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- Title
- A Behavioral Model of Law Enforcement Applicant Characteristics Derived from a Simulated Cheating Task: Implications for Pre-Employment Hiring Practices.
- Creator
-
Montaquila, Julian, Caulkins, Bruce, Wiegand, Rudolf, Teo, Grace, Beever, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Recently, numerous high-profile instances of police misconduct and corruption have been thrust into the national spotlight. Hiring police officers who will act with integrity and not betray public trust remains essential. The present research experimentally examines this phenomenon by evaluating pre-employment assessment results against applicant performance on a simulated cheating task (i.e., The Dots Task) in order to derive information to improve contemporary pre-employment screening and...
Show moreRecently, numerous high-profile instances of police misconduct and corruption have been thrust into the national spotlight. Hiring police officers who will act with integrity and not betray public trust remains essential. The present research experimentally examines this phenomenon by evaluating pre-employment assessment results against applicant performance on a simulated cheating task (i.e., The Dots Task) in order to derive information to improve contemporary pre-employment screening and selection models. Four case examples are presented which depict malicious actors who possessed privileged access, assumed no one would ever scrutinize their activities, and attempted to leverage a lack of oversight for their personal benefit. A literature review of previous research findings is presented, and results from the current study are discussed. Spearman correlation analyses consistently indicated that participants who cheated were predisposed to moral disengagement via advantageous comparison. Participants who left all or part of their monetary award were less prone to general moral disengagement, particularly displacement of responsibility, while the opposite effect was observed for participants who took more than their earned award. Impression management was positively associated with stealing extra money, and cheating was more common among participants with elevated distorted thought patterns, including obsessional thinking, paranoid ideation, and alienation/perceptual distortion. Stepwise linear multiple regression analyses further substantiated the relationship between cheating and both distorted thought patterns and impression management, as well as provided evidence that (1) internalizing morality as part of one's self-identity and (2) warmth act as protective factors against cheating behavior. Positive relationships between cheating and distortion of consequences were also present within multiple regression analyses. Behavioral models produced from stepwise linear multiple regression analyses offer the potential to predict the likelihood and severity of cheating behavior that an individual may be predisposed to commit based upon their pre-employment assessment data, thereby enhancing pre-employment screening and selection decisions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007409, ucf:52714
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007409
- Title
- A Bench Top Study of the Optimization of LVAD Cannula Implantation to Reduce Risk of Cerebral Embolism.
- Creator
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Clark, William, Kassab, Alain, Divo, Eduardo, Ilie, Marcel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Physical bench top experiments are performed to validate and complement ongoing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of ventricular assist device (VAD) circulation. VADs are used in patients whose hearts do not function to their maximum potential due advanced stages of heart disease and, consequently, are unable to adequately supply blood to the systemic circulation. VADs are commonly utilized as a bridge-to-transplantation, meaning that they are implanted in patients while waiting for...
Show morePhysical bench top experiments are performed to validate and complement ongoing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of ventricular assist device (VAD) circulation. VADs are used in patients whose hearts do not function to their maximum potential due advanced stages of heart disease and, consequently, are unable to adequately supply blood to the systemic circulation. VADs are commonly utilized as a bridge-to-transplantation, meaning that they are implanted in patients while waiting for a heart transplant. In such cases of long term utilization of VADs, it has been reported in the literatures that thrombo-embolic cerebral events occur in 14-47% of patients over the period of 6 to 12 months. This is a result of thrombus forming despite the use of anticoagulants and advances in VAD design. Accepting current rates of thrombo-embolisms, the main objective of the project is to identify and propose an optimal surgical cannula implantation orientation aimed at reducing the rate of thrombi reaching the carotid and vertebral arteries and thus reduce the morbidity and mortality rate associated with the long term use of VADs to patients suffering from advanced heart failure. The main focus of the experiment is on the physical aspect using a synthetic anatomically correct model constructed by rapid prototyping of the human aortic arch and surrounding vessels. Three VAD cannula implantation configurations are studied with and without bypass to the left carotid artery or to the Innominate artery with ligation of the branch vessel at its root. A mixture of water and glycerin serves to match blood viscosity measured with a rotating cone-plate viscometer. The Reynolds number in the ascending aorta is matched in the flow model. A closed loop mock circulatory system is then realized. In order to match the Reynolds number in the ascending aorta and LVAD cannula with that of the CFD model, a volumetric flow rate of 2.7 liters per minute is supplied through the synthetic VAD cannula and 0.9 liter per minute is supplied to the ascending aorta. Flow rates are measured using rotary flow meters and a pressure sensor is used to ensure a mean operating pressure of 100 mmHg is maintained. Synthetic acrylic blood clots are injected at the inlet of the VAD cannula and they are captured and counted at the vertebral and carotid arteries. The sizes of the thrombi simulated are 2, 3.5 and 5 mm which are typical of the range of diameters encountered in practice. Nearly 300 particles are released over 5 separate runs for each diameter, and overall embolization rates as well as individual embolization rates are evaluated along with associated confidence levels. The experimental results show consistency between CFD and experiment. Means comparison of thromboembolization rates predicted by CFD and bench-top results using a Z-score statistic with a 95% confidence level results in 22 of 24 cases being statistically equal. This study provides confidence in the predictive capabilities of the bench-top model as a methodology that can be utilized in upcoming studies utilizing patient-specific aortic bed model.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004365, ucf:49412
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004365
- Title
- A Binary Approach for Selective Recognition of Nucleic Acids and Proteins.
- Creator
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Cornett, Evan, Kolpashchikov, Dmitry, Self, William, Ye, Jingdong, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The design of probes for the selective recognition of biopolymers (nucleic acids and proteins) is a fundamental task for studying, diagnosing, and treating diseases. Traditional methods utilize a single component (small molecule or oligonucleotide) that binds directly to the target biopolymer. However, many biopolymers are unable to be targeted with this approach. The overarching goal of this dissertation is to explore a new, binary approach for designing probes. The binary approach requires...
Show moreThe design of probes for the selective recognition of biopolymers (nucleic acids and proteins) is a fundamental task for studying, diagnosing, and treating diseases. Traditional methods utilize a single component (small molecule or oligonucleotide) that binds directly to the target biopolymer. However, many biopolymers are unable to be targeted with this approach. The overarching goal of this dissertation is to explore a new, binary approach for designing probes. The binary approach requires two components that cooperatively bind to the target, triggering a recognition event. The requisite binding of two-components allows the probes to have excellent selectivity and modularity.The binary approach was applied to design a new sensor, called operating cooperatively (OC) sensor, for recognition of nucleic acids, including selectively differentiating between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). An OC sensor contains two oligonucleotide probe strands, called O and C, each with two domains. The first domain contains a target recognition sequence, whereas the second domain is complementary to a molecular beacon (MB) probe. Binding of both probe strands to the fully matched analyte generates a full MB probe recognition site, allowing a MB to bind and report the presence of the target analyte. Importantly, we show that the OC sensor selectively discriminates between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA and RNA targets at room temperature, including those with stable secondary structures. Furthermore, the combinatorial use of OC sensors to create a DNA logic gate capable of analyzing DNA sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is described.The binary approach was also applied to design covalent inhibitors for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). In this application, two separate pre-reactive groups were attached to a natural RT ligand, deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP). Upon binding of both dTTP analogs in the RT active site, the pre-reactive groups are brought into the proper proximity and react with each other forming an intermediate that subsequently reacts with an amino acid side chain from the RT. This leads to covalent modification of RT, and inhibition of its DNA polymerase activity. This concept was tested in vitro using dTTP analogs containing pre-reactive groups derived from ?-lactamase inhibitors clavulanic acid (CA) and sulbactam (SB). Importantly, our in vitro assays show that CA based inhibitors are more potent than zidovudine (AZT), a representative of the dominant class of RT inhibitors currently used in anti-HIV therapy. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations predict that complexes of RT with these analogs are stable, and point to possible reaction mechanisms. The inhibitors described in this work may serve as the basis for the development of the first covalent inhibitors for RT. Moreover, the pre-reactive groups used in this study can be used to design covalent inhibitors for other targets by attaching them to different ligands. Overall, the work presented herein establishes the binary approach as a straightforward way to develop new probes to selectively recognize nucleic acids and proteins.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006031, ucf:51010
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006031
- Title
- A bioarchaeological study of osteoarthritis of agro-pastoralists from Mistihalj, Bosnia and Herzegovina: a lifestyle set in time.
- Creator
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Manoni, Zorina, Toyne, J. Marla, Dupras, Tosha, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Activity stresses are an important factor in the development, patterning, and severity of osteoarthritis. This bioarchaeological thesis explores the prevalence and patterning of osteoarthritis between individuals buried at a Late Medieval Necropolis and a church Crypt built in the 19th century at the Mistihalj site in Bosnia and Herzegovina to understand the physiological effects of their peasant agro-pastoralist lifestyle. Composite scores of osteoarthritis were generated for visual...
Show moreActivity stresses are an important factor in the development, patterning, and severity of osteoarthritis. This bioarchaeological thesis explores the prevalence and patterning of osteoarthritis between individuals buried at a Late Medieval Necropolis and a church Crypt built in the 19th century at the Mistihalj site in Bosnia and Herzegovina to understand the physiological effects of their peasant agro-pastoralist lifestyle. Composite scores of osteoarthritis were generated for visual observations of upper limb joints (shoulder, elbow, and wrist) and lower limb joints (hip, knee, and ankle) of 37 female and 39 male adult (between 20 and 50 or more years of age) skeletons. These were analyzed and compared by limb, age, sex, and time period. Low ranking peasant status for individuals was inferred by the location and type of burial. Odds ratio analyses show a positive correlation between the prevalence of osteoarthritis and age among Necropolis individuals. Correlation by age is expected, as the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases due to senescence and longer exposure to activities. A positive correlation between the severity of osteoarthritis and burial location between male skeletons overall and among older adults suggests that distinctive factors, perhaps differential workloads, played a role in the effects of this condition among these individuals. The reasons for the lack of any other significant differences in the osteoarthritic effects within and between the individuals from the two burial locations are discussed, including systemic factors that might lead to generalized osteoarthritis. However, overall these data suggest that the individuals within and between these time periods were generally involved in similar activities reflecting long term traditional lifestyles that continued over centuries. This thesis adds to the nascent bioarchaeological knowledge about past populations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and contributes to an anthropological understanding of lifestyles and their effect on physiological health.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007222, ucf:52213
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007222
- Title
- A BIOCULTURAL ANALYSIS OF NUBIAN FETAL POT BURIALS FROM ASKUT, SUDAN.
- Creator
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Britton, Lauren, Dupras, Tosha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The skeletal remains in this study were excavated from the Nubian archaeological island fortress site of Askut (ca. 1850 BC - 1070 BC, New Kingdom/Third Intermediate period), located at the 2nd Cataract of the Nile river in Sudan. These remains were recovered as part of an archaeological expedition from 1962-1964, which was an effort to learn as much as possible about this site before the building of the High Dam in Aswan. Seven fetal skeletons (dated ca. 1260-770 BC) were examined for their...
Show moreThe skeletal remains in this study were excavated from the Nubian archaeological island fortress site of Askut (ca. 1850 BC - 1070 BC, New Kingdom/Third Intermediate period), located at the 2nd Cataract of the Nile river in Sudan. These remains were recovered as part of an archaeological expedition from 1962-1964, which was an effort to learn as much as possible about this site before the building of the High Dam in Aswan. Seven fetal skeletons (dated ca. 1260-770 BC) were examined for their biocultural significance. Biological analysis of these individuals indicates a range in developmental age from 36 to 40 weeks gestation. Three of the seven individuals show signs of pathology, including vertebral lesions, a deformed sphenoid, and cranial infectious bone reaction. These individuals, all interred in ceramic pots, were excavated from the pomoerium (the religious/sacred boundary or symbolic wall) of Askut's fortress. The interment style and burial location indicate that these individuals were treated differently in comparison to the children and adults of Askut, who were most likely buried in the cemeteries along the banks of the Nile. As Nubia was an Egyptian colony at this point in history, Egyptian influences and ideology would have had a large impact on Nubian culture, and this is reflected in the burial treatment of these individuals. Biocultural analyses of these individuals are used to interpret the particular burial patterns of these individuals.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002920, ucf:47993
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002920
- Title
- A Blue Flower: The Development of a Personal Documentary.
- Creator
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Taranger, Nils, Mills, Lisa, Stoeckl, Ula, Sandler, Barry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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A Blue Flower is a feature-length documentary film by Nils Taranger, made as part of the requirements for earning a Master of Fine Arts in Entrepreneurial Digital Cinema from the University of Central Florida. The film focuses on the director's journey to find healing, both physically and emotionally.Following the guidelines of UCF's program, Nils produced the film on a microbudget (under $50,000) level. The majority of filming took place in Florida with only a one or two person crew. This...
Show moreA Blue Flower is a feature-length documentary film by Nils Taranger, made as part of the requirements for earning a Master of Fine Arts in Entrepreneurial Digital Cinema from the University of Central Florida. The film focuses on the director's journey to find healing, both physically and emotionally.Following the guidelines of UCF's program, Nils produced the film on a microbudget (under $50,000) level. The majority of filming took place in Florida with only a one or two person crew. This thesis is a record of the film's progression from development to picture lock, in preparation for distribution.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004607, ucf:49915
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004607
- Title
- A BLUEPRINT FOR PLANNING AND DESIGNING STAGED-AUTHENTIC HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS IN SMALL ISLAND NATIONS.
- Creator
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Lasten, Earney, Pizam, Abraham, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this largely qualitative study was to develop a blueprint for planning and designing a staged-authentic heritage tourist attraction for small island nations. Data were gathered and analyzed in three phases. In Phase I, existing and potential supply, demand, and external variables associated with staged-authentic heritage attractions were identified, and a preliminary planning model and conceptual framework was developed. In Phase II, the model was refined. A blueprint...
Show moreThe purpose of this largely qualitative study was to develop a blueprint for planning and designing a staged-authentic heritage tourist attraction for small island nations. Data were gathered and analyzed in three phases. In Phase I, existing and potential supply, demand, and external variables associated with staged-authentic heritage attractions were identified, and a preliminary planning model and conceptual framework was developed. In Phase II, the model was refined. A blueprint containing seven major questions and 26 sequential steps was developed. In Phase III, the blueprint was tested using focus groups and an online tourist survey in the Caribbean region (Aruba) in order to determine the extent to which it could be useful to those responsible for the development of staged-authentic heritage tourist attractions. It was concluded that (a) the devised blueprint is appropriate and effective for planning and designing a staged-authentic heritage attraction for small island nations, (b) the seven questions and 26 steps developed to support the methodological flowchart ensure attention to essential activities and events in the planning and designing of a staged-authentic heritage attraction, and (c) continuous collaboration among all stakeholders is required in planning and designing staged-authentic heritage attractions so as to ensure commitment of those who would be contributors, supporters, and developers of the project. Implications for the use of the blueprint and for staged-authentic heritage attractions were offered. Also presented were recommendations for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003450, ucf:48406
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003450
- Title
- A Brief History of the Florida Railroad commission.
- Creator
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PALMM (Project)
- Abstract / Description
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Summary: " A few historical facts about the development of transportation in our State together with a review of the scope and activities of the Commission".
- Date Issued
- 1938
- Identifier
- DP0004033
- Format
- E-book
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/DP0004033
- Title
- A BURKEAN METHOD FOR ANALYZING ENVIRONMENTAL RHETORIC.
- Creator
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Stewart, John, Dombrowski, Paul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The work of Kenneth Burke provides a method of rhetorical analysis that is useful in terms of bringing features of texts to the surface that are not readily apparent, such as how they produce identification in their audiences, and in revealing rhetorical factors related to but outside the text, for example the authors' motives. Burke's work is wide-ranging and open to many interpretations, so it can be difficult to apply. This study condenses some of his more important concepts into a...
Show moreThe work of Kenneth Burke provides a method of rhetorical analysis that is useful in terms of bringing features of texts to the surface that are not readily apparent, such as how they produce identification in their audiences, and in revealing rhetorical factors related to but outside the text, for example the authors' motives. Burke's work is wide-ranging and open to many interpretations, so it can be difficult to apply. This study condenses some of his more important concepts into a simplified method which has several practical applications; it focuses on how Burke's theories can be applied to analyzing environmental texts, and helps reveal how those texts are rhetorically effective. This method is also shown to be useful for rhetoricians and other students of language in analyzing the motives and meanings behind complicated texts. An example analysis is developed in detail to demonstrate the utility of this approach for analyzing environmental rhetoric and help clarify how to apply it to other texts. A publication by the Center for Ecoliteracy (CEL), a nonprofit organization engaged in environmental education, provides the basis for a concrete example of applying this method to a current work of environmental rhetoric. The CEL serves as an example of current environmental organizations and their rhetoric, and a Burkean analysis of its publications begins by revealing some of the principles operating in the texts that make them rhetorically effective. This analysis also goes beyond basic dialectics to question how the texts function as "symbolic action" and how they fit into Burke's hierarchic system of language. The method developed in this study not only determines how the text produces identification in an audience, but also the motives behind producing the text. The CEL's publications are good representative examples of current environmental writing, so the conclusions drawn from an analysis of the CEL's texts can be applied to other environmental rhetoric.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002594, ucf:48248
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002594
- Title
- A CASE OF DOUBLE CONCIOUSNESS: AMERICO-LIBERIANS AND INDIGENOUS LIBERIAN RELATIONS 1840-1930.
- Creator
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Santana , Genesys, Gordon , Fon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study argues that the formation of Americo-Liberian identity overwhelmingly relied on White American middle class cultural values despite the founders' criticisms and rejection of racial oppression and slavery. Americo-Liberians' previous participation in a culture that downgrades African heritage fostered the internalization of Western notions of civilization and African inferiority that led them to establish an oppressive regime similar to the one they had escaped from, and even...
Show moreThis study argues that the formation of Americo-Liberian identity overwhelmingly relied on White American middle class cultural values despite the founders' criticisms and rejection of racial oppression and slavery. Americo-Liberians' previous participation in a culture that downgrades African heritage fostered the internalization of Western notions of civilization and African inferiority that led them to establish an oppressive regime similar to the one they had escaped from, and even enslaved the indigenous population, which they considered "uncivilized." The study thus investigates how formerly oppressed and enslaved blacks became oppressors and enslavers of other black people in the name of a "civilizing mission." The relationship that developed between Americo-Liberians and indigenous Liberians provides a case study to explore the impact of White supremacy ideology on enslaved Africans and racial uplift ideology. Building on contributions of social theory and conflict theory my analysis of Americo-Liberians demonstrates how social class and ideology interacted to produce socio-economic developments that led to the Liberian Civil War. This study covers the founding of Liberia as a republic during the 1840's through the League of Nation's intervention in 1928. It is during this time period that Americo-Liberians fostered an exploitative and colonizing relationship with the indigenous Liberian population. Previous scholarship regarding Liberia engages in descriptive analysis this study is the first to employ the theoretical framework of double-consciousness to further illuminate the ambivalent positions of the Americo-Liberians vis-à-vis indigenous Liberians
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004216, ucf:44952
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004216
- Title
- A Case Study Evaluation of Quality Standards and Online Faculty Development.
- Creator
-
O'Brien, Erin, Gunter, Glenda, Hartshorne, Richard, Thompson, Kelvin, Vitale, Thomas, Haggerty, Dorothy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation in practice was designed to provide an evaluation case study of two institutions, one college and one university, in the field of online learning and quality assurance. The writer evaluated these two institutions of higher learning to discover what online teaching criteria are required and what quality assurance processes are being used to assess the quality of the institutions' online courses. An analysis of the data revealed that both institutions were at the appropriate...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice was designed to provide an evaluation case study of two institutions, one college and one university, in the field of online learning and quality assurance. The writer evaluated these two institutions of higher learning to discover what online teaching criteria are required and what quality assurance processes are being used to assess the quality of the institutions' online courses. An analysis of the data revealed that both institutions were at the appropriate stage of development, support, training and quality assurance measures for their sizes, online populations and for the length of time they have been involved in online learning. Findings revealed that both institutions had a quality assurance process in place that is appropriate to their location, population and faculty. There is much to be learned by examining the two different credentialing and quality assurance approaches to online teaching and learning that these two different institutions employ for anyone interested in improving their institutions' processes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005855, ucf:50919
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005855
- Title
- A Case Study Exploring the Relationship between Culturally Responsive Teaching and a Mathematical Practice of the Common Core State Standards.
- Creator
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Howse, Tashana, Dixon, Juli, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Andreasen, Janet, Adams, Thomasenia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This collective case study explores the nature of the relationship between teachers' use of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) practices and students' engagement in constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others (SMP3). This study was informed by the Common Core State Standards Initiative related to developing mathematically proficient students through the use of student engagement practices consistent with the standards for mathematical practice. As a means to support...
Show moreThis collective case study explores the nature of the relationship between teachers' use of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) practices and students' engagement in constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others (SMP3). This study was informed by the Common Core State Standards Initiative related to developing mathematically proficient students through the use of student engagement practices consistent with the standards for mathematical practice. As a means to support teachers' facilitating specific student engagement practices, professional development was provided. This study is situated in the growing body of research associated with student engagement and cultural identity. The case of two teachers was defined from interviews, classroom observations, journal prompts, and student artifacts. Data was collected before, during, and after professional development following a cross-case analysis. Four themes emerged: (a) shift in teacher practice; (b) depth and breadth of the knowledge of culturally responsive teaching and standard for mathematical practice three; (c) teacher reflection and reception; and (d) classroom management. The findings suggest that the shift in teacher practice can be supported by professional development focused on reflective practice. This shift is impacted by classroom management and teachers' depth and breadth of their knowledge of CRT and SMP3.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005005, ucf:50009
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005005
- Title
- A Case Study of a Solar Augmented Heating System Versus A Solar Assisted Heat Pump.
- Creator
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Braleski, Louis P., Klee, Harold, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The usage and applications of solar energy are numerous; however, it's still in its infancy. The subject matter discusses two applications of solar energy, a "Solar Augmented Heated System" and a "Solar Assisted Heat Pump." The solar augmented system and the solar assisted system have the same components; however, the way they are used is of primary concern. A solar system in parallel with a heat pump is called "Solar Augmented...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The usage and applications of solar energy are numerous; however, it's still in its infancy. The subject matter discusses two applications of solar energy, a "Solar Augmented Heated System" and a "Solar Assisted Heat Pump." The solar augmented system and the solar assisted system have the same components; however, the way they are used is of primary concern. A solar system in parallel with a heat pump is called "Solar Augmented Heating System" or in series with a heat pump is a "Solar Assisted Heat Pump" A 2000 ft2 house was utilized as the basis of the design. The heating load was calculated from the construction materials. With this information the collector area, tank volume and heat pump sizes were determined. Once the system size and design was completed, TRNSYS, a "Transient Simulation Program" was used to simulate the two systems. A comparison was made of the two systems for a 21 day period to determine which of the two systems is more advantageous to use.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1978
- Identifier
- CFR0008158, ucf:53079
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008158
- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF FOUR YEARS DOCUMENTING THE CHANGES IN THE PROCESS OF SELF-REPORTING ACADEMIC PROGRAM PLANS ALONGSIDE THE PERCEPTIONS OF PROGRAM COORDINATORS.
- Creator
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Kulkarni, Kedar, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Major Advisors: Suzanne Martin, Ph.D., Laura Blasi, Ph.D. Universities in the United States of America are faced with numerous challenges concerning quality assurance such as the quest for Continuous Quality Improvement. Implementation of technology has been a priority of many developing institutions of higher education. A large metropolitan institution of higher education has put into practice a technology based, on-line program quality assessment system, for its academic and administrative...
Show moreMajor Advisors: Suzanne Martin, Ph.D., Laura Blasi, Ph.D. Universities in the United States of America are faced with numerous challenges concerning quality assurance such as the quest for Continuous Quality Improvement. Implementation of technology has been a priority of many developing institutions of higher education. A large metropolitan institution of higher education has put into practice a technology based, on-line program quality assessment system, for its academic and administrative programs. This dissertation was a study of the changes reported over four years, 2001-2005, within ten initial teacher preparation undergraduate programs at the College of Education at this institution. Using a mixed method approach, this study addressed the following primary questions: 1. Since the system was introduced; a. Has the process of monitoring quality in the academic units changed? b. If changes have occurred in the program plans, how have they been documented and implemented? 2. What are the limitations/benefits of the system, as perceived by its users? This study is a case for its readers to understand the process of quality improvement as practiced in a college of education within a metropolitan university.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001042, ucf:46805
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001042
- Title
- A Case Study of High School Administrators' Self-Perceived Readiness to be Digital Instructional Leaders.
- Creator
-
Sanchez Corona, Brian, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Ceballos, Marjorie, Shepherd, Andrew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine the readiness of an administrative team (N = 7) to provide digital instructional leadership, in the context of one high school, as well as examine possible outcomes related to student achievement, as measured by Florida Standards Assessment English Language Arts scale scores (FSA, 2018). This instrumental case study design (Fraenkel, Wallen, (&) Hyun, 2015) incorporated mixed-methods data collection and qualitative analysis. Data were collected from...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the readiness of an administrative team (N = 7) to provide digital instructional leadership, in the context of one high school, as well as examine possible outcomes related to student achievement, as measured by Florida Standards Assessment English Language Arts scale scores (FSA, 2018). This instrumental case study design (Fraenkel, Wallen, (&) Hyun, 2015) incorporated mixed-methods data collection and qualitative analysis. Data were collected from three distinct sources for triangulation: qualitative semi-structured interviews, Digital Instructional Leadership Readiness Instrument [DILRI(&)copy;] (Taylor (&) Shepherd, 2016) knowledge and confidence construct participant item selections, and Grade 9 and Grade 10 Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) English Language Arts 2018 student scale scores (FSA, 2018). Administrator perceptions of teachers' integration of technology in instruction were examined via constructs of (a) characteristics of learning and (b) levels of technology integration contained within the Technology Integration Matrix [TIM(&)copy;] (FCIT, 2018) framework. Findings support administrators' ability to recognize emergent levels of teachers' integration of technology in instruction. Findings also inform professional learning experiences for administrators supporting teachers in one-to-one digital school environments. Implications for practice include a need for sustained ongoing professional learning for administrators on the selected technology integration framework. School district administrators may seek to ensure that the selected technology integration framework, the TIM(&)copy; (FCIT, 2018) in this instrumental case study (Fraenkel et al., 2015), is presented as a sustained shared vision (Richardson (&) Sterrett) for both instructional and administrative personnel within the organization. Recommendations for future research include collecting similar data from multiple schools within a school district and from numerous school districts. Replication of this study is suggested in various regions of the United States. Also, a longitudinal follow-up study is suggested to examine change in administrator digital instructional leadership over time.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007722, ucf:52454
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007722
- Title
- A Case Study of High School Teacher Induction Programs in One Urban Florida School District.
- Creator
-
Bray, Tayler, Taylor, Rosemarye, Ceballos, Marjorie, Baldwin, Lee, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate high school teacher induction programs in one large urban Florida school district according to criteria identified in the literature, referred to as constructs in the study. In addition, this study sought to determine the relationship, if any, between school-based teacher induction programs and retention rates of first-year high school teachers. Using a triangulation approach, qualitative data were collected through a document analysis...
Show moreThe purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate high school teacher induction programs in one large urban Florida school district according to criteria identified in the literature, referred to as constructs in the study. In addition, this study sought to determine the relationship, if any, between school-based teacher induction programs and retention rates of first-year high school teachers. Using a triangulation approach, qualitative data were collected through a document analysis of individual high school faculty handbooks and online platforms, and by conducting interviews with the high school induction program designees. Grounded theory and the constant comparative method were utilized to code and further analyze data. Evidence of induction program constructs was recorded and scored using the High School Teacher Induction Matrix. Analysis of quantitative data utilized Pearson's r Correlation and an independent samples t-test. Findings, generated from seven high school induction program designees (N = 7) demonstrated varied implementation of induction program practices across the participant schools. The presence of research-based induction program constructs in high school induction programs did not exceed the 60% threshold. Additionally, qualitative findings demonstrated high school induction coordinators establish program practices and guidelines differently across the high schools. While the majority of high school induction program coordinators in this study received support from their school or the school district, other induction coordinators were left on their own. Statistical analysis revealed no statistical significance between participation in high school teacher induction programs and first-year high school teacher retention. Furthermore, inferential statistics discovered no statistically significant difference in the relationship of first-year high school teacher retention and certification type. However, due to a small n, the results of the study were limited to this context and not generalizable. The conclusions and recommendations of this study can support school district leaders and high school administrators in determining the practices, guidelines, and implementation related to teacher induction programs that are consistent with retaining first-year teachers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007605, ucf:52553
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007605
- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL IDENTITY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM IN POLITICS AND LITERATURE.
- Creator
-
Horning, Sarah-Marie, Houghton, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The American Dream has been the inspiration of many political speeches, political writings, and works of literature throughout American history. Most recently, it has inspired political groups like the Center for the New American Dream and academic groups like the Xavier University Center for the Study of the American Dream. As of late, the notion of the American Dream has begun to crop up more often than not in main stream political discourse, especially surrounding the topic of immigration...
Show moreThe American Dream has been the inspiration of many political speeches, political writings, and works of literature throughout American history. Most recently, it has inspired political groups like the Center for the New American Dream and academic groups like the Xavier University Center for the Study of the American Dream. As of late, the notion of the American Dream has begun to crop up more often than not in main stream political discourse, especially surrounding the topic of immigration with the aptly named Dream Act. Why has the American Dream drawn this new attention and inquiry? Why and how is it important to American Political thought? What does it mean? Why does it endure? As a complex issue of American culture, this thesis will use disparate methods of analysis to form answers to these questions. The American Dream is often referred to as our national myth. It is comprised of the many ideals and narratives which undergird American politics and culture. Through examination of literary works of fiction and of political texts, this research will examine the meaning and the history of the American Dream. Then, using secondary survey data, this research will examine the implications and state of the American Dream. Finally, to answer the question of why the American Dream endures, this research will employ elements of psychoanalytic and Marxist theory to argue that the Dream works as a cycle of American political thought.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004422, ucf:45116
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004422
- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF INQUIRY BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE USE OF A MENTOR ON AN ALTERNATIVELY CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHER'S SCIENCE TEACHING SELF-EFFICACY.
- Creator
-
Thrift, Michelle, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
One alternatively certified elementary teacher was the subject of this sixteen week research study on science teaching self-efficacy. The researcher taught inquiry based student level science lessons to the fourth grade teacher. The teacher participant, in turn, taught those same lessons to her class while the researcher observed and took field notes. The participant responded to specific open ended questions in a journal after each science experience and also completed three interviews with...
Show moreOne alternatively certified elementary teacher was the subject of this sixteen week research study on science teaching self-efficacy. The researcher taught inquiry based student level science lessons to the fourth grade teacher. The teacher participant, in turn, taught those same lessons to her class while the researcher observed and took field notes. The participant responded to specific open ended questions in a journal after each science experience and also completed three interviews with the researcher. Each sequential lesson from the researcher was then modified based on participant needs. The participant completed the STEBI (Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument) as a pre and post test to measure the effects of the above mentioned activities. The collected data from the STEBI was reported quantitatively. The collected data from the reflective journal entries and interviews were reported qualitatively. After careful analysis of the data gathered for this case study, the researcher came to the conclusion that inquiry based professional development through the use of a mentor affected the alternatively certified elementary teacher's science teaching self-efficacy. The subject maintained a positive attitude about the use of a mentor for the duration of the study and her Personal Science Teaching Efficacy increased or stayed the same on all of the STEBI questions. Limitations of the study as well as recommendations for further research were also discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001618, ucf:47189
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001618
- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF THE LIBRARIES IN THE VANGUARD LEARNING COLLEGES.
- Creator
-
Swaine, Linda G, Magann, Doug, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of a learning-centered library from the perspective of the libraries in the 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges which were participants in the Learning College Project sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges were: Cascadia Community College (WA), Community College of Baltimore County (MD), Community College of Denver (CO), Humber College, (Ontario), Kirkwood Community College (IA),...
Show moreThis study was conducted to determine the characteristics of a learning-centered library from the perspective of the libraries in the 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges which were participants in the Learning College Project sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges were: Cascadia Community College (WA), Community College of Baltimore County (MD), Community College of Denver (CO), Humber College, (Ontario), Kirkwood Community College (IA), Lane Community College, OR), Madison Area Technical College (WI), Moraine Valley Community College (IL), Palomar College (CA), Richland College (TX), Sinclair Community College (OH), and Valencia Community College (FL).Furthermore, the researcher was interested in discovering the extent to which the learning-centered concept had been implemented in these libraries as it related to the objectives of the Learning College Project and to chronicle the journeys of the libraries to become more learning-centered. The case study methodology was selected as the most appropriate method for collecting data from the libraries. The researcher interviewed the library administrators or their designees using a semi-structured telephone interview format. The interview questions were open-ended in nature and were developed based on the objectives of the Learning College Project under the guidance of a panel of experts from the fields of information studies and qualitative research. An analysis of the data derived from the telephone interviews and archival documents was analyzed using qualitative analysis strategies. The researcher sought to identify recurring patterns. Findings indicated that a learning-centered library: (a) supports the teaching and learning processes of the college, (b) empowers library staff to be facilitators of learning, (c) conducts strategic planning and assessment, (d) markets its services and resources to its learning community, (e) has facilities that are welcoming and conducive to the learning needs of its users, and (f) uses benchmarking with peer libraries and other organizations to improve its resources and services. When the library administrators or their designees rated the level of learning-centeredness attained by their libraries on a scale of one to ten with one being lowest and ten being highest, the most frequently reported level was 7 and the mean was 6.75. Findings on the implementation of the objectives of the Learning College Project suggested that while the libraries had made tremendous strides in this endeavor, their journeys were not yet completed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000045, ucf:46123
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000045
- Title
- A CASE STUDY OF THE LIBRARIES IN THE VANGUARD LEARNING COLLEGES.
- Creator
-
Swaine, Linda G, Magann, Doug, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of a learning-centered library from the perspective of the libraries in the 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges which were participants in the Learning College Project sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges were: Cascadia Community College (WA), Community College of Baltimore County (MD), Community College of Denver (CO), Humber College, (Ontario), Kirkwood Community College (IA),...
Show moreThis study was conducted to determine the characteristics of a learning-centered library from the perspective of the libraries in the 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges which were participants in the Learning College Project sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges were: Cascadia Community College (WA), Community College of Baltimore County (MD), Community College of Denver (CO), Humber College, (Ontario), Kirkwood Community College (IA), Lane Community College, OR), Madison Area Technical College (WI), Moraine Valley Community College (IL), Palomar College (CA), Richland College (TX), Sinclair Community College (OH), and Valencia Community College (FL).Furthermore, the researcher was interested in discovering the extent to which the learning-centered concept had been implemented in these libraries as it related to the objectives of the Learning College Project and to chronicle the journeys of the libraries to become more learning-centered. The case study methodology was selected as the most appropriate method for collecting data from the libraries. The researcher interviewed the library administrators or their designees using a semi-structured telephone interview format. The interview questions were open-ended in nature and were developed based on the objectives of the Learning College Project under the guidance of a panel of experts from the fields of information studies and qualitative research. An analysis of the data derived from the telephone interviews and archival documents was analyzed using qualitative analysis strategies. The researcher sought to identify recurring patterns. Findings indicated that a learning-centered library: (a) supports the teaching and learning processes of the college, (b) empowers library staff to be facilitators of learning, (c) conducts strategic planning and assessment, (d) markets its services and resources to its learning community, (e) has facilities that are welcoming and conducive to the learning needs of its users, and (f) uses benchmarking with peer libraries and other organizations to improve its resources and services. When the library administrators or their designees rated the level of learning-centeredness attained by their libraries on a scale of one to ten with one being lowest and ten being highest, the most frequently reported level was 7 and the mean was 6.75. Findings on the implementation of the objectives of the Learning College Project suggested that while the libraries had made tremendous strides in this endeavor, their journeys were not yet completed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000141, ucf:46165
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000141