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- Title
- A Decision Support Model for Autonomous Trucks Strategies.
- Creator
-
Mohamed, Ahmad Saeid Ammar, Yun, Hae-Bum, Chopra, Manoj, Sallam, Amr, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
We examined the potential to improve the movement of freight using Truck PlatooningLane strategies on limited access highways in the State of Florida. In the First part of thisresearch, we investigated the potential benefits from dedicating one lane from existinglanes for autonomous trucks only. In this regard, a general framework tool was developedto evaluate and compare different measurements (e.g., travel tim and emissions) to betterassist decision makers to determine the most effective...
Show moreWe examined the potential to improve the movement of freight using Truck PlatooningLane strategies on limited access highways in the State of Florida. In the First part of thisresearch, we investigated the potential benefits from dedicating one lane from existinglanes for autonomous trucks only. In this regard, a general framework tool was developedto evaluate and compare different measurements (e.g., travel tim and emissions) to betterassist decision makers to determine the most effective freight transportation strategy.Additionally, the travel time, level of service and emissions on Florida Strategic IntermodalSystem (SIS) were systematically analyzed using a VISSIM and MOVES simulation todetermine if it can be improved. For the scenarios simulated in this investigation, the inputincluded different patterns with a variety of peak hour volumes, truck percentages, speeds,and number of lanes. Additionally, the various total values of the resultant travel time,emissions and level of service for each SIS corridor were determined and calculated usinga General Linear Model and then tabulated to reveal input patterns. The results showed thata truck platooning lane can significantly reduce the travel time and emissions of trucks. Inthe second part, we proposed using a The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method toevaluate the potential benefits of building a new lane for autonomous trucks. The AHPmethod was developed to include all possible measurements that can assist decision makersto select the best autonomous truck policy. The results of the AHP model showed that thesafety criterion was significantly the most influential perspective per experts' opinions. Theresults showed that experts were more concerned about safety and environmentalconsiderations than the initial cost associated with building a new lane.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007056, ucf:51983
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007056
- Title
- A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY FOR THE SELECTION OF RAPID PROTOTYPING TECHNOLOGIES FOR INVESTMENT-CAST GAS TURBINE PARTS.
- Creator
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Gallagher, Angela, Geiger, Christopher, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the power generation sector, more specifically, the gas turbine industry, competition has forced the lead time-to-market for product advancements to be more important than ever. For design engineers, this means that product design iterations and final product development must be completed within both critical time windows and budgetary constraints. Therefore, two areas that have received significant attention in the research and in practice are: (1) rapid prototyping technology development...
Show moreIn the power generation sector, more specifically, the gas turbine industry, competition has forced the lead time-to-market for product advancements to be more important than ever. For design engineers, this means that product design iterations and final product development must be completed within both critical time windows and budgetary constraints. Therefore, two areas that have received significant attention in the research and in practice are: (1) rapid prototyping technology development, and (2) rapid prototyping technology selection. Rapid prototyping technology selection is the focus of this research. In practice, selecting the rapid prototyping method that is acceptable for a specific design application is a daunting task. With technological advancements in both rapid prototyping and conventional machining methods, it is difficult for both a novice design engineer as well as an experienced design engineer to decide not only what rapid prototyping method could be applicable, but also if a rapid prototyping method would even be advantageous over a more conventional machining method and where in the manufacturing process any of these processes would be utilized. This research proposes an expert system that assists a design engineer through the decision process relating to the investment casting of a superalloy gas turbine engine component. Investment casting is a well-known technique for the production of many superalloy gas turbine parts such as gas turbine blades and vanes. In fact, investment-cast turbine blades remain the state of the art in gas turbine blade design. The proposed automated expert system allows the engineer to effectively assess rapid prototyping opportunities for desired gas turbine blade application. The system serves as a starting point in presenting an engineer with commercially-available state-of-the-art rapid prototyping options, brief explanations of each option and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. It is not intended to suggest an optimal solution as there is not only one unique answer. For instance, cost and time factors vary depending upon the individual needs of a company at any particular time as well as existing strategic partnerships with particular foundries and vendors. The performance of the proposed expert system is assessed using two real-world case studies. The first case study shows how the expert system can advise the design engineer when suggesting rapid manufacturing in place of investment casting. The second case study shows how rapid prototyping can be used for creating part patterns for use within the investment casting process. The results from these case studies are telling in that their implementations potentially result in an 82 to 94% reduction in design decision lead time and a 92 to 97% cost savings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003338, ucf:48469
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003338
- Title
- A Decision Support Tool for Video Retinal Angiography.
- Creator
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Laha, Sumit, Bagci, Ulas, Foroosh, Hassan, Song, Sam, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Fluorescein angiogram (FA) is a medical procedure that helps the ophthalmologists to monitor the status of the retinal blood vessels and to diagnose proper treatment. This research is motivated by the necessity of blood vessel segmentation of the retina. Retinal vessel segmentation has been a major challenge and has long drawn the attention of researchers for decades due to the presence of complex blood vessels with varying size, shape, angles and branching pattern of vessels, and non-uniform...
Show moreFluorescein angiogram (FA) is a medical procedure that helps the ophthalmologists to monitor the status of the retinal blood vessels and to diagnose proper treatment. This research is motivated by the necessity of blood vessel segmentation of the retina. Retinal vessel segmentation has been a major challenge and has long drawn the attention of researchers for decades due to the presence of complex blood vessels with varying size, shape, angles and branching pattern of vessels, and non-uniform illumination and huge anatomical variability between subjects. In this thesis, we introduce a new computational tool that combines deep learning based machine learning algorithm and a signal processing based video magnification method to support physicians in analyzing and diagnosing retinal angiogram videos for the first time in the literature.The proposed approach has a pipeline-based architecture containing three phases - image registration for large motion removal from video angiogram, retinal vessel segmentation and video magnification based on the segmented vessels. In image registration phase, we align distorted frames in the FA video using rigid registration approaches. In the next phase, we use baseline capsule based neural networks for retinal vessel segmentation in comparison with the state-of-the-art methods. We move away from traditional convolutional network approaches to capsule networks in this work. This is because, despite being widely used in different computer vision applications, convolutional neural networks suffer from learning ability to understand the object-part relationships, have high computational times due to additive nature of neurons and, loose information in the pooling layer. Although having these drawbacks, we use deep learning methods like U-Net and Tiramisu to measure the performance and accuracy of SegCaps. Lastly, we apply Eulerian video magnification to magnify the subtle changes in the retinal video. In this phase, magnification is applied to segmented videos to visualize the flow of blood in the retinal vessels.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007342, ucf:52125
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007342
- Title
- A deep learning approach to diagnosing schizophrenia.
- Creator
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Barry, Justin, Valliyil Thankachan, Sharma, Gurupur, Varadraj, Jha, Sumit Kumar, Ewetz, Rickard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In this article, the investigators present a new method using a deep learning approach to diagnose schizophrenia. In the experiment presented, the investigators have used a secondary dataset provided by National Institutes of Health. The aforementioned experimentation involves analyzing this dataset for existence of schizophrenia using traditional machine learning approaches such as logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest. This is followed by application of deep...
Show moreIn this article, the investigators present a new method using a deep learning approach to diagnose schizophrenia. In the experiment presented, the investigators have used a secondary dataset provided by National Institutes of Health. The aforementioned experimentation involves analyzing this dataset for existence of schizophrenia using traditional machine learning approaches such as logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest. This is followed by application of deep learning techniques using three hidden layers in the model. The results obtained indicate that deep learning provides state-of-the-art accuracy in diagnosing schizophrenia. Based on these observations, there is a possibility that deep learning may provide a paradigm shift in diagnosing schizophrenia.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007429, ucf:52737
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007429
- Title
- A Delphi Study to Construct a Script Concordance Test for Spiritual and Religious Competence in Counseling.
- Creator
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Christmas, Christopher, Young, Mark, Hagedorn, William, Bai, Haiyan, Carson, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The need to address spiritual and religious issues is well established in the counseling literature and in accreditation standards, however, many graduates counseling students do not feel prepared to address these issues. In the United States, the vast majority of clients consider themselves to be spiritual or religious, so counselors who lack competence in addressing spiritual and religious issues in counseling are likely to offer ineffective or perhaps unethical care to clients. Counselor...
Show moreThe need to address spiritual and religious issues is well established in the counseling literature and in accreditation standards, however, many graduates counseling students do not feel prepared to address these issues. In the United States, the vast majority of clients consider themselves to be spiritual or religious, so counselors who lack competence in addressing spiritual and religious issues in counseling are likely to offer ineffective or perhaps unethical care to clients. Counselor educators must improve education and assessment in this critical specialty area of counseling. Of primary concern is a student's ability to demonstrate spiritual competence in counseling. The 2009 ASERVIC Spiritual Competencies offer the most comprehensive standard of spiritual competence in counseling in any mental health profession, however there is no reliable and standardized assessment that measures demonstrated spiritual competency. Competency can best be measured when the examinee makes choices in a context that is similar or the same as that in which he or she will practice, therefore an effective competency measurement must include client cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a case based assessment for measuring clinical judgment in situations of uncertainty, called a Script Concordance Test, could be constructed by experts using the Delphi Method. This instrument was based on the 2009 ASERVIC Spiritual Competencies as the standard for demonstrated competence. The results of this study indicated that expert practitioners and educators could come to consensus on appropriate cases, appropriate competencies to measure in each case, items to assess competency in each case, and an instrument that included items assessing all 14 of the 2009 Spiritual Competencies. Additionally, the constructed instrument demonstrated excellent test retest reliability and adequate internal reliability.There are several implications for counselor education. First, this study provides evidence that expert practitioners and educators can come to consensus to construct a highly contextual instrument to measures clinical decision making about spiritual competence in counseling. Second, a promising new type of instrument with excellent reliability and strong content validity has been introduced to the field of counselor education. Third, with appropriate assessment, counselor education programs can begin to measure student competence, in terms of clinical judgment, on addressing spiritual and religions issues in counseling over time because this instrument is appropriate for use at different intervals throughout professional development. Fourth, the format of this instrument is also useful for educational purposes and reflective practice. Finally, the theoretical foundations of the Delphi Method and script concordance tests are compatible with one another and with instrument development. The researcher recommends that future studies to construct script concordance tests for other specialty areas of competence employ and refine this method.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005149, ucf:50695
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005149
- Title
- A deoxyribozyme sensor and isothermal amplification for human sex determination.
- Creator
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Smith, Alexandra, Kolpashchikov, Dmitry, Campiglia, Andres, Harper, James, Beazley, Melanie, Tetard, Laurene, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Ribozymes are known to catalyze biochemical reactions and behave like enzymes. They are naturally occurring and have very diverse functions within a cell. After investigating ribozymes that next step was to find if DNA can exhibit the same characteristics since RNA and DNA only differ by a ribose 2'-hydroxyl group. This evolution in curiosity gave rise to artificial DNA enzymes that can catalyze certain reactions and have been created by in vitro selection methods. Due to the ability to...
Show moreRibozymes are known to catalyze biochemical reactions and behave like enzymes. They are naturally occurring and have very diverse functions within a cell. After investigating ribozymes that next step was to find if DNA can exhibit the same characteristics since RNA and DNA only differ by a ribose 2'-hydroxyl group. This evolution in curiosity gave rise to artificial DNA enzymes that can catalyze certain reactions and have been created by in vitro selection methods. Due to the ability to manipulate and control DNA hybridization, the deoxyribozyme is advantageous to the field of molecular diagnostics. Other hybridization probes like Taqman for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or a molecular beacon are more conventional methods for molecular diagnostics, but deoxyribozyme-based nucleic acid sensors are overall more sensitive due to their catalytic enhancement of a signal and more selective due to structural design. When the deoxyribozyme is split into two probes, it is very efficient in identifying a minute difference in sequence compared to the monolith structure. This binary deoxyribozyme sensor (BiDz) has two probes, each containing an analyte binding arm, substrate binding arm, and half of the catalytic core. The monolith structure, known as a catalytic molecular beacon (CMB), contains a hairpin that contains the analyte binding arm in the loop and the substrate binding arms in the stem. The catalytic core is fully intact but deemed inactive due to the substrate binding arms being complimentary to an inhibitory sequence forming the stem. Once the sensor binds the analyte, catalytic core is formed/activated and cleaves a substrate containing a fluorophore and quencher. When the substrate is cleaved a fluorescent signal is given off denoting the detection of the target DNA. Deoxyribozyme sensors can be applied to the field of human sex determination by detecting the Amelogenin gene. Found on both sex chromosomes, the Amelogenin gene is the most common marker used for sex determination because it exhibits dimorphism in length and sequence. Sex identification from ancient skeletal remains is crucial to understanding the social structure of our history. When conventional methods, such as metric analysis, are not an option due to the fragmented or prepubescent remains, molecular diagnostics are needed. Amplification of DNA is required to be able to detect the target sequence in human samples. Isothermal loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) is a fast and simple technique that provides ample amounts of amplicon. It is advantageous over PCR because it amplifies at one temperature and no thermal cycler is needed. Two different sensors have been designed to detect the X and Y specific sequences with high selectivity. From a direct comparison between the CMB and BiDZ, the binary structure has shown to be simpler and less expensive to design, and highly selective toward single base substitutions (SNS). While both sensors contain detection limits in the picomolar range, which is consistent with data published by other research groups, the CMB sensors failed to function at higher temperatures (55oC). BiDz sensors are shown to be superior to the CMB design, particularly when selectivity based analysis is desired. For human sex determination, the binary sensor detected sex specific sequences with great selectivity. The sensor then detected LAMP amplified DNA from male and female teeth after 30 minutes of amplification. Combining a binary deoxyribozyme sensor and isothermal amplification can provide a new and valuable method for human sex determination.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0007133, ucf:52306
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007133
- Title
- A DERIVATION OF AN EMPIRICAL EQUATION FOR ESTIMATING THE ACOUSTICAL SHADOW ZONE LENGTH OF ROADWAY NOISE BARRIERS.
- Creator
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Arner, Wayne, Wayson, Roger, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The objective of this research was to derive an empirical equation that estimates the acoustical shadow zone length (SZL) of roadway noise barriers. The acoustical shadow zone is the area behind a noise barrier of reduced sound levels, generally to some stated level at or near background. The ability to predict the SZL can be used as a method to evaluate the performance, and possibly the design, of roadway noise barriers. The current federally required roadway noise model is the Federal...
Show moreThe objective of this research was to derive an empirical equation that estimates the acoustical shadow zone length (SZL) of roadway noise barriers. The acoustical shadow zone is the area behind a noise barrier of reduced sound levels, generally to some stated level at or near background. The ability to predict the SZL can be used as a method to evaluate the performance, and possibly the design, of roadway noise barriers. The current federally required roadway noise model is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM). TNM uses insertion loss (IL) to evaluate the effectiveness of a barrier. Insertion loss is the difference in sound level between the "no barrier" and the "with barrier" case. One major limitation with TNM is that the reported IL does not take into account how background noise levels influence the mitigated sound levels. Background noise can be defined as the noise present at a barrier location in the absence of roadway noise. The shadow zone represents a region behind the noise barrier where the barrier is effective at reducing noise levels and takes into account how background noise affects the IL and thus the SZL. The inclusion of background noise becomes significant in evaluating barrier effectiveness because as the distance from the barrier increases, background noise begins to overtake roadway noise as the dominate noise source. The derivation of the empirical equation began by collecting in-situ noise measurements at 18 noise barrier locations across Florida. The measured noise data was supplemented by noise data obtained from computer modeling. After a sufficient quantity of measured and modeled IL data was obtained, a contour of equal IL (IL = 5 dB) was plotted for each barrier location. The area defined by the contour is called the shadow zone. All the SZLs were statistically compared to several variables that were expected to influence it. Regression modeling showed that the background noise level, noise barrier height, the distance from the roadway to the noise barrier, and percent of heavy truck traffic volume were statistically significant as useful predictors of SZL. Two empirical equations were derived, one from linear regression and one from polynomial regression, and are referred to as the Shadow Zone Equations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001464, ucf:47096
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001464
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL MASTER'S OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERING THE EDUCATION TRACK IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Goetteman, Mary, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The goal of this research was to determine how the nursing faculty shortage in Florida was being addressed. The purpose of this descriptive, comparative study was to explore program length, size, and admission criteria of master's of science in nursing (MSN) degree programs. Characteristics of both traditional and non-traditional programs that offered the education specialty were examined. Non-traditional programs included registered nurse to master's of science in nursing ...
Show moreABSTRACT The goal of this research was to determine how the nursing faculty shortage in Florida was being addressed. The purpose of this descriptive, comparative study was to explore program length, size, and admission criteria of master's of science in nursing (MSN) degree programs. Characteristics of both traditional and non-traditional programs that offered the education specialty were examined. Non-traditional programs included registered nurse to master's of science in nursing (RN-MSN) degree programs. Characteristics of students enrolled in the education track of these programs were also compared, based on participant's entry level into nursing practice. The three comparison groups included diploma prepared nurses, associate degree prepared nurses, and baccalaureate prepared nurses. Comparative and descriptive statistics with cross tabulations and frequencies, were used to determine comparisons, based on responses to questionnaire items that focused on reasons for entering the program, financial assistance, program satisfaction, goals, future plans, years of experience, nursing specialty, employment status, and demographics. The literature review found very few current studies on non-traditional and traditional MSN degree programs. Results of this study found only nine programs in the state that offered an MSN with a nursing education specialty with participation elicited from five of those nine programs. Findings revealed that within those programs were a variety of both traditional and non-traditional options that were unique in how they were organized and administered. Descriptive, comparative analysis revealed no significant differences in student characteristics of the three identified groups for those enrolled in master's level coursework in the nursing education specialty in spring of 2006. Overall, participants in the MSN programs indicated that they chose the program because they needed it for advancement, they wanted additional knowledge and skills, and the reputation and location were important. Their education was financed with personal earnings or loans. Upon completion of the program they planned to stay in their current positions and continue for a doctoral degree or specialty certification in nursing. Within 10 years they planned to be working as a faculty member in a nursing program. They were Caucasian women, aged 41-55, who lived with a significant other and children, worked more than 33 hours per week in critical care, pediatrics or education, and had more than 20 years of work experience. Findings indicated that the diversity of the MSN programs made no difference in the types of students that were attracted to the programs. These findings may be used to target recruitment efforts toward those interested in becoming nursing faculty in an effort to help alleviate the nursing faculty shortage in Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001346, ucf:46973
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001346
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROBLEM-SOLVING EXPERIENCES OF PHYSICS STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Savrda, Sherry, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study investigated the applicability of a general model of physics students' problem-solving experiences that suggests there are four dynamic factors affecting the problem-solving process: categorization, goal interpretation, resource relevance, and complexity. Furthermore, it suggests an overarching control factor called stabilization, which describes the inter-relatedness of the other factors over the problem-solving process. Think-aloud protocols of problem-solving experiences...
Show moreThis study investigated the applicability of a general model of physics students' problem-solving experiences that suggests there are four dynamic factors affecting the problem-solving process: categorization, goal interpretation, resource relevance, and complexity. Furthermore, it suggests an overarching control factor called stabilization, which describes the inter-relatedness of the other factors over the problem-solving process. Think-aloud protocols of problem-solving experiences were used to investigate the model. Results of the study showed that conceptual resources had a significant impact on the success of problem-solving attempts. Participants who exhibited a lack of understanding of physics concepts were less likely to check their work, use diagrams effectively, set subgoals, or to use geometric or trigonometric resources, and were more likely to use a formula-driven search for a solution than those who exhibited evidence of conceptual understanding. However, conceptual understanding did guarantee problem-solving success. Mathematical and procedural knowledge was also seen as important. While many of the specific observations were consistent with the existing literature, the model provides an alternative framework with which to understand and synthesize those observations. The model was shown to be partially successful in describing participants' problem-solving experiences. Categorization, resource relevance and goal interpretation were supported to varying degrees; however, there was less evidence to support the construct of complexity. Determination of evidence for stabilization was guided by a working definition based on the participants' search for a stable understanding of the problem. Implications of these results for research and practice were noted.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001619, ucf:47170
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001619
- Title
- A Design and Implementation Plan for Professional Development and Curriculum Modules of Historical Literacy in the Social Studies Classroom.
- Creator
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Cowgill, Daniel, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Fine, Terri, Scheiner, Cicely, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The goal of this dissertation in practice was to create professional development and curriculum modules focused on historical literacy in order to help teachers fully engage students in learning historical literacy skills. Historical literacy is the ability to understand the importance of the source of a document, being able to close read a text, to place a source within its proper context, and to corroborate the information from one source to another. The implementation of a program of this...
Show moreThe goal of this dissertation in practice was to create professional development and curriculum modules focused on historical literacy in order to help teachers fully engage students in learning historical literacy skills. Historical literacy is the ability to understand the importance of the source of a document, being able to close read a text, to place a source within its proper context, and to corroborate the information from one source to another. The implementation of a program of this nature is designed to help teachers and students develop these skills with the hope that it positively impacts not only student learning in the social studies classroom, but will also have a positive impact on student test scores, student college experiences, students' future careers, and students' role within our civic society.Included within this dissertation in practice is a model for how to facilitate an effective professional development program that helps increase teacher efficacy, teacher skill level, and teacher use of historical literacy. This model pays special attention to ensuring that teachers also see how the demands of various standards and teacher evaluation systems can be addressed through the use of historical literacy. Suggested use for this dissertation in practice is the creation of professional development programs that help schools implement best practices throughout the learning organization.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005775, ucf:50057
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005775
- Title
- A design for implementing a simulation for training school principals in decision-making utilizing videodisc technology.
- Creator
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Wright, Robert Henry, Bozeman, William C., Education
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of the study was to design a simulation using apersonal computer-based authoring system that could serve as a vehicle for investigating decision-making styles of educational administrators. The program was designed to be used at the graduate level for students seeking advanced degrees in educational leadership. The simulation makes use of simulation techniques for controlling presentation of material and data collection...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of the study was to design a simulation using apersonal computer-based authoring system that could serve as a vehicle for investigating decision-making styles of educational administrators. The program was designed to be used at the graduate level for students seeking advanced degrees in educational leadership. The simulation makes use of simulation techniques for controlling presentation of material and data collection for subequent analysis about information search and utilization procedures of administrators. The study was undertaken to demonstrate that nontechnical personnel using state-of-the-art technology could develop affordable and effective multimedia simulations. The study was also designed to demonstrate that technology was sufficiently advanced that time to develop such a program would not preclude its use. Data were gathered from seven graduate students attending a introductory graduate course. Other sources of data included practicing unitersity professors, district administrators practicing principles. Data were gathered using a survey and personal interviews. Results of the survey indicated that respondents found that the technical approach was innovative and could be useful in teaching graduate students how to be better principals. District administrators expressed interest in using the program to evaluate candidates for beginning principalships.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1993
- Identifier
- CFR0008172, ucf:53080
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008172
- Title
- A DEVIANCE REGULATION THEORY INTERVENTION TO REDUCE ALCOHOL PROBLEMS AMONG FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Leary, Angelina V, Dvorak, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
OBJECTIVE: An alcohol-drinking culture exists among first-time-in-college students, where many of these students come to their university relatively inexperienced with alcohol, which may increase alcohol-related consequences. Several interventions exist to combat this campus problem. The current study investigates the use of a Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT) intervention, presented in a web-based manner, to increase alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS), such as monitoring drinks,...
Show moreOBJECTIVE: An alcohol-drinking culture exists among first-time-in-college students, where many of these students come to their university relatively inexperienced with alcohol, which may increase alcohol-related consequences. Several interventions exist to combat this campus problem. The current study investigates the use of a Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT) intervention, presented in a web-based manner, to increase alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS), such as monitoring drinks, using a designated driver, and drinking water in between alcoholic beverages, among college freshmen. METHOD: College freshmen participants (N = 157) completed web-based surveys examining alcohol behaviors once a week for six weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a positive frame about individuals who used PBS, a negative frame about individuals who did not use PBS, or a control group that did not receive a DRT intervention. Participants also reported their perception of PBS use among UCF students and friend. Data was analyzed in each PBS subtype: Manner of Drinking, Stop/Limiting Drinking, and Serious Harm Reduction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results indicate a negatively framed message with high perceived norm levels results in increased PBS use, which may suggest college freshmen have a strong drive to "fit in", or avoid standing out in negative ways. Further, there seems to be little desire to standout in positive ways among first-year students. This may be indicative of individuals who modify their behavior in order to assimilate to a new and unfamiliar environment. Furthermore, some PBS strategies were associated with decreases in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Results suggest a DRT intervention may be beneficial to first-time-in-college students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000427, ucf:45715
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000427
- Title
- A DIALECTICAL METHODOLOGY FOR DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS DESIGN.
- Creator
-
Elgarah, Wafa, Courtney, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As organizations continue to grow in size, reaching global proportions, they have ever increasing impacts on their environments. Some believe that a much broader array of concerns should be brought into organizational decision-making processes, including greater consideration of social, political, ethical and aesthetic factors (Mitroff and Linstone, 1993; Courtney, 2001). Decision environments such as these are decidedly "wicked" (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Designing decision support systems...
Show moreAs organizations continue to grow in size, reaching global proportions, they have ever increasing impacts on their environments. Some believe that a much broader array of concerns should be brought into organizational decision-making processes, including greater consideration of social, political, ethical and aesthetic factors (Mitroff and Linstone, 1993; Courtney, 2001). Decision environments such as these are decidedly "wicked" (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Designing decision support systems in such environments where there is a high level of interconnectedness, issues are overlapping and a multiplicity of stakeholders is involved, is a very complex task. In this dissertation a methodology for the development of a DSS for wicked situations is proposed using the design theory building process suggested by Walls et al. (1992). This proposed theory is based on dialectic theory and the multiple perspective approach suggested by Linstone and Mitroff (1993). The design process consists of identifying relevant stakeholders, their respective worldviews, and conflicts in these worldviews. A design (thesis) and "counter design" (antithesis) are created, and a prototype systems based on these designs are developed. These prototypes are then presented to the different stakeholder groups who engage in a dialogue which leads to the development of a synthesized design. The process is repeated until all conflicts are resolved or resources are exhausted, and a final system is produced. Using action research and system development research methodologies, the proposed design theory was applied to zoning decision process in Orange County, Florida. The results of this study led to the following: 1. It is feasible to implement the MPDP methodology proposed in this dissertation. 2. The MPDP methodology resulted in a synthesized design that accommodates the different views of the stakeholders. 3. The MPDP methodology is suitable for contentious situations and may not be feasible for structured decisions. 4. Most of the subjects did achieve a more understanding of the decision process. These results suggest that the MPDP design theory can be effective in developing decision support systems in contentious situations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000883, ucf:46637
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000883
- Title
- A DIALOGICAL APPROACH OF GROUP IDENTITY SALIENCE AND THE ACADEMIC COMPETENCE OF NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
-
Thally, Robert, Wright, Ph.D., Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As of 2007, approximately 73% of the 18 million college students in this country could be identified as nontraditional (Ross-Gordon, 2011). A key characteristic distinguishing this group from the traditional college student is the influence of multiple roles of the adult learner on the learning and engagement process (Keith, Byerly, Floerchinger, Pence, & Thornberg, 2006). Ross-Gordon remarks on some roles that may provide life experience, an asset to understanding theoretical constructs...
Show moreAs of 2007, approximately 73% of the 18 million college students in this country could be identified as nontraditional (Ross-Gordon, 2011). A key characteristic distinguishing this group from the traditional college student is the influence of multiple roles of the adult learner on the learning and engagement process (Keith, Byerly, Floerchinger, Pence, & Thornberg, 2006). Ross-Gordon remarks on some roles that may provide life experience, an asset to understanding theoretical constructs otherwise immaterial to younger, traditional learners. However, it is important to recognize the complex dynamic of conflicting roles as challenges to the academic competence of nontraditional college students. This research examined the vague definition of the nontraditional student and the factors that influence the learning and engagement processes. Through the lens of Hermans and Gieser's (2012) dialogical self-theory and higher education discourse, a novel examination of group role identity salience is proposed as a useful model for improving the educational and social realities of the adult learner.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004345, ucf:44982
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004345
- Title
- A Differential Sample and Hold Technique that Rejects Offset Voltages.
- Creator
-
Davis, John A., Harden, Richard C., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This research report discussed modern sample and hold theory and techniques and then uses them to develop a new differential sampling concept to solve a real engineering problem, involving the synchronous demodulation of three amplitude modulated direction cosine signals in an unusual noise environment. The problem is discussed in detail and a detailed circuit design solution given. Additionally, the results of a breadboard test...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This research report discussed modern sample and hold theory and techniques and then uses them to develop a new differential sampling concept to solve a real engineering problem, involving the synchronous demodulation of three amplitude modulated direction cosine signals in an unusual noise environment. The problem is discussed in detail and a detailed circuit design solution given. Additionally, the results of a breadboard test of the concept is given that shows their circuit to have a 60dB offset voltage rejection ratio.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1976
- Identifier
- CFR0004426, ucf:52976
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0004426
- Title
- A Diffraction Model for Prediction of Radar Signal Attention by a Rocket Exhaust Plume.
- Creator
-
Sphar, Douglas Harrison, Mathews, B.E., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This report documents the development of a method of estimating the signal attenuation induced by a rocket exhaust plume. The method is applicable to the early system design phase of high energy solid propellant rockets that produce highly ionized exhaust plumes. The method is based on the premise that when a plume is highly ionized, observed signal levels can be explained by assuming the signal propagates around the plume. A...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This report documents the development of a method of estimating the signal attenuation induced by a rocket exhaust plume. The method is applicable to the early system design phase of high energy solid propellant rockets that produce highly ionized exhaust plumes. The method is based on the premise that when a plume is highly ionized, observed signal levels can be explained by assuming the signal propagates around the plume. A simple diffraction at a straight edge model is developed and compared to measured data. The report also provides an overview of exhaust plume electromagnetics and surveys prediction techniques.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1972
- Identifier
- CFR0003481, ucf:53035
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0003481
- Title
- A Digital Media Exploration of the Federal Writers' Project's Folk Song Collecting Expeditions in Depression Era Florida.
- Creator
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Baker, Holly, Cassanello, Robert, French, Scot, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This digital thesis project examines the folk song collecting expeditions of the Federal Writers' Project (FWP) in Florida between 1935 and 1942. The FWP carried out numerous folk music collecting expeditions in Florida through the Works Progress Administration. Folklorists such as Zora Neale Hurston, Alan Lomax, and Stetson Kennedy led the expeditions and traveled throughout Florida to record blues, (")jook(") songs, work songs, and traditional music from African American, Cuban, Czech,...
Show moreThis digital thesis project examines the folk song collecting expeditions of the Federal Writers' Project (FWP) in Florida between 1935 and 1942. The FWP carried out numerous folk music collecting expeditions in Florida through the Works Progress Administration. Folklorists such as Zora Neale Hurston, Alan Lomax, and Stetson Kennedy led the expeditions and traveled throughout Florida to record blues, (")jook(") songs, work songs, and traditional music from African American, Cuban, Czech, Greek, Minorcan, Seminole, and Slavic communities. While romantic notions of nationalism in the 1930s often promoted homogenization, the FWP emphasized inclusiveness and highlighted cultural diversity. The FWP's approach challenged popular concepts concerning the homogeneousness of American culture and identity. Their recordings indicate that Florida was a patchwork of varied cultures. Yet, Florida's diversity is not adequately highlighted in popular history. Historians often see Florida history through the eyes of the mythologized (")Florida Cracker("), the Celtic pioneer who settled in Florida in the eighteenth century, but the Cracker perspective represents but a square in the patchwork quilt that makes up Florida's cultural history. An exploration of the FWP folk song recordings brings Florida's diversity to the forefront and increases the public's understanding of the state's cultural variety. The project includes a podcast series that features stories about the FWP expeditions, the folklorists, the performers, and the music. It also includes an interactive exhibit that is currently a work in progress. Source materials derived from open-access public archives create an immersive, interactive learning experience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007153, ucf:52321
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007153
- Title
- A DIPLOMAT'S PORTRAIT: THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE'S VIEW ON FRENCH IMPERIAL POLICY REGARDING SYRIAN RELIGIOUS MINORITIES OF 1918-1922.
- Creator
-
Charles, Dominic, Ozoglu, Hakan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis examines documents from the US department of State relating to the Internal Affairs of Turkey in the years of 1918-1922, to answer questions pertaining to French imperial policy directed toward minority groups in French Mandate Syria, which included present-day nations of Lebanon and Syria. Of the many minority groups present in French Mandate Syria, I chose to examine the Maronite, Druze, Alawi, Eastern Christian, and Armenian communities because of their significant role in the...
Show moreThis thesis examines documents from the US department of State relating to the Internal Affairs of Turkey in the years of 1918-1922, to answer questions pertaining to French imperial policy directed toward minority groups in French Mandate Syria, which included present-day nations of Lebanon and Syria. Of the many minority groups present in French Mandate Syria, I chose to examine the Maronite, Druze, Alawi, Eastern Christian, and Armenian communities because of their significant role in the state-building of Syria and Lebanon. By using documents originating from US diplomats, this thesis attempts to present the United States' view on these imperial policies. In the formation of this perspective, the thesis asks some of the following questions: What were the effects of French imperial policies on Syrian minorities? And how did French imperial policy regarding minorities shape French Syrian society as a whole? To answer these questions as completely as possible, I supplemented the archival sources with material from significant scholars in Levantine and broader Mid-East history, like Albert Hourani and Yaron Friedman. My research suggests that policies pursued had a negative impact on all of the minorities but to a lesser extent for the Maronites, and other Christians. It also suggests that French imperial policy led to the creation of a violent society but steps could have been taken to produce a more peaceful outcome. The final goal of this thesis is to provide the historical narratives of the minority groups with an additional perspective, that of the US diplomats throughout the region.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004830, ucf:45485
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004830
- Title
- A DIRECT COMPENSATOR PROFILE OPTIMIZATION APPROACH FOR INTENSITY MODULATED RADIATION TREATMENT PLANNING.
- Creator
-
Erhart, Kevin, Divo, Eduardo, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Radiation therapy accounts for treatment of over one million cancer patients each year in the United States alone, and its use will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. Recently, many important advancements have been developed that greatly improve the outcomes and effectiveness of this treatment technique, the most notable being Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a sophisticated treatment technique where the radiation dose is conformed to the tumor volume, thereby...
Show moreRadiation therapy accounts for treatment of over one million cancer patients each year in the United States alone, and its use will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. Recently, many important advancements have been developed that greatly improve the outcomes and effectiveness of this treatment technique, the most notable being Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a sophisticated treatment technique where the radiation dose is conformed to the tumor volume, thereby sparing nearby healthy tissue from excessive radiation dose. While IMRT is a valuable tool in the planning of radiation treatments, it is not without its difficulties. This research has created, developed, and tested an innovative approach to IMRT treatment planning, coined Direct Compensator Profile Optimization (DCPO), which is shown to eliminate many of the difficulties typically associated with IMRT planning and delivery using solid compensator based treatment. The major innovation of this technique is that it is a direct delivery parameter optimization approach which has adopted a parameterized surface representation using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBs) to replace the conventional beamlet weight optimization approach. This new approach brings with it three key advantages: 1) a reduced number of parameters to optimize, reducing the difficulty of numerical optimization; 2) the ability to ensure complete equivalence of planned and actual manufactured compensators; and 3) direct inclusion of delivery device effects during planning with no performance penalties, eliminating the degrading fluence-to-delivery parameter conversion process. Detailed research into the affects of the DCPO approach on IMRT planning has been completed and a thorough analysis of the developments is provided herein. This research includes a complete description of the DCPO surface representation scheme, inverse planning process, as well as quantification of the manufacturing constraint control procedure. Results are presented which demonstrate the performance and innovation offered by this new approach and show that the resulting compensator shapes can be manufactured to nearly 100 percent of the designed shape.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002800, ucf:48099
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002800
- Title
- A Discussion of Robert Schumann's Compositional Process in the Song Cycle Frauenliebe und -leben.
- Creator
-
Denham, Brittany, Warfield, Scott, Koons, Keith, Potter, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Robert Schumann's compositional work during 1840 stands out as an unexpected turn of events. With relatively no background composing songs, Schumann suddenly produced a plethora of widely successful and monetarily lucrative songs all within one year. Perhaps most fascinating was the amount of detail Schumann placed into each song. This detail can be seen in the sketches which include the composer's handwritten edits in both the piano and vocal scores. With a focus on Schumann's song cycle,...
Show moreRobert Schumann's compositional work during 1840 stands out as an unexpected turn of events. With relatively no background composing songs, Schumann suddenly produced a plethora of widely successful and monetarily lucrative songs all within one year. Perhaps most fascinating was the amount of detail Schumann placed into each song. This detail can be seen in the sketches which include the composer's handwritten edits in both the piano and vocal scores. With a focus on Schumann's song cycle, Frauenliebe und -leben, the qualities of Schumann's songs and the compositional process used to create the songs' final versions are examined through this study. The origins of the poems and their author, Adelbert von Chamisso, are investigated in addition to the relationship created by Schumann between the poems and vocal lines. Main emphasis is placed on tracing the progression from the rough vocal lines found in the autograph score to the relatively finished copyist's score and finally to the final published version of the cycle.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004370, ucf:49433
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004370