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Title: Governmental Responses to Terrorism: Creating Costs and Benefits.
Creator: Klose, Kenneth, Dolan, Thomas, Schafer, Mark, Mirilovic, Nikola, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis assesses four governmental responses to terrorism: conciliation, denial, legal restriction, and violence, each of which may be focused on an organization or its leaders. The theory makes predictions on the resulting frequency and severity of terrorism. Unlessresponses reduce an organization's capacity or desire to attack, the frequency of attacks may be reduced, while the severity continues to increase. The theory is tested using a time series regression analysis of the effects of...
Show moreThis thesis assesses four governmental responses to terrorism: conciliation, denial, legal restriction, and violence, each of which may be focused on an organization or its leaders. The theory makes predictions on the resulting frequency and severity of terrorism. Unlessresponses reduce an organization's capacity or desire to attack, the frequency of attacks may be reduced, while the severity continues to increase. The theory is tested using a time series regression analysis of the effects of government action on terrorism in Algeria and thePhilippines. In general, the results show that conciliation may led to increases in terrorism in the short term while suggesting potential reductions in the long term. Denial and legal restriction often led to increases in terrorism, while the effects of violence often depended upon whether the response was applied to organizations or their leaders.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004872, ucf:49670
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004872

Title: AN EXPLORATION OF ELEMENTARY STUDENT RESPONSES TO THE INTEREST INVENTORY FOR INFORMATIONAL TEXTS BASED ON THE TEACHER DISPOSITION DELIVERY.
Creator: Elk, Alison, Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth, Kay, Marni, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The impact that a teacher can have on their students is monumental. Teachers often are the only consistent figure of authority that a student sees. Therefore, a vulnerable and conformable environment is crucial for students, so they can share their needs and in return have them met. With this in mind, teachers must consider forming their classroom environment, because of how it is received by the students. This study examined the impact that a teacher's disposition can have on the response of...
Show moreThe impact that a teacher can have on their students is monumental. Teachers often are the only consistent figure of authority that a student sees. Therefore, a vulnerable and conformable environment is crucial for students, so they can share their needs and in return have them met. With this in mind, teachers must consider forming their classroom environment, because of how it is received by the students. This study examined the impact that a teacher's disposition can have on the response of a student through a six-question interview by analyzing the number of words spoken by the students depending on the disposition of the teacher used to ask the question. This study aimed to identify the possible impacts of teacher disposition on student responses using a sample of 17 elementary aged students attending a summer reading clinic at a Florida university. After a face-to-face, six-question interview was administered to the students, results showed some students made a overall shift towards more words spoken when the question was asked in an interested or neutral disposition. These results demonstrate the potential impact of teacher disposition on student response in the classroom. The results of this study complement past research, which has shown that classrooms in a welcoming and comfortable environment are more likely for students to share their needs, leading to success for both students and teacher.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000364, ucf:45843
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000364

Title: DESCRIBING THE PHENOMENA OF PRINCIPALS' EXPERIENCES WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION.
Creator: Butler, Lorrie, Martin, Suzanne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The traditional method of identifying students with disabilities has led to a new innovation being implemented at the school level. Response to Intervention (RTI) is an alternative approach that received federal approval with the passage of Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004. On July 1, 2010, RTI became the required process for determining identification of students with learning disabilities for all schools in the state of Florida. Implementation of this...
Show moreThe traditional method of identifying students with disabilities has led to a new innovation being implemented at the school level. Response to Intervention (RTI) is an alternative approach that received federal approval with the passage of Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004. On July 1, 2010, RTI became the required process for determining identification of students with learning disabilities for all schools in the state of Florida. Implementation of this approach requires significant changes in how schools operate. Using a phenomenological study design, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of elementary school principals implementing RTI in their schools. After gaining the individual viewpoints of 16 principals through an interview process, the data was analyzed using FullanÃ‚Â's nine critical factors affecting implementation of a change project. Results indicate that principals found RTI implementation to be a difficult, but worthwhile experience.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003447, ucf:48412
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003447

Title: FAST-RESPONSE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS.
Creator: jiao, meizi, Wu, Shin-Tson, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: After about five decades of extensive material research and device development, followed by massive investment in manufacturing technology, thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal-display (TFT-LCD) has finally become the dominant flat panel display technology. Nowadays, LCD performances, such as viewing angle, contrast ratio, and resolution, have reached acceptable levels. The remaining major technical challenges are response time, light efficiency, and sunlight readability. Fast response time is...
Show moreAfter about five decades of extensive material research and device development, followed by massive investment in manufacturing technology, thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal-display (TFT-LCD) has finally become the dominant flat panel display technology. Nowadays, LCD performances, such as viewing angle, contrast ratio, and resolution, have reached acceptable levels. The remaining major technical challenges are response time, light efficiency, and sunlight readability. Fast response time is desired to reduce motion blur and to enable field sequential color displays using red (R), green (G), and blue (B) LEDs (light emitting diodes) without noticeable color breakup. Sequential RGB colors would eliminate the commonly used spatial color filters which in turn enhances light efficiency and resolution density by ~ 3X. In this dissertation, several new approaches for achieving fast-response LCDs are explored. From material viewpoint, the most straightforward approach for achieving fast response time is to employ a thin cell gap with high birefringence and low viscosity liquid crystal (LC). We investigated the thin cell approach theoretically and experimentally. Voltage shielding effect and anchoring energy effect of alignment layers are found to play important roles on operating voltage and response time. Simulations are carried out to understand the underlying physics and confirm the experimental results quantitatively. Another approach to realize fast response time is to explore novel device configuration. Here, we proposed a dual fringing-field switching (DFFS) mode in which small LC domains are formed following the distribution of fringing fields. Therefore, it exhibits submillisecond response time without using thin cell or overdrive/undershoot voltage method. The response time of the DFFS mode is ~20X faster than a conventional vertical aligned LCD. In addition, high optical efficiency is achieved from the complementary top and bottom active LC domains. Two transmissive and one transflective LCDs using DFFS mode are conceived and their electro-optical properties investigated. A shortcoming of DFFS LCDs is their fabrication complexity. To keep the advantages of this fast-response mode while avoiding the requirement of double-TFTs and pixel registration, we modified the device structure to transflective LCD which uses a single TFT in each pixel and vertical aligned positive dielectric anisotropy LC. Two types of electrodes are considered: fringing-field switching (FFS) and in-plane switching (IPS). Besides fast response time and high transmittance, such a transflective LCD shows good sunlight readability. As nematic LC is gradually approaching to its limit in term of response time, polymer-stabilized blue phase (PSBP) LCD is emerging. It has potential to become next-generation display because of following revolutionary features: submillisecond response time, no need for alignment layer, good dark state and symmetric viewing angle, and cell gap insensitivity if IPS electrode is employed. In this dissertation, we studied the material-property correlation of Kerr effect-induced birefringence in nano-structured PSBP LC composites. Furthermore, a new device configuration of BP LCD with corrugated electrodes is proposed to solve two critical technical issues: high driving voltage and relatively low transmittance. The on-state voltage can be reduced from ~35 Vrms to ~10 Vrms which will enable TFT addressing, and the transmittance is improved from ~65% to ~85%. This new device configuration will accelerate the emergence of PSBP LCD. Wide view is another important requirement for a high-end display. Several new LCD configurations with negative A-plate and biaxial plate as phase compensation films are proposed to achieve wide view and broadband operation. The underlying working principles are studied and detailed display performances are included in this dissertation.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003435, ucf:48399
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003435

Title: MODELING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACUTE STRESS UNDER DYNAMIC TASK CONDITIONS.
Creator: Millan, Angel, Crumpton-Young, Lesia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Stress can be defined as the mental, physical, and emotional response of humans to stressors encountered in their personal or professional environment. Stressors are introduced in various activities, especially those found in dynamic task conditions when multiple task requirements must be performed. Stress and stressors have been described as activators and inhibitors of human performance. The ability to manage high levels of acute stress is an important determinant of successful performance...
Show moreStress can be defined as the mental, physical, and emotional response of humans to stressors encountered in their personal or professional environment. Stressors are introduced in various activities, especially those found in dynamic task conditions when multiple task requirements must be performed. Stress and stressors have been described as activators and inhibitors of human performance. The ability to manage high levels of acute stress is an important determinant of successful performance in any occupation. In situations where performance is critical, personnel must be prepared to operate successfully under hostile or extreme stress conditions; therefore training programs and engineered systems must be tailored to assist humans in fulfilling these demands. To effectively design appropriate training programs for these conditions, it is necessary to quantitatively describe stress. A series of theoretical stress models have been developed in previous research studies; however, these do not provide quantification of stress levels nor the impact on human performance. By modeling acute stress under dynamic task conditions, quantitative values for stress and its impact on performance can be assessed. Thus, this research was designed to develop a predictive model for acute stress as a function of human performance and task demand. Initially, a four factor two level experimental design [2 (Noise) x 2 (Temperature) x 2 (Time Awareness) x 2 (Workload)] was performed to identify reliable physiological, cognitive and behavioral responses to stress. Next, multivariate analysis of variance (n=108) tests were performed, which showed statistically significant differences for physiological, cognitive and behavioral responses. Finally, fuzzy set theory techniques were used to develop a comprehensive stress index model. Thus, the resulting stress index model was constructed using input on physiological, cognitive and behavioral responses to stressors as well as characteristics inherent to the type of task performed and personal factors that interact as mediators (competitiveness, motivation, coping technique and proneness to boredom). Through using this stress index model to quantify and characterize the affects of acute stress on human performance, these research findings can inform proper training protocols and help to redesign tasks and working conditions that are prone to create levels of acute stress that adversely affect human performance.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004056, ucf:49151
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004056

Title: VIEWS OF REALITY: PERCEPTIONS OF POLICE RESPONSES TO MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE.
Creator: Gonzalez Cruz, Kiara L, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Society's views about mental illness can influence their views regarding police-response strategies used with the mentally ill. The purpose of this study is to analyze the question: does mental illness impact perceptions of delinquent behavior and police responses? It is important to understand the effects of these interactions to better assist those affected by mental illness and avoid uncertain risks/injuries to the police and citizens involved in an incident. Labeling theory suggests that...
Show moreSociety's views about mental illness can influence their views regarding police-response strategies used with the mentally ill. The purpose of this study is to analyze the question: does mental illness impact perceptions of delinquent behavior and police responses? It is important to understand the effects of these interactions to better assist those affected by mental illness and avoid uncertain risks/injuries to the police and citizens involved in an incident. Labeling theory suggests that people may come to identify and act in ways that reflect how others label them as well as come to define mentally ill individuals in accordance with the label. My interest in understanding how police label mentally ill individuals as either deviant (out-of-the-norm) or criminal because of their condition motivated me to explore what other people thought about this. This study used survey analysis to collect data from 349 Facebook participants. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 scenarios (excerpt A and excerpt B). The only difference between these two scenarios is that excerpt B directly relates to mental illness while excerpt A does not mention mental illness. In relation to labeling theory, I predict mental illness will impact the perception people have about how police may respond to situations involving the mentally ill. Further studies should expand this research to examine this connection more thoroughly. The broader implications of this research is that it could create awareness as to ways in which to improve police training tactics that could in turn result in better support between mental health services and law enforcement.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000180, ucf:45958
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000180

Title: THE CONSTRUCT VALIDITY OF A SITUATIONAL JUDGMENT TEST IN A MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE CONTEXT.
Creator: Stagl, Kevin, Salas, Eduardo, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A Predictor Response Process model (see Ployhart, 2006) and research findings were leveraged to formulate research questions about, and generate construct validity evidence for, a new situational judgment test (SJT) designed to measure declarative and strategic knowledge. The first question asked if SJT response instructions (i.e., 'Should Do', 'Would Do') moderated the validity of an SJT in a maximum performance context. The second question asked what the upper-bound...
Show moreA Predictor Response Process model (see Ployhart, 2006) and research findings were leveraged to formulate research questions about, and generate construct validity evidence for, a new situational judgment test (SJT) designed to measure declarative and strategic knowledge. The first question asked if SJT response instructions (i.e., 'Should Do', 'Would Do') moderated the validity of an SJT in a maximum performance context. The second question asked what the upper-bound criterion-related validity coefficient is for SJTs in talent selection contexts in which typical performance is the criterion of interest. The third question asked whether the SJT used in the present study was fair for gender and ethnic-based subgroups according to Cleary's (1968) definition of test fairness. Participants were randomly assigned to complete an SJT with either 'Should Do' or 'Would Do' response instructions and their maximum decision making performance outcomes were captured during a moderate fidelity poker simulation. The findings of this study suggested knowledge, as measured by the SJT, interacted with response instructions when predicting aggregate and average performance outcomes such that the 'Should Do' SJT had stronger criterion-related validity coefficients than the 'Would Do' version. The findings also suggested the uncorrected upper-bound criterion-related validity coefficient for SJTs in selection contexts is at least moderate to strong (β = .478). Moreover, the SJT was fair according to Cleary's definition of test fairness. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001309, ucf:47020
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001309

Title: THE EFFECTS OF A RESPONSIBILITY-BASED CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM ON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SCHOOL CLIMATE AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN EAST AFRICA.
Creator: HOWARD, TERRY, ROBINSON, EDWARD, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a character education program on middle school student academic performance, effort and attitude about their school located in an international setting. Middle school students at the participating international school were assigned to either an experimental or control group. Those students in the experimental group classes received a series of 12 lessons focusing on the character trait of responsibility. Those students in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a character education program on middle school student academic performance, effort and attitude about their school located in an international setting. Middle school students at the participating international school were assigned to either an experimental or control group. Those students in the experimental group classes received a series of 12 lessons focusing on the character trait of responsibility. Those students in the control group classes did not receive these lessons. Twelve responsibility-based lessons were presented to students in the experimental group. Student academic grades in six different academic subjects, effort scores in six different academic courses, and student attitude concerning school climate constituted the dependent variable. The literature review and the general results of this study indicate that there are many factors that may influence student academic performance, effort or attitude. Various character education programs which have been designed to be integrated into school curricula as part of pre-existing courses or as stand alone programs have had varying levels of success. There is limited quantitative data available to support the claims that many existing programs make related to their effectiveness. The data collected from this study were also inconclusive making it difficult to generalize the findings beyond the scope of this study. While certain middle school grade levels showed statistically significant improvement in some academic disciplines or effort improvement in some subjects it would not be appropriate to generalize the findings based on this investigation. Implications of this study and suggestions for future investigations are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000620, ucf:46518
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000620

Title: STUDIES OF LIQUID CRYSTAL RESPONSE TIME.
Creator: Wang, Haiying, Wu, Shin-Tson, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this dissertation, the response time issue of the liquid crystal (LC) devices is investigated in meeting the challenges for display and photonic applications. The correlation between the LC director response time and the optical response time is derived theoretically and confirmed experimentally. A major contribution of this thesis is that, based on the small angle approximation, we derive rigorous analytical solutions for correlating the LC director response time to its consequent optical...
Show moreIn this dissertation, the response time issue of the liquid crystal (LC) devices is investigated in meeting the challenges for display and photonic applications. The correlation between the LC director response time and the optical response time is derived theoretically and confirmed experimentally. A major contribution of this thesis is that, based on the small angle approximation, we derive rigorous analytical solutions for correlating the LC director response time to its consequent optical response times (both rise and decay) of a vertical-aligned nematic LC cell. This work successfully fills the gap in the literature of LCD switching dynamics. An important effect related to response time, backflow is analyzed using a homogeneous LC cell in an infrared wavelength. The Leslie viscosity coefficients can hardly be found in the literature. A new effective approach to estimate the Leslie coefficients of LC mixtures based on MBBA data is proposed in this dissertation. Using this method, the Leslie coefficients of the LC material under study can be extracted based on its order parameters. The simulation results agree with the experimental data very well. This method provides a useful tool for analyzing the dynamic response including backflow. Cell gap is an important factor affecting the LC response time. Usually a thinner cell gap is chosen to achieve faster response time, since normally both rise and decay times are known to be proportional to d2. However, they are valid only in the region. In the large voltage region where , the optical decay time is independent of d. In this thesis, we find that between these two extremes the response time is basically linearly proportional to d. Our analytical derivation is validated by experimental results. Therefore, in the whole voltage region, the physical picture of the optical response time as a function of the cell gap is completed. This analysis is useful for understanding the grayscale switching behaviors of the LC phase modulators. In conclusion, this dissertation has solved some important issues related to LC optical response time and supplied valuable tools for scientists and engineers to numerically analyze the LC dynamics.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000796, ucf:46558
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000796

Title: INVESTIGATION OF NASCAR RESTRICTOR PLATE MANIFOLD INSERT USING WAVE ENGINE SIMULATION AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY.
Creator: Gross, John Mason, Hoekstra, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the increasing growth in computer processing power, computer based computational fluid dynamics simulations are finding increasing acceptance and use in the field of internal combustion engine development. Once fully developed, such simulations provide detailed and expedient tools for testing existing theories, as well as new ideas. While numerous studies on wave propagation and fluid flow in intakes manifolds exist, most restrict the analysis to a single intake runner and port,...
Show moreWith the increasing growth in computer processing power, computer based computational fluid dynamics simulations are finding increasing acceptance and use in the field of internal combustion engine development. Once fully developed, such simulations provide detailed and expedient tools for testing existing theories, as well as new ideas. While numerous studies on wave propagation and fluid flow in intakes manifolds exist, most restrict the analysis to a single intake runner and port, examining only the dynamics from the runner-to-plenum junction downstream to the valve. While such analyses provide comprehensive models for wave propagation dynamics in the runner, little is published on the fluid dynamics and wave propagation in the plenum, and the interactions between runners when an intake manifold's geometric constraints prevent symmetry in the manifold. This paper will examine the modeling of a 2003 specification Dodge Motorsports NASCAR Restrictor Plate engine using Ricardo's WAVE engine simulation computational fluid dynamics software. This examination will include an introduction to the software and required engine data for constructing a comprehensive model, the process used to validate the simulation's output with acquired engine performance data, and the use of response surface methodology to optimize the dimensions of the plenum insert associated junction. Additionally, an analysis of the problems with modeling this area of the manifold using one-dimensional CFD will be conducted, as well as a discussion of the theories surrounding the insert. Finally, a new hypothesis regarding the insert as well as future work to examine this hypothesis will be introduced.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000124, ucf:46204
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000124

Title: THE EFFECT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON FIRM VALUE AND PERFORMANCE.
Creator: Maxey, Jennifer E, Frye, Melissa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this thesis, I test the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm valuation and performance from the financial crisis of 2007 to year 2013. Prior research on CSR suggests that CSR is related to firm performance, but the results have not been consistent. My study focuses on the time period following the crisis since trust between firms and stakeholders may be more important following a negative shock. The components of CSR are broken out into environmental, human rights,...
Show moreIn this thesis, I test the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm valuation and performance from the financial crisis of 2007 to year 2013. Prior research on CSR suggests that CSR is related to firm performance, but the results have not been consistent. My study focuses on the time period following the crisis since trust between firms and stakeholders may be more important following a negative shock. The components of CSR are broken out into environmental, human rights, diversity, community impact, employee relations, product, and corporate governance. I find evidence that at least some measures of firm performance are positively related to CSR. Specifically, I find that a high CSR score is associated with a high return on assets. I also find a positive relation with Tobin's Q in certain model specifications. The components of CSR that hold the greatest weight in terms of ROA are environmental, employee relations, diversity, and product strengths. Given the importance of these financial performance measures, my results provide support for corporate spending on social capital.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000570, ucf:45638
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000570

Title: MARKETING PRACTICES OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES.
Creator: Bivins, Brooke A, Mayfield-Garcia, Stefanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The topic of this research is marketing practices of socially responsible and sustainable businesses. It examines the strategies companies and brands use to represent themselves to the public through products, advertising, and philanthropy. This includes an evaluation of existing frameworks and case studies, as well as in-depth interviews. The question that this research will answer is as follows: How can new or existing companies embrace and integrate social responsibility or sustainability...
Show moreThe topic of this research is marketing practices of socially responsible and sustainable businesses. It examines the strategies companies and brands use to represent themselves to the public through products, advertising, and philanthropy. This includes an evaluation of existing frameworks and case studies, as well as in-depth interviews. The question that this research will answer is as follows: How can new or existing companies embrace and integrate social responsibility or sustainability in a way that is authentic and contributes to a positive public reputation? Younger generations are increasingly willing to switch to and, in some cases, pay more for products and brands that contribute positively to society and the environment. An increasing number of businesses are leveraging this trend and working to create a positive image that resonates, particularly with Millennials and Gen Z, as one that integrates social and environmental concerns into business operations. The methodology of this research consists of analysis of secondary research and in-depth interviews. The culmination of this research is a set of guidelines that will assist marketers in reconsidering their businesses' public image in a way that consumers perceive as clear, compelling, and authentic. As consumers' priorities continue to shift, businesses are being pushed to reconsider what values and causes, if any, they represent. This research translates into an adaptable set of steps for businesses to capitalize on this growing trend.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000397, ucf:45768
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000397

Title: Could Dietary Peroxidized Lipids provoke an Intestinal Inflammatory Response?.
Creator: Doomra, Mitsushita, Parthasarathy, Sampath, Jewett, Mollie, Singla, Dinender, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Crohn's disease represent chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. It is suspected that bacterial infection is one of the causes of gut inflammation. Studies from others as well as from our laboratory have indicated that peroxidized lipids and their decomposition products are pro-inflammatory. As we consume considerable amounts of dietary oxidized lipids (arising from deep frying of vegetable oils), we hypothesize that dietary peroxidized lipids may also lead...
Show moreInflammatory Bowel Disease and Crohn's disease represent chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. It is suspected that bacterial infection is one of the causes of gut inflammation. Studies from others as well as from our laboratory have indicated that peroxidized lipids and their decomposition products are pro-inflammatory. As we consume considerable amounts of dietary oxidized lipids (arising from deep frying of vegetable oils), we hypothesize that dietary peroxidized lipids may also lead to intestinal inflammation. To test this hypothesis, intestine from C57BL/6J mice were collected and used in this study. The intestinal epithelial tissue as well as intestinal lymphoid tissues [Peyer's Patches (PP)] were identified and harvested. Both the tissue samples were incubated with 13-Hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (HPODE, a simple form of peroxidized fatty acid) or oxidized phosphatidyl choline (Ox-PL) or minimally modified LDL (mmLDL) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 37(&)deg;C. After 6 hours of incubation, RNA was extracted and RT-PCR analysis was performed to determine inflammatory markers using mouse primers for the gene expression of cytokines. We noted an increased basal gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines in PP tissues as opposed to the epithelial tissue. An increase in inflammatory cytokines gene expression was observed in LPS/POL treated intestinal tissues as compared to untreated tissues. Overall, our findings might suggest additional potential sources of gut inflammation as well as an active participation of epithelial cells in the inflammatory process. These might also offer novel targets for the control of inflammation of the gut in patients suffering from gut inflammatory diseases.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006683, ucf:51901
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006683

Title: Multi-Sensor Optimization of the Simultaneous Turning and Boring Operation.
Creator: Deane, Erick, Xu, Chengying, Gou, Jihua, Gordon, Ali, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: To remain competitive in today's demanding economy, there is an increasing demand for improved productivity and scrap reduction in manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing metal removal processes such as turning and boring are still one of the most used techniques for fabricating metal products. Although the essential metal removal process is the same, new advances in technology have led to improvements in the monitoring of the process allowing for reduction of power consumption, tool wear,...
Show moreTo remain competitive in today's demanding economy, there is an increasing demand for improved productivity and scrap reduction in manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing metal removal processes such as turning and boring are still one of the most used techniques for fabricating metal products. Although the essential metal removal process is the same, new advances in technology have led to improvements in the monitoring of the process allowing for reduction of power consumption, tool wear, and total cost of production. Replacing used CNC lathes from the 1980's in a manufacturing facility may prove costly, thus finding a method to modernize the lathes is vital.This research focuses on Phase I and II of a three phase research project where the final goal is to optimize the simultaneous turning and boring operation of a CNC Lathe. From the optimization results it will be possible to build an adaptive controller that will produce parts rapidly while minimizing tool wear and machinist interaction with the lathe. Phase I of the project was geared towards selecting the sensors that were to be used to monitor the operation and designing a program with an architecture that would allow for simultaneous data collection from the selected sensors at high sampling rates. Signals monitored during the operation included force, temperature, vibration, sound, acoustic emissions, power, and metalworking fluid flow rates. Phase II of this research is focused on using the Response Surface Method to build empirical models for various responses and to optimize the simultaneous cutting process. The simultaneous turning and boring process was defined by the four factors of spindle speed, feed rate, outer diameter depth of cut, and inner diameter depth of cut. A total of four sets of experiments were performed. The first set of experiments screened the experimental region toiiidetermine if the cutting parameters were feasible. The next three set s of designs of experiments used Central Composite Designs to build empirical models of each desired response in terms of the four factors and to optimize the process. Each design of experiments was compared with one another to validate that the results achieved were accurate within the experimental region.By using the Response Surface Method optimal machining parameter settings were achieved. The algorithm used to search for optimal process parameter settings was the desirability function. By applying the results from this research to the manufacturing facility, they will achieve reduction in power consumption, reduction in production time, and decrease in the total cost of each part.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004098, ucf:49087
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004098

Title: FAST RESPONSE DUAL FREQUENCYLIQUID CRYSTAL MATERIALS.
Creator: song, qiong, Wu, Shin-Tson, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Dual frequency liquid crystal (DFLC) exhibits a positive dielectric anisotropy at low frequencies and negative dielectric anisotropy at high frequencies. The frequency where dielectric anisotropy is zero is called crossover frequency. DFLC can achieve fast rise time and fast decay time with the assistance of applied voltage. However, one drawback of DFLC is that it has dielectric heating effect when driven at a high frequency. Thus, the first part of this dissertation is to develop low...
Show moreDual frequency liquid crystal (DFLC) exhibits a positive dielectric anisotropy at low frequencies and negative dielectric anisotropy at high frequencies. The frequency where dielectric anisotropy is zero is called crossover frequency. DFLC can achieve fast rise time and fast decay time with the assistance of applied voltage. However, one drawback of DFLC is that it has dielectric heating effect when driven at a high frequency. Thus, the first part of this dissertation is to develop low crossover frequency DFLC materials. The dielectric relaxation and physical properties of some single- and double-ester compounds were investigated. Experimental results indicate that the double-ester compound exhibits a ~ 3 X lower dielectric relaxation frequencies and larger dielectric anisotropy than the single ester, but its viscosity is also higher. More generally, ten groups of dual frequency liquid crystals were compared in terms of dielectric relaxation frequency and dielectric anisotropy. The dielectric relaxation theory was discussed at last. To realize fast response time, high birefringence and low viscosity LC are required. From these two aspects, firstly four new high birefringence laterally difluoro phenyl tolane liquid crystals with a negative dielectric anisotropy were studied. These materials are used to enhance the birefringence of DFLC. They have a fairly small heat fusion enthalpy (~3000 cal/mol) which improves their solubility in a host. We dope 10 wt% of each compound into a commercial negative mixture N1 and measured their birefringence, viscoelastic constant and figure of merit. Birefringence varies very little among homologues while viscoelastic constant increases as alkyl chain length increases. Secondly, we studied the effects of six diluters for lowering the viscosity while stabilizing the vertical alignment (VA) of the laterally difluoro terphenyl host mixture at elevated temperatures. The pros and cons of each diluter are analyzed. These lateral difluoro terphenyls exhibit a high birefringence, fairly low viscosity, and modest dielectric anisotropy, but their molecular alignment in a VA cell is gradually deteriorated at elevated temperatures as their concentration increases. As a result, the device contrast ratio is decreased noticeably due to the light leakage through the crossed polarizers. Finally, liquid crystal doped with metallic nanoparticles, such as Pd, Ag, or Ag-Pd, which are protected with ligand molecules, such as nematic liquid crystal were studied. The metal nanoparticles doped LC exhibit a frequency modulation (FM) electro-optical (EO) response in the millisecond to submillisecond range together with the ordinary root-mean-square voltage response.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003152, ucf:48593
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003152

Title: THE COST OF FEELING GOOD.
Creator: Field, Casey M, Sturm, Ray, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Cost of Feeling Good attempts to quantify the optimum portfolio returns of Socially Responsible Investment Funds and Dual-Purpose Portfolios. In order to meet the demands of investors who want to create a social impact and generate financial returns, investors can choose two methods. For the purpose of this study, the social returns were quantified and the financial returns were quantified using net present value. In every scenario, the socially responsible investment decision generated...
Show moreThe Cost of Feeling Good attempts to quantify the optimum portfolio returns of Socially Responsible Investment Funds and Dual-Purpose Portfolios. In order to meet the demands of investors who want to create a social impact and generate financial returns, investors can choose two methods. For the purpose of this study, the social returns were quantified and the financial returns were quantified using net present value. In every scenario, the socially responsible investment decision generated higher financial returns. Because of the immediate loss to an investor after choosing the DPP strategy, financially, the SRI fund appears to be the better approach for a financially driver investor. In terms of social returns, the DPP has a more clear impact on society. Measured as the charitable contribution given on an $1,000 investment, the socially responsible fund contributes far less to society on a per investor basis. Therefore, if an investor is interested in generating higher social returns and wants to be selective in terms of their charitable donation, they should choose the DPP model. In terms of tax brackets, investors in higher tax brackets have to generate higher financial returns on socially responsible investments in order to match the returns of a DPP. This is also true with investors who invest less in charity. Therefore, the investors that are in the highest tax bracket and contribute little to charity will need to generate far higher SRI returns according to the constructed theory. This finding is important to the growing millennial trend in sustainable investing.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000141, ucf:45940
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000141

Title: Rapid Response Teams versus Critical Care Outreach Teams: Unplanned Escalations in Care and Associated Outcomes.
Creator: Danesh, Valerie, Neff, Donna, Aroian, Karen, Andrews, Diane, Unruh, Lynn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The incidence of unplanned escalations during hospitalization is undocumented, but estimates may be as high as 1.2 million occurrences per year in the United States. Rapid Response Teams (RRT) were developed for the early recognition and treatment of deteriorating patients to deliver time-sensitive interventions, but evidence related to optimal activation criteria and structure is limited. The purpose of this study is to determine if an Early Warning Score-based Critical Care Outreach (CCO)...
Show moreThe incidence of unplanned escalations during hospitalization is undocumented, but estimates may be as high as 1.2 million occurrences per year in the United States. Rapid Response Teams (RRT) were developed for the early recognition and treatment of deteriorating patients to deliver time-sensitive interventions, but evidence related to optimal activation criteria and structure is limited. The purpose of this study is to determine if an Early Warning Score-based Critical Care Outreach (CCO) model is related to the frequency of unplanned intra-hospital escalations in care compared to a RRT system based on staff nurse identification of vital sign derangements and physical assessments. The RRT model, in which staff nurses identified vital sign derangements to active the system, was compared with the addition of a CCO model, in which rapid response nurses activated the system based on Early Warning Score line graphs of patient condition over time. Logistic regressions were used to examine retrospective data from administrative datasets at a 237-bed community non-teaching hospital during two periods: 1) baseline period, RRT model (n=5,875) (Phase 1: October 1, 2010 (-) March 31, 2011), and; 2) intervention period, RRT/CCO model (n=6,273). (Phase 2: October 1, 2011 (-) March 31, 2012). The strongest predictor of unplanned escalations to the Intensive Care Unit was the type of rapid response system model. Unplanned ICU transfers were 1.4 times more likely to occur during the Phase 1 RRT period. In contrast, the type of rapid response model was not a significant predictor when all unplanned escalations (any type) were grouped together (medical-surgical-to-intermediate, medical-surgical-to-ICU and intermediate-to-ICU). This is the first study to report a relationship between unplanned escalations and different rapid response models. Based on the findings of fewer unplanned ICU transfers in the setting of a CCO model, health services researchers and clinicians should consider using automated Early Warning score graphs for hospital-wide surveillance of patient condition as a safety strategy.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006212, ucf:51093
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006212

Title: FAITH IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY: STAR WARS AS RELIGION.
Creator: Hunter, Darryl B, DiBernardo, Sabatino, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Within the past three decades, Star Wars has become nothing short of a household name. The millions of dollars gained from the films and various products, as well as the enjoyment and enthusiasm generated among fans, shows that Star Wars' value and significance in the realm of entertainment is substantial. In addition to this value, there are also many religious and mythological elements that are embedded within each of the movies. However, these elements do not carry the same prominence or...
Show moreWithin the past three decades, Star Wars has become nothing short of a household name. The millions of dollars gained from the films and various products, as well as the enjoyment and enthusiasm generated among fans, shows that Star Wars' value and significance in the realm of entertainment is substantial. In addition to this value, there are also many religious and mythological elements that are embedded within each of the movies. However, these elements do not carry the same prominence or interest that the plotline has with the audience. In an interview, Lucas stated that it was not his intent to use Star Wars to create a new religion or ideology. Nevertheless, the movie series has raised questions regarding its ability to attain such a devoted following. Consequently, the thesis will look into the dynamic between authorial intent and reader response. In addition, this thesis will investigate the religious themes and mythological elements of the Star Wars series and use this analysis to corroborate the position that Star Wars both resembles traditional religion and functions as religion for the fans. This thesis will analyze the religious elements and myths that are embedded in the general story, as well as those that are unique to the individual movies, by highlighting a family resemblance/functionalist approach to religion that focuses on not only the resemblances to traditional religion but also the religious effects that Star Wars has on its fans and society; namely, moral issues and the sense of meaning and belonging it inculcates among the fan base.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000168, ucf:46009
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000168

Title: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLEPROCUREMENT ACTIVITIESIN THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDSAT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.
Creator: McCarthy, Donna, Martin, Lawrence, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The aggregate annual expenditures of federal, state and local governments, in concert with universities and school districts represents incredible purchasing power and requires great prowess in its expenditure. Over the course of centuries, procurement has been used as a policy tool to improve society. This research delved into defining and determining the involvement of state and local governments in socially responsible activities related to the expenditure of public funds. Data collected...
Show moreThe aggregate annual expenditures of federal, state and local governments, in concert with universities and school districts represents incredible purchasing power and requires great prowess in its expenditure. Over the course of centuries, procurement has been used as a policy tool to improve society. This research delved into defining and determining the involvement of state and local governments in socially responsible activities related to the expenditure of public funds. Data collected in 2005 by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc., was reviewed to determine if the expectations set for the private sector known as corporate social responsibility could be applied to the public sector. The study found that the definition as established for the private sector with regard to procurement social responsibility may also be employed in the public sector. A composite index of Public Procurement Social Responsibility (PPSR) was created as a benchmark for future comparison. Further, the presence of top-down management support for socially responsible initiatives in procurement in the areas of formal policies, goals and objectives and performance tracking mechanisms dictated higher PPSR scores for agencies. Mean Scores for PPSR were reviewed using independent variables of agency type, location, population served, procurement volume, and budget size. While top-down support of PPSR initiatives dictated strong involvement of an agency, there was no correlation between agency type, size, procurement spend, or population size on the mean score of a governmental entity, with or without the presence of PPSR drivers. The variables that influence the PPSR activities of an agency are similar across all demographics. What appears to drive the participation in socially responsible initiatives of government is the buy-in and mandate through regulation, policy and example set by management. This posture is emulated not only professionally, but the data indicates that it influences personal behavior as well. In order to bring about societal change, results are best achieved through the creation of policy for participation, establishing benchmarks for measuring success and integrating performance review milestones for achievement of goals and objectives related to PPSR.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001486, ucf:47105
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001486

Title: AVL AND RESPONSE TIME REDUCTION: IMAGE AND REALITY.
Creator: Russo, Charles, Surette, Raymond, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Automatic vehicle locator (AVL) systems, utilizing military's global positioning system, may impact response time to law enforcement calls for service. In order to evaluate the impacts of AVL on response time to calls for service at the Altamonte Springs Police Department (ASPD), computer aided dispatch (CAD) data from years 1999 to 2003 were analyzed. The analysis of each of the data sets consisted of an initial sequence chart, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), a means plot and a linear...
Show moreAutomatic vehicle locator (AVL) systems, utilizing military's global positioning system, may impact response time to law enforcement calls for service. In order to evaluate the impacts of AVL on response time to calls for service at the Altamonte Springs Police Department (ASPD), computer aided dispatch (CAD) data from years 1999 to 2003 were analyzed. The analysis of each of the data sets consisted of an initial sequence chart, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), a means plot and a linear regression. Interviews of ASPD personnel were conducted to understand user perceptions of AVL. Based on the ANOVA results, trends indicate that weekly response time was significantly lower during the AVL partial implementation period than during the pre or post AVL stages across all categories of data analyzed. Based on the regression results, trends indicate that the overall impact of AVL on response time for all categories analyzed is flat and show AVL as having no overall impact on response time across all calls for service analyzed. An exception to this is the findings related to Priority 3 calls for service; however this exception can be attributed to performance during the pre AVL implementation stage. These results do not suggest a capability for AVL to reduce response time to calls for service in a meaningful comprehensive way. Thus, the study's hypotheses are not supported.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001417, ucf:47046
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001417

Corporate Social Responsibility (7)	+ -
Response to Intervention (6)	+ -
response time (4)	+ -
transient response (4)	+ -
CSR (3)	+ -

RtI (3)	+ -
fast response (3)	+ -
liquid crystal (3)	+ -
ELL (2)	+ -
Finance (2)	+ -
MTSS (2)	+ -
Moral Responsibility (2)	+ -
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (2)	+ -
Response Time (2)	+ -
Speech (2)	+ -
agency (2)	+ -
blue phase liquid crystal (2)	+ -
corporate social responsibility (2)	+ -
crisis response (2)	+ -
education (2)	+ -
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high efficiency (2)	+ -
human performance (2)	+ -
item response theory (2)	+ -
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rapid response (2)	+ -
response (2)	+ -
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University of Central Florida (104)	+ -
Wu, Shin-Tson (5)	+ -
Wu, Shintson (5)	+ -
Boote, David (3)	+ -
Bryer, Thomas (3)	+ -

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