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Title: DRAMA HAS ISSUES: A BRIEF RETROSPECTIVE ON THE AMERICAN THEATRE CRITIC IN NEW YORK FROM 1925 TO PRESENT.
Creator: Kilzi, Teresa, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Theatre criticism has evolved with the advancement of technology and the decline of print journalism. As consumers are given increasing agency by which they can filter the news and reporting they read and occasionally replace it with their own, the idea that a sole voice on a certain topic brandishes more dominance over it than the masses of people involved in its creation and sustainment becomes progressively absurd. Conversely, however, readers rely on theatre critics to make theatergoing...
Show moreTheatre criticism has evolved with the advancement of technology and the decline of print journalism. As consumers are given increasing agency by which they can filter the news and reporting they read and occasionally replace it with their own, the idea that a sole voice on a certain topic brandishes more dominance over it than the masses of people involved in its creation and sustainment becomes progressively absurd. Conversely, however, readers rely on theatre critics to make theatergoing decisions for them explicitly because critics are supposed experts on the subject and their opinions are to be respected and observed accordingly. This dichotomy is baffling, but it exists in flux of communication and information that continues to grow as social media develops and becomes ubiquitous. From 1925 onward, Brooks Atkinson, Walter Kerr, Frank Rich, and Ben Brantley have inhabited the same position of chief theatre critic of The New York Times for almost ninety years collectively, yet each critic served very different purposes for their readerships. The prestige that exists around their role did not change over time, but prominence of their publication in popular culture and the utilization and connotation of their criticism did change. The trend is also apparent in the criticism that appears in The New Yorker, particularly because the criticism was not originally consumed for its evaluative and scholarly properties but for its entertainment and cultural magnitudes. The American theatre critic will continue to forge its own prominence in the boundless landscape of the potential of modern technology as it progresses, but ultimately, people will buy tickets, the audience will fill the house, and the show will go on.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004891, ucf:45415
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004891

Title: A COMPARISON OF COMPUTER AND TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE CLASSROOM ORIENTATION FOR BEGINNING CRITICAL CARE NURSES.
Creator: Anzalone, Patricia, Sole, Mary Lou, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Purpose: Education of the novice critical care nurse has traditionally been conducted by critical care educators in face-to-face classes in an orientation or internship. A shortage of qualified educators and growth in electronic modes of course delivery has led organizations to explore electronic learning (e-learning) to provide orientation to critical care nursing concepts. Equivalence of e-learning versus traditional critical care orientation has not been studied. The primary aim of this...
Show morePurpose: Education of the novice critical care nurse has traditionally been conducted by critical care educators in face-to-face classes in an orientation or internship. A shortage of qualified educators and growth in electronic modes of course delivery has led organizations to explore electronic learning (e-learning) to provide orientation to critical care nursing concepts. Equivalence of e-learning versus traditional critical care orientation has not been studied. The primary aim of this study was to examine the equivalency of knowledge attainment in the cardiovascular module of the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO) e-learning program to traditional face-to-face critical care orientation classes covering the same content. Additional aims were to determine if learning style is associated with a preference for type of learning method, and to determine any difference in learning satisfaction between the two modalities. Methods: The study was conducted using a two-group pretest-posttest experimental design. Forty-one practicing volunteer nurses with no current critical care experience living in southwest Florida were randomly assigned to either the ECCO (n=19) or face-to-face (n=22) group. Those in the face-to-face group attended 20 hours of classroom instruction taught by an expert educator. Those in the ECCO group completed the lessons on line and had an optional 2 hour face-to-face discussion component. Pre-test measures included the Basic Knowledge Assessment Test (BKAT-7), modified ECCO Cardiovascular (CV) Examination, and Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI). Post-tests included the BKAT-7, modified CV Examination, and Affective Measures Survey. Results: The majority of subjects were female, married, and educated at the associate degree level. Their mean age was 39.5 + 12 years, and they averaged 9.9 + 11.7 years of nursing experience. The diverging learning style was assessed in 37% of subjects. Classroom instruction was preferred by 61% of participants. No statistical differences were noted between groups on any demographic variables or baseline knowledge. Learning outcomes were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. Mean scores of subjects in both groups increased statistically on both the BKAT-7 and modified CV Examination (p=<.01); however, no significant differences (p> .05) were found between groups. Preference for online versus classroom instruction was not associated with learning style (X2 = 3.39, p = .34). Satisfaction with learning modality was significantly greater for those in the classroom group (t=4.25, p=.000). Discussion/Implications: This is the first study to evaluate the ECCO orientation program and contributes to the growing body of knowledge exploring e-learning versus traditional education. The results of this study provide evidence that the ECCO critical care education produces learning outcomes at least equivalent to traditional classroom instruction, regardless of the learning style of the student. As participant satisfaction was more favorable toward the classroom learning modality, consideration should be given to providing blended learning if using computer-based orientation programs. Replication of this study with a variety of instructors in varied geographic locations, expanded populations, larger samples, and different subject matter is recommended.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002192, ucf:47888
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002192

Title: Golden Years.
Creator: Malik, Sienna, Bartkevicius, Jocelyn, Stanfill, Mel, Thaxton, Terry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Golden Years is the culmination of the author's studies in Creative Nonfiction writing, with attention to hybrid forms of the genre, combined with her professional background in screenwriting, and research interests in nostalgia and cultural preservation in the modern age. In the collection of essays, the author blends established forms of Creative Nonfiction, such as the braided essay, with literary conventions borrowed from other forms of written communication, such as the screenplay (("...
Show moreGolden Years is the culmination of the author's studies in Creative Nonfiction writing, with attention to hybrid forms of the genre, combined with her professional background in screenwriting, and research interests in nostalgia and cultural preservation in the modern age. In the collection of essays, the author blends established forms of Creative Nonfiction, such as the braided essay, with literary conventions borrowed from other forms of written communication, such as the screenplay ((")You Must Remember This,(") (")Driver's Seat(")), the cookbook ((")Tip of my Tongue(")), a travel guide ((")A Trolley Runs Through It(")) and fabulist fiction ((")Selkie on the Shore(")). Through these hybrid forms, Golden Years explores the narrator's fascinations with music, cinema, and fashions of the past, with crafting the perfect pot of vegetarian chili, and with marine mammals. Through the blending of personal essay with cultural criticism, the author explores how these loves have shaped her relationship with the world around her.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007344, ucf:52128
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007344

Title: THE NATURE OF AND IMPORTANCE OF ART CRITICISM AND ITS EDUCATIONAL APPLICATIONS IN K-12 CLASSROOMS.
Creator: Blackmon, Tia, Brewer, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis will critically examine the importance, purpose, methods, and applications of art criticism. Initial background information on types of critical judgment will lay the foundation to understanding the different methods of art criticism. While the articles and journals read on criticism vary in style and method they all have the goal to become a basic framework for examining the form and content of works of art. My goal of this thesis will be to take researched methods of criticism...
Show moreThis thesis will critically examine the importance, purpose, methods, and applications of art criticism. Initial background information on types of critical judgment will lay the foundation to understanding the different methods of art criticism. While the articles and journals read on criticism vary in style and method they all have the goal to become a basic framework for examining the form and content of works of art. My goal of this thesis will be to take researched methods of criticism and create my own methods of criticism to be used in the K-12 art education classroom. The body of my research will examine the following methods of criticism (1) Feldman Method, (2) Broudy Method, (3) Lankford Method, (4) Anderson Method, (5) Feminist Conversation Method, (6) Modernism, and (7) Postmodernism. My research will seek to understand the nature of and importance of art criticism and its educational applications for K-12 art classrooms. In conjunction with the examination of these methods and their corresponding stages, I will be able to synthesize three methods of criticism to be used in the classroom: formalist, expressivist, and instrumentalist.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004863, ucf:45465
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004863

Title: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PERSONALITY TRAITS AND NONTECHNICAL SKILLS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Doyle, John, Whitten, Shannon, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research established that traditional indicators of academic achievement, such as GPA, serve as insufficient predictors of success outside the academic environment. Employers find many graduates ill-prepared for the expectations of the corporate world because they lack skills such as creativity and critical thinking. The present study explores the relationship among personality, creativity, and critical thinking. Identifying personality traits that correlate with the presence of...
Show morePrevious research established that traditional indicators of academic achievement, such as GPA, serve as insufficient predictors of success outside the academic environment. Employers find many graduates ill-prepared for the expectations of the corporate world because they lack skills such as creativity and critical thinking. The present study explores the relationship among personality, creativity, and critical thinking. Identifying personality traits that correlate with the presence of creativity and critical thinking may help employers identify job candidates who possess these much desired skills. In this study, 97 participants completed the NEO PI-R as a measure of personality, the Cornel Critical Thinking Test, and the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. Like previous research findings openness to experience was significantly related to creativity, including a majority of its facets as well. Facets of agreeableness also had significant relationships to creativity.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004651, ucf:45298
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004651

Title: DAGS: AN INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN RESEARCH FRAMEWORK SUPPORTING THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF MORE EFFECTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
Creator: Adams, Lascelles, Cheney, Paul, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many IT systems fail to realize their objectives because not enough attention has been paid to the business context in which the system functions. One reason expressed - an emphasized technical focus which tend to omit business and organizational issues germane to the organization's and the system's success. When an organization's information system is in line with, and provides support for its business strategy – strategic alignment – superior business performance is...
Show moreMany IT systems fail to realize their objectives because not enough attention has been paid to the business context in which the system functions. One reason expressed - an emphasized technical focus which tend to omit business and organizational issues germane to the organization's and the system's success. When an organization's information system is in line with, and provides support for its business strategy – strategic alignment – superior business performance is often the result. Within the Requirements Engineering (RE) community there has been several attempts to develop and utilize approaches which can illuminate business and organizational informational needs. In this dissertation, the DAGS framework is used to develop an integrated web-based requirements elicitation system which is based on Critical Success Factors (CSFs), Jackson's problem diagrams and organizational strategy analysis technique to represent and model an organization's IT requirements. This research employs the DAGS (multi-methodological approach consisting of Design Science, Action Research, Grounded Theory and System Development research methodologies) framework for Information System (IS) design to assist the Information Technology (IT) department in developing a collaborative user requirements system to assist in designing and constructing more effective information systems by incorporating the needs of various stakeholders in support of organizational goals while satisfying these varied needs. Top management's field of vision is represented in the CSFs which provide a compelling clarification of what is important to the organization. Failure to achieve a CSF directly affects the organization's ability to accomplish its mission; Research shows that alignment of IT systems with business strategy leads to superior organizational performance. Industry professionals have consistently considered alignment of IT with business strategy essential to their success thus requirements for an organization's information systems need to be aligned with the objectives of the business strategy that its stakeholders intend to support. This dissertation contributes to the literature on validating an organization's IT and Business Strategic alignment. It has also provided an example of research, grounded in theory but which is nevertheless relevant to business.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002966, ucf:47947
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002966

Title: Minimal Effects of Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia on the Upper-Body Work-Time Relationship in Recreationally-Active Women.
Creator: Starling-Smith, Tristan, Fukuda, David, Stout, Jeffrey, Wells, Adam, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: INTRODUCTION: Hypoxic training protocols vary with respect to exercise modality and intensity. Variables derived from the work-time relationship, namely critical power (CP) and anaerobic working capacity (W'), have been previously examined during upper and lower-body exercise in hypoxia. However, these studies have neglected to examine women who reportedly exhibit different responses to exercise in hypoxia compared to men.PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the...
Show moreINTRODUCTION: Hypoxic training protocols vary with respect to exercise modality and intensity. Variables derived from the work-time relationship, namely critical power (CP) and anaerobic working capacity (W'), have been previously examined during upper and lower-body exercise in hypoxia. However, these studies have neglected to examine women who reportedly exhibit different responses to exercise in hypoxia compared to men.PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship during upper body exercise in women. METHODS: Thirteen recreationally active women (age: 22.7 (&)#177; 2.6 y; height: 167 (&)#177; 8.6 cm; weight: 66.4 (&)#177; 9.7 kg; body fat: 27.6 (&)#177; 5% body fat) completed a graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H; FiO2=~14%) and normoxia (N; FiO2=~20%) to exhaustion on an arm ergometer to determine V?O2peak and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant work-rate arm-cranking tests at 90-120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate CP and AWC via the work-time relationship during the constant work-rate tests. Paired samples t tests compared mean differences between V?O2peak, PPO, CP and AWC between conditions (N vs. H). Two-way (condition (&)#215; intensity) repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare total work and time-to-exhaustion.RESULTS: H significantly reduced VO2peak (N: 1.73L/min (&)#177; .31L/min vs. H: 1.62L/min (&)#177; .27L/min, p=.008) but had minimal effects on PPO (N: 78.08W(&)#177;14.51W vs. H: 75.38W(&)#177;13.46, p=.089), CP (N: 57.44W(&)#177;18.89W vs. H: 56.01W(&)#177;12.36W, p=.546), and AWC (N: 4.81kJ(&)#177;1.01kJ vs. H: 4.56kJ(&)#177;.91kJ, p=.510). No significant condition (&)#215; intensity interactions were noted for total work or time-to-exhaustion (p(>).05). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced VO2peak but had minimal effects on CP and AWC using the work-time model
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007248, ucf:52184
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007248

Title: An Exploratory Study of Physiologic Responses to a Passive Exercise Intervention in Mechanically-ventilated Critically Ill Adults.
Creator: Amidei, Christina, Sole, Mary, Byers, Jacqueline, Covelli, Maureen, Smith, Gerald, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Muscle weakness is the most common and persistent problem after a critical illness. Early mobilization of the critically ill patient, beginning with passive exercise and progressing to ambulation, may mitigate muscle effects of the critical illness. However, mobilization may produce adverse effects, especially early in the illness when risk for physiologic deterioration is common. If safe, introducing a mobility intervention early in the illness may facilitate ventilator weaning, shorten...
Show moreMuscle weakness is the most common and persistent problem after a critical illness. Early mobilization of the critically ill patient, beginning with passive exercise and progressing to ambulation, may mitigate muscle effects of the critical illness. However, mobilization may produce adverse effects, especially early in the illness when risk for physiologic deterioration is common. If safe, introducing a mobility intervention early in the illness may facilitate ventilator weaning, shorten intensive care unit and hospitals stays, and improve functional status and quality of life for mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. The aim of this study was assess the cardiopulmonary and inflammatory responses to an early standardized passive exercise protocol (PEP) in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Using a quasi-experimental within-subjects repeated measures design, mechanically ventilated critically ill adults who were physiologically stable received a single standardized PEP within 72 hours of intubation. The PEP consisted of 20 minutes of bilateral passive leg movement delivered by continuous passive motion machines at a rate of 20 repetitions per minute, from 5-75 degrees, to simulate very slow walking. Physiologic parameters evaluated included heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP), oxygen saturation, and cytokine levels (IL-6 and IL-10), obtained before, during, and after the intervention. The Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS), administered before, during and after the intervention was used as a measure of participant comfort. The study sample was comprised of 18 (60%) males and 12 (40%) females, with a mean age of 56.5 years (SD 16.9 years), who were primarily Caucasian (N=18, 64%). Mean APACHE II scores for the sample were 23.8 (SD 6.2) with a mean predicted death rate of 48.8 (SD 19.8), indicating moderate mortality risk related to illness severity. Number of comorbidities ranged from 1-10 (X=4). All participants completed the intervention with no adverse events. Using repeated measures analysis of variance (rmANOVA), no significant differences were found in HR, MBP, or oxygen saturation at any of the four time points in comparison to baseline. BPS scores were significantly reduced (F(2.43, 70.42)=4.08, p=.02) at 5 and 10 minutes after the PEP was started, and were sustained at 20 minutes and for one hour after the PEP was completed. IL-6 was significantly reduced (F(1.60, 43.1)=4.351, p=.03) at the end of the intervention but not at the end of the final rest period. IL-10 values were not significantly different at any of the three time points, but IL-6 to IL-10 ratios did decrease significantly (F(1.61, 43.38)=3.42, p=.05) at the end of the PEP and again after a 60 minute rest period. Passive leg exercise was well tolerated by study participants. HR, MBP, and oxygen saturation were maintained within order set-specified ranges during and for one hour after activity, and patient comfort improved during and after the intervention. A downward trend in HR was noted in participants, which is contrary to usual HR response during exercise, and may represent clinical improvement in this population related to reduction in pain. Reduction of mean IL-6 values at the end of the PEP, but not after the rest period, suggests that the PEP was responsible for the initial IL-6 improvement. Improvement of IL-6 to IL-10 ratios from the end of the PEP to the end of the final rest period suggests that IL-10, although non-significant, may have had some effect, indicating that IL-10 increases may occur later than the time period of study.Passive exercise can be used as an approach to facilitating mobilization in mechanically ventilated critically ill adults until they are ready to participate in more active exercise. It could be that more frequent and aggressive exercise, such as passive cycling at faster rates, four times daily, will be tolerated in this population. While the understanding of clinical significance of cytokine profiles in critically ill patients is still evolving, cytokine levels may be useful in explaining benefits of mobilization in this population. Further study is required to replicate the impact of passive exercise on pain, and it may represent a novel approach to pain management in critically ill patients.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004350, ucf:49424
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004350

Title: EFFECTS OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTION ON STRESS AND COPING OF FAMILIES OF CRITICALLY ILL TRAUMA PATIENTS.
Creator: Knapp, Sandra, Sole, Mary Lou, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Problem/Purpose: Critical care nurses are frequently exposed to the stress experienced by their patients' families, yet they often do not have the knowledge or skills to help family members cope with the stress of critical illness. While needs and stressors of families of the critically ill have been researched extensively, no prior studies have been conducted to determine the effects of an evidence-based nursing intervention for reducing family members' stress and improving their coping...
Show moreProblem/Purpose: Critical care nurses are frequently exposed to the stress experienced by their patients' families, yet they often do not have the knowledge or skills to help family members cope with the stress of critical illness. While needs and stressors of families of the critically ill have been researched extensively, no prior studies have been conducted to determine the effects of an evidence-based nursing intervention for reducing family members' stress and improving their coping skills. The purpose of this study was to determine if an evidence-based nursing intervention designed to address the needs of family members would reduce stress and improve coping skills in family members of critically ill trauma patients. Additionally, the study assessed the family members' perceptions of how well their needs were met while their loved one was hospitalized in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Methods: Using a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group design, an evidence-based intervention for critical care nurses was implemented to test its effect on stress and coping of family members of critically ill trauma patients. The study setting was the SICU at a tertiary university hospital in north central Florida. Subjects were family members of critically ill trauma patients who had been hospitalized in the SICU for at least 48 hours. Participants in the control group were given a packet containing instruments that measured 1) anxiety as an indicator of stress (Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory ); 2) coping (Lazarus and Folkman's Ways of Coping Questionnaire ); and 3) assessment of family members' perception of having their needs met while their family member was in the SICU (Family Care Survey ). An evidence-based family bundle was implemented over an eight-week period and included an educational program for the nurses. After eight weeks, participants in the experimental group were given the same instruments previously administered to the control group. Anxiety levels, coping skills, and family members' perception of having needs met were compared between the two groups to determine the effectiveness of the evidence-based intervention. Results: A total of 84 family members participated in the study (control = 39; experimental = 45). The majority were women (n=60), spouse or parent of the patient (n=47), and Caucasian (n=70). Mean ages were 45.9 years for the control group and 47.4 years for the experimental group. No differences were noted in the demographic characteristics between the control and experimental groups. Using an independent samples t-test, no significant differences (p > .05) were noted between groups for either state or trait anxiety, although the mean anxiety score was lower in the experimental group. Significant differences between groups were noted on two of the eight coping subscales: Distancing and Accepting Responsibility. Improved coping, although not statistically significant, was noted on four additional subscales: Confrontive Coping, Self-Controlling, Planful Problem-Solving, and Positive Reappraisal. Overall coping scores also improved, but not statistically, for the total Ways of Coping Scale (both 50 and 66 item totals). Although not statistically significant, participants in the experimental group rated four out of eight items higher on the FCS, indicating an increased perception that more of their needs were met, greater overall satisfaction with the care that family members received, increased nurses' consideration of family members' needs and the inclusion of those needs in planning nursing care, and greater encouragement for family members to participate in care. Although findings were not statistically significant, the trend implies increased satisfaction with family care in areas involving family care and family member needs, including needs in planning care and encouragement to participate in care. In areas regarding information and communication, there was overall less satisfaction in both groups. Conclusions: This study provides data that can be used as a guide in developing programs that help families function and adapt to the extremely stressful experience of having a loved one who is critically ill. The information can be used to develop future research on larger scales with a longer and more extensive plan for implementation of the intervention to assist in a unit culture change. Nurses can use the results to facilitate practice changes in caring for families of critically ill patients. Modifying the interventions to focus on an interdisciplinary approach to meet families' needs, reduce stress, and improve coping also warrants further development and testing. Funding acknowledgement: Florida Nurses Foundation and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. College of Nursing, University of Central Florida
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002774, ucf:48134
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002774

Title: An Experimental Investigation of the State of Creativity, Critical Thinking and Creativity Training in Undergraduate Engineering Students.
Creator: Sola, Eric, Hoekstra, Robert, Kotnour, Timothy, McCauley, Pamela, Fiore, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research explores creativity and critical thinking skills in undergraduate engineering students. The study undertook two experiments in order to gather a better understanding of several factors regarding the interactions between students' creative abilities and the effects of the undergraduate engineering curriculum. Experiment 1 focused on the differences in creative and critical thinking skills in freshman versus senior undergraduate engineering students. Experiment 2 centered on the...
Show moreThis research explores creativity and critical thinking skills in undergraduate engineering students. The study undertook two experiments in order to gather a better understanding of several factors regarding the interactions between students' creative abilities and the effects of the undergraduate engineering curriculum. Experiment 1 focused on the differences in creative and critical thinking skills in freshman versus senior undergraduate engineering students. Experiment 2 centered on the variation in the effects of long-term versus short-term creativity training on senior engineering students. Creative skill was measured using the Test for Creative Thinking (-) Drawing Production (TCT-DP) developed by Urban and Jellen (2010). Measurements for critical thinking utilized the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Assessment (WGCTA) (Watson (&) Glaser, 2008).Experiment 1 found evidence suggesting the freshman engineers within the study were more creative than senior engineers (F = 3.159, P-Value = 0.078). Surprisingly, there was no evidence suggesting the senior engineers had superior critical thinking skills over the freshman engineers (F = 1.054, P-Value = 0.306). The study groups' data was also compared to the normative data provided by the WGCTA test, in order to determine the standing of the two engineering sample groups against the general population. The study's freshman group average ranked in the 70th percentile (freshman engineers' average) when compared to the normative general population's average (50th percentile). The senior participants, on the other hand, scored significantly lower than their corresponding normative group, moving from the 50th percentile (normative average) to slightly above the 35th percentile (senior engineers' average). Based on this evidence, current engineering education methods are detrimental not only to the creative skills of engineering students, but their critical thinking capabilities as well.Experiment 2 results suggested that long-term creativity training provides statistically significant improvements over short-term creativity training (F = 40.381, P-Value = 0.000). This significance was established even though the long-term group was found to have been trained inadvertently before the start of their official training, simply by their knowledge of the course's requirements to provide creative solutions. As such, these results suggest both that continuous creativity training benefits the recipient individuals, and that beginning a more creative approach to collegiate engineering curricula may start as easily as initiating courses with the known expectation that students use creativity in their problem solving whenever feasible. This study provides new insights into the state of creativity and critical thinking in undergraduate engineers. Based on the resulting data, engineering education must be examined and restructured to provide students with the necessary tools to improve their creative and critical thinking skills. Through the use of creativity and critical thinking training and instruction methods, educators can effectively address these observed deficiencies, resulting in engineering students being better prepared for their professional lives within the 21st century workplace.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006183, ucf:51134
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006183

Title: Meme World Syndrome: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the First World Problems and Third World Success Internet Memes.
Creator: Chandler, Robert, Sandoval, Jennifer, Kinnally, William, Walls, Douglas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis applies the theory and method of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the ideological components of the First World Problems (FWP) and Third World Success (TWS) Internet memes. Drawing on analytical concepts from CDA and related perspectives, such as multimodal discourse analysis and social semiotics, the paper analyzes the visual and textual elements of a sample of the FWP and TWS memes. The paper argues that the text and images featured in the memes are ideologically...
Show moreThis thesis applies the theory and method of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the ideological components of the First World Problems (FWP) and Third World Success (TWS) Internet memes. Drawing on analytical concepts from CDA and related perspectives, such as multimodal discourse analysis and social semiotics, the paper analyzes the visual and textual elements of a sample of the FWP and TWS memes. The paper argues that the text and images featured in the memes are ideologically salient and discursively construct oppositional binaries between (")us(") and (")them(") in terms of wealth disparity.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004828, ucf:49761
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004828

Title: Determination of Critical Rest Interval using Repeated Sprint Ability Testing.
Creator: Lamonica, Michael, Fukuda, David, Hoffman, Jay, Stout, Jeffrey, Fragala, Maren, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The critical power (CP) concept has been used to determine the appropriate rest interval during intermittent exercise through the investigation of critical rest interval (CRI). Repeated sprint ability (RSA) testing has been developed to define the athlete's ability to recover and maintain maximal effort during successive bouts. The CP model has been used to understand the physiological responses involved with intermittent exercise delineating between severe and heavy exercise intensity...
Show moreThe critical power (CP) concept has been used to determine the appropriate rest interval during intermittent exercise through the investigation of critical rest interval (CRI). Repeated sprint ability (RSA) testing has been developed to define the athlete's ability to recover and maintain maximal effort during successive bouts. The CP model has been used to understand the physiological responses involved with intermittent exercise delineating between severe and heavy exercise intensity domains. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the CRI from the work-time relationship given by RSA testing using varying work to rest ratios. The secondary purpose was to determine the validity of CRI by evaluation of physiological responses above and below estimated rest interval values during intermittent cycling.Twelve recreationally trained males (mean (&)#177; SD; age 24.1 (&)#177; 3.6yr; height 175.8 (&)#177; 7.0cm; weight 77.6 (&)#177; 12.8kg; V?O2peak 43.3 (&)#177; 5.6ml/kg/min; Body Fat (%) 24.5 (&)#177; 4.4) were recruited for this study. Participants performed a graded exercise test to determine V?O2peak and peak heart rate. Eight participants completed the same three RSA protocols with 6s maximal sprints and varying rest intervals (12-24s) on a cycle ergometer. Intermittent critical power (ICP) was calculated through the linear total work (TW) and time-to-exhaustion (TTE) relationship, whereas CRI was estimated using the average work per sprint and ICP. Seven subjects completed trials above and below estimated CRI to evaluate the validity of this estimate through the examination of the physiological responses. Breath-by-breath oxygen consumption (V?O2) and heart rate (HR) values were recorded during the validation trials. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the variables from the RSA trials. Paired samples t-tests were performed to compare performance and physiological variables above or below CRI during the validation trials. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to examined the changes in oxygen consumption (V?O2), HR, mean power (MP), and TW throughout the validation trials. Significant differences (p (<) 0.1) were found for the number of intervals completed, TTE, average work per sprint, peak and mean V?O2 between RSA protocols. Linearity between TW and TTE was r2 = 0.952 (&)#177; 0.081. During the validation trials, TTE was significantly greater in the above versus the below CRI trial (2270.43 (&)#177; 941.15s vs. 1511.00 (&)#177; 811.0s). Furthermore, blood lactate concentration (8.94 (&)#177; 4.89mmol/L vs. 6.56 (&)#177; 3.45mmol/L), AveV?O2 (2.05 (&)#177; 0.36L/min vs. 1.78 (&)#177; 0.26L/min), V?O2peak (2.84 (&)#177; 0.48L/min vs. 2.61 (&)#177; 0.43L/min), and AveHR (151.14 (&)#177; 18.46bpm vs. 138.14 (&)#177; 17.51L/min) were significantly greater in the below CRI trial when compared to the above CRI trial. Significant interactions were found between above and below trials within minimal V?O2 response (F = 6.886, p = 0.024, ?2 = 0.534) to the recovery intervals and maximal HR (F = 4.51, p = 0.016, ?2 = 0.429) response to the work intervals. During the above CRI trial, minimal V?O2 response decreased over time (51-43%V?O2 peak) while maximal HR response achieved a steady state level (81-84%HRpeak). Conversely, minimal V?O2 response during the below CRI trial achieved a steady state level (54-58%V?O2 peak), whereas maximal HR response increased over time (84-90%HRpeak).The relationship between TW and TTE is appropriate for use with RSA testing with varying rest intervals. The differing physiological response during the validation trials may reflect changes in energy system contribution. In conclusion, CRI distinguished between physiological responses related to exercise intensity domains in a manner similar to CP estimates determined from other testing and exercise modalities.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005645, ucf:50168
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005645

Title: CRITICAL DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION: AN INVESTIGATOIN INTO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORS IN FLORIDA COUNTIES.
Creator: Devenny, Joah Nicole, Abel, Eileen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As cyber attacks become more sophisticated, the risk to all networked computer systems increases. Whether public or private, whether federal, state, or local, the threat is equally real. Consequently, local governments must respond accordingly to understand the threats, take measures to protect themselves, and determine how to respond in the event of a system breach. Additionally, since cyber criminals do not respect geographic or administrative boundaries, local leaders must be prepared to...
Show moreAs cyber attacks become more sophisticated, the risk to all networked computer systems increases. Whether public or private, whether federal, state, or local, the threat is equally real. Consequently, local governments must respond accordingly to understand the threats, take measures to protect themselves, and determine how to respond in the event of a system breach. Additionally, since cyber criminals do not respect geographic or administrative boundaries, local leaders must be prepared to instantly interact with other governments, agencies, and departments to suppress an attack.Guided by the theory of intergovernmental management (IGM), this exploratory research investigated how Information Technology (IT) Directors in Florida county constitutional offices use intergovernmental relations and management activities as part of their information security efforts. Specifically, this research sought to determine: 1) which IGM activities do county IT Directors most often perform; 2) do county IT Directors make more use of vertical or horizontal IGM relationships; 3) is there a relationship between office/county demographics and the IGM activities its IT Directors most often perform?To answer these questions, an electronic survey was distributed to 209 directors, of which 125 responded. Overwhelmingly, the findings indicate that these Directors rarely engage in IGM activities regardless of the purpose or type of government/department contacted. However, when seeking intergovernmental assistance, it is most often horizontally with other Departments within their own government and least often vertically with Federal offices. The most frequently performed intergovernmental activity is seeking technical assistance, however seeking program/project information is also perform more frequently than the other activities explored in this research. The least frequently performed activities involved seeking to modify established IT partnerships. Further, there was evidence of relationships between certain office/county demographics and IGM activity. The discovery of these patterns and relationships can be used to aid policy and program development, as well as to stimulate deeper inquiry into the intergovernmental dimensions involved in protecting local elements of the U.S. Critical Digital Infrastructure.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000059, ucf:46113
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000059

Title: RAPITALISM.
Creator: Smith, Martin, Lynxwiler, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: My paper questions the degree to which the hip hop subculture is oppositional to mainstream American society and its ideals. Toward that end, I examine the structure of the hip hop industry and its subculture. While the hip hop subculture in America consistently has projected images of rebellion and resistance to many of the mores, constraints and values of dominant society, the actual structure and organization of the hip hop subculture have mirrored, supported and promoted the values of the...
Show moreMy paper questions the degree to which the hip hop subculture is oppositional to mainstream American society and its ideals. Toward that end, I examine the structure of the hip hop industry and its subculture. While the hip hop subculture in America consistently has projected images of rebellion and resistance to many of the mores, constraints and values of dominant society, the actual structure and organization of the hip hop subculture have mirrored, supported and promoted the values of the dominant culture in the United States. I begin by examining the structure of the main elements of the hip hop subculture: deejaying, breakdancing, emceeing and graffiti art, and the practices within each to demonstrate that the hip hop subculture has a structure which supports capitalistic practices. The interactions between hip hop industry participants, their fans, and the marketplace are an embracing of the values of mainstream American society and capitalism. From its inception, the structure of the hip hop subculture and the actions of the artists within the structure essentially has made hip hop music capitalism set to a beat.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001360, ucf:47001
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001360

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT MODEL IN LARGE-SCALE INTERNATIONAL SPACE SCIENCE PROJECTS.
Creator: Nunez, Jose, Kotnour, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Large-scale international science projects (LISPs) are those projects where two or more countries formally agree to cooperate toward the achievement of a scientific, research and development, or engineering goal. In general, only projects exceeding $1 billion U.S. are considered LISPs, so sheer size commands attention, and because they are so costly and visible, failure can lead to significant scientific, financial and political consequences. This researched focused on how 7 different...
Show moreLarge-scale international science projects (LISPs) are those projects where two or more countries formally agree to cooperate toward the achievement of a scientific, research and development, or engineering goal. In general, only projects exceeding $1 billion U.S. are considered LISPs, so sheer size commands attention, and because they are so costly and visible, failure can lead to significant scientific, financial and political consequences. This researched focused on how 7 different critical success factors impacted the level of technical interface knowledge shared among international partners involved in a large-scale international space science project (LISSP) – the International Space Station (ISS), which is currently under assembly and testing at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The research methodology employed documentation review, individual interviews and surveys of experienced engineers and managers from three different countries associated with the ISS. The research methodology was applied to three different cases (retrospectively) involving the processing of flight hardware from the three different international partners. The analysis showed that only 5 out of the 7-factor model played a significant role in the level of knowledge sharing between partners. The developed model provides future international partnerships with critical success factors that they can apply to their specific project / mission teams in order to improve the level of knowledge shared between them.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000656, ucf:46501
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000656

Title: "TRULY AN AWESOME SPECTACLE": GENDER PERFORMATIVITY AND THE ALIENATION EFFECT IN ANGELS IN AMERICA.
Creator: Gorney, Allen, Campbell, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Tony Kushner's two-part play Angels in America uses stereotypical depictions of gay men to deconstruct traditional gender dichotomies. In this thesis, I argue that Kushner has created a continuum of gender performativity to deconstruct these traditional gender dichotomies, thereby empowering the effeminate and disempowering the masculine. I closely examine Kushner's use of Brechtian and Aristotelian tenets in the first Broadway production of the play to demonstrate that Kushner sought to...
Show moreTony Kushner's two-part play Angels in America uses stereotypical depictions of gay men to deconstruct traditional gender dichotomies. In this thesis, I argue that Kushner has created a continuum of gender performativity to deconstruct these traditional gender dichotomies, thereby empowering the effeminate and disempowering the masculine. I closely examine Kushner's use of Brechtian and Aristotelian tenets in the first Broadway production of the play to demonstrate that Kushner sought to induce social awareness of gay male oppression, contingent on the audience's perception of Kushner's deconstruction of the traditional gender dichotomy. I also scrutinize the role of the closet and its implications in the play, primarily analyzed with Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's theoretical framework, suggesting Kushner's partiality to openly gay men who can actively participate in the cessation of gay male oppression.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000901, ucf:46731
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000901

Title: EVALUATING INTERVENTIONS TO MITIGATE COMPASSION FATIGUE AMONG AT-RISK NURSING POPULATIONS.
Creator: Derayunan, Emily R, Andrews, Diane, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examined the experience of compassion fatigue in nurses through analysis of research studies conducted within the past ten years. A literature review was completed using CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases. Efficacy of current management strategies and interventions was evaluated. Findings indicate that educating nurses working in high-risk units improves self-recognition and lowers compassion fatigue levels. Institutional factors such as a lack of...
Show moreThis thesis examined the experience of compassion fatigue in nurses through analysis of research studies conducted within the past ten years. A literature review was completed using CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases. Efficacy of current management strategies and interventions was evaluated. Findings indicate that educating nurses working in high-risk units improves self-recognition and lowers compassion fatigue levels. Institutional factors such as a lack of managerial support and organizational commitment contribute to the experience of compassion fatigue. An organization's involvement in maximizing compassion satisfaction through meaningful recognition of nurses' contributions to care and implementation of organizational prevention programs minimizes the risk of developing compassion fatigue. Once self-recognition by nurses and organizations participation level in mitigating compassion fatigue is addressed, interventions can be implemented to attenuate the experience of compassion fatigue. Resiliency programs and mindfulness-based interventions were efficacious in mitigating compassion fatigue.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000469, ucf:45723
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000469

Title: THE EFFECT OF IMPURITIES ON THE SUPERCONDUCTIVITY OF BSCCO-2212.
Creator: Vastola, John, Klemm, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: BSCCO-2212 is a high-temperature cuprate superconductor whose microscopic behavior is currently poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear whether its order parameter is consistent with s-wave or d-wave symmetry. It has been suggested that its order parameter might take one of several forms that are consistent with d-wave behavior. We present some calculations using the many-body theory approach to superconductivity that suggest that such order parameters would lead to a suppression of...
Show moreBSCCO-2212 is a high-temperature cuprate superconductor whose microscopic behavior is currently poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear whether its order parameter is consistent with s-wave or d-wave symmetry. It has been suggested that its order parameter might take one of several forms that are consistent with d-wave behavior. We present some calculations using the many-body theory approach to superconductivity that suggest that such order parameters would lead to a suppression of the critical temperature in the presence of impurities. Because some experiments have suggested the critical temperature of BSCCO-2212 is relatively independent of the concentration of impurities, this lends support to the hypothesis that its order parameter has s-wave symmetry.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000073, ucf:45541
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000073

Title: AN EXAMINATION OF THE EXTENT TO WHICH WORD WORK WITH ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TRANSFERS TO AUTHENTIC READING AND WRITING PRACTICES.
Creator: Chappell, Rebecca A, Gelfuso, Andrea, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to seek understanding of how word work lessons with children can transfer to their authentic reading and writing practices. Research has shown that when word work is embedded into a balanced approach to teach literacy, it works well and quickly. However, other research shows that word work did not transfer into the students� authentic writing because the connection between word work and writing was not made explicit to the students. The gap in the literature is...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to seek understanding of how word work lessons with children can transfer to their authentic reading and writing practices. Research has shown that when word work is embedded into a balanced approach to teach literacy, it works well and quickly. However, other research shows that word work did not transfer into the students� authentic writing because the connection between word work and writing was not made explicit to the students. The gap in the literature is that far less is known about how word work transfers to authentic reading and writing. In my study, I engaged in word work lessons, guided reading lessons, and reading response lessons with four second grade students over the course of three weeks. All lessons were video recorded and became data for this study. Data were analyzed deductively by locating critical teaching moments that were taken advantage of. Findings include three different types of prompts being used by the teacher to take advantage of critical teaching moments. Results from this study have implications for educators, namely how they can be more intentional with their phonics and guided reading instruction, so that word work instruction can transfer to authentic reading and writing practices.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000063, ucf:45508
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000063

Title: SIGNALS: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN LITERACY, GENDER, AND SEMIOTICS.
Creator: Parker, Patricia, Preston-Sidler, Leandra, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study is to examine adult literacy beyond its constraints as a social problem and instead consider the implications of illiteracy as a particular form of lived experience, analogous to women's oppression at large. Through a complex system of meaning making, the knowledge accrued by illiterate adults is qualitatively different, and examining these differences in terms of their correlation to coping mechanisms developed in the face of social alienation and diminished...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to examine adult literacy beyond its constraints as a social problem and instead consider the implications of illiteracy as a particular form of lived experience, analogous to women's oppression at large. Through a complex system of meaning making, the knowledge accrued by illiterate adults is qualitatively different, and examining these differences in terms of their correlation to coping mechanisms developed in the face of social alienation and diminished professional prospects yields a greater understanding of class privilege and how nontraditional learners fit into a larger social structure. From the perspective of academic feminism, adult illiteracy presents several problems regarding the scope of an inclusive feminist community that acknowledges privilege and difference. The primary method through which information regarding feminism is conferred is printed materials, which utilize highly specific, specialized jargon, and unwittingly create an exclusive community marred by internalized racism and class stratifications. This study explores other methods through which feminist ideation might theoretically be possible, i.e. cultural "reading" communities and vocational and continuing education programs focused on cultural competencies, as women come out of their imposed silences and become aware of their circumstances in a way that resembles feminist thought, if perhaps without sophisticated language with which to communicate those ideals. In this way, feminist ideation and semiotics tie in together, as attitudinal change may occur without the semantic realization of what this entails. This goal of this paper is also, in part, to justify why acknowledging gendered learning differences and a particular female subjectivity for adult literacy clients will yield better results for their self-valuation, as gender is a component of diversity all but ignored within the scheme of adult literacy pedagogical theory.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004266, ucf:44963
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004266

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