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- Title
- The Microbial Biochemical Potential of Two Detention-Retention Marshes in the Kissimmee River Valley Watershed.
- Creator
-
Winkelmann, Douglas A., ,, Natural Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Natural Sciences Thesis; One of the major programs to abate the deterioration of water quality in the Lake Okeechobee watershed was the addition of detention-retention facilities. The microbial biochemical potential of two different detention-retention marshes in the Kissimmee River Valley were examined to determine their effectiveness to improve water quality. The kinetics of decomposition and nutrient mineralization and assimilation, as mediated by...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Natural Sciences Thesis; One of the major programs to abate the deterioration of water quality in the Lake Okeechobee watershed was the addition of detention-retention facilities. The microbial biochemical potential of two different detention-retention marshes in the Kissimmee River Valley were examined to determine their effectiveness to improve water quality. The kinetics of decomposition and nutrient mineralization and assimilation, as mediated by microorganisms, and the enumeration of microorganisms capable of utilizing various substrates were studied. Various communities within each marsh were studied during a 2-year period. The decomposition rates of 3 plant substrates were determined. Chitin was used as a standard for organic decomposition. Chitin had significantly higher (p [less than] 0.05) rates of decomposition than the plant material in all sites at both marshes. Chitin decomposition rates were significantly different (p[less than]0.05) between sites. Significant differences (p[less than]0.05) in rates of decomposition were also found between the 3 plant substrates. the difference in decomposition rates for the 3 plant substrates existed within sites, as well as between sites. The number of microorganisms and the mineralization and assimilation rates were significantly different (p[less than]0.05) between the detention-retention marshes. Significant differences (p[less than]0.05) in numbers of microorganisms and rates were also found between sites within each marsh. The variation in detrital processing demonstrated that site-specific dynamics occurred in the detention-retention marshes. Higher decomposition rates were associated with sediment sites containing organic matter with either a continuous, shallow flow of water or alternate wet/dry periods. Decomposition rates were lowest at sites containing sandy sediments, and dry soil sites without a flow of water. Higher aerobic and anaerobic bacterial activity was also associated with sediment sites containing organic matter with either a continuous, shallow flow of water at alternate wet/dry periods. Higher fungal activity was associated with alternate wet/dry sediment sites, but only during dry periods. Microbial activity was lowest at sites containing sandy sediments and in water columns.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1981
- Identifier
- CFR0008161, ucf:53068
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008161
- Title
- Personal Computer Simulation Program for Step Motor Drive Systems.
- Creator
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Koos, William M., Harden, Richard C., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; A system of equations modeling a class of step motors known as the permanent magnet rotor step motor is presented. The model is implemented on a APPLE personal computer in a version of BASIC. Measurements are then made on an existing motor and input to the program for validation. A special test fixture is utilized to take performance data on the motor to facilitate comparisons with the predictions of the program. The comparisons...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; A system of equations modeling a class of step motors known as the permanent magnet rotor step motor is presented. The model is implemented on a APPLE personal computer in a version of BASIC. Measurements are then made on an existing motor and input to the program for validation. A special test fixture is utilized to take performance data on the motor to facilitate comparisons with the predictions of the program. The comparisons show the model is indeed valid for design of step motor drive systems and emphasize the practical nature of using personal computers and simulations for design
Show less - Date Issued
- 1982
- Identifier
- CFR0008163, ucf:53067
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008163
- Title
- Using electronic portfolios to archive student performance.
- Creator
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Olmstead, Phyllis M., Siebert, Barry W., Education
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; This study regards the use of portfolios for evaluating and documenting student progress and performance. In consideration of the far reaching and global nature of education, the researcher included educators from both the United States and other countries. Based upon the great importance that many countries and states have placed upon servicing students by alternative means, the population sample examined included 500 teachers...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; This study regards the use of portfolios for evaluating and documenting student progress and performance. In consideration of the far reaching and global nature of education, the researcher included educators from both the United States and other countries. Based upon the great importance that many countries and states have placed upon servicing students by alternative means, the population sample examined included 500 teachers instructing by both conventional and distance education modalities. Many current educational reform measures and legislative issues concern the attainment of job skills; therefore, both vocational and non-vocational instructors were included in the study. Examined in the study are the media utilized in retaining portfolios (paper, product samples, audio/video tape recordings, computer diskette files, electronic mail files) by both conventional and distance education instructors. Paper and product samples in portfolios are considered as non-electronic methods for archiving student work. Audio and video tape recording, computer files, and electronic mail files are considered electronic methods for portfolio archiving. Distance education and vocational educators, respectively, are examined for the use of electronic and non-electronic portfolios. A six question instrument was developed and a pilot study was conducted. The instrument included a question on whether or not the instructor used portfolios and a written description of the type of portfolio currently used. Those educators indicating the use of portfolios then classified, by type, the methods used in maintaining the portfolios. The respondents were further asked if they taught by distance education modalities. An additional questions ascertained the forms of distance education used to provide instruction. A final question asked the respondent to list the program or subject that she/he taught the majority of the time. Findings indicate that approximately 40% of the educators surveyed use portfolios, but several of the respondents indicated the implementation of portfolios in the near future. No difference was found to exist between the use of electronic and non-electronic portfolios among teachers using portfolios. The same was true for both distance educators and vocational instructors using portfolios.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- Identifier
- CFR0008171, ucf:53066
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008171
- Title
- Assessing the effects of a program to improve questioning skills of nurse educators in clinical post-conferences: an initial study.
- Creator
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Wink, Diane M., Kysilka, Marcella, Education
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The use of cognitively high level questions, those classified in Bloom's taxonomy at the application level and above, has been suggested as a teaching strategy which will help students develop critical thinking abilities. This study was designed to determine the effect of a program to teach nursing faculty how to ask cognitively high level questions. A convenience sample was used. Subjects in the treatment (N=10) and control (N=4)...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The use of cognitively high level questions, those classified in Bloom's taxonomy at the application level and above, has been suggested as a teaching strategy which will help students develop critical thinking abilities. This study was designed to determine the effect of a program to teach nursing faculty how to ask cognitively high level questions. A convenience sample was used. Subjects in the treatment (N=10) and control (N=4) groups were faculty and the students in their clinical laboratory groups from four National League for Nursing accredited undergraduate nursing programs in the state of Florida. Pre- and post-intervention data on the cognitive level of questions asked in clinical post-conferences were collected by way of audiotapes recorded during the Fall 1991 semester. Members of the treatment group received an intervention which included and inservice class, subsequent feedback on questioning patterns, and a one hour seminar. Cognitive level of questions was coded using the Teacher Pupil Questioning Inventory. Descriptive statistics were used to compare data on the treatment and control group faculty and student percentages of cognitively high level questions. The significance of difference between groups was determined with the Mann-Whitney U Test. Prior to the intervention, faculty in the treatment group asked less cognitively high level questions than control group faculty. This difference was not staistically significant. After faculty in the treatment group participated in the intervention, their percentage of cognitively high level questions was higher than teh percentage for the control group. The difference was staistically significant (p=.012). Prior to the intervention, students in the treatment group asked less cognitively high level questions than control group students. This difference was not statistically significant. After treatment group faculty particpated in ther intervention, the percentage of congitively high level questions asked by students in their clinical groups dropped. The difference between percentages of cognitively high level questions asked by students in the treatment and control groups was still not statistically significant.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1992
- Identifier
- CFR0008175, ucf:53065
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008175
- Title
- Design and construction of maintainable knowledge bases through effective use of entity-relationship modeling techniques.
- Creator
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Pike, William Yancey, Khajenoori, Soheil, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; The use of an accepted logical database design tool, Entity-Relationship Diagrams (E-RD), is explored as a method by which conceptual and pseudo-conceptual knowledge bases may be designed. Extensions to Peter Chen's classic E-RD method which can model knowledge structure used by knowledge-based applications are explored. The use of E-RDs to design knowledge bases is proposed as a two-stage process. In the first stage, and E-RD,...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; The use of an accepted logical database design tool, Entity-Relationship Diagrams (E-RD), is explored as a method by which conceptual and pseudo-conceptual knowledge bases may be designed. Extensions to Peter Chen's classic E-RD method which can model knowledge structure used by knowledge-based applications are explored. The use of E-RDs to design knowledge bases is proposed as a two-stage process. In the first stage, and E-RD, termed the Essential E-RD, is developed of the realm of the problem or enterprise being modeled. The Essential E-RD is completely independent of any knowledge representation model (KRM) and is intended for the understanding of the underlying conceptual entities and relationships in the domain of interest. The second stage of the proposed design process consists of expanding the Essential E-RD. The resulting E-RD, termed the Implementation E-RD, is a network of E-RD-modeled KRM constructs and will provide a method by which the proper KRM may be chosen and the knowledge base may be maintained. In some cases, the constructs of the Implementation E-RD may be mapped directly to a physical knowledge base. Using the proposed design tool will aid in both the development of the knowledge base and its maintenance. The need for building maintainable knowledge bases and problems often encountered during knowledge base construction will be explored. A case study is presented in which this tool is used to design a knowledge base. Problems avoided by the use of this method are highlighted, as are advantages the method presents to the maintenance of the knowledge base. Finally, a critique of the ramifications of this research is presented, as well as needs for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1993
- Identifier
- CFR0008173, ucf:53064
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008173
- Title
- A Comparison of the Verbal Transformation Effect in Normal and Learning Disabled Children.
- Creator
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Kissell, Ellen E., Mullin, Thomas A., Social Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis
- Date Issued
- 1976
- Identifier
- CFR0008176, ucf:53063
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008176
- Title
- Emissions of hexavalent chromium from hard chromium plating operations.
- Creator
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Hall, Mitchell Scott, Wayson, Roger L., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; This research addressess emissions of hexavalent chromium mist from hard chromium electroplating operations. Most of these emissions are typically captured by a ventilation stack and directed to a pollution control device; those which escape capture are called fugitive emissions. Releases of toxic materials such as hexavalent chromium must be reported annually to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under provisions of the...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; This research addressess emissions of hexavalent chromium mist from hard chromium electroplating operations. Most of these emissions are typically captured by a ventilation stack and directed to a pollution control device; those which escape capture are called fugitive emissions. Releases of toxic materials such as hexavalent chromium must be reported annually to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under provisions of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III of 1986 via the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), Form R. The objectives were: (1) to provide estimates of fugitive hexavalent chromium emissions for the completion of Form R; and (2) to develop a predictive model for stack and fugitive emissions versus process and ventilation parameters. The database for stack emissions included published results from EPA studies. Fugitive release data were generated by field characterization at two operating facilities. Supplemental data for stack releases were also obtained during this field activity. The fugitive releases were documented to represent a small portion of the total atmospheric discharge; in most instances, the fugitive releases were less than the detection capability of the smapling/analytical protocols. Stack releases were successfully correlated with a measure of production activity (ampere-hours), production capacity (mass of chromium in the process bath), tank dimensions (plating bath surface area), and ventilation efficiency (ventilation slot area). This effort was supported by the EPA in the form of a cooperative agreement with the American Electropaters and Surface Finishers Society (AESF).
Show less - Date Issued
- 1992
- Identifier
- CFR0008174, ucf:53062
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008174
- Title
- The Limits of the Effects of Machiavellianism on Bargaining Success in Triads.
- Creator
-
Leith, Harry M., Taylor, Phillip, Social Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis; Understanding the processes of communication during mixed-motive bargaining in coalition depends to a great extent upon comprehension of the variables which affect it. Certainly one of the most important variables of such communication is the influence of personality effect upon the bargaining outcomes One personality variable, Machiavellianism, is strongly related to manipulative behavior. This thesis examines both the...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis; Understanding the processes of communication during mixed-motive bargaining in coalition depends to a great extent upon comprehension of the variables which affect it. Certainly one of the most important variables of such communication is the influence of personality effect upon the bargaining outcomes One personality variable, Machiavellianism, is strongly related to manipulative behavior. This thesis examines both the effects of Machiavellianism on bargaining success in face-to-face triads, and explores the limits of those effects relative to task orientation and personality type disclosure. It was found that Machiavellians are more able bargainers only so long as the nature and identity of their personality type is not revealed to their opponents. Machiavellian bargaining tactics, power strategies, styles of communication, and a variety of factors related to bargaining success are analyzed and a theory of ordering these results in terms of conflict resolution is discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1978
- Identifier
- CFR0008178, ucf:53061
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008178
- Title
- Job Characteristics Model: Test of a Modified Four-Trait Model at the University of Central Florida.
- Creator
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Cox-Jones, Gena L., Wooten, William, Arts and Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The study examined the number of significant factors in the Hackman and Oldham (1980) job characteristics model. The original factors were: Skill Variety, Task Significance, Task Identity, Autonomy, and Feedback. Scores on these dimensions for 84 employees of the University of Central Florida (21 supervisory and 63 non-supervisory subjects) were used as the basis for this study through a mail administration of the Hackman and...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The study examined the number of significant factors in the Hackman and Oldham (1980) job characteristics model. The original factors were: Skill Variety, Task Significance, Task Identity, Autonomy, and Feedback. Scores on these dimensions for 84 employees of the University of Central Florida (21 supervisory and 63 non-supervisory subjects) were used as the basis for this study through a mail administration of the Hackman and Oldham Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS) and their Job Rating Form (JRF). It was hypothesized that: (a) only four significant job dimensions would emerge from factor analysis of the data; (b) that the motivating potential ratings from job incumbents would be significantly different from those provided by supervisors; and (c) that these motivating potential scores would be significantly lower than the norm for the job families into which those positions fell. the data failed to lend support to any of the preceeding hypotheses. First, only one significant factor (Skill Variety) was extracted from the non-supervisory data while two factors (Skill Variety and Task Identity) were extracted from the supervisory data. Second, incumbents' ratings were not significantly different from those of their supervisors and third, the motivating potential scores of incumbents were found to be higher than the norm for most of the job families sampled in the study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1987
- Identifier
- CFR0008177, ucf:53060
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008177
- Title
- The relationship between the individual's educational and professional backgrounds and the 1985 Florida merit program.
- Creator
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Dearing, James Roger, Olson, Arthur H., Education
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; This research was designed to investigate whether there are any significant relationships between the individual's educational and professional backgrounds and the 1985 Florida Master Teacher Program. This study included information collected on 2,245 (72%) respondents out of 3,390 teachers who were selected as meritorious in Florida's 1985 program. Two instruments were used in data collection. One was the set of Fram Factor Data...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; This research was designed to investigate whether there are any significant relationships between the individual's educational and professional backgrounds and the 1985 Florida Master Teacher Program. This study included information collected on 2,245 (72%) respondents out of 3,390 teachers who were selected as meritorious in Florida's 1985 program. Two instruments were used in data collection. One was the set of Fram Factor Data which was obtained from the Merit Teachers' Summative Observation forms. The Frame Factor Data included: method of classroom presentation, number of students in the observed classes, number of students in upper and lower academic quartiles, number of students in lower socioeconomic quartile, number of students with a learning disability, the grade level of the class, and the teachers' total number of years of teaching experience. The second instrument was a questionnaire developed to obtain demographic data from merit teachers. This questionnaire which was sent to all merit teachers, and it solicited the following information: the respondent's degree, the individual teaching certificate, professional association membership, enrollment in a college course related to their professional duties, date of birth, total years of teaching experience in Florida, and total years of experience at the same school, grade level, and subject area. The data obtained were analyzed using two procedures: (1) difference of proportions (two-tailed test) on those responses which could be answered by a simple "yes" or "no" response, and (2) chi-square goodness of fit on all multiple response items. The 0.05 level of significance was used with both statistical procedures. Significant items included the number of teachers who: graduated from a Florida teacher education program, were certified in more than one field or area, taught in a single field or area, were members of professional teachers' association, and had teaching experience only in Florida. Other significant items included: number of students in the class, total number of years of teaching experience, number of years teaching the same grade of subject area, the grade level of the students, and number of students in the upper quartile academically, and the teacher's classroom presentation method.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1987
- Identifier
- CFR0008179, ucf:53059
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008179
- Title
- Prediction of simulator sickness in a virtual environment.
- Creator
-
Kolasinski, Eugenia M., Gilson, Richard D., Arts and Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; Sickness induced by Virtual Reality (VR) devices poses a genuine threat to the viability of this new technology and its potential products. If the occurrence or severity of sickness could be successfully predicted based on characteristics of an individual, at-risk users could be identified, properly warned, and, perhaps, trained in some way to reduce their risk. A Personal Computer-based VR system was used to address the...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; Sickness induced by Virtual Reality (VR) devices poses a genuine threat to the viability of this new technology and its potential products. If the occurrence or severity of sickness could be successfully predicted based on characteristics of an individual, at-risk users could be identified, properly warned, and, perhaps, trained in some way to reduce their risk. A Personal Computer-based VR system was used to address the prediction of simulator sickness. Phase I investigated four characteristics of an individual - age, gender, mental rotation ability, and pre-exposure postural stability - which were hypothesized to be predictive of sickness. Sickness measured as a function of the Total Severity score from the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was successfully modeled on these characteristics using linear regression techniques, leading to three major findings. First, sickness - as measured by the SSQ - did, in fact, occur in association with exposure to VR. for 35% of the participants, this sickness involved lingering effects and/or possible delayed after-effects. Second, sickness was successfully modeled on characteristics of the individual. The developed model indicated a complicated relationship between predicted sickness and gender, age, mental rotation ability, and pre-exposure postural stability. Third, based on the model developed, sickness is not predicted to differ for gender directly but, rather, gender interacts with mental rotation ability in its effects on sickness. Phase II investigated the occurrence of ataxic decrements in postural stability. No such decrements were found to be associated with the 20-minute exposure. Thus, ataxic decrements do not appear to be associated with short exposures to low-end VR. This finding, however, may be limited to VR tasks of the type used in this study. Practical implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- Identifier
- CFR0010868, ucf:53058
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010868
- Title
- We can't be the women we were before: Mary Livermore and Chicago women in the American Civil War.
- Creator
-
Engle, Nancy Arlene Driscol, Crepeau, Richard C., Arts and Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; This study examines the impact of the American Civil War on Union women by focusing on Mary Ashton Rice Livermore and her associates in wartime aid societies in Chicago, Illinois. It argues that Livermore's postwar lecture career epitomizes the new confidence that many benevolent women possessed after the Civil War. From contemporary newspaper accounts and letters it demonstrates that the conflagration broadened the scope of...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; This study examines the impact of the American Civil War on Union women by focusing on Mary Ashton Rice Livermore and her associates in wartime aid societies in Chicago, Illinois. It argues that Livermore's postwar lecture career epitomizes the new confidence that many benevolent women possessed after the Civil War. From contemporary newspaper accounts and letters it demonstrates that the conflagration broadened the scope of their activity, allowing many to hone their skills and expand their influence while remaining safely inside society's accepted gender standards. concluding that the war changed moderate white middle-class women's lives, it then illustrates that some modifications proved permanent for many throughout the ensuing decade. This work draws from published sources, including Livermore's autobiography and her account of th war, and manuscript collections containing correspondence, dated between 1850 and 1905, among advocates of women's rights and their acquaintances.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- Identifier
- CFR0010869, ucf:53057
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010869
- Title
- Analysis of parental choice : Islamic school enrollment in Florida.
- Creator
-
Elkhaldy, Feryal Y., Kysilka, Marcella, Education
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of this study was to discover and interpret reasons Florida parents enrolled their children in Islamic schools. A selection of 30 parents from 3 different schools in Florida were interviewed by the researcher using a semistructured interview guide which used both oral and written responses. The sample was matched according to the gender of parents interviewed - 15 mothers and 15 fathers were interviewed. the sample was...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of this study was to discover and interpret reasons Florida parents enrolled their children in Islamic schools. A selection of 30 parents from 3 different schools in Florida were interviewed by the researcher using a semistructured interview guide which used both oral and written responses. The sample was matched according to the gender of parents interviewed - 15 mothers and 15 fathers were interviewed. the sample was matched according to the gender of the referent child. Out of 30 referent children, 15 were female and 15 were male. The researcher included children of all grade levels. Fifteen were from primary grades (1-5) and 15 were from secondary grades (6-12). The researcher served as the primary instrument for data collection. Data were summarized and reported in a descriptive format addressing each research question. Results indicated that the first reason for choosing Islamic schools was religious; the second reason was sociocultural and the last reason was academic. Many parents who enrolled their children in Islamic schools strongly envisioned the need to create schools where children could pursue the Islamic knowledge, preserve Islamic identity and develop the Islamic personality. Parents wanted the guard and shield their progeny from the negative influence (violence, drugs, promiscuity, prejudice, etc.) of the public schools. The academic concern was not a major reason for the majority of responding parents. A significant finding affirmed that Islamic education does not separate between religious and social factors. Findings indicated that parents were more attracted to Islamic schools than dissatisfied with public schools. Muslim parents were concerned with retaining their children's identity and religious commitment. At the same time, they wanted them to learn in a safe environment which galvanized them against negative effects of the dominant culture, and be able to survive the tide of assimilation, secular pressure and moral deterioration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- Identifier
- CFR0008180, ucf:53056
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008180
- Title
- An intelligent editor for natural language processing of unrestricted text.
- Creator
-
Glinos, Demetrios George, Gomez, Fernando, Arts and Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The understanding of natural language by computational methods has been a continuing and elusive problem in artificial intelligence. In recent years there has been a resurgence in natural language processing research. Much of this work has been on empirical or corpus-based methods which use a data-driven approach to train systems on large amounts of real language data. Using corpus-based methods, the performance of part-of...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; The understanding of natural language by computational methods has been a continuing and elusive problem in artificial intelligence. In recent years there has been a resurgence in natural language processing research. Much of this work has been on empirical or corpus-based methods which use a data-driven approach to train systems on large amounts of real language data. Using corpus-based methods, the performance of part-of-speech (POS) taggers, which assign to the individual words of a sentence their appropriate part of speech category (e.g., noun, verb, preposition), now rivals human performance levels, achieving accuracies exceeding 95%. Such taggers have proved useful as preprocessors for such tasks as parsing, speech synthesis, and information retrieval. Parsing remains, however, a difficult problem, even with the benefit of POS tagging. Moveover, as sentence length increases, there is a corresponding combinatorial explosing of alternative possible parses. Consider the following sentence from a New York Times online article: After Salinas was arrested for murder in 1995 and lawyers for the bank had begun monitoring his accounts, his personal banker in New York quietly advised Salinas' wife to move the money elsewhere, apparently without the consent of the legal department. To facilitate the parsing and other tasks, we would like to decompose this sentence into the following three shorter sentences which, taken together, convey the same meaning as the original: 1. Salinas was arrested for murder in 1995. 2. Lawyers for the bank had begun monitoring his accounts. 3. His personal banker in New York quietly advised Salinas' wife to move the money elsewhere, apparently without the consent of the legal department. This study investigates the development of heuristics for decomposing such long sentences into sets of shorter sentences without affecting the meaning of the original sentences. Without parsing or semantic analysis, heuristic rules were developed based on: (1) the output of a POS tagger (Brill's tagger); (2) the punctuation contained in the input sentences; and (3) the words themselves. The heuristic algorithms were implemented in an intelligent editor program which first augmented the POS tags and assigned tags to punctuation, and then tested the rules against a corpus of 25 New York Times online articles containing approximately 1,200 sentences and over 32,000 words, with good results. Recommendations are made for improving the algorithms and for continuing this line of research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1999
- Identifier
- CFR0008181, ucf:53055
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008181
- Title
- Analysis of threaded joint behavior in an airbag module assembly.
- Creator
-
Chemat, Rustam, Hagedoorn, A. Henry, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; While some of think of our cars as simply "buckets of bolts", the proper design choices, applications, and assemblies of threaded fasteners/bolted joints play critical roles in automobile safety. Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags, help prevent vehicle occupants from being thrown forward into the dashboard or windshield in the event of a collision. The components comprising the airbag, the inflator,...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; While some of think of our cars as simply "buckets of bolts", the proper design choices, applications, and assemblies of threaded fasteners/bolted joints play critical roles in automobile safety. Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags, help prevent vehicle occupants from being thrown forward into the dashboard or windshield in the event of a collision. The components comprising the airbag, the inflator, the backing plate, and the cover are connected to each other, and to the vehicle, through a series of threaded fasteners. Proper and timely deployment of the airbag depends largely on the selection of suitable threaded fasteners at the design stage, appropriate fastener application, and strict adherence to the module assembly process. Selecting suitable fasteners and applying fasteners appropriately requires and understanding of basic fastener concepts: thread definitions, fastener loading terms, stress and strength, and joint failure modes. Knowledge of torque, preload, torque equations, and torque control also is necessary before proper selection and application can occur. The Case Study examines a drivers' side airbag module currently used on a vehicle marketed in the United States and, employing applicable design equations, determines 1.) if the design selction of the threaded fasteners is appropriate, 2.) how the threaded fasteners behave during and after airbag assembly, and during airbag deployment, and 3.) the potential problems arising from loose or missing fasteners. The thesis concludes the design and selection of the fasteners used in the airbag module concurs with the basic principles of threaded joints. Through the cases selected for the modules, the thesis generates several conditions that must be met to prevent joint failures. It is proposed that this research be used to further determine both the design selection of threaded fasteners and the assembly processes of automotive airbag manufacturing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- Identifier
- CFR0010870, ucf:53054
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010870
- Title
- The effects of glucose and fatty acids on enhanced biological phosphorus removal using a sequencing batch reactor.
- Creator
-
Khouri, Tarek Zaki, Randall, Andrew A., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; Two anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were used to evaluate enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The first SBR, designated the Glucose SBR, was run for a period of four months. It received a synthetic wastewater plus glucose as a supplemental carbon source. The second SBR, the Isovaleric SBR, was run for three months. During the first month, isovaleric acid was its supplemental carbon source while for the...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; Two anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were used to evaluate enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The first SBR, designated the Glucose SBR, was run for a period of four months. It received a synthetic wastewater plus glucose as a supplemental carbon source. The second SBR, the Isovaleric SBR, was run for three months. During the first month, isovaleric acid was its supplemental carbon source while for the remaining time period, no supplemental carbon source was added to the feed. Steady-state data from the SBR receiving isovalerate yielded the highest phosphorus (P) removals observed during the study, with a mixed liquor volatile suspended solid (MLVSS) P content of 7.2%. The next highest removals were observed when prefermented glucose was received, which yielded a MLVSS P content of 6.4%. The lowest removals were observed when no supplemental carbon source was added to the SBR influent, with at 4.4% MLVSS P content. Batch experiments were also conducted to quantify the effect of EBPR of glucose and the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) acetic acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid. Compounds giving the largest anaerobic P release ultimately yielded the lowest effluent P concentrations. At 0.80 mmoles/l, isovaleric acid resulted in anaerobic P released 9.5 mg/l greater than an equal amount of glucose or propionic acid, but ultimately gave effluent P values roughly 4 mg/l lower than either. Ratios of aerobic P uptake/anaerobic P release were found to be roughly equal for all the VFAs when the VFAs were compared on a molar basis. Propionic acid had aerobic P uptake/anaerobic P release ratios similar to the other VFAs. It also behaved the same as all the other VFAs with respect to the effect of concentrations added to the batch experiment; however, the magnitude of its removal was significantly lower than all the other substrates. Glucose, on the other hand, behaved differently from all the VFAs. Glucose aerobic P uptake/anaerobic P release ratios varied with concentration, which was not the case for the others substrates. Also, glucose P net removals decreased at concentrations higher than 0.60 mmoles/l. Glucose also resulted in net P removals roughly 2mg/l higher than propionic acid, but ultimately gave lower net P removal than isovaleric, valeric and acetic acids.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- Identifier
- CFR0010871, ucf:53053
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010871
- Title
- The effect of varying temperature, flux and pretreatment on the microfiltration of Lake Michigan water.
- Creator
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Kopp, Karen Linda, Taylor, James S., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; This study investigated microfiltration of Lake Michigan Water for the production of drinking water. A 60 gpm Memcor microfiltration pilot plant was operated for nine months at Manitowoc, Wisconsin to determine and model the performance characteristics of a microfiltration pilot plant for varying surface water conditions. Statistical regression and modeling was used to determine and develop quantitative relationships between time of...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; This study investigated microfiltration of Lake Michigan Water for the production of drinking water. A 60 gpm Memcor microfiltration pilot plant was operated for nine months at Manitowoc, Wisconsin to determine and model the performance characteristics of a microfiltration pilot plant for varying surface water conditions. Statistical regression and modeling was used to determine and develop quantitative relationships between time of operation and several operational variables for water quality and productivity. Modifications of Darcy's Law and flux decline data were used to develop a model relating temperature and flux to cleaning frequency. Statistical hypothesis testing and associated modeling were used to determine if relationships existed between the water quality and the independent operating variables affecting microfiltration. The study demonstrated that the filtered water turbidity or particle count did not carry with the flux or the influent water temperature and that the degree of turbidity or particle count removal was dependent on the raw water turbidity or particle count. Direct filtration of an alum pretreated feed water was found to greatly increase time of operation between cleanings for temperatures below 48°F. As expected the size exclusion membrane process was found to have no effect on dissolved of diffusion controlled solute rejection. the investigation found the turbidity and particle counts of the microfiltered water was less than the same for the finished water produced by the conventional alum coagulation, sedimentation and filtration process. The investigation demonstrated that microfiltration could be used to consistently produce a drinking water that met or exceeded state or federal requirements at Manitowoc. Based on the results of this investigation, a recommendation was made to use microfiltration as the treatment process of choice for the treatment of Lake Michigan Water.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1997
- Identifier
- CFR0010872, ucf:53052
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010872
- Title
- Fatigue : investigation of a human factor for aviation curricula.
- Creator
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Weitzel, Thomas R., Orwig, Gary W., Education
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; This descriptive study investigated the perceived problem of human fatigue as an operational consideration within the U.S. air carrier industry and the status of fatigue as content within U.S. aviation education/training curricula. An instrument was developed and expert-validated for self-completion by the following three groups (each with its sample size): (a) aviation higher education, represented by a mailing to 50 individuals; (b)...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; This descriptive study investigated the perceived problem of human fatigue as an operational consideration within the U.S. air carrier industry and the status of fatigue as content within U.S. aviation education/training curricula. An instrument was developed and expert-validated for self-completion by the following three groups (each with its sample size): (a) aviation higher education, represented by a mailing to 50 individuals; (b) air carrier training/management, represented by a mailing to 50 individuals; and (c) a professional training group of 58 general aviation flight instructors, with administration by the researcher during scheduled company meetings. The resultant SPSS data set consisted of 116 cases. Eight demographic variables were reported and analyzed with the analysis of variance; and the definition of fatigue, a multiple choice item, was tested for the chi-square goodness-of-fit distribution. The remaining 21 variables were subjected to a factor analysis, utilizing principal-axis fatoring for extraction; orthogonal rotation, which forced the derived factors to be uncorrelated; and varimax, a variance maximizing procedure. The resultant 8 factors removed the duplication from the 21 correlated variables and, when scored, became variables within the SPSS data set. The normalized factor scores were subjected to analysis of variance and post hoc comparison for any significance of difference between the three groups; minor group differences were found for three of the eight factors. The data supported the literature review with respect to human fatigue being perceived as an operational consideration on the flightdecks of U.S. air carriers. The data and the literature also indicated that fatigue is present as content within U.S. aviation curricula. However, the answers to both research questions involved a matter of degree. Additionally, the data indicated that not all students within U.S. aviation have exposure to fatigue content within their curricula. Teaching the concepts and management of fatigue to some of these student may be as important as (more important than) fatigue as curricular content for flight crews. Future research in the development of a curriculum paradigm for human fatigue in U.S. aviation might utilize the eight factors derived as constructs by the factor analysis utilized in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1997
- Identifier
- CFR0010873, ucf:53051
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010873
- Title
- The effect of water immersion on lactic acid kinetics during swimming interval training recovery periods.
- Creator
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Morris, Richard P., Rohter, Frank D., Education
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of the study was to determine the difference in the circulation of lactic acid following high intensity swimming, between resting immersed in water or resting sitting on the pool deck, completely out of the water. Six (four male and two female) collegiate swimmers volunteered for the study. The swimmers were randomly assigned to two groups and a counterbalance design was employed, were each group experienced both...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of the study was to determine the difference in the circulation of lactic acid following high intensity swimming, between resting immersed in water or resting sitting on the pool deck, completely out of the water. Six (four male and two female) collegiate swimmers volunteered for the study. The swimmers were randomly assigned to two groups and a counterbalance design was employed, were each group experienced both treatments (one resting out of the water, one resting in the water), in different orders. Each swimmer completed an identical warm-up and them swam five 100 yard swims at 85-95% intensity, with one group resting three minutes between 100 yard swims sitting upright on the pool deck, and the other group remaining immersed in water for the three minute rest interval. Blood samples were taken during the second minute of the rest intervals, following the first, third and fifth swims. analysis of the samples was conducted with a YSI 231 Lactate Analyzer. Results showed that the swimmers had higher levels of circulating lactic acid following the first swim when the remained in the water. All six swimmers then showed a rapid inflection of lactic acid levels between the first and third trail when out of the water for the rest intervals. Lactic acid levels showed only a slight increase when the swimmers remained in the water during rest. REsults of the study showed a distinct difference in the circulatory patterns of lactic acid in swimmers following high intensity swimming between rest taken out of the water and in the water. The limitations due to sample size and training background were discussed. Implications for training design were proposed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1997
- Identifier
- CFR0010874, ucf:53050
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0010874
- Title
- Antenna-coupled infrared focal plane array.
- Creator
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Gonzalez, Francisco Javier, Boreman, Glenn D., Engineering and Computer Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; In this dissertation a new type of infared focal plan array (IR FPA) was investigated, consisting of antenna-coupled microbolometer fabricated using electron-beam lithography. Four different antenna designs were experimentally demonstrated at 10-micron wavelength: dipole, bowtie, square-spiral, and log-periodic. The main differences between these antenna types were their bandwidth, collection area, angular reception pattern, and...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; In this dissertation a new type of infared focal plan array (IR FPA) was investigated, consisting of antenna-coupled microbolometer fabricated using electron-beam lithography. Four different antenna designs were experimentally demonstrated at 10-micron wavelength: dipole, bowtie, square-spiral, and log-periodic. The main differences between these antenna types were their bandwidth, collection area, angular reception pattern, and polarization. To provide pixel collection areas commensurate with typical IR FPA requirements, two configuration were investigated: a two-dimensional serpentine interconnection of individual IR antennas, and a Fresnel-zone-plate (FZP) coupled to a single-element antenna. Optimum spacing conditions for the two-dimensional interconnect were developed. Increased sensitivity was demonstrated using a FZP-coupled design. In general, it was found that the configuration of the antenna substrate material was critical for optimization of sensitivity. The best results were obtained using this membranes of silicon nitride to enhance the thermal isolation of the antenna-coupled bolometers. In addition, choice of the bolometer material was also important, with the best results obtained using vanadium oxide. Using optimum choices for all parameters, normalized sensitivity (D*) values in the range of mid 10^8 [cm√Hz/W] were demonstrated for antenna-coupled IR sensors, and directions for further improvements were identified. Successful integration of antenna-coupled pixels with commercial readout integrated circuits was also demonstrated.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- Identifier
- CFR0011595, ucf:53049
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0011595