 50pg of total RNA. This is the highest reported sensitivity of any RNA-based approach and this assay has demonstrated a high degree of specificity for each body fluid tested. The final task of this work was to identify novel DNA biomarkers and to develop enhanced profiling strategies to allow for greater sensitivity and reliability in the genetic profiling of low template samples. We demonstrate that the use of laser capture micro-dissection and enhanced amplification strategies resulted in the ability to obtain genetic profiles from as few as 2-5 epithelial cells and 5-10 sperm cells with greater reproducibility than previously reported studies. The use of a novel whole genome amplification method provided the ability to not only increase the quantity of genetic material obtained from micro-dissected cells but also the ability to recover additional genetic information from individual samples using novel DNA biomarkers. The novel biomarkers and profiling strategies described in this report provide the basis for the establishment of a molecular "genetic eyewitness" from low template forensic samples and demonstrate the future potential for routine and reliable analysis of trace amounts of genetic material recovered from low template biological evidence.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002373, ucf:47785
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002373

Title: CAN GUIDED INQUIRY BASED LABS IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN DATA ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION SYNTHESIS IN SIXTH GRADE LIFE SCIENCE?.
Creator: Moore, Melonie, Everett, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Desiring to examine the performance of science process skills such as data analysis and conclusion synthesis in sixth grade Life Science students, I used an inquiry strategy called "guided inquiry" in a series of six laboratory assignments during the normal county-mandated order of instruction for Life Science. I based my analysis upon these laboratory exercises, a survey of student attitudes towards science done before the study began and after the study completed, an assessment of inquiry...
Show moreDesiring to examine the performance of science process skills such as data analysis and conclusion synthesis in sixth grade Life Science students, I used an inquiry strategy called "guided inquiry" in a series of six laboratory assignments during the normal county-mandated order of instruction for Life Science. I based my analysis upon these laboratory exercises, a survey of student attitudes towards science done before the study began and after the study completed, an assessment of inquiry understanding done before and after the study was finished, routine material tests, and a science final class evaluation done after the study was finished. Emphasis was placed upon examining the content of the laboratory reports which required students to analyze their experiments and draw a conclusion based upon their findings. The study found that while most students did grasp the desired scientific principles the labs were designed to teach, they had difficulty in formulating a structured and detailed account of their experiences without guidance. The study helped to further understanding of student performance and learning in science process skills such as data analysis and conclusion synthesis.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002807, ucf:48123
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002807

Title: Nanoarchitectured Energy Storage Devices.
Creator: Yu, Zenan, Thomas, Jayan, Seal, Sudipta, Zhai, Lei, Fang, Jiyu, Sundaram, Kalpathy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Supercapacitors, the devices that connect the gap between batteries and conventional capacitors, have recently attracted significant attention due to their high specific capacitance, substantially enhanced power and energy densities, and extraordinary cycle life. In order to realize even better performance with supercapacitors, rejuvenated effort towards developing nanostructured electrodes is necessary. In this dissertation, several strategic directions of nanoarchitecturing the electrodes...
Show moreSupercapacitors, the devices that connect the gap between batteries and conventional capacitors, have recently attracted significant attention due to their high specific capacitance, substantially enhanced power and energy densities, and extraordinary cycle life. In order to realize even better performance with supercapacitors, rejuvenated effort towards developing nanostructured electrodes is necessary. In this dissertation, several strategic directions of nanoarchitecturing the electrodes to enhance the performance of supercapacitors are investigated. An introduction and background of supercapacitors, which includes motivation, classification and working principles, recent nanostructured electrode materials studies, and devices fabrication, are initially presented. A facile method, called Spin-on Nanoprinting (SNAP), to fabricate highly ordered manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanopillars is introduced. The SNAP method that is further modified to develop carbon nanoarray electrodes is also discussed. Subsequently, a template-free method to develop high aspect ratio copper oxide nanowhiskers on copper substrate is presented, which boosts the surface area by 1000 times compared to non-nanostructured copper substrate. Electrochemically deposited MnO2 on the nanostructured substrate provided a specific capacitance of about 1379 F g-1 which is very close to the theoretical value (~ 1400 F g-1) due to this efficient nanostructure design. In addition, a novel method to decorate metal nanoparticles on graphene aerogel, which considerably enhances the electronic conductivity and the corresponding specific capacitance, is demonstrated. Moreover, ferric oxide (Fe2O3) nanorods prepared by a simple hydrothermal method is discussed. Asymmetric devices assembled based on Fe2O3 nanorods and MnO2 nanowhiskers show excellent electrochemical properties. The devices not only display the capability to store energy but also transmit electricity through the inner copper core. These two functions are independent and do not interfere with each other. Finally, a summary of this dissertation as well as some potential future directions are presented.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006062, ucf:50995
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006062

Title: An Investigation of Science of Reading and Learning Representation in Undergraduate Elementary Education Reading Courses in the State University System of Florida.
Creator: Camara, Jessica, Taylor, Rosemarye, Ceballos, Marjorie, Doherty, Walter, Gordon, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated the extent to which the science of reading instruction components and five science of learning principles were addressed in undergraduate elementary education required reading courses in the State University System (SUS) of Florida institutions. A document analysis of textbooks and syllabi was completed and evidence recorded in The Matrix for State University System (SUS) of Florida Scoring(&)copy;. The results were reported in summary tables and an analysis of the...
Show moreThis study investigated the extent to which the science of reading instruction components and five science of learning principles were addressed in undergraduate elementary education required reading courses in the State University System (SUS) of Florida institutions. A document analysis of textbooks and syllabi was completed and evidence recorded in The Matrix for State University System (SUS) of Florida Scoring(&)copy;. The results were reported in summary tables and an analysis of the data was conducted on the extent to which each science of reading component and science of learning principle were labeled explicitly, indirectly stated, or not present in syllabi and textbooks. Data showed that the science of reading instruction components were addressed in undergraduate elementary education reading courses and the five selected science of learning principles were not. These findings may inform elementary teacher preparation faculty in textbook selection and course syllabi development who are interested in assisting teacher candidates to adopt teaching practices consistent with how children learn.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007437, ucf:52716
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007437

Title: REASON IS KING AND SCIENCE IS HIS CROWN: A STUDY OF FRENCH SCIENCE-FICTION FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT.
Creator: Gandy, Lauren A, Trinquet du Lys, Charlotte, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The thesis seeks to explore the didactic application of French science-fiction during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries for the portrayal and dissemination of their respective philosophical theories. Studying science-fiction novels during these centuries will allow a comparison of seventeenth and eighteenth-century dissemination methods, to determine if the foundational seventeenth-century methods were retained or modified to more accurately represent the change in philosophical...
Show moreThe thesis seeks to explore the didactic application of French science-fiction during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries for the portrayal and dissemination of their respective philosophical theories. Studying science-fiction novels during these centuries will allow a comparison of seventeenth and eighteenth-century dissemination methods, to determine if the foundational seventeenth-century methods were retained or modified to more accurately represent the change in philosophical attitudes. Exploration of this topic will contribute to a greater understanding of French Enlightenment theory, analysis of relatively unstudied novels in the science-fiction genre, and a novel approach to "proto" science-fiction literature by connecting the previously separate genres of science-fiction and philosophy during the Enlightenment. The trends within the seventeenth century show dominant authoritative representations through analogical examples, authoritative ideological figures, and an emphasis on logically sustained arguments. The eighteenth-century trends focus on logical passionate attitudes, burlesque scenarios, and authoritative actions to exemplify the Enlightenment ideologies. Therefore, these five analyzed �uvres show conservation of didactic and authoritative dissemination methods during this philosophically evolutionary time period.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000125, ucf:46054
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000125

Title: AN EXPLORATION OF MATERIALS FOR MUSIC INTEGRATION IN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE EDUCATION.
Creator: Mills, Nicole, Everett, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Strong educators always look for different ways to excite and enthrall their students in the curriculum. The field of science education often loses student interest due to the complexities and vocabulary found in the scientific realm. Incorporating music into the classroom has shown positive results as a way to integrate student learning and a different way of facilitating students in the learning process (Brewer, 1992; Davies, 200). Resources for implementing the integration of music and...
Show moreStrong educators always look for different ways to excite and enthrall their students in the curriculum. The field of science education often loses student interest due to the complexities and vocabulary found in the scientific realm. Incorporating music into the classroom has shown positive results as a way to integrate student learning and a different way of facilitating students in the learning process (Brewer, 1992; Davies, 200). Resources for implementing the integration of music and science exist throughout the Internet in a variety of mediums. This study looks at the availability of said resources and the concepts they cover, for what students they are intended for, how are they intended to be used and the level of accuracy they maintain. Those resources upholding the accuracy desired for use in the classroom were then compiled onto one webpage for use by elementary science educators. The webpage is open and free to the public and may be shared.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003843, ucf:44692
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003843

Title: MEDIA SENSATIONALISM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE.
Creator: Barsoum, Christopher, Colwell, Joshua, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Myths, misinformation, and sensationalism. These are common enemies that directly inhibit the public understanding of science. In particular, the media is often responsible for mishandling or otherwise misrepresenting scientific information, historically and presently speaking. Many sources can combat the public understanding of science through pseudoscientific means. This includes but is not limited to religion, the media, politics, or just simple hearsay. For example, Young Earth...
Show moreMyths, misinformation, and sensationalism. These are common enemies that directly inhibit the public understanding of science. In particular, the media is often responsible for mishandling or otherwise misrepresenting scientific information, historically and presently speaking. Many sources can combat the public understanding of science through pseudoscientific means. This includes but is not limited to religion, the media, politics, or just simple hearsay. For example, Young Earth creationism is deeply rooted in Christian theology, but the beliefs hold no scientific basis. Yet, almost half of Americans still believe in Young Earth creationism. Another such example is anti-vaccination campaigns due to fears of autism-spectrum related disorders. In this case, falsified claims were given illegitimate credibility through the media, and the claims are widely and erroneously contentious to this day. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between an individual's ability to dictate science from pseudoscience and their exposure to sensationalized media. Through means of surveying the university level population, relationships were drawn between how many pseudoscientific beliefs an individual may have versus how they interact with science and the media. The results of the survey showed a general lack of interest or care for science with more pseudoscientific beliefs, yet failed to draw a relationship between pseudoscientific beliefs and a sensationalized media.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004674, ucf:45296
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004674

Title: Global domination of factors of a graph.
Creator: Carrington, Julie R., Brigham, Robert C., Arts and Sciences
Abstract / Description: University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; A factoring of a graph G = (V,E) is a collection of spanning subgraphs F1, F2,..., Fk, known as factors into which the edge set E has been partitioned. A dominating set of a graph is a set of nodes such that every node in the graph is either contained in the set or has an edge to some node in the set. Each factor Fi is itself a graph and so has a dominating set. This set is called a local dominating set or LDS. An LDS of...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; A factoring of a graph G = (V,E) is a collection of spanning subgraphs F1, F2,..., Fk, known as factors into which the edge set E has been partitioned. A dominating set of a graph is a set of nodes such that every node in the graph is either contained in the set or has an edge to some node in the set. Each factor Fi is itself a graph and so has a dominating set. This set is called a local dominating set or LDS. An LDS of minimumsize contains (gamma)i nodes. In addition, there is some set of nodes named a global dominating set which dominates all of the factors. If a global dominating set is of a minimum size, it is called a GDS and contains (gamma) nodes. A central question answered by this dissertation is under what circummstances, given a set of integers (gamma)1, (gamma)2, ..., (gamma)k, and (gamma) there is a graph which can be factored into k factors in such a way that a minimum LDS of Fi has size (gamma)i, 1 [less than or equal to] i [less than or equal to] k, and GDS has size (gamma).
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Date Issued: 1992
Identifier: CFR0001860, ucf:52916
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0001860

Title: Edge Contours.
Creator: Williams, Donna J., Shah, Mubarak A., Arts and Sciences
Abstract / Description: University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The accuracy with which a computer vision system is able to identify objects in an image is heavily dependent upon the accuracy of the low level processes that identify which points lie on the edges of an object. In order to remove noise and fine texture from an image, it is usually smoothed before edge detection is performed. This smoothing causes edges to be displaced from their actual location in the image. Knowledge about...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The accuracy with which a computer vision system is able to identify objects in an image is heavily dependent upon the accuracy of the low level processes that identify which points lie on the edges of an object. In order to remove noise and fine texture from an image, it is usually smoothed before edge detection is performed. This smoothing causes edges to be displaced from their actual location in the image. Knowledge about the changes that occur with different degrees of smoothing (scales) and the physical conditions that cause these changes is essential to proper interpretation of the results obtained. In this work the amount of delocalization and the magnitude of the response to the Normalized Gradient of Gaussian operator are analyzed as a function of cr, the standard deviation of the Gaussian. As a result of this analysis it was determined that edge points could be characterized as to slope, contrast, and proximity to other edges. The analysis is also used to define the size that the neighborhood of an edge point must be in order to assure its containing the delocalized edge point at another scale when o is known. Given this theoretical background, an algorithm was developed to obtain sequential lists of edge points. This used multiple scales in order to achieve the superior localization and detection of weak edges possible with smaller scales combined with the noise suppression of the larger scales. The edge contours obtained with this method are significantly better than those achieved with a single scale. A second algorithm was developed to allow sets of edge contour points to be represented as active contours so that interaction with a higher level process is possible. This higher level process could do such things as determine where corners or discontinuities could appear. The algorithm developed here allows hard constraints and represents a significant improvement in speed over previous algorithms allowing hard constraints, being linear rather than cubic.
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Date Issued: 1989
Identifier: CFR0000160, ucf:52912
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0000160

Title: Finding paths in the rotation graph of binary trees.
Creator: Rogers, Rodney O., Dutton, Ronald D., Arts and Sciences
Abstract / Description: University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; A binary tree coding scheme is a bijection mapping a set of binary trees to a set of integer tuples called codewords. One problem considered in the literature is that of listing the codewords for n-node binary trees, such that successive codewords represent trees differing by a single rotation, a standard operation for rebalancing binary search trees. Then, the codeword sequence corresponds to an Hamiltonian path in the...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; A binary tree coding scheme is a bijection mapping a set of binary trees to a set of integer tuples called codewords. One problem considered in the literature is that of listing the codewords for n-node binary trees, such that successive codewords represent trees differing by a single rotation, a standard operation for rebalancing binary search trees. Then, the codeword sequence corresponds to an Hamiltonian path in the rotation graph Rn of binary trees, where each node is labelled with an n-node binary tree, and an edge connects two nodes when their trees differ by a single rotation. A related problem is finding a shortest path between two nodes in Rn, which reduces to the problem of transforming one binary tree into another using a minimum number of rotations. Yet a third problem is determining properties of the rotation graph. Our work addresses these three problems.
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Date Issued: 1996
Identifier: CFR0000193, ucf:52941
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0000193

Title: Writing as a public relations task: how much do public relations practitioners write?.
Creator: Stansberry, Frank R., Taylor, K. Phillip, Arts and Sciences
Abstract / Description: University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The purpose of this study was to investigate how much public relations people write in the course of their work; to determine if the amount and type of writing varies with experience, job type or employer; and to investigate what other tasks besides writing public relations professionals do. The sample was 198 members of the Public Relations Society of America who responded to a nation-wide mailing of 500 people selected from...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The purpose of this study was to investigate how much public relations people write in the course of their work; to determine if the amount and type of writing varies with experience, job type or employer; and to investigate what other tasks besides writing public relations professionals do. The sample was 198 members of the Public Relations Society of America who responded to a nation-wide mailing of 500 people selected from the Society's membership directory. Results showed that public relations practitioners spent 36.5 percent of their time writing. Overall, public relations people spend more time on publicity, media relations, and business administration than on any other function, but counseling management and research--two emerging area--are rating in the top 50 percent. Thus, while this study does not provide any startling new information on the public relations industry, it does provide, for the first time, empirical evidence of what an average or typical public relations practitioner does. That was the primary goal of the study.
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Date Issued: 1989
Identifier: CFR0008148, ucf:52953
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008148

Title: Inoculation theory: motivation mechanism vs. attack credibility as mediators of resistance to persuasion.
Creator: Cranis, Peter F., Pryor, Albert, Arts and Sciences
Abstract / Description: University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis
Date Issued: 1988
Identifier: CFR0008149, ucf:52947
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008149

Title: A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Successful Women in Science Fields.
Creator: Hall, Jonathan, Butler, Malcolm, Freeman, Tonjua, Boote, David, Morrison, Deb, Blank, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Girls and women face several forms of gender-based biases and discrimination in the science community. These issues create difficult circumstances for them to develop positive science identities. Since these difficult circumstances exist, science education and sociology researchers have used a deficit model to learn about their experiences, achievements, and attitudes. Understanding the experiences of successful women in science offers insight into how women can navigate the challenges...
Show moreGirls and women face several forms of gender-based biases and discrimination in the science community. These issues create difficult circumstances for them to develop positive science identities. Since these difficult circumstances exist, science education and sociology researchers have used a deficit model to learn about their experiences, achievements, and attitudes. Understanding the experiences of successful women in science offers insight into how women can navigate the challenges presented by the science community and how science educators can support them. However, research studies that explore the experiences of successful women in science are scant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to learn about the experiences of successful women who are professionals in science fields. Twelve participants engaged in three semi-structured interviews. Findings showed that participants had access to and support in authentic science experiences. They developed a passion for science that was supported by a self-selected support system. Advancement in workplaces that were often dominated by males required a sophisticated understanding of organizational norms. This advancement required strategic agency in how they spent their time and the relationships that they built. Two differences in experiences were found that were based on race. The first difference based on race was that Black and Hispanic participants experienced racial and ethnic discrimination. The second difference was that Black and Hispanic participants discussed the centrality of their faith to their work in every interview. These findings provide insight for the science community. Science methods instructors could educate pre-service teachers about how participants navigated gender-based challenges in science communities. Furthermore, the stories of these women could structure lessons that cover inclusion and equity. For industry, all employees should adhere to professional standards and mentors should be relatable to their mentees.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007186, ucf:52283
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007186

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