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Title: The Evolution of Shared Responsibility and Instructional Risk Communication in Brazil's Campaign against the Zika Virus.
Creator: Mauricio Soares, Rodrigo Augusto, Sellnow, Timothy, Sellnow, Deanna, Littlefield, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study provides an evaluation of instructional risk communication practices in Brazil's response to the Zika virus during the 2016/2017 campaign. The communication was instructionally focused, explaining the way the disease is transmitted, what to do if the person is infected, and characteristics of the mosquito. The authorities also tried to convince the publics that, because the mosquito breeds in everyone's houses and apartments, everyone could be part of the solution. The social,...
Show moreThis study provides an evaluation of instructional risk communication practices in Brazil's response to the Zika virus during the 2016/2017 campaign. The communication was instructionally focused, explaining the way the disease is transmitted, what to do if the person is infected, and characteristics of the mosquito. The authorities also tried to convince the publics that, because the mosquito breeds in everyone's houses and apartments, everyone could be part of the solution. The social, economic and cultural characteristics of the country, the population's low levels of health literacy, and a long-lasting government credibility problem in the country make Brazil's fight against these types of diseases considerably difficult. The IDEA model (T. Sellnow (&) D. Sellnow, 2013) was used as the theoretical grounding for the analysis. This study presents the concepts of collective efficacy and shared responsibility and recommendations for risk and crisis communication practitioners as well as government agencies with regard to engaging the population in managing this type of disease outbreak. Knowledge about how to generate and share strategic communication of this nature is increasingly important as the spread of novel diseases is increasing in frequency and intensity (Kilpatrick (&) Randolph, 2012).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007050, ucf:51974
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007050

Title: WRITES OF SPRING: A STUDY OF COMMUNICATION WITHIN COLLECTIVE DEVISING.
Creator: Adams, Jennifer, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Communication is a pivotal element in creating theatre with other artists, with audiences, and with the outside world. Theatre artists are required to collaborate at nearly every step of the process. Despite the necessity of highly developed collaboration skills, communication in the creation of theatre is an often-underdeveloped curriculum area. As a Director and Teaching Artist I am particularly interested in how to find new ways of collaborating so I may model and pass these skills to my...
Show moreCommunication is a pivotal element in creating theatre with other artists, with audiences, and with the outside world. Theatre artists are required to collaborate at nearly every step of the process. Despite the necessity of highly developed collaboration skills, communication in the creation of theatre is an often-underdeveloped curriculum area. As a Director and Teaching Artist I am particularly interested in how to find new ways of collaborating so I may model and pass these skills to my students. Through a qualitative research survey of communication used in collaborative devising, this research analyzes environments that improve communication and allow for maximum creativity in an effort to develop critical communication pedagogy. This study examines my approach in working through a devising process as the Coordinator of a collaborative group of adults creating an original play. I examine our process and make connections as to how devising influenced my future work as a Director and Teaching Artist. By examining the theatres that make extensive use of ensemble devising as a tool for creating theatre, I gained insight into more collaborative ways of working. This research found support through examination of group communication theories and methods in which they promote collaborative spirit. Finally, critical pedagogy offered a lens through which I can impart these discoveries to young artists. I discovered ways to use the model of devising to open the possibilities for my students to take ownership over their processes and the art they create. I also gained insight into the role of facilitator in order to develop ways of modeling and teaching these communications. Communication pedagogy in the theatre allows me the tools to identify, question, and transform my experiences in creating theatre as a director and teaching artist.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003610, ucf:48878
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003610

Title: Gender Bias in the Technical Disciplines.
Creator: Campbell, Jessica, Jones, Daniel, Flammia, Madelyn, Marinara, Martha, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigates how women are affected by gender bias in the workplace. Despite the increasing numbers of women in the workforce, women are still under-represented and under-valued in workplaces, which, in part, is due to their gender stereotype. This study demonstrates how gender bias in the workplace has been proven to limit women in their careers and potential in their occupational roles. The media's negative depiction of women in their gender stereotype reinforces and perpetuates...
Show moreThis study investigates how women are affected by gender bias in the workplace. Despite the increasing numbers of women in the workforce, women are still under-represented and under-valued in workplaces, which, in part, is due to their gender stereotype. This study demonstrates how gender bias in the workplace has been proven to limit women in their careers and potential in their occupational roles. The media's negative depiction of women in their gender stereotype reinforces and perpetuates this image as a cultural norm in society. Women both conform and are judged and evaluated according to their weak and submissive gender stereotype. Women face challenges and problems in the workplace when they are evaluated and appraised by their female gender stereotype. Women have been prevented from acquiring jobs and positions, have been denied promotions and advancements, failed to be perceived as desiring of and capable of leadership or management positions, as well as typically receive lower paid than their male counterparts. Furthermore, women's unique, indirect, and congenial conversational methods are perceived as unconfident, incompetent, and thus, incapable in the masculine organizational culture of most workplaces. Through the investigation of gender bias in the workplace, professionals and employers will gain an awareness of how gender bias and socially-prescribed gender roles can affect the workplace and interfere with women's success in their career. Technical communicators and other educators will have a better understanding of how to overcome gender stereotyping and be encouraged to teach students on how to be gender-neutral in their communications in the workplace, perhaps striving for a more egalitarian society.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004248, ucf:49538
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004248

Title: Transitions in Polyamorous Identity and Intercultural Communication: An Application of Identity Management Theory.
Creator: Table, Allison, Weger, Harry, Hastings, Sally, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines the intercultural communicative strategies and non-monogamous identity formation of polyamorous individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the identity management tactics that polyamorous individuals utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy is the norm. Interactions of polyamorous individuals within a monoganormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E...
Show moreThis thesis examines the intercultural communicative strategies and non-monogamous identity formation of polyamorous individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the identity management tactics that polyamorous individuals utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy is the norm. Interactions of polyamorous individuals within a monoganormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E-interviews with 38 polyamorous individuals provided basis for phone and Skype interviews. The Retrospective Interview Technique (Huston, Surra, Fitzgerald, (&) Cate, 1981) required interviewees to recall development of their polyamorous identity and interactions with monogamous others from the past to present day. Twenty-two interviews produced the phases of identity management, including Trial and Error, Enmeshment (Mixing Up), and Renegotiation. Analyzing interviewees' communication also produced the themes of managing stigma and impressions of the relationship identity. Implications of the study include a richer understanding of polyamorous identity management, polyamory as a relationship orientation, and a new perspective in applying identity management theory.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006187, ucf:51153
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006187

Title: Hispanic Immigrant Parental Messages of Resiliency and Emotional Regulation to their Children: An Examination of Important Variables and an Intervention.
Creator: Velezmoro, Rodrigo, Negy, Charles, Renk, Kimberly, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Nalbone, Lisa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This two-part study examined the adjustment of Hispanic immigrants. Part one examined the communication that occurs between Hispanic immigrant parents and their adolescents/young adults about life in the United States (U.S.). It also examined how attitudes toward the U.S. and various protective factors influence psychological adjustment. Hispanic immigrants (n = 123) with an average of 11 years living in the United States and their adolescents/young adults between the ages of 14-22 served as...
Show moreThis two-part study examined the adjustment of Hispanic immigrants. Part one examined the communication that occurs between Hispanic immigrant parents and their adolescents/young adults about life in the United States (U.S.). It also examined how attitudes toward the U.S. and various protective factors influence psychological adjustment. Hispanic immigrants (n = 123) with an average of 11 years living in the United States and their adolescents/young adults between the ages of 14-22 served as participants. For both parents and their adolescents/young adults, favorable attitudes toward the U.S. were associated with improved psychological adjustment. Contrary to prediction, attitudes toward the U.S. did not correlate with quality of life or life satisfaction for either family member. Further, results indicated that among adolescents/young adults, resiliency predicted positive U.S. attitudes, whereas among parents, openness to new experiences predicted favorable attitudes toward the U.S. Finally, parental views of the U.S. correlated positively with their adolescents'/young adults' views of the U.S. In an extension of the study, 37 Hispanic college students who were either immigrants or children of immigrants were randomly assigned to either a control condition or a psychoeducation condition. The psychoeducation condition focused on improving their emotional regulation and views of the United States. No significant differences were found among the groups.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005436, ucf:50399
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005436

Title: Changing to a Different Shade of Blue: JetBlue and the Blueprint for Successful Crisis Communication.
Creator: Renner, Catherine, Coombs, Timothy, Holladay, Sherry, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: On February 14, 2007, JetBlue Airways experienced a major blow to their well-respected reputation when ten planes were delayed with passengers stranded on board for up to eight hours each. Through intense coverage and negative reporting from the media, JetBlue launched a multi-pronged crisis communication response strategy to repair the damage. Using Situational Crisis Communications Theory (SCCT) as a framework, the research in this study demonstrated the importance of crisis communications...
Show moreOn February 14, 2007, JetBlue Airways experienced a major blow to their well-respected reputation when ten planes were delayed with passengers stranded on board for up to eight hours each. Through intense coverage and negative reporting from the media, JetBlue launched a multi-pronged crisis communication response strategy to repair the damage. Using Situational Crisis Communications Theory (SCCT) as a framework, the research in this study demonstrated the importance of crisis communications planning, corporate apologia, corporate impression management, and image restoration within an organization. A discourse analysis was utilized to identify the types of messages delivered by the media, the crisis response strategies and tactics implemented by JetBlue, and stakeholder reactions to the JetBlue responses. Content from the messages were then placed in appropriate categories identifying the type of strategy and tactic utilized. Category definitions, examples of comments, and the identifying attributes were included to help support that JetBlue was successful in repairing and recovering their reputation.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004740, ucf:49842
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004740

Title: EXPLORING SUPPORTED CONVERSATION WITH FAMILIAL CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH MEMORY IMPAIRMENT: A PILOT STUDY.
Creator: Willis, Arielle, Whiteside, Janet, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Teaching conversational strategies has been effective for a wide array of clients with acquired neurologic disorders and their caregivers. Research indicates positive results for Supported Conversation in adults with Aphasia (SCA) secondary to stroke. Applying this method to work with caregivers of persons with memory impairment could prove to be a valid intervention tool. This investigation will examine the applicability of SCA with persons with memory impairment and their familial...
Show moreTeaching conversational strategies has been effective for a wide array of clients with acquired neurologic disorders and their caregivers. Research indicates positive results for Supported Conversation in adults with Aphasia (SCA) secondary to stroke. Applying this method to work with caregivers of persons with memory impairment could prove to be a valid intervention tool. This investigation will examine the applicability of SCA with persons with memory impairment and their familial caregivers. This pilot study is intended to create a conversation regarding SCA and its implementation with persons with memory impairment who still live in the community with their caregivers. Analysis between the pre-training and post-training scores showed a trend to wards significance for Time (F(1, 9) = 0.064), no significance for Measure (F(3, 9) = 0.558), and no significance for the interaction of Time*Measure (F(3, 9) = 0.276). The effect size for Time was 0.732, for Measure was 0.494 and for Time*Measure was 0.956.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000139, ucf:46044
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000139

Title: PREDICTION AND ALLOCATION OF LIVE TO VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION BRIDGING RESOURCES.
Creator: lackey, stephanie, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This document summarizes a research effort focused on improving live-to-virtual (L-V) communication systems. The purpose of this work is to address a significant challenge facing the tactical communications training community through the development of the Live-to-Virtual Relay Radio Prediction Algorithm and implementation of the algorithm into an Integrated Live-to-Virtual Communications Server prototype device. The motivation for the work and the challenges of integrating live and virtual...
Show moreThis document summarizes a research effort focused on improving live-to-virtual (L-V) communication systems. The purpose of this work is to address a significant challenge facing the tactical communications training community through the development of the Live-to-Virtual Relay Radio Prediction Algorithm and implementation of the algorithm into an Integrated Live-to-Virtual Communications Server prototype device. The motivation for the work and the challenges of integrating live and virtual communications are presented. Details surrounding the formulation of the prediction algorithm and a description of the prototype system, hardware, and software architectures are shared. Experimental results from discrete event simulation analysis and prototype functionality testing accompany recommendations for future investigation. If the methods and technologies summarized are implemented, an estimated equipment savings of 25%-53% and an estimated cost savings of $150,000.00 - $630,000.00 per site are anticipated. Thus, a solution to a critical tactical communications training problem is presented through the research discussed.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001401, ucf:47072
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001401

Title: DATA COMMUNICATION WITH A NANO-SATELLITE USING SATELLITE PERSONAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (S-PCNS).
Creator: Khan, Khudeja, Eastes, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Satellites typically communicate with locations on the ground to receive commands and send data back. Establishing reliable communications generally requires dedicated ground stations, which in turn require hardware and expertise. Developers of nano-satellites, however, may not have the expertise or resources necessary for establishing a dedicated ground station. Therefore, the use of an existing communication system, such as the Satellite Personal Communication Networks (S-PCNs), is...
Show moreSatellites typically communicate with locations on the ground to receive commands and send data back. Establishing reliable communications generally requires dedicated ground stations, which in turn require hardware and expertise. Developers of nano-satellites, however, may not have the expertise or resources necessary for establishing a dedicated ground station. Therefore, the use of an existing communication system, such as the Satellite Personal Communication Networks (S-PCNs), is attractive. Another shortcoming of the fixed ground stations, already available, is that they are normally only able to communicate with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) nano-satellites four times per day (two10-minute windows separated by 90 minutes, followed 12 hours later by two more such 10-minute windows). This drawback is also overcome by the use of S-PCNs which provide increased access times, smaller gaps in contact between the satellites and ground stations, and easier tracking of satellite health. In this thesis, the capabilities of S-PCNs for communications with a nano-satellite are explored. Software simulation and analysis have been performed to assess system performance. Ground testing of the hardware is done to understand the use of such systems for small satellites.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002488, ucf:47693
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002488

Title: THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION STYLES ON CAMPUS EXPERIENCE IN COLLEGE-AGED CHILDREN.
Creator: Kjosa, Madison, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As an environment, the modern university setting is diverse and subject students to numerous challenges and opportunities that prepare them to enter careers, build families, and grow as an individual. Yet what a student experiences in college differs greatly and is shaped by internal and external factors in their environment, including campus participation, college self-efficacy, depression and stress. Prior research indicates the impact of family on how a student expresses each of these...
Show moreAs an environment, the modern university setting is diverse and subject students to numerous challenges and opportunities that prepare them to enter careers, build families, and grow as an individual. Yet what a student experiences in college differs greatly and is shaped by internal and external factors in their environment, including campus participation, college self-efficacy, depression and stress. Prior research indicates the impact of family on how a student expresses each of these variables (Schmidtgall, King, Zarski and Cooper, 2000; Bradbury and Mather, 2009; Hannum and Dvorak, 2004; Kenny and Donaldson, 1991; Lopez et al, 2001; Shaver and Mikulincer, 2006). However, there is one area of the family that has been scarcely studied in terms of campus experience influence: family communication patterns (FCPs). The present study sought to investigate this connection. Utilizing a survey-based design, 253 student participants were asked questions to identify the amount of conversation and conformity orientation present in their family unit, as well as levels of campus participation, college self-efficacy, depression and stress. Results indicated that conversation and conformity orientation in families were positively correlated with campus participation. Conversation orientation led to higher feelings of college self-efficacy and lower feelings of stress and depression. Conformity orientation had no correlation with experiencing stress or depression. The current study suggests that family communication does indeed influence multiple areas of a student's college experience, though conversation-oriented communication has a greater positive influence. Having a positive and communicative family environment allows students to get involved, lowers their risk of experiencing mental issues, and equips them to feel confident in their environment. However, the obedience and uniformity found in conformity orientation families instills structure in a student, which may help them avoid distractions and stay focused on schoolwork (Koerner and Fitzpatrick, 1997).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000423, ucf:45885
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000423

Title: The Use of Crisis Communication Strategies to Build Community Resilience: Evidence from Emergency Managers.
Creator: Haupt, Brittany, Kapucu, Naim, Knox, Claire, Emrich, Christopher, Sellnow, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As public administration evolved to encompass a strong focus on supporting safe growth and development for communities, the role and responsibilities of government became increasingly complex with aspects of emergency management becoming quintessential. The ability to assess resilience plays a strong role in understanding the capability of a community to face a range of threats. Additionally, issues with communication uncovered the need to understand how administrators collect, disseminate,...
Show moreAs public administration evolved to encompass a strong focus on supporting safe growth and development for communities, the role and responsibilities of government became increasingly complex with aspects of emergency management becoming quintessential. The ability to assess resilience plays a strong role in understanding the capability of a community to face a range of threats. Additionally, issues with communication uncovered the need to understand how administrators collect, disseminate, and adapt critical information through understanding crisis type and local community needs. This dissertation discusses the connection between public administration and emergency management, the evolution of crisis communication and strategies, resilience and its measurement, along with Situational Crisis Communication Theory. This study conducted an online-survey of county, and county-equivalent, emergency managers across the United States. Results of Structural Equation Modeling included statistically significant relationships between Crisis Type and Local Community Needs on Crisis Communication Strategies as well as between strategies onto Community Resilience. Comparative analysis with the Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities showed stark contrast in perceived resilience capacity. Follow-up, semi-structured interviews were conducted with voluntary respondents and analyzed via axial, deductive coding. Comparing quantitative and qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of county characteristics, critical relationships, overcoming obstacles, need for learning and adaptation, and importance of communication.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007013, ucf:52046
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007013

Title: Mode coupling in space-division multiplexed systems.
Creator: Liu, Huiyuan, Li, Guifang, Likamwa, Patrick, Amezcua Correa, Rodrigo, Chanda, Debashis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Even though fiber-optic communication systems have been engineered to nearly approach the Shannon capacity limit, they still cannot meet the exponentially-growing bandwidth demand of the Internet. Space-division multiplexing (SDM) has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its potential to address this capacity crunch. In SDM, the transmission channels support more than one spatial mode, each of which can provide the same capacity as a single-mode fiber. To make SDM practical...
Show moreEven though fiber-optic communication systems have been engineered to nearly approach the Shannon capacity limit, they still cannot meet the exponentially-growing bandwidth demand of the Internet. Space-division multiplexing (SDM) has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its potential to address this capacity crunch. In SDM, the transmission channels support more than one spatial mode, each of which can provide the same capacity as a single-mode fiber. To make SDM practical, crosstalk among modes must be effectively managed. This dissertation presents three techniques for crosstalk management for SDM. In some cases such as intra-datacenter interconnects, even though mode crosstalk cannot be completely avoided, crosstalk among mode groups can be suppressed in properly-designed few-mode fibers to support mode group-multiplexed transmission. However, in most cases, mode coupling is unavoidable. In free-space optical (FSO) communication, mode coupling due to turbulence manifests as wavefront distortions. Since there is almost no modal dispersion in FSO, we demonstrate the use of few-mode pre-amplified receivers to mitigate the effect of turbulence without using adaptive optics. In fiber-optic communication, multi-mode fibers or long-haul few-mode fibers not only suffer from mode crosstalk but also large modal dispersion, which can only be compensated electronically using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) digital signal processing (DSP). In this case, we take the counterintuitive approach of introducing strong mode coupling to reduce modal group delay and DSP complexity.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007831, ucf:52806
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007831

Title: Computer Simulation of 911 Emergency Telephone System for Orange County, Florida.
Creator: Veillette, Ronald J., null, null, Engineering
Abstract / Description: Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The State of Florida has mandated that a statewide 911 system be implemented, and the Department of General Services, Division of Communications, has performed a study of possible 911 system configurations for Orange County based on the findings of a study performed by the Stanford Research Institute for the whole of the State of Florida. The Orange County study determined operator manning levels of the primary law enforcement...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The State of Florida has mandated that a statewide 911 system be implemented, and the Department of General Services, Division of Communications, has performed a study of possible 911 system configurations for Orange County based on the findings of a study performed by the Stanford Research Institute for the whole of the State of Florida. The Orange County study determined operator manning levels of the primary law enforcement agencies involved in the system and response times to citizen calls for each of the configurations proposed. This research generated computer simulation models of the two most likely to be implemented configurations for handling citizen calls. The models were run sing the input parameters defined in the Orange County study, and the results compared favorably. Additional runs were made with varying resource assignments to evaluate call service with respect to the level of performance and response time. The models were designed in modular form, such that they can easily be structured to conform to other operational configurations. This will allow evaluation of prosed systems prior to actual start up and analysis of resource requirements based on population predictions.
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Date Issued: 1977
Identifier: CFR0004777, ucf:52962
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0004777

Title: The Religious Classroom: Analyzing the Cross-Application of Instructional Communication Pedagogy to Youth Ministries.
Creator: Taylor, Lakelyn, Sellnow, Deanna, Kim, Jihyun, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Instructional communication literature suggests that, to achieve optimal student learning outcomes, an instructor must completely engage in all aspects of experiential learning. It follows, then, that youth ministers should also employ experiential learning in their youth ministries to achieve their learning outcome goals among the youth they teach. This research project examined three research questions: 1.) What pedagogical strategies do youth ministers use during large group class sessions...
Show moreInstructional communication literature suggests that, to achieve optimal student learning outcomes, an instructor must completely engage in all aspects of experiential learning. It follows, then, that youth ministers should also employ experiential learning in their youth ministries to achieve their learning outcome goals among the youth they teach. This research project examined three research questions: 1.) What pedagogical strategies do youth ministers use during large group class sessions? 2.) In what ways do youth ministers employ instructional communication best practices within their pedagogical strategies? 3.) What strategies do former students remember their youth minister using the most? The analysis revealed four key conclusions. First, youth ministers privilege lecture-style delivery formats over other formats suggested as key in the instructional communication literature. Second, youth ministers who do implement discussion-based delivery formats predominately use teacher-student rather than student-student discussion, which is also an instructional communication best practice. Third, although youth ministers talk about instructional communication best practices regarding engagement and action, they rarely provide opportunities for students to do so during large group class session. Finally, former students report recalling that youth ministers privilege lecture delivery over student-to-student discussions or active application activities related to their daily lives. Based on these conclusions, several implications and suggestions for future research are proposed.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007539, ucf:52612
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007539

Title: Coming to a full stop: An investigation of menstrual period stigmas in college students.
Creator: O'Toole, Mary, Sellnow, Deanna, Sandoval, Jennifer, Dodd, Melissa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this study was to understand perceptions college students have regarding menstruation and if viewing a normalized media message may influence these perceptions. A treatment group of participants was randomly assigned to view an episode of the hit family sitcom Blackish that focused on menstruation and then answer survey questions. A control group of participants only answered the survey questions. A mixed methods analysis revealed three primary conclusions. First, these results...
Show moreThe focus of this study was to understand perceptions college students have regarding menstruation and if viewing a normalized media message may influence these perceptions. A treatment group of participants was randomly assigned to view an episode of the hit family sitcom Blackish that focused on menstruation and then answer survey questions. A control group of participants only answered the survey questions. A mixed methods analysis revealed three primary conclusions. First, these results contradict existing research in that the college students surveyed generally do not hold negative perceptions that may stigmatize menstruation. Second, the treatment that viewed the normalized media message intervention did not report significantly more positive perceptions about menstruation as a natural bodily function than their counterparts in the control group. Third, many participants acknowledged menstruation is a stigmatized topic and media messages not only currently contribute to these attitudes but could be used as a catalyst for guiding society toward normalizing it. These results extend existing research on how people perceive menstruation and on mass media effect research as a means to address stigmatized topics.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007066, ucf:51970
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007066

Title: A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION OF ADOLESCENT FEMALES' USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES.
Creator: Pate, Janine, DeLorme, Denise, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The aim of the present study was to explore the ways adolescent females, age 14 through 17, utilized social networking websites such as MySpace and Facebook for communication, self-presentation and identity development purposes. Uses and gratifications theory served as a framework for identifying the participantsÃ‚Â' motivations for heavily using these websites, which allow users to post pictures, interests and updates for their friends to view and interact with online....
Show moreThe aim of the present study was to explore the ways adolescent females, age 14 through 17, utilized social networking websites such as MySpace and Facebook for communication, self-presentation and identity development purposes. Uses and gratifications theory served as a framework for identifying the participantsÃ‚Â' motivations for heavily using these websites, which allow users to post pictures, interests and updates for their friends to view and interact with online. Using a qualitative method, one preliminary focus group and ten in-depth interviews were conducted, totaling fifteen female participants between the ages of 14 and 17. Interview questions covered topics such as peer interactions through social networking sites, posting personal content to their profile pages, self-presentations through pictures and text, creating and maintaining friendships through these sites, and negative and positive feedback received through comments. Results indicated that the participants frequently used social networking websites for five main gratifications: Information Sharing, Convenient Communication, Self-Expression, Friendship Formation and Social Support.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003180, ucf:48608
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003180

Title: Evaluating Human-Robot Implicit Communication through Human-Human Implicit Communication.
Creator: Richardson, Andrew, Karwowski, Waldemar, Hancock, Peter, Shumaker, Randall, Reinerman, Lauren, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) research is examining ways to make human-robot (HR) communication more natural. Incorporating natural communication techniques is expected to make HR communication seamless and more natural for humans. Humans naturally incorporate implicit levels of communication, and including implicit communication in HR communication should provide tremendous benefit. The aim for this work was to evaluate a model for human-robot implicit communication. Specifically, the...
Show moreHuman-Robot Interaction (HRI) research is examining ways to make human-robot (HR) communication more natural. Incorporating natural communication techniques is expected to make HR communication seamless and more natural for humans. Humans naturally incorporate implicit levels of communication, and including implicit communication in HR communication should provide tremendous benefit. The aim for this work was to evaluate a model for human-robot implicit communication. Specifically, the primary goal for this research was to determine whether humans can assign meanings to implicit cues received from autonomous robots as they do for identical implicit cues received from humans.An experiment was designed to allow participants to assign meanings to identical, implicit cues (pursuing, retreating, investigating, hiding, patrolling) received from humans and robots. Participants were tasked to view random video clips of both entity types, label the implicit cue, and assign a level of confidence in their chosen answer. Physiological data was tracked during the experiment using an electroencephalogram and eye-tracker. Participants answered workload and stress measure questionnaires following each scenario.Results revealed that participants were significantly more accurate with human cues (84%) than with robot cues (82%), however participants were highly accurate, above 80%, for both entity types. Despite the high accuracy for both types, participants remained significantly more confident in answers for humans (6.1) than for robots (5.9) on a confidence scale of 1 - 7.Subjective measures showed no significant differences for stress or mental workload across entities. Physiological measures were not significant for the engagement index acrossentity, but robots resulted in significantly higher levels of cognitive workload for participants via the index of cognitive activity.The results of this study revealed that participants are more confident interpreting human implicit cues than identical cues received from a robot. However, the accuracy of interpreting both entities remained high. Participants showed no significant difference in interpreting different cues across entity as well. Therefore, much of the ability of interpreting an implicit cue resides in the actual cue rather than the entity. Proper training should boost confidence as humans begin to work alongside autonomous robots as teammates, and it is possible to train humans to recognize cues based on the movement, regardless of the entity demonstrating the movement.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004429, ucf:49352
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004429

Title: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POST-SECONDARY WEB BASED COMMUNICATION IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA'S ONLINE EDUCATIONAL SETTING.
Creator: Hinchman, Brandon, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: While technology continues to advance, so do methods of learning. In post-secondary education during the twentieth century, the traditional classroom setting was geared toward auditory instruction and face-to-face peer interaction. Not only was this the most efficient means of instruction for the time period but the only means. Along with the advent of communication technology came the concept of Web courses. Web courses have expanded the means by which students can experience course lectures...
Show moreWhile technology continues to advance, so do methods of learning. In post-secondary education during the twentieth century, the traditional classroom setting was geared toward auditory instruction and face-to-face peer interaction. Not only was this the most efficient means of instruction for the time period but the only means. Along with the advent of communication technology came the concept of Web courses. Web courses have expanded the means by which students can experience course lectures and have beckoned the use of updated media by which such lectures can take place. Such media include threaded discussions, chat rooms and e-mail. At the University of Central Florida, the gradual change from WebCT to Webcourses offered students more direct contact with updated threaded discussions and more centralized communication on the whole. The quality of such communication measures has been in question, though, and the effectiveness of such online communication methods is the focus of my research.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002749, ucf:48147
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002749

Title: Effects of a Mixed-Mode Instructional Program on the Communicative Turns of Preschoolers with Down syndrome who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Creator: Nicsinger, Erika, Kent-Walsh, Jennifer, Schwartz, Jamie, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Binger, Cathy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk for a variety of deficits, including those in the area of speech, language, and literacy. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have historically focused on building children's verbal and signed vocabulary, but these efforts do not always result in significant changes in children's functional communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and interventions have been recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing...
Show moreChildren with Down syndrome are at increased risk for a variety of deficits, including those in the area of speech, language, and literacy. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have historically focused on building children's verbal and signed vocabulary, but these efforts do not always result in significant changes in children's functional communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and interventions have been recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as appropriate options for facilitating functional communication skills with children with Down syndrome ([American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2010; New York State Department of Health [NYSDOH], 2006). In spite of these recommendations, there exists a critical shortage of SLPs who are clinically competent in providing necessary AAC services to children with Down syndrome (Edgar (&) Rosa-Lugo, 2007; Light, McNaughton, Drager, Roberts, (&) Wilson, 2004). As a result, families of children with varying disabilities, including Down syndrome report high levels of stress related to accessing important professional expertise and intervention for their children (Dabrowska (&) Pisula, 2010). Researchers and clinicians alike must consider alternative treatment delivery options that are responsive to the needs of families and children with complex communication needs (Cirrin et al., 2010; Light (&) McNaughton, 2015). A telepractice service delivery model has been documented to ease burdens felt by families when attempting to access rehabilitative services (Gladden, 2013). Telepractice involves the use of technology to connect clinicians and clients at a distance for the purposes of assessment, intervention, or consultation (Theodoros, 2011). An expanding body of research promotes the use of telepractice service delivery within AAC to address the needs of both children and families. One evidence-based AAC intervention of interest is communication partner instruction. Communication partner instruction, even in small doses, has been proven to be an effective method for providing parents and children with complex communication needs, specifically children with Down syndrome, access to necessary intervention (Kent-Walsh, Murza, Malani, (&) Binger, 2015). Partner instruction involves educating those critical stakeholders who surround the child most frequently (e.g., parents, educators, educational assistants) to recognize and respond to children's communicative signals and to create opportunities for children to participate in the conversation (Pennington, Goldbart, (&) Marshall, 2004). Despite the evidence supporting the use of communication partner instruction, SLPs continue to struggle with implementation in billable contexts (Ogletree, 2013). SLPs in the United States often operate in a billable context, where the client must be actively involved in the therapy session in order for practitioners to receive reimbursement from insurance companies for time spent with clients. This issue has served as a barrier to use of communication partner instruction, as currently accepted research-validated models use introductory parent sessions independent of the children's learning to teach partner skills. Therefore, the current investigation examined the effects of a communication partner instruction using a mixed-mode service delivery model, which incorporated face-to-face and telepractice sessions, as well as a billable context. The focus of the protocol was on educating parents in one aided language strategy using a communication partner instruction program incorporating continuous child involvement and a mixed-mode service-delivery model, including both face-to-face and telepractice intervention components (e.g., Skype/FaceTime), to address the need for interventions which consider stressors faced by families when attempting to access evidence-based AAC intervention. The study utilized a single-case, multiple-probe experimental design across three parent-child dyads. Baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases were used to investigate the efficacy of the nine-session intervention. Visual analysis and Improvement Rate Difference (IRD) analyses indicated that the intervention was highly effective in increasing parents' use of the target strategy and children's communicative turntaking during shared storybook reading. One-hundred percent of parent participants increased their performance from baseline to post-intervention (IRD = 1.0), and all parents maintained these levels of achievement during the maintenance phase (IRD = 1.0). Similarly, children increased their frequency of communicative turns from baseline to post-intervention (IRD = 1.0), and all children participants maintained these levels of turntaking during the maintenance phase (IRD = 1.0), as well as during a novel book series (IRD = 1.0). These findings suggest that the mixed-mode service delivery model, which includes both face-to-face and telepractice sessions, as well as continuous child involvement is an effective method for increasing parents' use of a target strategy and children's frequency of multimodal communicative turns. Clinical and professional implications, as well as future directions for research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006542, ucf:51327
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006542

Title: Planning and Control of Swarm Motion as Continua.
Creator: Rastgoftar, Hossein, Jayasuriya, Suhada, Das, Tuhin, Xu, Chengying, Qu, Zhihua, Simaan, Marwan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this thesis, new algorithms for formation control of multi agent systems (MAS) based on continuum mechanics principles will be investigated. For this purpose agents of the MAS are treated as particles in a continuum, evolving in an n-D space, whose desired configuration is required to satisfy an admissible deformation function. Considered is a specific class of mappings that is called homogenous where the Jacobian of the mapping is only a function of time and is not spatially varying. The...
Show moreIn this thesis, new algorithms for formation control of multi agent systems (MAS) based on continuum mechanics principles will be investigated. For this purpose agents of the MAS are treated as particles in a continuum, evolving in an n-D space, whose desired configuration is required to satisfy an admissible deformation function. Considered is a specific class of mappings that is called homogenous where the Jacobian of the mapping is only a function of time and is not spatially varying. The primary objectives of this thesis are to develop the necessary theory and its validation via simulation on a mobile-agent based swarm test bed that includes two primary tasks: 1) homogenous transformation of MAS and 2) deployment of a random distribution of agents on to a desired configuration. Developed will be a framework based on homogenous transformations for the evolution of a MAS in an n-D space (n=1, 2, and 3), under two scenarios: 1) no inter-agent communication (predefined motion plan); and 2) local inter-agent communication. Additionally, homogenous transformations based on communication protocols will be used to deploy an arbitrary distribution of a MAS on to a desired curve. Homogenous transformation with no communication: A homogenous transformation of a MAS, evolving in an R^n space, under zero inter agent communication is first considered. Here the homogenous mapping, is characterized by an n x n Jacobian matrix Q(t) and an n x 1 rigid body displacement vector D(t), that are based on positions of n+1 agents of the MAS, called leader agents. The designed Jacobian Q(t) and rigid body displacement vector D(t) are passed onto rest of the agents of the MAS, called followers, who will then use that information to update their positions under a pre-defined motion plan. Consequently, the motion of MAS will evolve as a homogenous transformation of the initial configuration without explicit communication among agents. Homogenous Transformation under Local Communication: We develop a framework for homogenous transformation of MAS, evolving in R^n, under a local inter agent communication topology. Here we assume that some agents are the leaders, that are transformed homogenously in an n-D space. In addition, every follower agent of the MAS communicates with some local agents to update its position, in order to grasp the homogenous mapping that is prescribed by the leader agents. We show that some distance ratios that are assigned based on initial formation, if preserved, lead to asymptotic convergence of the initial formation to a final formation under a homogenous mapping.Deployment of a Random Distribution on a Desired Manifold: Deployment of agents of a MAS, moving in a plane, on to a desired curve, is a task that is considered as an application of the proposed approach. In particular, a 2-D MAS evolution problem is considered as two 1-D MAS evolution problems, where x or y coordinates of the position of all agents are modeled as points confined to move on a straight line. Then, for every coordinate of MAS evolution, bulk motion is controlled by two agents considered leaders that move independently, with rest of the follower agents motions evolving through each follower agent communicating with two adjacent agents.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004915, ucf:49640
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004915

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