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Title: A COSTUME DESIGN FOR RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.
Creator: McChesney, Harmony, Tollefson, Kristina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis documents my process as the Costume Designer for the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre's production of Richard O'Brien's musical, The Rocky Horror Show. The production opened on March 29, 2007 and ran for fifteen performances in the University of Central Florid's Mainstage Theatre before closing on April 15, 2007. This document presents the analysis, research, and design process that I used to create the costume design for the performance. In this...
Show moreThis thesis documents my process as the Costume Designer for the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre's production of Richard O'Brien's musical, The Rocky Horror Show. The production opened on March 29, 2007 and ran for fifteen performances in the University of Central Florid's Mainstage Theatre before closing on April 15, 2007. This document presents the analysis, research, and design process that I used to create the costume design for the performance. In this thesis, I document how I combined my own analysis and research with that of the director and design team to take the design from concept, through construction, to completion. This thesis will contain specific information on my design process including an analysis of the script, research, preliminary sketches, final designs, photographs of the production, and all paperwork I generated for the show. A journal of the challenges and solutions that I encountered during the design and construction process are included, along with a self evaluation and reflection on the finished production.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003524, ucf:48947
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003524

Title: The use of video game achievements to enhance player performance, self-efficacy, and motivation.
Creator: Blair, Lucas, Bowers, Clint, Cannon-Bowers, Janis, McDaniel, Rudy, Kincaid, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A taxonomy of achievement design features that exist currently in video game systems was created in order to evaluate the current the state of the art in achievement design. From the taxonomy of design features multiple mechanisms of action that influence player behavior were identified. These mechanisms lead to a predictive model that can guide the designs of achievements in order to improve performance, self-efficacy and motivation in players.Expected, unexpected, and incremental...
Show moreA taxonomy of achievement design features that exist currently in video game systems was created in order to evaluate the current the state of the art in achievement design. From the taxonomy of design features multiple mechanisms of action that influence player behavior were identified. These mechanisms lead to a predictive model that can guide the designs of achievements in order to improve performance, self-efficacy and motivation in players.Expected, unexpected, and incremental achievements were tested. Notifications occurring before and after earning an achievement were also tested. In addition to testing individual mechanisms of action a (")combined achievement(") was created with multiple mechanisms added that were hand-picked. For testing purposes the model was applied to achievements that were inserted into an instructional game. The results of the study revealed that individual mechanisms of action had little effect on players while multiple mechanisms in a combined achievement caused significant improvements in several categories. The limitations of the current study, as well as, plans for future study are also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004471, ucf:49297
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004471

Title: Light-activated binary nucleotide reagent for inactivation of DNA polymerase.
Creator: Cornett, Evan, ,, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This work explores a binary reagent approach to increase the specificity of covalent inhibitors. In this approach, two ligand analogs equipped with inert pre-reactive groups specifically bind a target biopolymer. The binding event brings the pre-reactive groups in proximity with each other. The two groups react, generating active chemical intermediates that covalently modify and inactivate the target. In the present study we compare the new approach with the traditional single-component...
Show moreThis work explores a binary reagent approach to increase the specificity of covalent inhibitors. In this approach, two ligand analogs equipped with inert pre-reactive groups specifically bind a target biopolymer. The binding event brings the pre-reactive groups in proximity with each other. The two groups react, generating active chemical intermediates that covalently modify and inactivate the target. In the present study we compare the new approach with the traditional single-component reagent strategy using DNA polymerase from bacteriophage T4 as a model target biopolymer. We report the design and synthesis of two analogs of deoxythymidine triphosphate, a natural DNA polymerase substrate. Together, the analogs function as a binary nucleotide reagent which is activated by light with wavelengths 365 nm and longer. However, the active analog functions as a traditional single component reagent when activated by light with wavelengths at 300 nm and longer. The traditional single-component reagent efficiently inactivated DNA polymerase. However, in the presence of non-target protein the inactivation efficiency is greatly diminished. Under the same conditions, the binary nucleotide reagent also inactivated DNA polymerase, and the inactivation efficiency is not affected by the presence of the non-target protein. Our results validate that a binary approach can be employed to design highly specific covalent inhibitors. The binary reagent strategy might be useful as a research tool for investigation of ligand-protein interactions in complex biological systems and for drug design.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004366, ucf:49429
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004366

Title: APPLIED DESIGN: AN EXPLORATION OF ARTS INTEGRATION THROUGH THEATRICAL DESIGN IN THE FOURTH GRADE CLASSROOM.
Creator: Fuss, Alicia, Listengarten, Julia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this action-research study is to explore a new pedagogical tool for myself as a teaching artist: Applied Design. My ideas around Applied Design are rooted in the field of Creative Drama, and grew out of a desire to explore theatrical design in the same process-centered way that Creative Drama explores informal and improvisational drama techniques. To this end, I attempt to determine how the use of Applied Design affects both student engagement and student understanding when...
Show moreThe purpose of this action-research study is to explore a new pedagogical tool for myself as a teaching artist: Applied Design. My ideas around Applied Design are rooted in the field of Creative Drama, and grew out of a desire to explore theatrical design in the same process-centered way that Creative Drama explores informal and improvisational drama techniques. To this end, I attempt to determine how the use of Applied Design affects both student engagement and student understanding when applied as an interdisciplinary tool to Language Arts curriculum. For the purposes of this study, I introduced Applied Design as a discovery teaching methodology through a one-week Language Arts unit in a local fourth grade classroom. I collected data from the students, their classroom teacher and myself through questionnaires, written work and personal observation. As I examined the data, I discovered positive relationships between Applied Design and both student engagement and student understanding. Students responded to the discovery teaching methods enthusiastically, and embraced each design project with a dedication that appeared to inspire students to push through difficult moments in effort to complete each given task. Although the length of the study and amount of data generated limited my ability to draw widespread conclusions, the evidence suggests that further study in the applications of Applied Design is merited. This study also begins to discuss what such future study might look like, in effort to push the exploration of Applied Design forward. Ultimately, this action research study reinforced my conviction that process-centered theatrical design can serve as a useful tool for myself as a teaching artist, and inspired me to move forward in my understanding and exploration of its applications.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003383, ucf:48435
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003383

Title: RECONFIGURABLE ARCHITECTURE FOR H.264/AVC VARIABLE BLOCK SIZE MOTION ESTIMATION BASED ON MOTION ACTIVITY AND ADAPTIVE SEARCH RANGE.
Creator: Kodipyaka, Sumedha, Lee, Jooheung, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Motion Estimation (ME) technique plays a key role in the video coding systems to achieve high compression ratios by removing temporal redundancies among video frames. Especially in the newest H.264/AVC video coding standard, ME engine demands large amount of computational capabilities due to its support for wide range of different block sizes for a given macroblock in order to increase accuracy in finding best matching block in the previous frames. We propose scalable architecture for H.264...
Show moreMotion Estimation (ME) technique plays a key role in the video coding systems to achieve high compression ratios by removing temporal redundancies among video frames. Especially in the newest H.264/AVC video coding standard, ME engine demands large amount of computational capabilities due to its support for wide range of different block sizes for a given macroblock in order to increase accuracy in finding best matching block in the previous frames. We propose scalable architecture for H.264/AVC Variable Block Size (VBS) Motion Estimation with adaptive computing capability to support various search ranges, input video resolutions, and frame rates. Hardware architecture of the proposed ME consists of scalable Sum of Absolute Difference (SAD) arrays which can perform Full Search Block Matching Algorithm (FSBMA) for smaller 4x4 blocks. It is also shown that by predicting motion activity and adaptively adjusting the Search Range (SR) on the reconfigurable hardware platform, the computational cost of ME required for inter-frame encoding in H.264/AVC video coding standard can be reduced significantly. Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration is a unique feature of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that makes best use of hardware resources and power by allowing adaptive algorithm to be implemented during run-time. We exploit this feature of FPGA to implement the proposed reconfigurable architecture of ME and maximize the architectural benefits through prediction of motion activities in the video sequences ,adaptation of SR during run-time, and fractional ME refinement. The implemented ME architecture can support real time applications at a maximum frequency of 90MHz with multiple reconfigurable regions. When compared to reconfiguration of complete design, partial reconfiguration process results in smaller bitstream size which allows FPGA to implement different configurations at higher speed. The proposed architecture has modular structure, regular data flow, and efficient memory organization with lower memory accesses. By increasing the number of active partial reconfigurable modules from one to four, there is a 4 fold increase in data re-use. Also, by introducing adaptive SR reduction algorithm at frame level, the computational load of ME is reduced significantly with only small degradation in PSNR (0.1dB).
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003316, ucf:48488
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003316

Title: Design of a JMLdoclet for JMLdoc in OpenJML.
Creator: Donthala, Arjun Mitra Reddy, Leavens, Gary, Turgut, Damla, Jha, Sumit Kumar, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Java Modeling Language (JML) is a behavioral interface specification language designed for specifying Java classes and interfaces. OpenJML is a tool for processing JML specifications of Java programs. To facilitate viewing of these specifications in a user-friendly manner, a tool JMLdoc was created. The JMLdoc tool adds JML specifications to the usual Javadoc documentation. JMLdoc is an enhancement of Javadoc that adds to the Javadoc documentation the JML specifications that are present...
Show moreThe Java Modeling Language (JML) is a behavioral interface specification language designed for specifying Java classes and interfaces. OpenJML is a tool for processing JML specifications of Java programs. To facilitate viewing of these specifications in a user-friendly manner, a tool JMLdoc was created. The JMLdoc tool adds JML specifications to the usual Javadoc documentation. JMLdoc is an enhancement of Javadoc that adds to the Javadoc documentation the JML specifications that are present in the source code. The JMLdoc tool is a drop-in replacement for Javadoc, with additional functionality and additional options. The current design of JMLdoc uses the standard Javadoc's doclet. The current design lacks the provision for doclet extensions, unlike Javadoc. This thesis proposes a new design which is more aligned with the design of Javadoc and its provision for doclet extensions by implementing a JMLdoclet: a new doclet for OpenJML with support for JML elements. The new design makes JMLdoc independent of Javadoc's internals. This way maintenance is reduced as Javadoc evolves. The new design also combines specifications from inheritance and refinements and presents the complete JML specification to the user. This new doclet based design will be more maintainable and easier to extend.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006295, ucf:51596
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006295

Title: SYSTEMS DESIGN: ACADEMIC ADVISING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION, A CASE STUDY OF USER CENTERED SYSTEM DESIGN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Creator: Jones, Tracy, Boote, David, Hayes, Grant, Little, Mary, Vitale, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation presents a case study in user-centered design completed at the University of Central Florida. Leadership in the College of Graduate Studies at UCF realized the need for an advisement tool to assist advisors in the academic colleges to track the success of their students.After an advisement product was selected, the user-centered design approach started to be implemented. End-users were shown the basic functionality and known benefits of the product. Then they were asked how...
Show moreThis dissertation presents a case study in user-centered design completed at the University of Central Florida. Leadership in the College of Graduate Studies at UCF realized the need for an advisement tool to assist advisors in the academic colleges to track the success of their students.After an advisement product was selected, the user-centered design approach started to be implemented. End-users were shown the basic functionality and known benefits of the product. Then they were asked how they could make it standardized across programs. The users selected the order in which information and degree requirements should display. The users asked for additional information to be shown on the new advising report called the Graduate Plan of Study (GPS). This information would assist them in advising students and certifying that the students' had met requirements to earn their degree.With the help of the end-users, a prototype was developed and delivered to computer services. End users assisted with the testing of current and additional functionality. After attending focus groups, the end-users had a better understanding of the need for testing. They assisted in providing ideas for training and a deployment plan to the university. The use of the user-centered design approach helped to keep our end-users engaged in the project. They were the central cause of the successful implementation of a new advisement module for graduate students at UCF.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005637, ucf:50230
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005637

Title: THE CREATION OF TOOLS AND MODELS TO CHARACTERIZE AND QUANTIFY USER-CENTERED DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS IN PRODUCT AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT.
Creator: Meza, Katherine, Crumpton-Young, Lesia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Ease of use differentiates products in a highly competitive market place. It also brings an added value that culminates in a higher degree of customer satisfaction, repeated business, increased sales, and higher revenue. User-centered design is a strategic asset that companies can use to improve their customer relationships by learning more about their customers, and increase their sales. In today's economy, the measurement of intangible assets such as user experience has become a major...
Show moreEase of use differentiates products in a highly competitive market place. It also brings an added value that culminates in a higher degree of customer satisfaction, repeated business, increased sales, and higher revenue. User-centered design is a strategic asset that companies can use to improve their customer relationships by learning more about their customers, and increase their sales. In today's economy, the measurement of intangible assets such as user experience has become a major need for industries because of the relationship between user-centered design and organizational benefits such as customer loyalty. As companies realize that the inclusion of user-centered design concepts in product or system design are a key component of attracting and maintaining customers, as well as increasing revenue, the need for quantitative methods to describe these benefits has become more urgent. The goal of this research is to develop a methodology to characterize user-centered design features, customer benefits and organizational benefits resulting from developing products using user-centered design principles through the use of an integrated framework of critical factors. Therefore, this research focuses on the identification of the most significant variables required to assess and measure the degree of user-centered design (UCD) characteristics included in the various aspects of product development such as physical design features, cognitive design attributes, industrial design aspects and user experience design considerations. Also this research focuses on the development of assessment tools for developers to use when evaluating the incorporation of user-centered design features in the creation of products and systems. In addition, a mathematical model to quantify the inclusion of UCD factors considered in the design of a product and systems is presented in this research. The results obtained using the assessment tools and the mathematical model can be employed to assess the customer benefits and organizational benefits resulting from including user-centered design features in the creation of products and systems. Overall, organizational benefits such as customer loyalty, company image, and profitability are expected to be impacted by the company's capability to meet or exceed stated design claims and performance consistency while maintaining aesthetic appeal, long product life, and product usefulness. The successful completion of this research has produced many beneficial research findings. For example, it has helped characterize and develop descriptors for estimating critical quantitative and qualitative components, sub-components, and factors influencing user-centered design that are related to customer and organizational benefits through the use of fuzzy set modeling. In addition, the development of specific tools, methods, and techniques for evaluating and quantifying UCD components resulted from this study.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002178, ucf:47524
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002178

Title: A SCENIC DESIGN FOR RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.
Creator: Alexander, Gary, Wood, Vandy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis documents my process as Scenic Designer for Richard O'Brien's musical, The Rocky Horror Show, presented by the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. This production premiered on the University of Central Florida's Mainstage Theatre 29 March 2007 and ran for fifteen performances, closing on 15 April 2007. This thesis includes my research and analysis of the published script and a production journal which documents my process for our specific production. In...
Show moreThis thesis documents my process as Scenic Designer for Richard O'Brien's musical, The Rocky Horror Show, presented by the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. This production premiered on the University of Central Florida's Mainstage Theatre 29 March 2007 and ran for fifteen performances, closing on 15 April 2007. This thesis includes my research and analysis of the published script and a production journal which documents my process for our specific production. In this document, I illustrate how my communication and meetings with the director and members of the design team moved from initial conversations into the research, development, and construction processes in order to create the realized production. I explain the challenges and obstacles I faced in the development and construction stages and how my communication with members of the design and production staff led to the final design. Throughout this document, I present figures displaying the preliminary sketches, renderings, construction process, and production photographs that illustrate how the production moved from an idea to a reality. I also present a self analysis of the process and final product through personal reflection and outside response.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002255, ucf:47861
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002255

Title: EDUCATIONAL VIDEO GAME EFFECTS UPON MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT AND MOTIVATION SCORES: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY EXAMINING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SEXES.
Creator: Kappers, Wendi, Hirumi (Co-Chair: Witta), Atsusi (Co-Chair: Lea), University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: An experimental research study using a mixed-method analysis to was conducted to examine educational video game effects on mathematics achievement and motivation between sexes. This study examined sex difference in a 7th grade mathematics (Mathematics 2/Mathematics 2 Advanced) classroom (n=60) learning algebra. Attributes and barriers relating to educational video game play, preference, and setting characteristics were explored. To examine achievement and motivation outcomes, a repeated...
Show moreAn experimental research study using a mixed-method analysis to was conducted to examine educational video game effects on mathematics achievement and motivation between sexes. This study examined sex difference in a 7th grade mathematics (Mathematics 2/Mathematics 2 Advanced) classroom (n=60) learning algebra. Attributes and barriers relating to educational video game play, preference, and setting characteristics were explored. To examine achievement and motivation outcomes, a repeated-measure (SPSS v14) test was used. The analysis included ethnographic results from both student and teacher interview and observation sessions for data triangulation. Results revealed a statistically significant academic mathematics achievement score increase (F =21.8, df =1, 54, p<.05). Although, mathematics class motivation scores did not present significance (F =.79, df =1, 47, p>.05), both sexes posted similar data outcomes with regard to mathematics class motivation after using an educational video game as treatment during an eighteen-week term in conjunction with receiving in-class instruction. Additionally, there was an increase in male variability in standard deviation score (SDmotivationpre=8.76, SDmotivation post=11.70) for mathematics class motivation. Lastly, self-reported differences between the sexes for this limited sample, with regard to game design likes and dislikes and observed female game play tendencies, were also investigated. The data presented customization as a unified, but most requested, game design need between the sexes. Between sex differences were found only to be superficial other than a female delay in game acceptance with regard to time and game play comfort.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002586, ucf:48270
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002586

Title: Driving performance adaptation through practice with and without distracters in a simulated environment.
Creator: Gentzler, Marc, Smither, Janan, Neider, Mark, Rinalducci, Edward, Mcconnell, Daniel, Ray, Roger, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A preponderance of research points to the detrimental effects of distraction on driving performance. An interesting question is whether practice can improve distracted driving. The results from the few longitudinal simulator-based research studies conducted on driving distraction have been inconclusive. This may be because practice effects could be confounded with participants adapting to driving in the simulator. Therefore, participants in the current studies were trained until performance...
Show moreA preponderance of research points to the detrimental effects of distraction on driving performance. An interesting question is whether practice can improve distracted driving. The results from the few longitudinal simulator-based research studies conducted on driving distraction have been inconclusive. This may be because practice effects could be confounded with participants adapting to driving in the simulator. Therefore, participants in the current studies were trained until performance reached a steady state prior to introducing the distracters.In this dissertation, two single-subject design studies were used to investigate the effects of training on distracted driving. The first study included two participants who experienced several different types of distracters. In the second study distracters were introduced before and after the training phase. The two distracters selected for Study 2 included conversing on a handheld phone and texting on a touchscreen phone continuously while driving in a city scenario. Previous research has not compared texting to phone, has had relatively littleexamination of texting and driving alone, and has primarily focused on hands-free phones and on highway settings. Participants drove on a city route which they had previously memorized to add realism to the driving task. Measures collected included speed maintenance, lane deviations/position errors, stop errors, and turn errors in both studies. In Study 2, subjective workload and reaction time were also collected.Findings indicated that training improved performance substantially for all participants in both studies compared to the initial baseline. Participants who experienced six and even nine sessions of the initial baseline did not necessarily improve more than those who only had three sessions. Performance for some participants did not improve in the initial baseline. The lower error levels in training remained fairly stable in subsequent baselines showing that actual learning did occur. Texting had higher error levels than phone both pre and post-training. There were no practice effects noticed for the distracters post-training for any of the participants, and in fact errors increased across sessions for phone and especially texting in Study 2. Training helped improve performance during the phone distraction more so than texting overall, although this varied for different dependent measures. Although errors were reduced after training in the distracter phases, the data actually showed that the performance difference between the baselines and the distracters pre-training was smaller than the differences post-training. Based on these findings, it is recommended that researchers conducting driving simulation research systematically train their participants on driving the simulator before they begin data collection.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005169, ucf:50658
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005169

Title: Playing with Usability: Why Technical Communicators Should Examine Mobile Games.
Creator: Cata, Alexandra, Jones, Dan, Applen, John, Salter, Anastasia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines how technical communicators can look to free, successful mobile games for mobile User Interface (UI) and User Assistance (UA) inspiration and design techniques. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an overview of major game studies theories and situate them within technical communication theory and practices. Technical communicators can leverage game studies theories to augment existing technical communication theories and practices. Specifically, I examine cognitive...
Show moreThis thesis examines how technical communicators can look to free, successful mobile games for mobile User Interface (UI) and User Assistance (UA) inspiration and design techniques. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an overview of major game studies theories and situate them within technical communication theory and practices. Technical communicators can leverage game studies theories to augment existing technical communication theories and practices. Specifically, I examine cognitive learning theory in game design, game usability, playability, and user-centered design, and how these theories relate to technical communication, rhetorical, mobile UI/UA, and general usability theories and methods. Additionally, I also note technical communicators can provide depth and fill in existing gaps in game design theory relating to language and textual presentation within games. I demonstrate this value by synthesizing and applying these methods to two successful free mobile games: Supercell's Clash of Clans and Blizzard Entertainment's Hearthstone. In a highly competitive and lucrative environment, top free mobile games provide effective user experiences to engage and retain users. Examining mobile game design provides a creative way for technical communicators to improve their own approaches for user engagement and mobile design.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006573, ucf:51316
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006573

Title: An Empirical Evaluation of an Instrument to Determine the Relationship Between Second-Year Medical Students' Perceptions of NERVE VP Design Effectiveness and Students' Ability to Learn and Transfer Skills from NERVE.
Creator: Reyes, Ramsamooj, Hirumi, Atsusi, Sivo, Stephen, Campbell, Laurie, Cendan, Juan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Meta-analyses and systematic reviews of literature comparing the use of virtual patients (VPs) to traditional educational methods support the efficacy of VPs (Cook, Erwin, (&) Triola, 2010; Cook (&) Triola, 2009; McGaghie, Issenberg, Cohen, Barsuk, (&) Wayne, 2011). However, VP design research has produced a variety of design features (Bateman, Allen, Samani, Kidd, (&) Davies, 2013; Botezatu, Hult, (&) Fors, 2010a; Huwendiek (&) De Leng, 2010), frameworks (Huwendiek et al., 2009b) and...
Show moreMeta-analyses and systematic reviews of literature comparing the use of virtual patients (VPs) to traditional educational methods support the efficacy of VPs (Cook, Erwin, (&) Triola, 2010; Cook (&) Triola, 2009; McGaghie, Issenberg, Cohen, Barsuk, (&) Wayne, 2011). However, VP design research has produced a variety of design features (Bateman, Allen, Samani, Kidd, (&) Davies, 2013; Botezatu, Hult, (&) Fors, 2010a; Huwendiek (&) De Leng, 2010), frameworks (Huwendiek et al., 2009b) and principles (Huwendiek et al., 2009a) that are similar in nature, but appear to lack consensus. Consequently, researchers are not sure which VP design principles to apply and few validated guidelines are available. To address this situation, Huwendiek et al. (2014) validated an instrument to evaluate the design of VP simulations that focuses on fostering clinical reasoning. This dissertation examines the predictive validity of one instrument proposed by Huwendiek et al. (2014) that examines VP design features. Empirical research provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the VP design effectiveness measure. However, the relationship between the design features evaluated by the instrument to criterion-referenced measures of student learning and performance remains to be examined. This study examines the predictive validity of Huwendiek et al.'s (2014) VP design effectiveness measurement instrument by determining if the design factors evaluated by the instrument are correlated to medical students' performance in: (a) quizzes and VP cases embedded in Neurological Examination Rehearsal Virtual Environment (NERVE), and (b) NERVE-assisted virtual patient/standardized patient (VP/SP) differential diagnosis and SP checklists. It was hypothesized that students' perceptions of effectiveness of NERVE VP design are significantly correlated to the achievement of higher student learning and transfer outcomes in NERVE.The confirmatory factor analyses revealed the effectiveness of NERVE VP design was significantly correlated to student learning and transfer. Significant correlations were found between key design features evaluated by the instrument and students' performance on quizzes and VP cases embedded in NERVE. In addition, significant correlations were found between the NERVE VP design factors evaluated by Huwendiek et al.'s (2014) instrument and students' performance in SP checklists. Findings provided empirical evidence supporting the reliability and predictive validity of Huwendiek et al.'s (2014) instrument.Future research should examine additional sources of validity for Huwendiek et al.'s (2014) VP design effectiveness instrument using larger samples and from other socio-cultural backgrounds and continue to examine the predictive validity of Huwendiek et al.'s (2014) instrument at Level 2 (Learning) and Level 3 (Application) of Kirkpatrick's (1975) four-level model of training evaluation.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006166, ucf:51150
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006166

Title: The forging of modern Broadway Sound Design Techniques amid the Fires of the Rock Musicals in the Late 1960s and 1970s.
Creator: Tracey, Timothy, Warfield, Scott, Koons, Keith, Chicurel, Steven, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: From the ancient Greek theater, through the dawn of the Renaissance, beyond the development of Shakespearean theater, to the Broadway theater boon in the 1920s, sound reinforcement within the theater remained virtually unchanged. Through Broadway's Golden Age, directors and producers relied on architectural acoustics to carry sound throughout the theaters. This is not surprising given that most of the theaters were built in the early 1900s, before the invention of any electric sound...
Show moreFrom the ancient Greek theater, through the dawn of the Renaissance, beyond the development of Shakespearean theater, to the Broadway theater boon in the 1920s, sound reinforcement within the theater remained virtually unchanged. Through Broadway's Golden Age, directors and producers relied on architectural acoustics to carry sound throughout the theaters. This is not surprising given that most of the theaters were built in the early 1900s, before the invention of any electric sound reinforcement technology. Moreover, early attempts at amplification in the 1940s yielded dismal results. Eventually, the maturation of the integrated book musical and the invasion of the rock musical in the late 1960s demanded more than architectural acoustics alone could provide. Abe Jacob, the sound designer of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, led the efforts to create a modern approach to sound design. Relying on his rock-and-roll touring experience and the introduction of technological advancements within the recording industry, Jacob and others forged a modern approach to sound design specifically within the framework of the Broadway musical, which helped restore the fading industry of the Broadway musical in the late 1960s.These new approaches served well the human irony and concept musicals of the 1970s by Sondheim and other emerging composers. Sound design was critical to the successful mounting of the mega-musicals of the 1980s (Cats, Les Miserables, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, etc.). Now, modern day composers collaborate early in the creation process with sound designers and create original works with the power of modern sound design in mind, such that today, sound design is a fundamental design discipline employed in every Broadway musical(-)from the initial show concept conversations all the way through opening night.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005726, ucf:50158
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005726

Title: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN: THE COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL REGIMES.
Creator: Hristakopoulos, Michael, Wilson, Bruce, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Measures of human development, no matter their specific methodology, have always placed Costa Rica substantially higher than its neighbor, Nicaragua, but no apparent governmental, resource, or historical discrepancy can account for this gap. This thesis uses two case studies to examine this phenomenon from three different theoretical perspectives, and conclude which has the greatest explanatory power to account for the disparity between these two particular governments. Political scientists...
Show moreMeasures of human development, no matter their specific methodology, have always placed Costa Rica substantially higher than its neighbor, Nicaragua, but no apparent governmental, resource, or historical discrepancy can account for this gap. This thesis uses two case studies to examine this phenomenon from three different theoretical perspectives, and conclude which has the greatest explanatory power to account for the disparity between these two particular governments. Political scientists have noted that parliamentary systems lend themselves to better governance when compared with their presidential countersystems. Shugart and Carey (1992) cite peculiarities within some presidential models which may account for lower rates of human development. Another approach, offered by Tsebelis (2002) produces a more generalized explanation of this phenomenon, while Lawrence Harrison (1985) offers an entirely different, culture-based explanation. This thesis seeks to examine the validity of these claims, using Costa Rica and Nicaragua as case studies. Limiting the thesis to these two presidential governments will highlight the variation that exists within the presidential model, and possibly shed light on the most significant variables.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003801, ucf:44777
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003801

Title: STUDENT RETENTION IN FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGES:CCSSE'S RETENTION INDEX AND FLORIDA ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES.
Creator: ROMAN, Marcia, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Student retention has become a serious topic in the past several decades (Wild and Ebbers, 2002). Problematic, however, is how retention is defined and measured, as well as a lack of multi-institutional studies that support a theoretical model for improving student retention, particularly in community colleges (Bailey & Alfonso, 2005). The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) was launched in 2001. Based on extensive research that pertains to student learning and persistence,...
Show moreStudent retention has become a serious topic in the past several decades (Wild and Ebbers, 2002). Problematic, however, is how retention is defined and measured, as well as a lack of multi-institutional studies that support a theoretical model for improving student retention, particularly in community colleges (Bailey & Alfonso, 2005). The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) was launched in 2001. Based on extensive research that pertains to student learning and persistence, CCSSE defined five benchmarks of educational practice. Three of the benchmarks comprise the Retention Index. CCSSE has encouraged additional studies to further validate the relatively new survey instrument. Florida's legislature has a keen interest in the performance of educational institutions which are mandated by statute to participate in system-wide data collection from which accountability measures are drawn, including institutional retention rates. Using institutional level data in simple and multiple linear regressions, this study examined the relationship between the Florida Community Colleges' CCSSE Retention Indices and their retention rate(s) measured by the Florida Accountability Measure. Student level data was also analyzed using a Nested ANOVA to examine mean differences in CCSSE Retention Index scores of students from different racial and gender groups when accounting for the possible influence of institution attended.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001355, ucf:47006
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001355

Title: ONLY SCREEN DEEP? EVALUATING AESTHETICS, USABILITY, AND SATISFACTION IN INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES.
Creator: Avery, Carrie, Saari Kitalong, Karla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis explores the role aesthetics plays in informational websites. In commercial interfaces, aesthetics (the perceived visual appeal and appropriateness of an object) has shown to correlate positively with many aspects of usability and emotional satisfaction. This thesis examines whether aesthetics has similar positive correlations in informational websites. Heuristics or guidelines for evaluating informational websites are developed based on empirical research and practitioner...
Show moreThis thesis explores the role aesthetics plays in informational websites. In commercial interfaces, aesthetics (the perceived visual appeal and appropriateness of an object) has shown to correlate positively with many aspects of usability and emotional satisfaction. This thesis examines whether aesthetics has similar positive correlations in informational websites. Heuristics or guidelines for evaluating informational websites are developed based on empirical research and practitioner expertise. Categories for heuristic evaluation include usability, credibility, visual clarity, visual richness, and emotional satisfaction. A class of graduate students browsed three academic websites, evaluated them, and critiqued the heuristics. Results indicate that aesthetics does correlate with overall impression, usability, satisfaction, and credibility. The data also suggests that there are two dimensions of aesthetics: visual richness and visual clarity. Overall impression correlated with the average of all categories. The heuristics used in this pilot study are now ready to be tested on a larger population.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000465, ucf:46412
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000465

Title: SUPER HIGH-SPEED MINIATURIZED PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR.
Creator: Zheng, Liping, Sundaram, Kalpathy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation is concerned with the design of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) to operate at super-high speed with high efficiency. The designed and fabricated PMSM was successfully tested to run upto 210,000 rpm The designed PMSM has 2000 W shaft output power at 200,000 rpm and at the cryogenic temperature of 77 K. The test results showed the motor to have an efficiency reaching above 92%. This achieved efficiency indicated a significant improvement compared to commercial...
Show moreThis dissertation is concerned with the design of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) to operate at super-high speed with high efficiency. The designed and fabricated PMSM was successfully tested to run upto 210,000 rpm The designed PMSM has 2000 W shaft output power at 200,000 rpm and at the cryogenic temperature of 77 K. The test results showed the motor to have an efficiency reaching above 92%. This achieved efficiency indicated a significant improvement compared to commercial motors with similar ratings. This dissertation first discusses the basic concept of electrical machines. After that, the modeling of PMSM for dynamic simulation is provided. Particular design strategies have to be adopted for super-high speed applications since motor losses assume a key role in the motor drive performance limit. The considerations of the PMSM structure for cryogenic applications are also discussed. It is shown that slotless structure with multi-strand Litz-wire is favorable for super-high speeds and cryogenic applications. The design, simulation, and test of a single-sided axial flux pancake PMSM is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of this kind of structure are discussed, and further improvements are suggested and some have been verified by experiments. The methodologies of designing super high-speed motors are provided in details. Based on these methodologies, a super high-speed radial-flux PMSM was designed and fabricated. The designed PMSM meets our expectation and the tested results agree with the design specifications. 2-D and 3-D modeling of the complicated PMSM structure for the electromagnetic numerical simulations of motor performance and parameters such as phase inductors, core losses, rotor eddy current loss, torque, and induced electromotive force (back-EMF) are also presented in detail in this dissertation. Some mechanical issues such as thermal analysis, bearing pre-load, rotor stress analysis, and rotor dynamics analysis are also discussed. Different control schemes are presented and suitable control schemes for super high- speed PMSM are also discussed in detail.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000762, ucf:46562
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000762

Title: AFFECTIVE DESIGN IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION.
Creator: Rosen, Michael, Kitalong, Karla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Traditional human-computer interaction (HCI) is based on 'cold' models of user cognition; that is, models of users as purely rational beings based on the information processing metaphor; however, an emerging perspective suggests that for the field of HCI to mature, its practitioners must adopt models of users that consider broader human needs and capabilities. Affective design is an umbrella term for research and practice being conducted in diverse domains, all with the common thread of...
Show moreTraditional human-computer interaction (HCI) is based on 'cold' models of user cognition; that is, models of users as purely rational beings based on the information processing metaphor; however, an emerging perspective suggests that for the field of HCI to mature, its practitioners must adopt models of users that consider broader human needs and capabilities. Affective design is an umbrella term for research and practice being conducted in diverse domains, all with the common thread of integrating emotional aspects of use into the creation of information products. This thesis provides a review of the current state of the art in affective design research and practice to technical communicators and others involved in traditional HCI and usability enterprises. This paper is motivated by the developing technologies and the growing complexity of interaction that demand a more robust notion of HCI that incorporates affect in an augmented and holistic representation of the user and situated use.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000590, ucf:46474
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000590

Title: CIRCUIT DESIGN AND RELIABILITY OF A CMOS RECEIVER.
Creator: Yang, Hong, Yuan, Jiann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation explores CMOS RF design and reliability for portable wireless receivers. The objective behind this research is to achieve an increase in integration level, and gain more understanding for RF reliability. The fields covered include device, circuit and system. What is under investigation is a multi-band multi-mode receiver with GSM, DCS-1800 and CDMA compatibility. To my understanding, GSM and CDMA dual-mode mobile phones are progressively investigated in industries, and few...
Show moreThis dissertation explores CMOS RF design and reliability for portable wireless receivers. The objective behind this research is to achieve an increase in integration level, and gain more understanding for RF reliability. The fields covered include device, circuit and system. What is under investigation is a multi-band multi-mode receiver with GSM, DCS-1800 and CDMA compatibility. To my understanding, GSM and CDMA dual-mode mobile phones are progressively investigated in industries, and few commercial products are available. The receiver adopts direct conversion architecture. Some improved circuit design methods are proposed, for example, for low noise amplifier (LNA). Except for band filters, local oscillators, and analog-digital converters which are usually implemented by COTS SAW filters and ICs, all the remaining blocks such as switch, LNA, mixer, and local oscillator are designed in MOSIS TSMC 0.35ìm technology in one chip. Meanwhile, this work discusses related circuit reliability issues, which are gaining more and more attention. Breakdown (BD) and hot carrier (HC) effects are important issues in semiconductor industry. Soft-breakdown (SBD) and HC effects on device and RF performance has been reported. Hard-breakdown (HBD) effects on digital circuits have also been investigated. This work uniquely address HBD effects on the RF device and circuit performance, taking low noise amplifier and power amplifier as targets.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000212, ucf:46259
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000212

design (21)	+ -
instructional design (7)	+ -
Design (6)	+ -
simulation (6)	+ -
Universal Design for Learning (5)	+ -

Lighting Design (4)	+ -
learning (4)	+ -
multimedia (4)	+ -
technical communication (4)	+ -
theatre (4)	+ -
usability (4)	+ -
Instructional Design (3)	+ -
Performance (3)	+ -
Theatre (3)	+ -
art (3)	+ -
higher education (3)	+ -
science (3)	+ -
sound design (3)	+ -
theater (3)	+ -
virtual reality (3)	+ -
Bias (2)	+ -
CMOS (2)	+ -
DFSS (2)	+ -
Design Theory (2)	+ -
ESD (2)	+ -
Experimental Design (2)	+ -
Finite Element Analysis (2)	+ -
Game Design (2)	+ -
Graphic Design (2)	+ -
Instructional Systems Design (2)	+ -

ETD Collection (168)	+ -
Honors Collection (10)	+ -

University of Central Florida (176)	+ -
Vitale, Thomas (10)	+ -
Gunter, Glenda (7)	+ -
McDaniel, Rudy (6)	+ -
Sundaram, Kalpathy (6)	+ -

Dieker, Lisa (5)	+ -
Yuan, Jiann-Shiun (5)	+ -
Boote, David (4)	+ -
Chicurel, Steven (4)	+ -
DeMara, Ronald (4)	+ -
Elshennawy, Ahmad (4)	+ -
Hartshorne, Richard (4)	+ -
Hirumi, Atsusi (4)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (4)	+ -
Kassab, Alain (4)	+ -
Leavens, Gary (4)	+ -
Orlovskaya, Nina (4)	+ -
Rabelo, Luis (4)	+ -
Vasu Sumathi, Subith (4)	+ -
Xu, Yunjun (4)	+ -
Abdel-Aty, Mohamed (3)	+ -
Abou-Senna, Hatem (3)	+ -
Al-Deek, Haitham (3)	+ -
Batarseh, Issa (3)	+ -
Bowers, Clint (3)	+ -
Chow, Louis (3)	+ -
Courtney, James (3)	+ -
Flammia, Madelyn (3)	+ -
Gill, Michele (3)	+ -
Hancock, Peter (3)	+ -

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