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- Title
- THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERACTIVE SCIENCE NOTEBOOKS ANDTHE EFFECT IT HAS ON STUDENTS WRITING.
- Creator
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Braxton, Eva, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not my practice of implementing Interactive Science Notebooks (ISN) impacts 4th grade students writing in science. Through this action research, studentsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine whether or not my practice of implementing Interactive Science Notebooks (ISN) impacts 4th grade students writing in science. Through this action research, studentsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ' writing was analyzed to determine whether the use of ISN affected studentsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ' use of details, support claims and justifications in their written responses. Also through the use of the Interactive Science Notebook, studentsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ' use of science vocabulary in their writing was also analyzed. Finally, studentsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ' reflective writing practices were examined in order to determine how students understood and explored physical science. A triangulation of data gathered consisted of the use of rubrics, focus groups and one-on-one conferencing. The data collected from this action research implied that the Interactive Science Notebooks did indeed have an impact on studentsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ' scientific writing. Students writing reflections demonstrated an increase in the use of claims and evidence, and meaningful questions related to the science topic investigated.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003058, ucf:48320
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003058
- Title
- Les Temps Roulent: An Analysis of Emergency Medical and Police Response Times to Shootings and Lethality in New Orleans.
- Creator
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Sacra, Sarah, Corzine, Harold, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Gay, David, McCutcheon, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Lethality of aggravated assaults has long been discussed in terms of weapons used, location of assault, demographics of victims, and regions of the US in which the assault occurred. However, dating back to the 1950s, medical response times have been discussed as a mediating factor, but minimally explored in analyses. The current study assesses the lethality of shootings with a primary focus on emergency medical and police response times in New Orleans, LA. Along with routine activities and...
Show moreLethality of aggravated assaults has long been discussed in terms of weapons used, location of assault, demographics of victims, and regions of the US in which the assault occurred. However, dating back to the 1950s, medical response times have been discussed as a mediating factor, but minimally explored in analyses. The current study assesses the lethality of shootings with a primary focus on emergency medical and police response times in New Orleans, LA. Along with routine activities and social disorganization indicators, 102 shootings that occurred in 3 months are analyzed to establish response time patterns of lethality. Results indicate that neither medical nor police response times impact the odds of a victim surviving a shooting, but instead, it is the days on which the violent encounters occur and the socioeconomic characteristics of the neighborhood that have a stronger influence on life or death, although not statistically significant. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005881, ucf:50877
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005881
- Title
- More is not always better: Unpacking the cognitive process underlying introspective psychological measurement.
- Creator
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Lapalme, Matthew, Wang, Wei, Fritzsche, Barbara, Jentsch, Florian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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For decades, psychometricans have measured non-cognitive constructs with little attention paid to the underlying cognitive processes of response. Previous advancement in psychometrics suggests that traditional cognitive oriented approaches may, in fact, yield construct deficiency and spurious results when applied to non-cognitive measurement. This thesis highlights the importance of specifying an ideal point response process for non-cognitive measurement and empirically demonstrates that an...
Show moreFor decades, psychometricans have measured non-cognitive constructs with little attention paid to the underlying cognitive processes of response. Previous advancement in psychometrics suggests that traditional cognitive oriented approaches may, in fact, yield construct deficiency and spurious results when applied to non-cognitive measurement. This thesis highlights the importance of specifying an ideal point response process for non-cognitive measurement and empirically demonstrates that an ideal point response processes undergirds self-reported personality and attitude measurement. Furthermore, this thesis also advances current understanding on the limitations of ideal point assumptions by exploring the moderating effects of various individual differences in motivation and ability.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006223, ucf:51074
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006223
- Title
- Academic Blade Geometries for Baseline Comparisons of Forced Vibration Response Predictions.
- Creator
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Little, James, Kauffman, Jeffrey, Gordon, Ali, Bai, Yuanli, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Predicting the damping associated with underplatform dampers remains a challenge in turbomachineryblade and friction damper design. Turbomachinery blade forced response analysismethods usually rely on nonlinear codes and reduced order models to predict vibration characteristicsof blades. Two academic blade geometries coupled with underplatform dampers are presentedhere for comparison of these model reduction and forced response simulation techniques. The twoblades are representative of free...
Show morePredicting the damping associated with underplatform dampers remains a challenge in turbomachineryblade and friction damper design. Turbomachinery blade forced response analysismethods usually rely on nonlinear codes and reduced order models to predict vibration characteristicsof blades. Two academic blade geometries coupled with underplatform dampers are presentedhere for comparison of these model reduction and forced response simulation techniques. The twoblades are representative of free-standing turbine blades and exhibit qualitatively similar behavioras highly-complex industrial blades. This thesis fully describes the proposed academic bladegeometries and models; it further analyzes and predicts the blades forced response characteristicsusing the same procedure as industry blades. This analysis classifies the results in terms of resonancefrequency, vibration amplitude, and damping over a range of aerodynamic excitation toexamine the vibration behavior of the blade/damper system. Additionally, the analysis investigatesthe effect variations of the contact parameters (friction coefficient, damper / platform roughnessand damper mass) have on the predicted blade vibration characteristics, with sensitivities to each parameter. Finally, an investigation of the number of modes retained in the reduced order modelshows convergence behavior as well as providing additional data for comparison with alternativemodel reduction and forced response prediction methods. The academic blade models are shownto behave qualitatively similar to high fidelity industry blade models when the number of retained modes in a modal analysis are varied and behave qualitatively similar under sensitives to designparameters.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006616, ucf:51281
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006616
- Title
- Anthropogenic Organic Chemical Removal from a Surficial Groundwater and Mass Transfer Modeling in a Nanofiltration Membrane Process.
- Creator
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Jeffery, Samantha, Duranceau, Steven, Lee, Woo Hyoung, Sadmani, A H M Anwar, Yestrebsky, Cherie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation reports on research related to trace organic compounds (TrOCs) in surficial groundwater supplies and their subsequent removal from nanofiltration (NF) membranes. The research was conducted along coastal South Florida in cooperation with the Town of Jupiter Water Utilities, Jupiter, FL (Town). The focus of the research was to determine the extent of reclaimed water impacts on surficial groundwater supplies and subsequent effects on the Town's NF water treatment plant. Routine...
Show moreThis dissertation reports on research related to trace organic compounds (TrOCs) in surficial groundwater supplies and their subsequent removal from nanofiltration (NF) membranes. The research was conducted along coastal South Florida in cooperation with the Town of Jupiter Water Utilities, Jupiter, FL (Town). The focus of the research was to determine the extent of reclaimed water impacts on surficial groundwater supplies and subsequent effects on the Town's NF water treatment plant. Routine monitoring of fourteen TrOCs in reclaimed water and at the water treatment facility revealed varying degrees of TrOC detection in the environment. Certain TrOCs, including caffeine and DEET, were detected in a majority of the water sampling locations evaluated in this work. However, subsequent dilution with highly-treated reverse osmosis (RO) permeate from alternative supplies resulted in TrOCs below detection limits in potable water at the point-of-entry (POE). Pilot testing was employed to determine the extent of TrOC removal by NF. Prior to evaluating TrOC removal, hydraulic transients within the pilot process were first examined to determine the required length of time the pilot needed to reach steady-state. The transient response of a center-port NF membrane process was evaluated using a step-input dose of a sodium chloride solution. The pilot was configured as a two-stage, split-feed, center-exit, 7:2 pressure vessel array process, where the feed water is fed to both ends of six element pressure vessels, and permeate and concentrate streams are collected after only three membrane elements. The transient response was described as a log-logistic system with a maximum delay time of 285 seconds for an 85% water recovery and 267 gallon per minute feed flowrate.Eleven TrOC pilot unit experiments were conducted with feed concentrations ranging from 0.52 to 4,500 ?g/L. TrOC rejection was well-correlated with compound molecular volume and polarizability, with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.94. To enhance this correlation, an extensive literature review was conducted and independent literature sources were correlated with rejection. Literature citations reporting the removal effectiveness of an additional sixty-one TrOCs by loose NF membranes (a total of 95 data points) were found to be well-correlated with molecular volume and polarizability, with R2 values of 0.72 and 0.71, respectively.Of the TrOC's detected during this research, the anthropogenic solute caffeine was selected to be modeled using the homogeneous solution diffusion model (HSDM) and the HSDM with film theory (HSDM-FT). Mass transfer coefficients, K_w (water) K_s (caffeine), and k_b (caffeine back-transport) were determined experimentally, and K_s was also determined using the Sherwood correlation method. Findings indicate that caffeine transport through the NF pilot could be explained using experimentally determined K_s values without incorporating film theory, since the HSDM resulted in a better correlation between predicted and actual caffeine permeate concentrations compared to the HSDM-FT and the HSDM using K_s obtained using Sherwood applications. Predicted versus actual caffeine content was linearly compared, revealing R2 values on the order of 0.99, 0.96, and 0.99 for the HSDM without FT, HSDM-FT, and HSDM using a K_s value obtained using the Sherwood correlation method. However, the use of the HSDM-FT and the Sherwood number resulted in the over-prediction of caffeine concentrations in permeate streams by 27 percent and 104 percent, respectively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006331, ucf:51545
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006331
- Title
- Establishing and Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities of K-12 Mathematics Coaches in a Rural Urban School District in Central Florida.
- Creator
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Davis, Beth, Hopp, Carolyn, Zugelder, Bryan, Little, Mary, Behrens, Cherie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation in practice establishes roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics coaches in a rural, urban school district in central Florida. To do this, coach roles and responsibilities from existing coaching approaches were examined. The roles and responsibilities were closely examined for alignment with the objectives of the work of the coach (-) improving instruction and increasing student achievement. The result was proposed roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice establishes roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics coaches in a rural, urban school district in central Florida. To do this, coach roles and responsibilities from existing coaching approaches were examined. The roles and responsibilities were closely examined for alignment with the objectives of the work of the coach (-) improving instruction and increasing student achievement. The result was proposed roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics coaches in a targeted district in central Florida. Review of the literature found that clearly delineated and communicated roles and responsibilities are vital to the success of mathematics coaches. Poorly defined and/or communicated roles and responsibilities result in barriers that prevent the coach from meeting the objectives of his/her job: improving instruction and student achievement. Clearly established and communicated job responsibilities for mathematics coaches positively impact the effectiveness of the coach, resulting in support for teachers and students and, in turn, a positive impact on student achievement. Research suggests that in addition to instructional practices, teachers also need support in content knowledge, curriculum, assessment, and data analysis.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006214, ucf:51102
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006214
- Title
- Invisible in Plain Sight: The Troubling Connections Between the National Hockey League and the Russian Mafia.
- Creator
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Ennion, Kayla, Crepeau, Richard, Gannon, Barbara, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Professional sports leagues in North America have seen scandals, controversies, and tragedies. There is, however, a forgotten scandal that happened in the 1990s: the Russian Mafia came dangerously close to the National Hockey League. This thesis explores the alleged Mafia connections by examining newspaper and magazine articles and documentaries focused on the issue. The limited public response to allegations of Russian Mafia involvement is contrasted with other professional sports...
Show moreProfessional sports leagues in North America have seen scandals, controversies, and tragedies. There is, however, a forgotten scandal that happened in the 1990s: the Russian Mafia came dangerously close to the National Hockey League. This thesis explores the alleged Mafia connections by examining newspaper and magazine articles and documentaries focused on the issue. The limited public response to allegations of Russian Mafia involvement is contrasted with other professional sports controversies that were met with an immediate response by the leagues and fans. How North Americans viewed Russians during the post-Soviet era is also explored in this paper. This thesis examines why evident Mafia involvement with National Hockey League players did not provoke attention and sanctions by the league nor an outcry from the fans. This study will conclude the League did not react to the allegations because it felt as if the games were not harmed directly. Also, hockey fans did not find the allegations surprising because of the media's constant reports of corruption within Russia's borders, especially involving organized crime. Perhaps the lack of reaction by the National Hockey League and its fans suggests why this particular scandal is forgotten a mere 20 years later.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005488, ucf:50363
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005488
- Title
- High Performance Three-Dimensional Display Based on Polymer-Stabilized Blue Phase Liquid Crystal.
- Creator
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Liu, Yifan, Wu, Shintson, Kik, Pieter, Likamwa, Patrick, Zhai, Lei, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Autostereoscopic 2D/3D (two-dimension/three-dimension) switchable display has been attracting great interest in research and practical applications for several years. Among different autostereoscopic solutions, direction-multiplexed 3D displays based on microlens array or parallax barrier are viewed as the most promising candidates, due to their compatibility with conventional 2D display technologies. These 2D/3D switchable display system designs rely on fast switching display panels and...
Show moreAutostereoscopic 2D/3D (two-dimension/three-dimension) switchable display has been attracting great interest in research and practical applications for several years. Among different autostereoscopic solutions, direction-multiplexed 3D displays based on microlens array or parallax barrier are viewed as the most promising candidates, due to their compatibility with conventional 2D display technologies. These 2D/3D switchable display system designs rely on fast switching display panels and photonics devices, including adaptive focus microlens array and switchable slit array. Polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal (PS-BPLC) material provides a possible solution to meet the aforementioned fast response time requirement. However, present display and photonic devices based on blue phase liquid crystals suffer from several drawbacks, such as low contrast ratio, relatively large hysteresis and short lifetime. In this dissertation, we investigate the material properties of PS-BPLC so as to improve the performance of PS-BPLC devices. Then we propose several PS-BPLC devices for the autostereoscopic 2D/3D switchable display system designs. In the first part we evaluate the optical rotatory power (ORP) of blue phase liquid crystal, which is proven to be the primary reason for causing the low contrast ratio of PS-BPLC display systems. Those material parameters affecting the ORP of PS-BPLC are investigated and an empirical equation is proposed to calculate the polarization rotation angle in a PS-BPLC cell. Then several optical compensation methods are proposed to compensate the impact of ORP and to improve the contrast ratio of a display system. The pros and cons of each solution are discussed accordingly. In the second part, we propose two adaptive focus microlens array structures and a high efficiency switchable slit array based on the PS-BPLC materials. By optimizing the design parameters, these devices can be applied to the 2D/3D switchable display systems. In the last section, we focus on another factor that affects the performance and lifetime of PS-BPLC devices and systems: the UV exposure condition. The impact of UV exposure wavelength, dosage, uniformity, and photo-initiator are investigated. We demonstrate that by optimizing the UV exposure condition, we can reduce the hysteresis of PS-BPLC and improve its long term stability.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005370, ucf:50466
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005370
- Title
- Role of host immune response and bacterial autolysin Atl in human nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus.
- Creator
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Paramanandam, Vanathy, Cole, Alexander, Naser, Saleh, Self, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a major human pathogen that colonizes the anterior nares in 30% of the human population. Though nasal carriage of SA is a known risk factor for the subsequent spread of SA infections, the dynamics of SA nasal colonization is poorly understood. Our research focuses on understanding the host and bacterial factors that might contribute to the human nasal colonization by SA. In an attempt to elucidate the host response to SA, we performed an autologous human in vivo...
Show moreStaphylococcus aureus (SA) is a major human pathogen that colonizes the anterior nares in 30% of the human population. Though nasal carriage of SA is a known risk factor for the subsequent spread of SA infections, the dynamics of SA nasal colonization is poorly understood. Our research focuses on understanding the host and bacterial factors that might contribute to the human nasal colonization by SA. In an attempt to elucidate the host response to SA, we performed an autologous human in vivo nasal colonization study, which showed decreased survival rates of SA in hosts who elicited a robust immune response. We also identified a significant correlation between SA nasal colonization and the expression of host proinflammatory, chemotactic and growth factors.Additionally, we functionally disrupted a major autolysin, atl a surface expressed bacterial protein that plays multiple roles in cell separation, adhesion and biofilm formation of SA. Microscopic analysis of the ?atl strains showed phenotypic differences, including cell clumping and cluster formation due to defective cell separation, which confirmed the functional loss of atl. Subsequent analysis of the ?atl and wild-type strains revealed that there was no significant difference in their ability to adhere to human nasal epithelial cells (hNEC) in an ex vivo hNEC model. Similarly, our competitive in vivo human nasal colonization study, in which equal colony-forming units of each wild-type and ?atl SA strain were inoculated in the anterior nares of donors, showed similar survival rates between wild-type and ?atl. These results suggest that Atl might not be directly involved in the adherence and colonization of SA to the anterior nares. Furthermore, our study suggests that host factors might play a predominant role in determining SA colonization to human anterior nares.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005393, ucf:50463
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005393
- Title
- School Psychologist Perceptions Regarding Implementation of Response to Intervention with English Language Learners.
- Creator
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Puyana, Olivia, Sivo, Stephen, Edwards, Oliver, Hewitt, Randall, Thomson, Arlene, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research was an investigation of three domains identified through a thorough review of the literature as fundamental to the equitable implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) with English language learners (ELLs): (1) degree of intercultural sensitivity of educators involved in the RtI process, (2) training of educators in implementation of RtI with ELLs, and (3) educator familiarity with empirically-based interventions for use with ELLs. The validity of using RtI with ELLs has...
Show moreThis research was an investigation of three domains identified through a thorough review of the literature as fundamental to the equitable implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) with English language learners (ELLs): (1) degree of intercultural sensitivity of educators involved in the RtI process, (2) training of educators in implementation of RtI with ELLs, and (3) educator familiarity with empirically-based interventions for use with ELLs. The validity of using RtI with ELLs has been questioned by both supporters and detractors of the model (Linan-Thompson (&) Ortiz, 2009). The most fundamental tenets of RtI are predicated upon the use of empirically validated interventions and the application of culturally responsive educational practices that provide equitable learning opportunities for all students. Due to the critical role of school psychologists in the development and implementation of RtI models, a questionnaire was designed for use with this population to explore the three domains delineated above. The Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS; Chen (&) Starosta, 2000) was used to document participants' degree of intercultural sensitivity. Additional questions addressing domains two and three strategically juxtaposed participants' experiences with and perceptions regarding RtI with native English speakers versus RtI with ELLs. Through a series of eight research questions and the associated analyses, the following conclusions were reached: (1) Statistically significantly higher mean scores on the ISS were present among those respondents who identified themselves as Hispanic/Latino/Spanish and/or fluent in more than one language; (2) Statistically significant differences were documented in participants' responses to items focused on perceptions of training for implementing RtI with native English speakers versus training for implementing RtI with ELLs; and (3) Statistically significant differences were found in participants' responses to items inquiring about perceptions of familiarity with empirically-based interventions for use within an RtI framework with native English speakers in comparison to ELLs. Taken together, and in conjunction with a qualitative analysis of two open-ended questions, these results suggest the presence of considerable delays in school psychologists' training and perceptions of preparedness to implement RtI with a linguistically diverse population as compared to native English speakers. This outcome is disconcerting, given the emphasis throughout the literature on the importance of unique considerations required to implement RtI equitably with ELLs. Recommendations for practice and future research are provided that emphasize the need for additional research and training in implementing RtI with a linguistically diverse population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004225, ucf:49017
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004225
- Title
- A Quantitative Study of the Relationship Between Pell Grant Aid and Associated Variables in a Florida Public State College.
- Creator
-
Powers, Lynn, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Cox, Thomas, Roman, Marcia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Using Bean and Metzner's conceptual framework related to non-traditional student attrition, the responsible use of Federal Pell Grants was studied by examining the retention and academic performance of college-credit seeking students in a public college in Florida that predominantly offered two year degree programs. Also analyzed were differences between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients among various demographic categories. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that statistical...
Show moreUsing Bean and Metzner's conceptual framework related to non-traditional student attrition, the responsible use of Federal Pell Grants was studied by examining the retention and academic performance of college-credit seeking students in a public college in Florida that predominantly offered two year degree programs. Also analyzed were differences between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients among various demographic categories. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that statistical significance existed between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients in retention rates from fall to spring terms, as well as in the demographic variables of academic performance, gender, ethnicity, age group, residency, and credit hours achieved. Only the variable of ethnicity showed a medium practical effect size, with all the other variables indicating a small to no practical effect size.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005231, ucf:50581
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005231
- Title
- Recycled Modernity: Google, Immigration History, and the Limits for H-1B.
- Creator
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Patten, Neil, Dombrowski, Paul, Mauer, Barry, Grajeda, Anthony, Dziuban, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Regulation of admission to the United States for technology workers from foreign countries has been a difficult issue, especially during periods of intense development. Following the dot.com bubble, the Google Corporation continued to argue in favor of higher limits under the Immigration and Nationality Act exception referred to as (")H-1B(") for the section of the law where it appears. H-1B authorized temporary admission for highly skilled labor in specialty occupations. Congressional...
Show moreRegulation of admission to the United States for technology workers from foreign countries has been a difficult issue, especially during periods of intense development. Following the dot.com bubble, the Google Corporation continued to argue in favor of higher limits under the Immigration and Nationality Act exception referred to as (")H-1B(") for the section of the law where it appears. H-1B authorized temporary admission for highly skilled labor in specialty occupations. Congressional testimony by Laszlo Bock, Google Vice President for People Operations, provided the most succinct statement of Google's concerns based on maintaining a competitive and diverse workforce. Diversity has been a rhetorical priority for Google, yet diversity did not affect the argument in a substantial and realistic way. Likewise, emphasis on geographically situated competitive capability suggests a limited commitment to the global communities invoked by information technology. The history of American industry produced corporations determined to control and exploit every detail of their affairs. In the process, industrial corporations used immigration as a labor resource. Google portrayed itself, and Google has been portrayed by media from the outside, as representative of new information technology culture, an information community of diverse, inclusive, and democratically transparent technology in the sense of universal availability and benefit with a deliberate concern for avoiding evil. However, emphasis by Google on American supremacy combined with a kind of half-hearted rhetorical advocacy for principles of diversity suggest an inconsistent approach to the argument about H-1B. The Google argument for manageable resources connected to corporate priorities of Industrial Modernity, a habit of control, more than to democratic communities of technology. In this outcome, there are concerns for information technology and the Industry of Knowledge Work. By considering the treatment of immigration as a sign of management attitude, I look at questions posed by Jean Baudrillard, Daniel Headrick, Alan Liu, and others about whether information technology as an industry and as communities of common interests has achieved any democratically universal (")ethical progress(") beyond the preceding system of industrial commerce that demands the absolute power to exploit resources, including human resources. Does Google's performance confirm skeptical questions, or did Google actually achieve something more socially responsible? In the rhetoric of immigration history and the rhetoric of Google as technology, this study finds connections to a recycled corporate-management version of Industrial Modernity that constrains the diffusion of technology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005685, ucf:50135
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005685
- Title
- CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYETHERIMIDE UNDER STATIC, DYNAMIC, AND MULTIPLE IMPACT CONDITIONS.
- Creator
-
Zuanetti, Bryan, Gordon, Ali, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The application of polymers in robust engineering designs is on the rise due to their excellent mechanical properties such as high fracture toughness, specific strength, durability, as well as, thermal and chemical resistances. Implementation of some advanced polymeric solids is limited due to the lack of available mechanical properties. In order for these materials to endure strenuous engineering designs it is vital to investigate their response in multiple loading rates and conditions. In...
Show moreThe application of polymers in robust engineering designs is on the rise due to their excellent mechanical properties such as high fracture toughness, specific strength, durability, as well as, thermal and chemical resistances. Implementation of some advanced polymeric solids is limited due to the lack of available mechanical properties. In order for these materials to endure strenuous engineering designs it is vital to investigate their response in multiple loading rates and conditions. In this thesis, the mechanical response of polyethermide (PEI) is characterized under quasi-static, high strain rate, and multiple impact conditions. Standard tension, torsion, and compression experiments are performed in order to distinguish the multi-regime response of PEI. The effects of physical ageing and rejuvenation on the quasi-static mechanical response are investigated. The strain softening regime resulting from strain localization is eliminated by thermal and mechanical rejuvenation, and the advantages of these processes are discussed. The dynamic fracture toughness of the material in response to notched impact via Charpy impact test is evaluated. The high strain-rate response of PEI to uniaxial compression is evaluated at rates exceeding 104/s via miniaturized Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (MSHPB), and compared to the quasi-static case to determine strain-rate sensitivity. The elastic response of the aged material to multiple loading conditions are correlated using the Ramberg-Osgood equation, while the elastoplastic response of rejuvenated PEI is correlated using a both the Ramberg-Osgood equation and a novel model. The strain-rate sensitivity of the strength is found to be nominally bilinear and transition strains are modeled using the Ree-Erying formulation. Finally, multiple impact experiments are performed on PEI using the MSHPB and a model is proposed to quantify damage as a result of collision.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004531, ucf:45166
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004531
- Title
- CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON INTER-DISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT, INTERVENTION, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATORS.
- Creator
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Patrusky, Lauren, Wenzel, Dr. Taylar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Clinical Questions: What top-down and bottom-up interventions across the psychology, audiology, educational, and speech language pathology domains are most effective for children and adolescents with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)? What considerations for planning research and intervention might be offered to a classroom teacher to further support students diagnosed with CAPD, especially in relation to the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), formerly known as Response to...
Show moreClinical Questions: What top-down and bottom-up interventions across the psychology, audiology, educational, and speech language pathology domains are most effective for children and adolescents with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)? What considerations for planning research and intervention might be offered to a classroom teacher to further support students diagnosed with CAPD, especially in relation to the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), formerly known as Response to Intervention (RTI)? Method: Inter-Disciplinary Literature Review Study Sources: PsycInfo, Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, ProQuest, International Journal of Audiology, American-Speech-Language Hearing Association, Journal of Neurotherapy, Medline-Esbcohost, ERIC Ebscohost, Professional Development Collection Education, and What Works Clearinghouse Number of Included Studies: 16 Age Range: 2-13 years Primary Results: 1) Phonological awareness training was the primary reading educational construct found among the included interventions in this literature review. 2) Most CAPD studies employed a combination of both bottom-up and top-down treatments in intervention. This finding may possibly indicate that in order for a CAPD intervention to be even more beneficial to the student, both bottom-up and top-down treatments should be considered and incorporated in relation to the student's individualized needs. Conclusions: Results confirmed very little research and few intervention implications on CAPD students within the educational research discipline, including special education. Search results primarily included methods to improve listening in the classroom environment, but did not specifically mention intervention in relation to CAPD and its implications. Results also confirmed that a multi-disciplinary effort is needed to provide clinical decision and effective intervention for the CAPD population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004389, ucf:45014
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004389
- Title
- Nike(&)#191;s Corporate Social Advocacy (CSA) Practices as Related to Strategic Issues Management (SIM) and Threats to Organizational Legitimacy.
- Creator
-
Heffron, Eve, Dodd, Melissa, Spence, Patric, Yu, Nan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research examined how corporate social advocacy (CSA) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts impacted perceptions of authenticity. Using an experimental survey, participants were randomly exposed to Nike's actions related to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement via mock-online news articles. Participants completed a survey that contained Likert-type scale items regarding attitudes (perceived corporate intent, perceived authenticity, brand trust, and brand credibility) and...
Show moreThis research examined how corporate social advocacy (CSA) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts impacted perceptions of authenticity. Using an experimental survey, participants were randomly exposed to Nike's actions related to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement via mock-online news articles. Participants completed a survey that contained Likert-type scale items regarding attitudes (perceived corporate intent, perceived authenticity, brand trust, and brand credibility) and behavioral intentions (word of mouth intentions (WOM), and purchase intention (PI)). Results indicated that positive attitudes significantly increased when Nike implemented an action step after taking a public stance on a controversial social-political issue. Further, results revealed significant differences for positive WOM intentions and PI, given the experimental prompt. This study extends public relations scholarship through expanding our understanding of stakeholder perceptions of authenticity when companies engage in CSA and CSR practices. To earn legitimacy, companies must meet stakeholder expectations through successfully executing socially responsible actions. This study illustrates a need for future research on stakeholder perceptions of authenticity when various action steps are added to a company stance on divisive social-political issues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007650, ucf:52461
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007650
- Title
- An Agent Based Model to assess crew temporal variability during U.S. Navy shipboard operations.
- Creator
-
Muhs, Kevin, Karwowski, Waldemar, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Hancock, Peter, Sjoden, Glenn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Understanding the factors that affect human performance variability as well as their temporal impacts is an essential element in fully integrating and designing complex, adaptive environments. This understanding is particularly necessary for high stakes, time-critical routines such as those performed during nuclear reactor, air traffic control, and military operations. Over the last three decades significant efforts have emerged to demonstrate and apply a host of techniques to include...
Show moreUnderstanding the factors that affect human performance variability as well as their temporal impacts is an essential element in fully integrating and designing complex, adaptive environments. This understanding is particularly necessary for high stakes, time-critical routines such as those performed during nuclear reactor, air traffic control, and military operations. Over the last three decades significant efforts have emerged to demonstrate and apply a host of techniques to include Discrete Event Simulation, Bayesian Belief Networks, Neural Networks, and a multitude of existing software applications to provide relevant assessments of human task performance and temporal variability. The objective of this research was to design and develop a novel Agent Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) methodology to generate a timeline of work and assess impacts of crew temporal variability during U.S. Navy Small Boat Defense operations in littoral waters.The developed ABMS methodology included human performance models for six crew members (agents) as well as a threat craft, and incorporated varying levels of crew capability and task support. AnyLogic ABMS software was used to simultaneously provide detailed measures of individual sailor performance and of system-level emergent behavior. This methodology and these models were adapted and built to assure extensibility across a broad range of U.S. Navy shipboard operations.Application of the developed ABMS methodology effectively demonstrated a way to visualize and quantify impacts/uncertainties of human temporal variability on both workload and crew effectiveness during U.S. Navy shipboard operations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007592, ucf:52549
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007592
- Title
- Tier I RtI for English Language Learners with Language Deficits.
- Creator
-
Soong, Maria Jose, Sivo, Stephen, Edwards, Oliver, Hewitt, Randall, Thomson, Arlene, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Educators are attempting to eliminate the disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education through initiatives such as Response to Intervention (RtI). Prior to the implementation of such initiatives, existing research relevant to this population must be critically reviewed and expanded. A synthesis of the available literature can provide significant insight into the type of data necessary to make informed decisions involving English...
Show moreEducators are attempting to eliminate the disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education through initiatives such as Response to Intervention (RtI). Prior to the implementation of such initiatives, existing research relevant to this population must be critically reviewed and expanded. A synthesis of the available literature can provide significant insight into the type of data necessary to make informed decisions involving English language learners (ELL) at Tier I of an RtI model. In forming the theoretical foundation for this research, cognitive deficits associated with language-based disabilities and principles of cognitive load theory were examined. The study is an investigation of the following research question: Is the effectiveness of the bilingual English as a Second Language (ESL) model significantly altered under certain conditions? The research question was addressed through testing moderator effects using hierarchical linear regression. Initial English proficiency and initial Spanish proficiency were examined as moderating variables of the relationship between ESL model type and Kindergarten academic achievement. Academic achievement was defined as student learning growth on the Florida Assessment for Reading Instruction (FAIR) and student outcome scores on the Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) Listening/Speaking and Reading constructs. Results supported: a) the relationship between initial English proficiency and FAIR growth, CELLA Listening/Speaking, and CELLA Reading, b) the relationship between initial Spanish proficiency and FAIR growth and CELLA Listening/Speaking, c) the relationship between type of ESL model and FAIR growth, CELLA Listening/Speaking, and CELLA Reading, d) the additional effect of the interaction of initial Spanish language proficiency with ESL model type to alter FAIR learning growth over time, and e) the additional effect of the interaction of initial English language proficiency with ESL model type to alter CELLA Listening/Speaking scores. Overall, this research supports the hypothesis that initial language proficiency can significantly alter the effectiveness of a bilingual ESL model. Recommendations for future research in this area include longitudinal studies using a similar hierarchical regression design with moderators in order to contextualize positive student outcomes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004187, ucf:48988
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004187
- Title
- ADDRESSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP AND DISPROPORTIONALITY THROUGH THE USE OF CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING PRACTICES.
- Creator
-
Griner, Angela, Lue Stewart, Martha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Culturally responsive teaching practices in schools and classrooms have been shown to be an effective means of addressing the achievement gap, as well as the disproportionate representation of racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students in programs serving students with special needs. While there has been a recent influx in research discussing these issues, teachers and school staff lack clear examples and tools for best practices that will aid them in addressing the...
Show moreCulturally responsive teaching practices in schools and classrooms have been shown to be an effective means of addressing the achievement gap, as well as the disproportionate representation of racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students in programs serving students with special needs. While there has been a recent influx in research discussing these issues, teachers and school staff lack clear examples and tools for best practices that will aid them in addressing the achievement gap and disproportionality effectively within their schools. Conducted in three phases, this research provides a framework for developing, implementing, and evaluating a culturally responsive tool for schools and school staff in order to impact beliefs and practices related to culturally responsive teaching, leading to the enhanced learning outcomes of all students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003880, ucf:48759
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003880
- Title
- Examining Emotional Responses to Effective Versus Ineffective Virtual Buddies.
- Creator
-
Ingraham, Kathleen, Gunter, Glenda, Boote, David, Taylor, Rosemarye, Hughes, Charles, Proctor, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of virtual character design on user emotional experience and user behavior in a simulated environment. With simulation training increasing in popularity as a tool for teaching social skills, it is essential that social interactions in virtual environments provide authentic opportunities for practice (Swartout et al., 2006). This study used Interactive Performance Theory (Wirth, 2012) to examine the effect of designing a virtual...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of virtual character design on user emotional experience and user behavior in a simulated environment. With simulation training increasing in popularity as a tool for teaching social skills, it is essential that social interactions in virtual environments provide authentic opportunities for practice (Swartout et al., 2006). This study used Interactive Performance Theory (Wirth, 2012) to examine the effect of designing a virtual buddy character with ineffective traits instead of effective or expert traits. The sample population for this study (n = 145) consisted of first year university students enrolled in courses in the fall of 2013 at the University of Central Florida. Data on participant emotional experience and behavior were collected through questionnaires, researcher observations, and physiological signal recording that included participant heart rate and galvanic skin response. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variances (MANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, and qualitative thematic coding of participant verbal behavior and written responses. Results of the analysis revealed that participants who interacted with an ineffective virtual buddy character had statistically significant higher averages of verbal statements to the antagonist in the simulated environment and statistically significant lower perceptions of antagonist amiability than participants who interacted with an effective virtual buddy. Additionally, participants who interacted with a virtual buddy of the opposite gender gave statistically significant higher ecological validity scores to the simulated environment than participants who interacted with a virtual buddy of the same gender. Qualitative analysis also revealed that participants tended to describe the female buddy character with more ineffective traits than the male buddy character even though effective and ineffective design conditions were equally divided for both groups. Further research should be conducted on the effect of virtual buddy character design in different types of simulation environments and with different target audiences.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005633, ucf:50220
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005633
- Title
- Instructor Response to Uncivil Behaviors in the Classroom: An Application of Politeness Theory.
- Creator
-
Yrisarry, Natalie, Miller, Ann, Neuberger, Lindsay, Katt, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examines levels of politeness in real time instructor responses to classroom incivility behaviors. Student participants were randomly assigned to view a video of an instructor responding to either passive or active student incivility behaviors in various ways. The responses were based on politeness theory conceptualizations of avoidance, mid-level politeness, or bald on record responses. A 2 (i.e., passive, active student incivility) x 3 (i.e., avoidance, mid-level, or bald on...
Show moreThis study examines levels of politeness in real time instructor responses to classroom incivility behaviors. Student participants were randomly assigned to view a video of an instructor responding to either passive or active student incivility behaviors in various ways. The responses were based on politeness theory conceptualizations of avoidance, mid-level politeness, or bald on record responses. A 2 (i.e., passive, active student incivility) x 3 (i.e., avoidance, mid-level, or bald on record instructor response) experimental design formed six conditions. High quality video simulations of a classroom environment, portraying one of the six conditions, were created to specifically address these dimensions. Participants took a web based survey and evaluated the instructor with respect to effectiveness, credibility, and impact on student motivation. Results demonstrate students had most positive responses to bald on record instructor responses to active student incivility. When responding to passive student incivility, a less harsh response (i.e., avoidance, mid-level), while not significantly different from a bald on record response, indicate better outcomes. Therefore, in accordance with politeness theory, instructors should consider the level of imposition created by uncivil student behavior when calibrating responses, as student perceptions can be greatly affected. Theoretical and practical considerations as well as avenues for future research are presented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005746, ucf:50084
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005746