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- Title
- Instructional Strategies for Scenario-Based Training of Human Behavior Cue Analysis with Robot-Aided Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance.
- Creator
-
Salcedo, Julie, Lackey, Stephanie, Reinerman, Lauren, Barber, Daniel, Kincaid, John, Matthews, Gerald, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The U.S. Army desires to improve safety during Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) operations by removing Warfighters from direct line-of-fire by enhancing ISR operational capabilities with unmanned systems, also known as Robot-Aided ISR (RAISR) (DOD, 2013). Additionally, RAISR presents an opportunity to fulfill ISR capability requirements of modern combat environments including: detection of High-Value Individuals (HVI) from safer distances, identification of baseline behavior,...
Show moreThe U.S. Army desires to improve safety during Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) operations by removing Warfighters from direct line-of-fire by enhancing ISR operational capabilities with unmanned systems, also known as Robot-Aided ISR (RAISR) (DOD, 2013). Additionally, RAISR presents an opportunity to fulfill ISR capability requirements of modern combat environments including: detection of High-Value Individuals (HVI) from safer distances, identification of baseline behavior, and interpretation of adversarial intent (U.S. Army, 2008). Along with the demand and projected acquisition of RAISR technology, there is the added need to design training requirements for system operation and task execution instruction. While documentation identifying specific training standards and objectives for ISR tasks utilizing unmanned systems is limited (DOD, 2013), simulation-based training has been identified as a critical training medium for RAISR (U.S. Army, 2008). ISR analysts will primarily conduct RAISR tasks via Indirect Vision Displays (IVD) which transition well into multimodal simulations (Salcedo, Lackey, (&) Maraj, 2014). However, simulation alone may not fulfill the complex training needs of RAISR tasks, therefore, incorporating instructional support may improve the effectiveness of training (Oser, Gualtieri, Cannon-Bowers, (&) Salas, 1999). One method to accomplish this is to utilize a Scenario-Based Training (SBT) framework enhanced with instructional strategies to target specific training objectives.The purpose for the present experiment was to assess the effectiveness of SBT enhanced with selected instructional strategies for a PC-based RAISR training simulation. The specific task type was the identification of HVIs within a group through behavior cue analysis. The instructional strategies assessed in this experiment, Highlighting and Massed Exposure, have shown to improve attentional weighting, visual search, and pattern recognition skills, which are critical for successful behavior cue analysis. Training effectiveness was evaluated by analyzing the impact of the instructional strategies on performance outcomes, including detection accuracy, classification accuracy, and median response time, and perceptions of the level of engagement, immersion, and presence during training exercises. Performance results revealed that the Massed Exposure strategy produced significantly faster response times for one subtle and one familiar target behavior cue. Perception results indicated that Highlighting was the least challenging instructional strategy and the Control offered the preferred level of challenge. The relationships between performance and perception measures revealed that higher levels of engagement, immersion, and presence were associated with better performance in the Control, but this trend did not always hold for Massed Exposure and Highlighting. Furthermore, presence emerged as the primary predictor of performance for select target behavior cues in the Control and Massed Exposure conditions, while immersion and engagement predicted performance of select cues in the Highlighting condition. The findings of the present experiment point to the potential benefit of SBT instructional strategies to improve effectiveness of simulation-based training for behavior cue analysis during RAISR operations. Specifically, the findings suggest that the Massed Exposure strategy has the potential to improve response time when detecting both familiar and novel targets. The results also highlight directions for future research to investigate methods to alter instructional strategy design and delivery in order to improve trainee perceptions of the instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005705, ucf:50151
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005705
- Title
- Guide to Orlando Air Force Base, Florida, 1959.
- Creator
-
PALMM (Project)
- Abstract / Description
-
Directory of base facilities and surrounding civic, religious, and recreational opportunities for Air Force personnel. Includes many photographs depicting the Orlando area in 1959, as well as a classified advertisement section.
- Date Issued
- 1959
- Identifier
- AAB9022QF00007/26/200511/14/200622398SfasKa D0QF, FIPS12095, FHP C UCF 2005-08-03, FCLA url 20060328xOCLC, 75969518, CF00001721, 2584531, ucf:22413
- Format
- E-book
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/tc/fhp/CF00001721.jpg
- Title
- SEEKING HELP FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA IN VENEZUELA: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTIONS AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS.
- Creator
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Spinetti Rincon, Maria P, Macy, Marisa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The main purpose of this research synthesis was to determine recommendations that promote the development of a trauma-informed approach in Venezuelan schools to address the traumatic effects of political unrest in young children through a systematic review of existent intervention programs. After conducting an initial search, four studies were identified that studied the effectiveness of an intervention program in schools targeting trauma in children younger than 14 years old. Results showed...
Show moreThe main purpose of this research synthesis was to determine recommendations that promote the development of a trauma-informed approach in Venezuelan schools to address the traumatic effects of political unrest in young children through a systematic review of existent intervention programs. After conducting an initial search, four studies were identified that studied the effectiveness of an intervention program in schools targeting trauma in children younger than 14 years old. Results showed that there were four categories that all studies incorporated. All intervention programs used an assessment tool to determine PTSD presence and symptomatology, as well as other domains that could be impacted. The assessment was used to determine the need for extensive intervention and to record the effectiveness of the program. The development of the intervention program was carefully established. Approaches varied in length, intervention provider, curriculum used, and ages, yet all focused on either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Play Therapy as the foundation. Third, teachers were trained and received support throughout the study. Training included education on the repercussions of trauma, symptomatology, and ways to address the need of children. Clinicians provided ongoing classroom support to improve the environment. Finally, in three of the studies, parents received training on trauma symptomatology and the effects of trauma. Parents learned strategies to work with their children and were able to take part in the intervention. Even though the understanding of trauma in childhood populations dates back to World War II, there is a lack of tiered intervention programs provided in schools for children at risk. In Venezuela today, children experience an ongoing environment of toxic stress paired with systemic oppression trauma. Thus, there is a need for an intervention program to reach large groups of children that does not generate an economic burden on parents. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of effective methods that can be used for a further intervention program. New policies need to be established to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive all the services needed to succeed in the future and that the socioeconomic gap is narrowed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000442, ucf:45804
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000442
- Title
- OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT WITHIN PROSTATE CANCER INTERVENTIONS FOR COUPLES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.
- Creator
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Siguenza, Andrea M, Rovito, Michael J., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Current cancer research is beginning to address the psychosocial implications of a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis from not just the perspective of quality of life of the patient, but of his partner as well. Such inquiries have created novel intervention programs aiming to alleviate the adverse side effects that a PCa diagnosis may inflict on the couple. Assessing efficacy of couple-based interventions, however, has been a difficult task due to the lack of homogeneity between studies...
Show moreCurrent cancer research is beginning to address the psychosocial implications of a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis from not just the perspective of quality of life of the patient, but of his partner as well. Such inquiries have created novel intervention programs aiming to alleviate the adverse side effects that a PCa diagnosis may inflict on the couple. Assessing efficacy of couple-based interventions, however, has been a difficult task due to the lack of homogeneity between studies regarding the operationalization process of primary outcome variables, as well as the instruments being used to measure them. This thesis, in response, aims to provide a detailed assessment of how previous interventions operationalized their targeted variables, the reported psychometric analysis of the instruments of measurement, and which instruments yielded statistically significant results. A narrative review was conducted using a database search strategy to collect articles regarding couple-based interventions that focused on outcomes related to PCa diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Out of the ten articles that passed the screening method, forty-two outcomes were identified, ranging from physical, social, and mental well-being of the couple, to the impact PCa had on their relationship quality. The outcomes were grouped into eight categories: quality of life, appraisal of PCa outcomes, sexual/physical well-being, relationship assessment, coping, mental health, knowledge, and distress. Various scales were used to measure similar outcomes with some articles failing to report on the psychometric properties of their chosen instruments. This assessment aims to provide future researchers with an indication as to what outcomes have been previously targeted and their corresponding methods of operationalization, categorization, and analysis. The multitude of assessed outcomes, the lack of uniformity on best practices in PCa couple intervention research, and the general failure to report on reliability and validity of measures may serve as significant barriers to producing high-quality evidence that can inform the development of future research and practice. This review provides the research community an aid in the development of behavioral interventions, and potentially, practice, via offering recommendations on certain outcomes that remain underreported within interventions. It is the ultimate aim of this project to assist in fostering a true public health for all.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000118, ucf:45977
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000118
- Title
- A JOURNEY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SCIENCE EDUCATION: THE MICROCULTURE OF EMERGING INQUIRY-BASED SCIENCE INSTRUCTION IN AN URBAN, LOW SOCIOECONOMIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB.
- Creator
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Dahl, Kimberly, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This ethnographic study of emerging inquiry-based science instruction in an urban, low socioeconomic elementary school science lab was designed to gain insight into the perspectives of the teacher and students. The study involved a Central Florida elementary school whose population was over 80 percent African-American. In this six month study, the researcher examined the classroom setting of a science lab teacher and her fourth and fifth grade students during a six month period of time. Data...
Show moreThis ethnographic study of emerging inquiry-based science instruction in an urban, low socioeconomic elementary school science lab was designed to gain insight into the perspectives of the teacher and students. The study involved a Central Florida elementary school whose population was over 80 percent African-American. In this six month study, the researcher examined the classroom setting of a science lab teacher and her fourth and fifth grade students during a six month period of time. Data sources included interviews, field notes, reflections, and student work , which were used to identify the emerging themes and patterns in the study. The emergent themes were grouped into two categories: the perspective of the teacher and students in the inquiry environment and the microculture of the teacher and students in that environment. The teacher's perspectives on instructional strategies, standard based instructional guidelines, and the realities of teaching in an urban low socioeconomic setting were the major emergent themes. The students' perspectives into environment and sense-making of elementary school students were the other major emergent themes. Chapter I provides background and the significance of the study. Chapter II provides a research of the literature surrounding inquiry-based instruction in science education. Chapter III describes the methodology, specifically the ethnographic approach to this study. A metaphoric journey down the river of perspectives in science lab classroom sets the tone for Chapter IV. This chapter provides a "view from the shore," an introduction to the general background of the elementary school. Chapter V explores the teacher perspectives, and uses vignettes to analyze instructional strategies, questioning, assessment, standards state and district guideline and the realities of teaching. Chapter VI discusses the student perspectives, and uses vignettes to analyze behaviors and actions, responsibility of learners, assessment, and ways of knowing. Chapter VII pulls together conclusions, implications, and recommendations for further research.This study contributes to the total body of research of science education in two ways: 1. It provides student and teacher perspectives on science in an urban, low socioeconomic elementary school. 2. It provides research with a teacher and student perspective of inquiry-based science instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000064, ucf:46128
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000064
- Title
- MODELING, SIMULATION, AND VISUALIZATION OF 3D LUNG DYNAMICS.
- Creator
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Santhanam, Anand, Rolland, Jannick, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Medical simulation has facilitated the understanding of complex biological phenomenon through its inherent explanatory power. It is a critical component for planning clinical interventions and analyzing its effect on a human subject. The success of medical simulation is evidenced by the fact that over one third of all medical schools in the United States augment their teaching curricula using patient simulators. Medical simulators present combat medics and emergency providers with video-based...
Show moreMedical simulation has facilitated the understanding of complex biological phenomenon through its inherent explanatory power. It is a critical component for planning clinical interventions and analyzing its effect on a human subject. The success of medical simulation is evidenced by the fact that over one third of all medical schools in the United States augment their teaching curricula using patient simulators. Medical simulators present combat medics and emergency providers with video-based descriptions of patient symptoms along with step-by-step instructions on clinical procedures that alleviate the patient's condition. Recent advances in clinical imaging technology have led to an effective medical visualization by coupling medical simulations with patient-specific anatomical models and their physically and physiologically realistic organ deformation. 3D physically-based deformable lung models obtained from a human subject are tools for representing regional lung structure and function analysis. Static imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Chest x-rays, and Computed Tomography (CT) are conventionally used to estimate the extent of pulmonary disease and to establish available courses for clinical intervention. The predictive accuracy and evaluative strength of the static imaging techniques may be augmented by improved computer technologies and graphical rendering techniques that can transform these static images into dynamic representations of subject specific organ deformations. By creating physically based 3D simulation and visualization, 3D deformable models obtained from subject-specific lung images will better represent lung structure and function. Variations in overall lung deformations may indicate tissue pathologies, thus 3D visualization of functioning lungs may also provide a visual tool to current diagnostic methods. The feasibility of medical visualization using static 3D lungs as an effective tool for endotracheal intubation was previously shown using Augmented Reality (AR) based techniques in one of the several research efforts at the Optical Diagnostics and Applications Laboratory (ODALAB). This research effort also shed light on the potential usage of coupling such medical visualization with dynamic 3D lungs. The purpose of this dissertation is to develop 3D deformable lung models, which are developed from subject-specific high resolution CT data and can be visualized using the AR based environment. A review of the literature illustrates that the techniques for modeling real-time 3D lung dynamics can be roughly grouped into two categories: Geometrically-based and Physically-based. Additional classifications would include considering a 3D lung model as either a volumetric or surface model, modeling the lungs as either a single-compartment or a multi-compartment, modeling either the air-blood interaction or the air-blood-tissue interaction, and considering either a normal or pathophysical behavior of lungs. Validating the simulated lung dynamics is a complex problem and has been previously approached by tracking a set of landmarks on the CT images. An area that needs to be explored is the relationship between the choice of the deformation method for the 3D lung dynamics and its visualization framework. Constraints on the choice of the deformation method and the 3D model resolution arise from the visualization framework. Such constraints of our interest are the real-time requirement and the level of interaction required with the 3D lung models. The work presented here discusses a framework that facilitates a physics-based and physiology-based deformation of a single-compartment surface lung model that maintains the frame-rate requirements of the visualization system. The framework presented here is part of several research efforts at ODALab for developing an AR based medical visualization framework. The framework consists of 3 components, (i) modeling the Pressure-Volume (PV) relation, (ii) modeling the lung deformation using a Green's function based deformation operator, and (iii) optimizing the deformation using state-of-art Graphics Processing Units (GPU). The validation of the results obtained in the first two modeling steps is also discussed for normal human subjects. Disease states such as Pneumothorax and lung tumors are modeled using the proposed deformation method. Additionally, a method to synchronize the instantiations of the deformation across a network is also discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001301, ucf:47033
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001301
- Title
- FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH RETENTION RATES IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION TEACHER PREPARATION WEB-BASED COURSES.
- Creator
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Whiteman, Jo Ann, Hudson, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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There is a recognized state and national shortage of Career and Technical (CTE) teachers; in certain school districts or by subject area, it is defined as a "Critical Shortage". At the same time, both statewide and nationally, the number of teacher preparation programs for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers has decreased. To alleviate the shortage and increase access many Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation programs use the web. This study examined retention...
Show moreThere is a recognized state and national shortage of Career and Technical (CTE) teachers; in certain school districts or by subject area, it is defined as a "Critical Shortage". At the same time, both statewide and nationally, the number of teacher preparation programs for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers has decreased. To alleviate the shortage and increase access many Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation programs use the web. This study examined retention rates in courses from Fall 1997 through Fall 2003 within web-based courses in a CTE teacher preparation program at the University of Central Florida to identify factors associated with student retention. Three research questions emerged from the primary question: Are there factors associated with retention rates in web-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation courses? (a) Is gender associated with retention rates in web-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation courses? (b) Is ethnicity associated with retention rates in web-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation courses? and (c) Is age associated with retention rates in web-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation courses? Enrollees were non-admitted students seeking initial Career and Technical Education (CTE) school district certification as well as admitted students seeking state certification and/or a Bachelors degree. Of the 2371 enrollees in eleven (11) web-based courses during 74 course offerings from Fall 1997 through Fall 2003in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher preparation program at the University of Central Florida, a large metropolitan public university, 92.1% were retained. Three demographic variables, gender, ethnicity and age were compared, to evaluate retention. The categorical data were analyzed using Chi Square Test of Independence.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000210, ucf:46277
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000210
- Title
- DEVELOPMEMNT OF A MODELING AND SIMULATION TRAINING NEEDS MODEL FOR SELECTED DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE COMMUNITIES.
- Creator
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PEH, LIK CHUN, PROCTOR, MICHAEL, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The DoD Modeling and Simulation Steering Committee (M&S SC) identified Modeling and Simulation (M&S) as an educational objective for the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) workforce. Notably, past usages of M&S in system acquisitions for both DoD and commercial industry have demonstrated improvements in efficiency and effectiveness over traditional acquisition techniques. However, to achieve expected and consistent performance by this workforce in these new techniques, the M&S...
Show moreThe DoD Modeling and Simulation Steering Committee (M&S SC) identified Modeling and Simulation (M&S) as an educational objective for the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) workforce. Notably, past usages of M&S in system acquisitions for both DoD and commercial industry have demonstrated improvements in efficiency and effectiveness over traditional acquisition techniques. However, to achieve expected and consistent performance by this workforce in these new techniques, the M&S essential skill requirements for this workforce may be extensive. This research aims to validate the content and level of competency in selected M&S tools and technology necessary for consistent workforce performance. The notion here is to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in the acquisition process through thresholds of competency that must be resident in or available to the acquisition workforce. This research proposes a matrix of training objectives and levels of competency for portions of the AT&L workforce that was validated through survey by individuals who are leading experts in both M&S and acquisition. This effort combines rigorously defined learning objectives and parameters by academia with practical learning insights from the military and industry ground perspectives. The resultant Joint Learning Model aims to identify the workforce educational foundations necessary to achieve more widespread efficiency and effectiveness in current and future DoD acquisitions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002110, ucf:47536
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002110
- Title
- A METHOD OF CONTENT-BASED IMAGE RETRIEVAL FOR THE GENERATION OF IMAGE MOSAICS.
- Creator
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Snead, Michael, Richie, Samuel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
An image mosaic is an artistic work that uses a number of smaller images creatively combined together to form another larger image. Each building block image, or tessera, has its own distinctive and meaningful content, but when viewed from a distance the tesserae come together to form an aesthetically pleasing montage. This work presents the design and implementation of MosaiX, a computer software system that generates these image mosaics automatically. To control the image mosaic creation...
Show moreAn image mosaic is an artistic work that uses a number of smaller images creatively combined together to form another larger image. Each building block image, or tessera, has its own distinctive and meaningful content, but when viewed from a distance the tesserae come together to form an aesthetically pleasing montage. This work presents the design and implementation of MosaiX, a computer software system that generates these image mosaics automatically. To control the image mosaic creation process, several parameters are used within the system. Each parameter affects the overall mosaic quality, as well as required processing time, in its own unique way. A detailed analysis is performed to evaluate each parameter individually. Additionally, this work proposes two novel ways by which to evaluate the quality of an image mosaic in a quantitative way. One method focuses on the perceptual color accuracy of the mosaic reproduction, while the other concentrates on edge replication. Both measures include preprocessing to take into account the unique visual features present in an image mosaic. Doing so minimizes quality penalization due the inherent properties of an image mosaic that make them visually appealing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001585, ucf:47115
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001585
- Title
- COLLABORATIVE CONTEXT-BASED REASONING.
- Creator
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Barrett, Gilbert, Gonzalez, Avelino, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation explores modeling collaborative behavior, based on Joint Intentions Theory (JIT), in Context-Based Reasoning (CxBR). Context-Based Reasoning is one of several contextual reasoning paradigms. And, Joint Intentions Theory is the definitive semantic framework for collaborative behaviors. In order to formalize collaborative behaviors in CxBR based on JIT, CxBR is first described in terms of the more popular Belief, Desire, and Intention (BDI) model. Once this description is...
Show moreThis dissertation explores modeling collaborative behavior, based on Joint Intentions Theory (JIT), in Context-Based Reasoning (CxBR). Context-Based Reasoning is one of several contextual reasoning paradigms. And, Joint Intentions Theory is the definitive semantic framework for collaborative behaviors. In order to formalize collaborative behaviors in CxBR based on JIT, CxBR is first described in terms of the more popular Belief, Desire, and Intention (BDI) model. Once this description is established JIT is used as a basis for the formalism for collaborative behavior in CxBR. The hypothesis of this dissertation is that this formalism allows for effective collaborative behaviors in CxBR. Additionally, it is also hypothesized that CxBR agents inferring intention from explicitly communicating Contexts allows for more efficient modeling of collaborative behaviors than inferring intention from situational awareness. Four prototypes are built and evaluated to test the hypothesis and the evaluations are favorable. Effective collaboration is demonstrated through cognitive task analysis and through metrics based on JIT definitions. Efficiency is shown through software metric evaluations for volume and complexity of code.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001667, ucf:47198
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001667
- Title
- EFFECTS OF ADVANCE ORGANIZERS ON LEARNING AND RETENTION FROM A FULLY WEB-BASED CLASS.
- Creator
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Chen, Baiyun, Hirumi, Atsusi, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of two kinds of advance organizers (AOs), a visual concept map and a text outline. The AOs were administered in a fully Web-based course in health care ethics. The outcome measures are students' knowledge acquisition and application in two posttests. This study was conducted through a post-test only control group design with a random assignment. The population of the study involved 166 college students who...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of two kinds of advance organizers (AOs), a visual concept map and a text outline. The AOs were administered in a fully Web-based course in health care ethics. The outcome measures are students' knowledge acquisition and application in two posttests. This study was conducted through a post-test only control group design with a random assignment. The population of the study involved 166 college students who participated in this online class in their junior or senior year. The voluntary research participants were randomly assigned into the two treatment groups and one control group. The treatment of AO was administered as an integral part of a one-week-long online module on the topic of patient-physician relationships. Students of the two treatment groups were presented with one of the two AOs, while the control group was instructed to proceed to textbook reading without an AO. Then, students were tested on the subject matter with two parallel posttests. Both posttests were composed of a multiple-choice question quiz and a set of scenario-based essay questions. The students took posttest I at the end of the instructional week, and posttest II four weeks after. A survey and interviews were also conducted to supplement the quantitative results with contextual information. The findings do not demonstrate a statistically significant AO effect among the treatment groups and the control group. However, in agreement with the previous research, this study shows a positive but inconclusive benefit of using AOs for students' short-term knowledge acquisition. The students using a concept map consistently obtained higher learning achievements than individuals using a text outline. More importantly, this study reiterated the proposition that students of lower-learning abilities benefit more from using an AO for online learning than those of higher-learning abilities. The current study extends our knowledge on the use of AOs in fully Web-based educational environments. The results indicated that although AOs more often than not have small facilitative effects for learners, they are not equally effective for all learners in all learning situations. The incorporation of the instructional strategies, such as AOs, in Web-based courses and programs might benefit online learners, especially those students of lower verbal and analytical abilities, or of lower prior knowledge of the material-to-be-learned.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001556, ucf:47137
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001556
- Title
- AUTOMATED SCENARIO GENERATION SYSTEM IN A SIMULATION.
- Creator
-
Tomizawa, Hajime, Gonzalez, Avelino, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Developing training scenarios that induce a trainee to utilize specific skills is one of the facets of simulation-based training that requires significant effort. Simulation-based training systems have become more complex in recent years. Because of this added complexity, the amount of effort required to generate and maintain training scenarios has increased. This thesis describes an investigation into automating the scenario generation process. The Automated Scenario Generation System (ASGS)...
Show moreDeveloping training scenarios that induce a trainee to utilize specific skills is one of the facets of simulation-based training that requires significant effort. Simulation-based training systems have become more complex in recent years. Because of this added complexity, the amount of effort required to generate and maintain training scenarios has increased. This thesis describes an investigation into automating the scenario generation process. The Automated Scenario Generation System (ASGS) generates expected action flow as contexts in chronological order from several events and tasks with estimated time for the entire training mission. When the training objectives and conditions are defined, the ASGS will automatically generate a scenario, with some randomization to ensure no two equivalent scenarios are identical. This makes it possible to train different groups of trainees sequentially who may have the same level or training objectives without using a single scenario repeatedly. The thesis describes the prototype ASGS and the evaluation results are described and discussed. SVSTM Desktop is used as the development infrastructure for ASGS as prototype training system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001336, ucf:47002
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001336
- Title
- RETAINING QUALIFIED TEACHERS THROUGH SCHOOL-BASED INDUCTION: A STUDY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN TWO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN FLORIDA.
- Creator
-
Handley, Junella, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine teacher induction strategies and effectiveness at the school level, specifically focusing on how the principal designed and implemented induction activities. It also investigated if the following factors influenced teacher retention: (a) number of instructional staff members, (b) number of first-year teachers, (c) number of second-year teachers, (d) number of third-year teachers, (e) principal's gender, (f) principal's age, (g) principal's...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine teacher induction strategies and effectiveness at the school level, specifically focusing on how the principal designed and implemented induction activities. It also investigated if the following factors influenced teacher retention: (a) number of instructional staff members, (b) number of first-year teachers, (c) number of second-year teachers, (d) number of third-year teachers, (e) principal's gender, (f) principal's age, (g) principal's highest degree earned, (h) principal's total years in education, (i) principal's years in an instructional position, (j) principal's administrative experience, (k) year the school opened, (l) student enrollment, and (m) free and reduced lunch percentages. Common patterns and trends in the data were analyzed to reveal differences between schools with high teacher retention and schools with low teacher retention. All principals of elementary schools in Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida and Orange County Public Schools, Florida were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected through a researcher created, 32-question, online questionnaire. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. A total of 147 principals completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to report the findings and recommend various areas in need of further study. Analyses of these data found that induction activities that were cited in literature as important were being implemented in schools. These induction activities, organized from most implemented to least implemented, were: (a) formal observation by the principal, (b) mentoring, (c) offer school-level professional development, (d) provide an open door policy, (e) visit classrooms of new teachers often, (f) final (end of year) assessment conferences, (g) provide common planning time for grade levels, (h) encourage district level professional development, (i) give time to observe veteran teachers, (j) involve new teachers in decision making, (k) mid-year assessment conference, (l) provide positive feedback for effective practice, (m) preliminary assessment conference, (n) team building activities, (o) allow new teachers to teach same grade level for at least two consecutive years, (p) offer in-service targeting school policies and procedures, (q) reduce number of students with discipline issues when assigning students to new teachers, (r) provide common planning time with mentor, (s) implement professional reading book club (t) reduce workload of new teachers, and (u) certification exams study group. Data also revealed that schools with high teacher retention tended to be older schools, smaller schools, and schools with fewer percentages of students who received free and reduced lunch. When compared to principals in low retention schools, the principals in high retention schools tended to have more teaching experience, were assigned to their present school for several years, and were older. High retention schools showed significantly less teacher migration and attrition than low retention schools. Recommendations based on this study include investigating how school culture relates to teacher retention and examining teacher migration in more detail. Research is needed to determine how mobility of a school district, new construction, rezoning, allocation cuts, and the reappointment process for teachers affects teacher migration rates of schools. In addition, further study could be done to target specific induction components to determine how to make them effective at the school level. Mentoring, team-building activities, and scheduling are components of induction that need further study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001725, ucf:47312
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001725
- Title
- EVALUATING TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE TRAINING TREATMENTS EFFECTS ON COMBAT MEDIC TRAINEES IN LIGHT OF SELECT HUMAN DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS.
- Creator
-
Sotomayor, Teresita, Proctor, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The use of military forces in urban operations has increased considerably over the past years. As illustrated by the current conflict in Iraq, the Army finds itself fighting its toughest battles in urban areas facing unconventional forces. Soldiers face many threats in hostile fire environments, whether conducting large-scale mechanized warfare, low-intensity conflicts, or operations other than war. Through 1970, there has been no demonstrable reduction in battlefield mortality rate as a...
Show moreThe use of military forces in urban operations has increased considerably over the past years. As illustrated by the current conflict in Iraq, the Army finds itself fighting its toughest battles in urban areas facing unconventional forces. Soldiers face many threats in hostile fire environments, whether conducting large-scale mechanized warfare, low-intensity conflicts, or operations other than war. Through 1970, there has been no demonstrable reduction in battlefield mortality rate as a percentage of all casualties since data was kept since before the Civil War. For that period of time, nearly all the reduction in overall mortality rate occurred through reduced mortality in Hospital Chain. As of 1970, about 90 percent of all combat deaths occur before a casualty reaches a definitive care facility. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), also known as TC3, is the pre-hospital care rendered to a casualty in a combat environment. The application of TCCC principles during a tactical combat environment has proven highly effective and is a major reason why combat deaths in latest conflicts (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) are lower than in any other conflict in the history of the United States. The Army continues to emphasize reducing battlefield mortality rate. Current tools and methods used for initial skills and sustainment training of combat medics throughout the Army are insufficient. New technologies are needed to provide medics with greater opportunities to develop and test their decision making and technical medical skills in multiple, COE-relevant, training scenarios. In order to address some of these requirements, the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command, Simulation and Training Technology Center (RDECOM-STTC) is developing the 68W – Tactical Combat Casualty Care Simulation (TC3 Sim) for the US Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center & School at Fort Sam Houston. The Army is considering the use of the TC3 Sim game as a tool to improve the training of individual Soldiers as well as improve the readiness of combat medics. It is the intent of this research to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional games in general and the use of the TC3 game in particular for teaching the concepts of tactical combat casualty care. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the training effectiveness of this tool in supporting the 68W10 Healthcare Specialist Course program of instruction (POI). The goal of this research is to address important questions such as: Is this game an effective tool to train Soldiers the aspects of TC3? Can knowledge gain through the use of the simulation be transferred into task related situations? How can this tool be incorporated in the current POI in order to increase training effectiveness?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002396, ucf:47755
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002396
- Title
- NETWORK INTRUSION DETECTION: MONITORING, SIMULATION ANDVISUALIZATION.
- Creator
-
Zhou, Mian, Lang, Sheau-Dong, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation presents our work on network intrusion detection and intrusion sim- ulation. The work in intrusion detection consists of two different network anomaly-based approaches. The work in intrusion simulation introduces a model using explicit traffic gen- eration for the packet level traffic simulation. The process of anomaly detection is to first build profiles for the normal network activity and then mark any events or activities that deviate from the normal profiles as...
Show moreThis dissertation presents our work on network intrusion detection and intrusion sim- ulation. The work in intrusion detection consists of two different network anomaly-based approaches. The work in intrusion simulation introduces a model using explicit traffic gen- eration for the packet level traffic simulation. The process of anomaly detection is to first build profiles for the normal network activity and then mark any events or activities that deviate from the normal profiles as suspicious. Based on the different schemes of creating the normal activity profiles, we introduce two approaches for intrusion detection. The first one is a frequency-based approach which creates a normal frequency profile based on the periodical patterns existed in the time-series formed by the traffic. It aims at those attacks that are conducted by running pre-written scripts, which automate the process of attempting connections to various ports or sending packets with fabricated payloads, etc. The second approach builds the normal profile based on variations of connection-based behavior of each single computer. The deviations resulted from each individual computer are carried out by a weight assignment scheme and further used to build a weighted link graph representing the overall traffic abnormalities. The functionality of this system is of a distributed personal IDS system that also provides a centralized traffic analysis by graphical visualization. It provides a finer control over the internal network by focusing on connection-based behavior of each single computer. For network intrusion simulation, we explore an alternative method for network traffic simulation using explicit traffic generation. In particular, we build a model to replay the standard DARPA traffic data or the traffic data captured from a real environment. The replayed traffic data is mixed with the attacks, such as DOS and Probe attack, which can create apparent abnormal traffic flow patterns. With the explicit traffic generation, every packet that has ever been sent by the victim and attacker is formed in the simulation model and travels around strictly following the criteria of time and path that extracted from the real scenario. Thus, the model provides a promising aid in the study of intrusion detection techniques.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000679, ucf:46484
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000679
- Title
- EFFECTS OF A PLANT-BASED VEGAN DIET ON THE RISK OF CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
-
Silavent, Chelsie M, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Cancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even...
Show moreCancer, an aggressive chronic disease, impacts the lives of millions of people every day. There are numerous proposed triggers related to the diagnosis and much remains to be learned about the causes. Associated with this disease's variability is the challenge to identify a single causative agent that lead to its prevention. Specific topics that need additional evidence relate to environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in the development, treatment and, in some instances, even suppression of disease progression. Specifically, a diet that excludes animal-based products but consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables (i.e., plant-based vegan diet) is reported to retard disease progression among some individuals diagnosed with cancer. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of a plant-based vegan diet as a treatment approach with individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. The methodology included a systematic review of literature focusing on use of a plant-based vegan diet on cancer risks in research articles published in peer reviewed journals from 2006 to 2018. Consistent findings include evidence that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimal amounts of animal products showed a decrease risk of the development of various types of cancer. Recommendations for nursing education, practice, policy and research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000558, ucf:45619
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000558
- Title
- THE EXPLORATION OF ROTATING DETONATION DYNAMICS INCORPORATING A COAL-BASED FUEL MIXTURE.
- Creator
-
Rogan, John P., Ahmed, Kareem, Bhattacharya, Samik, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This investigation explores the detonation dynamics of a rotating detonation engine (RDE). Beginning with the general understanding and characteristics of hydrogen and compressed air as a detonation fuel source, this study further develops the experimental approach to incorporating a coal-based fuel mixture in an RDE. There is insufficient prior research investigating the use of coal as part of a fuel mixture and insignificant progress being made to improve thermal efficiency with...
Show moreThis investigation explores the detonation dynamics of a rotating detonation engine (RDE). Beginning with the general understanding and characteristics of hydrogen and compressed air as a detonation fuel source, this study further develops the experimental approach to incorporating a coal-based fuel mixture in an RDE. There is insufficient prior research investigating the use of coal as part of a fuel mixture and insignificant progress being made to improve thermal efficiency with deflagration. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy awarded the Propulsion and Energy Research Laboratory at the University of Central Florida a grant to lead the investigation on the feasibility of using a coal-based fuel mixture to power rotating detonation engines. Through this study, the developmental and experimental understanding of RDEs has been documented, operability maps have been plotted, and the use of a coal-based fuel mixture in an RDE has been explored. The operability of hydrogen and compressed air has been found, a normalization of all operable space has been developed, and there is evidence indicating coal can be used as part of a fuel mixture to detonate an RDE. The study will continue to investigate coal's use in an RDE. As the most abundant fossil fuel on earth, coal is a popular fuel source in deflagrative combustion for electrical power generation. This study investigates how the combustion of coal can become significantly more efficient.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000437, ucf:45741
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000437
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS IN CLASSROOMS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.
- Creator
-
Twyman, Allison, Schwartz, Jamie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A survey was sent to classroom teachers in Central Florida educating students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to investigate: 1) intervention practices currently used in the classroom for students with ASD; 2) if the interventions being used are evidence-based, and; 3) if there a difference in use of evidence-based interventions between teachers with the Florida Autism Endorsement and teachers without the Endorsement. A nonprobability purposive study was conducted via an email-based...
Show moreA survey was sent to classroom teachers in Central Florida educating students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to investigate: 1) intervention practices currently used in the classroom for students with ASD; 2) if the interventions being used are evidence-based, and; 3) if there a difference in use of evidence-based interventions between teachers with the Florida Autism Endorsement and teachers without the Endorsement. A nonprobability purposive study was conducted via an email-based survey. The survey was designed using the tailored design method and was created in Qualtrics.com, an online survey software program. The survey was divided into three major sections: an intervention section which included a variety of evidence and non-evidenced-based practices drawn from the current research literature; a section focused on how teachers select the interventions they use in their classrooms; and, a demographic section. The survey was sent via email to classroom teachers registered with University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Participant inclusion criteria included: 1) currently a classroom teacher in a Central Florida, and 2) at least one student with ASD in the classroom. Forty surveys were completed for a ten percent response rate. Results indicated that a variety of evidence- based and non-evidence-based interventions were being used in classrooms. The top three reported interventions were Visual Supports (95 %), Computer Program Applications (93%), and Social Stories (73 %). Based on current empirical evidence, these top three interventions have insufficient evidence regarding their efficacy for use with students with ASD. In addition, two of the interventions reported to be used have a negative evidence base suggesting they may be harmful for some students with ASD. There were no significant differences between teachers with the Florida ASD Endorsement and teachers without the Endorsement with regard to the interventions used. Overall, the results of the study indicated a need for further research to determine which intervention practices may be the most effective for the specific needs of children with ASD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004821, ucf:45468
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004821
- Title
- AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY COMPARING THE TEACHING PRACTICES OF READING ENDORSED VERSUS NON-READING ENDORSED SECONDARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHERS.
- Creator
-
Greenwell, Sabrina, Zygouris-Coe, Vicky, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This comparative case study investigated the teaching practices of secondary English language arts teachers who are reading endorsed versus secondary English language arts teachers who are not reading endorsed. Florida Department of Education mandated that all reading teachers, and strongly encouraged all English language arts teachers be reading endorsed to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind ("Just Read, Florida!" 2008). We now need research to see if this surge of reading...
Show moreThis comparative case study investigated the teaching practices of secondary English language arts teachers who are reading endorsed versus secondary English language arts teachers who are not reading endorsed. Florida Department of Education mandated that all reading teachers, and strongly encouraged all English language arts teachers be reading endorsed to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind ("Just Read, Florida!" 2008). We now need research to see if this surge of reading endorsed teachers is using their training in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore and to compare the teaching practices of two secondary standard English I in a reading block teachers, one reading endorsed and the other not reading endorsed, and two honors English II language arts teachers, one reading endorsed and the other not reading endorsed. Did the classes in reading instruction and scientifically based reading research (SBRR) strategies carry over into teaching practices in the classroom? If yes, how, or in what capacity, and in what areas of student learning? The participants in this study included secondary standard English I in a reading block teachers and honors English II language arts teachers from a local central Florida high school. Their identities are confidential, but their years of teaching experience, their qualifications, and their classes' level are provided. This comparative case study used an observation protocol, interviews with teachers, classroom observations, a questionnaire for teachers, and observational and reflective field notes made while observing and documenting teachers' practices in secondary English classrooms. This study investigated the value of the Florida reading endorsement, its influence on secondary teachers' knowledge of instruction and practices, the role of comprehensive professional development, and the endorsement's influence on student engagement. The significance of these results may provide evidence for policymakers to further mandate reading endorsements for content area teachers or become more lenient on their demands for English language arts teachers to become reading endorsed. The input and opinions of the veteran teachers may help shape and change the current endorsement while examining theory to practice. The study was qualitative in nature; most of the evidence and research came from observations and interviews. The voice of the veteran English teachers, their beliefs, instructional practices, classroom environments, and students' motivation is a reflection of current practices in today's public schools. There is evidence that professional development in scientifically based reading research has an impact on the instructional practices of teachers. The study included the voice of the teachers; what they would like to experience in professional development; what they found useful; what they need; and what they did not value. The participants explained how they transformed theory into practice. The findings of this study concluded that further research and communication is needed between the researchers who design professional development statewide initiatives for secondary content area teachers, the teachers/practitioners who implement the knowledge and strategies, the administration for support, and policy makers who mandate the professional development efforts. The reading endorsed teachers did create enthusiastic classroom environments where student motivation increased, but the teachers voiced obstacles that inhibited their professional development that should be addressed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002902, ucf:48006
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002902
- Title
- VECTORPAD: A TOOL FOR VISUALIZING VECTOR OPERATIONS.
- Creator
-
Bott, Jared, LaViola, Joseph, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Visualization of three-dimensional vector operations can be very helpful in understanding vector mathematics. However, creating these visualizations using traditional WIMP interfaces can be a troublesome exercise. In this thesis, we present VectorPad, a pen-based application for three-dimensional vector mathematics visualization. VectorPad allows users to define vectors and perform mathematical operations upon them through the recognition of handwritten mathematics. The VectorPad user...
Show moreVisualization of three-dimensional vector operations can be very helpful in understanding vector mathematics. However, creating these visualizations using traditional WIMP interfaces can be a troublesome exercise. In this thesis, we present VectorPad, a pen-based application for three-dimensional vector mathematics visualization. VectorPad allows users to define vectors and perform mathematical operations upon them through the recognition of handwritten mathematics. The VectorPad user interface consists of a sketching area, where the user can write vector definitions and other mathematics, and a 3D graph for visualization. After recognition, vectors are visualized dynamically on the graph, which can be manipulated by the user. A variety of mathematical operations can be performed, such as addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, and cross product. Animations show how operations work on the vectors. We also performed a short, informal user study evaluating the user interface and visualizations of VectorPad. VectorPad's visualizations were generally well liked; results from the study show a need to provide a more comprehensive set of visualization tools as well as refinement to some of the animations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002827, ucf:48087
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002827
