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- Title
- EFFECTS OF POLARIZATION AND COHERENCE ON THE PROPAGATION AND THE DETECTION OF STOCHASTIC ELECTROMAGNETIC BEAMS.
- Creator
-
Salem, Mohamed, Rolland, Jannick, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Most of the physically realizable optical sources are radiating in a random manner given the random nature of the radiation of a large number of atoms that constitute the source. Besides, a lot of natural and synthetic materials are fluctuating randomly. Hence, the optical fields that one encounters, in most of the applications are fluctuating and must be treated using random or stochastic functions. Within the framework of the scalar-coherence theory, one can describe changes of the...
Show moreMost of the physically realizable optical sources are radiating in a random manner given the random nature of the radiation of a large number of atoms that constitute the source. Besides, a lot of natural and synthetic materials are fluctuating randomly. Hence, the optical fields that one encounters, in most of the applications are fluctuating and must be treated using random or stochastic functions. Within the framework of the scalar-coherence theory, one can describe changes of the properties of any stochastic field such as the spectral density and the spectral degree of coherence on propagation in any linear medium, deterministic or random. One of the frequently encountered random media is the atmospheric turbulence, where the fluctuating refractive index of such medium severely degrades any signal propagating through it; especially it causes intensity fades of the signal. The usage of stochastic beams at the transmitter instead of deterministic ones has been suggested sometime ago to suppress the severe effects of intensity fluctuations caused by the atmospheric turbulence. In this dissertation, we study the usage of partially coherent beams in long path propagation schemes through turbulent atmosphere such as one frequently encounters in remote sensing, in the use of communication systems, and in guiding. Also the used detection scheme at the receiver is important to quantify the received signal efficiently, hence we compare the performance of incoherent (direct) detection versus coherent (heterodyne) detection upon the use of either one of them at the receiver of the communication system of beams propagating in turbulent atmosphere and namely we evaluate the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) for each case. The scalar-coherence theory ignored the vector nature of stochastic fields, which should be taken into account for some applications such as the ones that depend on the change of the polarization of the field. Recently generalization for the scalar-coherence theory including the vector aspects of the stochastic beams has been formulated and it is well-known as the unified theory of coherence and polarization of stochastic beams. The use of the unified theory of coherence and polarization makes it possible to study both the coherence properties and the polarization properties of stochastic electromagnetic beams on propagation in any linear media. The central quantity in this theory is a 2 × 2 matrix that describes the statistical ensemble of any stochastic electromagnetic beam in the space-frequency domain or its Fourier transform in the space-time domain. In this dissertation we derive the conditions that the cross-spectral density matrix of a so-called planar, secondary, electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model source has to satisfy in order to generate a beam propagating in vacuum. Also based on the unified-theory of coherence and polarization we investigate the subtle relationship between coherence and polarization under general circumstances. Besides we show the effects of turbulent atmosphere on the degree of polarization and the polarization state of a partially coherent electromagnetic beam, which propagates through it and we compare with the propagation in vacuum. The detection of the optical signals is important; hence it affects the fidelity of the communication system. In this dissertation we present a general analysis for the optical heterodyne detection of stochastic electromagnetic beams. We derive an expression for the SNR when two stochastic electromagnetic beams are mixed coherently on a detector surface in terms of the space-time domain representation of the beams, the beam coherence polarization matrices. We evaluate also the heterodyne efficiency of a heterodyne detection system for stochastic beams propagating in vacuum and we discuss the dependence of the heterodyne efficiency of the detection process on the changes in the beam parameters as the beam propagates in free space.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001932, ucf:47445
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001932
- Title
- ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MOVIES UPON AN INDIVIDUAL'S IMAGE FORMATION CONCERNING A GIVEN DESTINATION.
- Creator
-
Hahm, Jeeyeon, Upchurch, Randall, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The process of watching a movie is a common way to be entertained in this day and age. There are multiple ways in which people can enjoy a movie ranging from the big screen at a commercial theater, on their home's television, or even in a car while driving. One outcome associated with watching a destination movie might be that the viewer will be compelled to visit or not the location portrayed in the movie. It is a primary assumption of this thesis that movies have the ability to create or...
Show moreThe process of watching a movie is a common way to be entertained in this day and age. There are multiple ways in which people can enjoy a movie ranging from the big screen at a commercial theater, on their home's television, or even in a car while driving. One outcome associated with watching a destination movie might be that the viewer will be compelled to visit or not the location portrayed in the movie. It is a primary assumption of this thesis that movies have the ability to create or change an individual's image of a destination by its portrayal within the motion picture. This study was conducted in an effort to examine this global phenomenon called movie tourism and contribute to the tourism literature. This study focused on determining the differences between pre and post measures resulting from watching a destination specific movie. The research method was a pretest-posttest experimental design conducted to a convenience sample of 247 hospitality management students enrolled in a major metropolitan university located in the southeastern portion of the United States. The research instrument was a pre and posttest questionnaire that included structured and unstructured questions in order to capture the complex destination image. The treatment between the pre and posttest was a destination specific movie. A 100% response rate was obtained from the pretest group and a 99.2% response rate from the posttest group. Results of the study revealed that: 1) certain perceived destination images were different before and after the movie; 2) level of interest in visiting the destination was not different before and after the movie; 3) destination image had a positive relationship with the level of interest in visiting the destination; and 4) certain audience characteristics had an impact on destination image and interest in visiting the location. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed in the final chapter.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000117, ucf:46196
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000117
- Title
- CONCEPTIONS ABOUT TERRORISM: HOW FEARFUL ARE WE AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT US?.
- Creator
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Jackson, Rebecca, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since the crusades, terrorism has been a form of violence used to promote some kind of agenda, whether political, social, religious or ideological (Martin 2018). With many different definitions of what constitutes terrorism, it is somewhat difficult to measure what exact impact terrorism has had globally. Attacks such as those on 9/11 in the United States and the Manchester bombings have been accepted worldwide as examples of acts of international terrorism. International terrorist attacks...
Show moreSince the crusades, terrorism has been a form of violence used to promote some kind of agenda, whether political, social, religious or ideological (Martin 2018). With many different definitions of what constitutes terrorism, it is somewhat difficult to measure what exact impact terrorism has had globally. Attacks such as those on 9/11 in the United States and the Manchester bombings have been accepted worldwide as examples of acts of international terrorism. International terrorist attacks have lasting effects on both those directly affected as well as the larger community and beyond. Studies have shown that Americans are overly afraid of terrorism given their risk and want to put a complete and 'final' end to terrorism (Friedman 2011; Mueller 2005). Additionally, media outlets and politicians speak of threats and demand action which spreads fear and perceived risk (Bloch-Elkon 2011; Nellis and Savage 2012). This study seeks to contribute to the previous literature on people's fears regarding terrorism and how their emotions affect the desires to have action done regarding terrorist attacks. The current research uses a sample of 302 people to compare the levels of fear and the likelihood to want more action taken towards terrorism. The results from the statistical analysis show that fears and desire to seek action are shaped by many different variables. Gender was found to be the biggest predictor of higher levels of fear and political affiliation was determined to be the strongest predictor for desire to seek action.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000496, ucf:45628
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000496
- Title
- EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG ADULTS.
- Creator
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Strickland, Amelia, Holladay, Sherry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are connected; therefore this thesis explores the individual and social theories that may give reason for this connection. Theories that are discussed include: the impact of sedentary behaviors on mental health, displaced behavior, sleep interruption due to blue light exposure, social media's effects on romantic relationships, and social media's effects on platonic relationships.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004704, ucf:45405
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004704
- Title
- THE RISE OF INTERACTIVE CINEMA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR FILMMAKERS, AUDIENCES, AND THE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY.
- Creator
-
Vazquez, Rebecca, Cook, Lisa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Traditionally, movie theater audience members are passive participants. The role of the traditional spectator is to sit down in a dark theater and watch as the film unfolds. As images flash across the screen, the audience member has no obligations. All they have to do is react. However a new, more actively engaged audience member is now emerging. The new role of the active audience member can be defined as putting a conscious effort into affecting one's own movie-watching experience. The...
Show moreTraditionally, movie theater audience members are passive participants. The role of the traditional spectator is to sit down in a dark theater and watch as the film unfolds. As images flash across the screen, the audience member has no obligations. All they have to do is react. However a new, more actively engaged audience member is now emerging. The new role of the active audience member can be defined as putting a conscious effort into affecting one's own movie-watching experience. The trend we are now seeing in cinema is that of an interactive experience in motion picture creation and exhibition, and it utilizes this updated spectator role to great effect. Whether the audience member has a role in actually making the film, as is the case with crowdsourced cinema, or if they are actively involved after the film is created, as is the case with shadow casts and "choose your own ending" movies, going to the movies has become a much more active experience. The fascinating implications of this interactive cinematic movement for artists, audiences, and the exhibition industry cannot be understated. This thesis will explore some of the biggest interactive trends in filmmaking and exhibition today, and then delve into the implications of these trends.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003858, ucf:44711
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003858
- Title
- OUTSIDE THE FRAME: TOWARDS A PHENOMENOLOGY OF TEXTS AND TECHNOLOGY.
- Creator
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Crisafi, Anthony, Grajeda, Anthony, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The subject of my dissertation is how phenomenology can be used as a tool for understanding the intersection between texts and technology. What I am suggesting here is that, specifically in connection with the focus of our program in Texts and Technology, there are very significant questions concerning how digital communications technology extends our humanity, and more importantly what kind of epistemological and ontological questions are raised because of this. There needs to be a coherent...
Show moreThe subject of my dissertation is how phenomenology can be used as a tool for understanding the intersection between texts and technology. What I am suggesting here is that, specifically in connection with the focus of our program in Texts and Technology, there are very significant questions concerning how digital communications technology extends our humanity, and more importantly what kind of epistemological and ontological questions are raised because of this. There needs to be a coherent theory for Texts and Technology that will help us to understand this shift, and I feel that this should be the main focus for the program itself. In this dissertation I present an analysis of the different phenomenological aspects of the study of Texts and Technology. For phenomenologists such as Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty, technology, in all of its forms, is the way in which human consciousness is embodied. Through the creation and manipulation of technology, humanity extends itself into the physical world. Therefore, I feel we must try to understand this extension as more than merely a reflection of materialist practices, because first and foremost we are discussing how the human mind uses technology to further its advancement. I will detail some of the theoretical arguments both for and against the study of technology as a function of human consciousness. I will focus on certain issues, such as problems of archiving and copyright, as central to the field. I will further argue how from a phenomenological standpoint we are in the presence of a phenomenological shift from the primacy of print towards a more hybrid system of representing human communications.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002181, ucf:47885
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002181
- Title
- Organizational Legitimacy as Co-Created Value.
- Creator
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Olsen, Christina Maria, Dodd, Melissa, Sellnow, Timothy, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study is to explore how co-creational processes contribute to organizational legitimacy as a valuable outcome for organizations. 13 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with digital communication professionals from a variety of organizations in the United States to better understand the use of social media platforms and perceptions of value from engaging with stakeholders in co-creation. Results showed that organizations engaged in co-creation of brand...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to explore how co-creational processes contribute to organizational legitimacy as a valuable outcome for organizations. 13 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with digital communication professionals from a variety of organizations in the United States to better understand the use of social media platforms and perceptions of value from engaging with stakeholders in co-creation. Results showed that organizations engaged in co-creation of brand meaning via different methods such as referrals and feedback and that organizations reached different kinds of outcomes via these co-creational processes. These include being a resource for stakeholders, gaining brand advocates, reaching organizational goals, and being able to develop as an organization. In addition, results showed organizations that engaged in co-creation of brand meaning put an effort in measuring these processes qualitatively to continuously improve as an organization. Based on these results it was possible to illuminate the relationship that exists between legitimacy and co-creation of brand meaning. Thus, it was discussed organizational legitimacy appears to be an outcome of co-created brand meaning in the form of moral legitimacy and actional legitimacy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007070, ucf:52021
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007070
- Title
- SOCIAL MEDIA AND TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS: OBSERVING SUCCESS OF RECRUITMENT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.
- Creator
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Cibra, Vincenzo, Powell, Jonathan, Farcau, Bruce, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The Internet is an instrument that has revolutionized the world and the society since its introduction. Today, over 4 billion people around the world have access to it. While this technology comes with several positive innovations, it can also be used negatively by terrorist organizations to more efficiently spread propaganda messages. More so, the development of social media has fostered new methods of recruitment that allows to reach a broader audience anonymously and outside of the...
Show moreThe Internet is an instrument that has revolutionized the world and the society since its introduction. Today, over 4 billion people around the world have access to it. While this technology comes with several positive innovations, it can also be used negatively by terrorist organizations to more efficiently spread propaganda messages. More so, the development of social media has fostered new methods of recruitment that allows to reach a broader audience anonymously and outside of the geographical area of operation of a terrorist organization. The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between social media development and changes in terrorist recruitment strategies, discuss the main social media used for terrorist recruitment, and identify major targeted demographics. Further, the research seeks to analyze through case study examination whether the use of social media by terrorist organizations result in more effective recruitment. This is accomplished by comparing recruiting success of ISIS, which heavily relies on social media, with Boko Haram, which does not. After comparing data available on recruits based on their geographical location, gender and age, and economic status, this study finds that there is not a significant diversity between individuals recruited through social media or those recruited through a different method. This study finds that a significant difference only exists when recruiting individuals with different economic opportunities. While fighters from ISIS are recruited from any class of the society, including those with higher income and are more educated, Boko Haram tends to be more successful among individuals who experience economic hurdles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000288, ucf:52904
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000288
- Title
- Algorithms for Rendering Optimization.
- Creator
-
Johnson, Jared, Hughes, Charles, Tappen, Marshall, Foroosh, Hassan, Shirley, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation explores algorithms for rendering optimization realizable within a modern, complex rendering engine. The first part contains optimized rendering algorithms for ray tracing. Ray tracing algorithms typically provide properties of simplicity and robustness that are highly desirable in computer graphics. We offer several novel contributions to the problem of interactive ray tracing of complex lighting environments. We focus on the problem of maintaining interactivity as both...
Show moreThis dissertation explores algorithms for rendering optimization realizable within a modern, complex rendering engine. The first part contains optimized rendering algorithms for ray tracing. Ray tracing algorithms typically provide properties of simplicity and robustness that are highly desirable in computer graphics. We offer several novel contributions to the problem of interactive ray tracing of complex lighting environments. We focus on the problem of maintaining interactivity as both geometric and lighting complexity grows without effecting the simplicity or robustness of ray tracing. First, we present a new algorithm called occlusion caching for accelerating the calculation of direct lighting from many light sources. We cache light visibility information sparsely across a scene. When rendering direct lighting for all pixels in a frame, we combine cached lighting information to determine whether or not shadow rays are needed. Since light visibility and scene location are highly correlated, our approach precludes the need for most shadow rays. Second, we present improvements to the irradiance caching algorithm. Here we demonstrate a new elliptical cache point spacing heuristic that reduces the number of cache points required by taking into account the direction of irradiance gradients. We also accelerate irradiance caching by efficiently and intuitively coupling it with occlusion caching.In the second part of this dissertation, we present optimizations to rendering algorithms for participating media. Specifically, we explore the implementation and use of photon beams as an efficient, intuitive artistic primitive. We detail our implementation of the photon beams algorithm into PhotoRealistic RenderMan (PRMan). We show how our implementation maintains the benefits of the industry standard Reyes rendering pipeline, with proper motion blur and depth of field. We detail an automatic photon beam generation algorithm, utilizing PRMan shadow maps. We accelerate the rendering of camera-facing photon beams by utilizing Gaussian quadrature for path integrals in place of ray marching. Our optimized implementation allows for incredible versatility and intuitiveness in artistic control of volumetric lighting effects. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of photon beams as artistic primitives by detailing their use in a feature-length animated film.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004557, ucf:49231
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004557
- Title
- Super-adiabatic combustion in porous media with catalytic enhancement for thermoelectric power conversion.
- Creator
-
Mueller, Kyle, Orlovskaya, Nina, Chen, Ruey-Hung, Kapat, Jayanta, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The combustion of ultra-lean fuel to air mixtures provides an efficient way to convert the chemical energy of hydrocarbons into useful power. Conventional burning techniques of a mixture have defined flammability limits beyond which a flame cannot self-propagate due to heat losses. Matrix stabilized porous medium combustion is an advanced technique in which a solid porous matrix within the combustion chamber accumulates heat from the hot gaseous products and preheats incoming reactants. This...
Show moreThe combustion of ultra-lean fuel to air mixtures provides an efficient way to convert the chemical energy of hydrocarbons into useful power. Conventional burning techniques of a mixture have defined flammability limits beyond which a flame cannot self-propagate due to heat losses. Matrix stabilized porous medium combustion is an advanced technique in which a solid porous matrix within the combustion chamber accumulates heat from the hot gaseous products and preheats incoming reactants. This heat recirculation extends the standard flammability limits and allows the burning of ultra-lean fuel mixtures, conserving energy resources, or the burning of gases of low calorific value, utilizing otherwise wasted resources. The heat generated by the porous burner can be harvested with thermoelectric devices for a reliable method of generating electricity for portable electronic devices by the burning of otherwise noncombustible mixtures.The design of the porous media burner, its assembly and testing are presented. Highly porous (~80% porosity) alumina foam was used as the central media and alumina honeycomb structure was used as an inlet for fuel and an outlet for products of the methane-air combustion. The upstream and downstream honeycomb structures were designed with pore sizes smaller than the flame quenching distance, preventing the flame from propagating outside of the central section. Experimental results include measurements from thermocouples distributed throughout the burner and on each side of the thermoelectric module along with associated current, voltage and power outputs. Measurements of the burner with catalytic coating were obtained for stoichiometric and lean mixtures and compared to the results obtained from the catalytically inert matrix, showing the effect on overall efficiency for the combustion of fuel-lean mixtures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004142, ucf:49043
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004142
- Title
- HOMICIDE IN THE HEADLINES: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEWSPAPER REPORTING OF BALTIMORE HOMICIDES OF 2010.
- Creator
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Schildkraut, Jaclyn, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Baltimore is notorious for its recent and storied history of crime. The current study examines the treatment of homicide victims in Baltimore newspapers. In 2010, 222 homicides occurred in Baltimore, according to the city's homicide map. One hundred and sixty-five were discussed in The Baltimore Sun, the city's most-circulated paper. Based on the inclusion or exclusion of particular cases and the manner in which cases were discussed, conclusions can be drawn about the media's perception of a...
Show moreBaltimore is notorious for its recent and storied history of crime. The current study examines the treatment of homicide victims in Baltimore newspapers. In 2010, 222 homicides occurred in Baltimore, according to the city's homicide map. One hundred and sixty-five were discussed in The Baltimore Sun, the city's most-circulated paper. Based on the inclusion or exclusion of particular cases and the manner in which cases were discussed, conclusions can be drawn about the media's perception of a case's newsworthiness. Specifically, cases with particular details that varied significantly from a "normal" homicide were found to be most newsworthy, determined in part by analyzing the frequency of reporting, placement of coverage within the newspaper, and word count allocated to the discussion of crime.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003575, ucf:48901
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003575
- Title
- BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD.
- Creator
-
Seymour, Gary, Price, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
I am exhibiting several drawings, paintings, and sculptures representing a visual record of my creative research into, and my handling of, snails. Although I depict snails and their environment in a loose representational style, I have begun to incorporate digital drawing to enhance my art in a mixed media approach. I have created illustrative images of a forest floor as I imagine it would look to a snail in a giant, menacing world. Close-up images of grass become unusual jungle scenes, and...
Show moreI am exhibiting several drawings, paintings, and sculptures representing a visual record of my creative research into, and my handling of, snails. Although I depict snails and their environment in a loose representational style, I have begun to incorporate digital drawing to enhance my art in a mixed media approach. I have created illustrative images of a forest floor as I imagine it would look to a snail in a giant, menacing world. Close-up images of grass become unusual jungle scenes, and my once tiny snails achieve a measure of control in this fanciful world. The inspiration for my art is my recollection of the insecurity and struggles I encountered while growing up as a military brat.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003707, ucf:48841
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003707
- Title
- Mesoscale Light-Matter Interactions.
- Creator
-
Douglass, Kyle, Dogariu, Aristide, Abouraddy, Ayman, Hagan, David, Sugaya, Kiminobu, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Mesoscale optical phenomena occur when light interacts with a number of different types of materials, such as biological and chemical systems and fabricated nanostructures. As a framework, mesoscale optics unifies the interpretations of the interaction of light with complex media when the outcome depends significantly upon the scale of the interaction. Most importantly, it guides the process of designing an optical sensing technique by focusing on the nature and amount of information that can...
Show moreMesoscale optical phenomena occur when light interacts with a number of different types of materials, such as biological and chemical systems and fabricated nanostructures. As a framework, mesoscale optics unifies the interpretations of the interaction of light with complex media when the outcome depends significantly upon the scale of the interaction. Most importantly, it guides the process of designing an optical sensing technique by focusing on the nature and amount of information that can be extracted from a measurement.Different aspects of mesoscale optics are addressed in this dissertation which led to the solution of a number of problems in complex media. Dynamical and structural information from complex fluids(-)such as colloidal suspensions and biological fluids(-)was obtained by controlling the size of the interaction volume with low coherence interferometry. With this information, material properties such as particle sizes, optical transport coefficients, and viscoelastic characteristics of polymer solutions and blood were determined in natural, realistic conditions that are inaccessible to conventional techniques.The same framework also enabled the development of new, scale-dependent models for several important physical and biological systems. These models were then used to explain the results of some unique measurements. For example, the transport of light in disordered photonic lattices was interpreted as a scale-dependent, diffusive process to explain the anomalous behavior of photon path length distributions through these complex structures. In addition, it was demonstrated how specialized optical measurements and models at the mesoscale enable solutions to fundamental problems in cell biology. Specifically, it was found for the first time that the nature of cell motility changes markedly with the curvature of the substrate that the cellsivmove on. This particular work addresses increasingly important questions concerning the nature of cellular responses to external forces and the mechanical properties of their local environment.Besides sensing of properties and modeling behaviors of complex systems, mesoscale optics encompasses the control of material systems as a result of the light-matter interaction. Specific modifications to a material's structure can occur due to not only an exchange of energy between radiation and a material, but also due to a transfer of momentum. Based on the mechanical action of multiply scattered light on colloidal particles, an optically-controlled active medium that did not require specially tailored particles was demonstrated for the first time. The coupling between the particles and the random electromagnetic field affords new possibilities for controlling mesoscale systems and observing nonequilibrium thermodynamic phenomena.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004990, ucf:49606
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004990
- Title
- STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF RACE AND GENDER REPRESENTATIONS WITHIN COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS.
- Creator
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Blankenship, Chastity, Grauerholz, Dr. Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examines introductory textbooks images across a variety of disciplines, with particular focus on the ways in which race and gender are shown. This study goes beyond a basic analysis of textbooks, however, and also explores student perceptions of textbook images. My data show that compartmentalization of gender and race into certain themes still occurs within some textbooks. Specifically, white men were more likely to be depicted as hard workers and contributors to the field than...
Show moreThis study examines introductory textbooks images across a variety of disciplines, with particular focus on the ways in which race and gender are shown. This study goes beyond a basic analysis of textbooks, however, and also explores student perceptions of textbook images. My data show that compartmentalization of gender and race into certain themes still occurs within some textbooks. Specifically, white men were more likely to be depicted as hard workers and contributors to the field than any other race and gender. Despite these results, students seemed mixed on the importance of textbook images with many students focused on the extent their textbook was useful for class.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003878, ucf:48714
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003878
- Title
- Mass Media and the Evolution of the Environmental Movement: 1960-1979.
- Creator
-
Anguish, Donald, Foster, Amy, Nair, Deepa, Murphree, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis examines how particular forms of mass media spurred and guided the United States environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Its objective is to better understand how mass media contributed to the evolution of the environmental movement. Three particular types of media form the basis of this study: writing (books, newspapers, and magazines), audio-visual material (movies and television), and photographs. These three mediums of communications and their intrinsic effects on the...
Show moreThis thesis examines how particular forms of mass media spurred and guided the United States environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Its objective is to better understand how mass media contributed to the evolution of the environmental movement. Three particular types of media form the basis of this study: writing (books, newspapers, and magazines), audio-visual material (movies and television), and photographs. These three mediums of communications and their intrinsic effects on the human psyche and society as a whole are major contributing factors to a raised environmental consciousness, a lasting legacy of environmentalism, and the promotion of the environmental movement itself.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005920, ucf:50840
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005920
- Title
- Social Media and Stakeholders' Relationship in Nonprofit Organizations.
- Creator
-
Shi, Wanzhu, Bryer, Thomas, Hu, Qian, Zavattaro, Staci, Saxton, Gregory, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Social media tools, as the advanced technology, have penetrated into nonprofit management field prevalently. Nonprofit organizations adopt social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest for attracting potential supporters, raising advocacy, and running fundraising campaigns. Social media tools break the limitation of time and space through the Internet. They change the way of how people communicate and interact with each other. The philanthropy industry hopes that...
Show moreSocial media tools, as the advanced technology, have penetrated into nonprofit management field prevalently. Nonprofit organizations adopt social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest for attracting potential supporters, raising advocacy, and running fundraising campaigns. Social media tools break the limitation of time and space through the Internet. They change the way of how people communicate and interact with each other. The philanthropy industry hopes that social media tools could bring them the new opportunities to engage with their stakeholders, such as donors, volunteers, and customers. However, since this technology is still developing, the studies of using social media in nonprofit field are still at the infant stage. Many nonprofit practitioners are confused and questioning the effectiveness of adopting social media for civic engagement. The dissertation aims to examine how to adopt social media advantageously for helping nonprofit organizations to engage with their stakeholders. Therefore, this study uses a mix of methodology to examine how social media tools could help nonprofit organizations to gain a stronger relationship with their stakeholders. Also, the study explores in more details about the content that nonprofit organizations have sent on their social media platforms. To develop the theoretical framework, this study used social capital and social exchange theory as the guidance. To observe and examine the strategy of using social media in nonprofit organizations, the study is inspired and adopts the social media typology from Lovejoy and Saxton's (2012) research and the communication models from Lewis, Hamel, and Richardson's work (2001). The study proposed that to gain a stronger relationship with the stakeholders, nonprofit organizations should apply a well-designed comprehensive strategy with multiple goals on their social media platforms. This strategy should consider more about the stakeholders' desires and needs and allows the organizations to communicate with the stakeholders effectively. Also, the study also argues that the content that an organization presents on its social media would impact on the stakeholders' interaction greatly. The study targeted on the art/culture/humanities nonprofit organizations in the United States (n = 195). Data was collected directly from the targeted organization's social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter). The regression analysis was conducted to investigate what strategy that nonprofit organization used could gain a high engagement from their stakeholders. A content analysis was also conducted to explore what posts and tweets could influence how stakeholders react. The results indicate that most nonprofit organizations realize the importance of adopting social media, but a few of them still have not embraced the benefits of the technology essentially. Comparing with the activities on Twitter, both nonprofit organizations and their stakeholders were more active on Facebook. On social media, the primary goal for most nonprofit organizations was to disseminate the information. But sending out the information can be an effective strategy. If a nonprofit organization could combine their values/missions/programs with the hot spot on social media, it can promote the stakeholders' engagement greatly. Building a dialogic content on the organization's social media is still overlooked. But no evidence in this study shown that initiating a dialog would receive a high engagement from the stakeholders. The results of this study also show that a nonprofit organization delivered the posts or tweets more frequently does not necessarily mean it would receive a higher interactivity from its stakeholders. The organization's size (the annual budget) does not influence how nonprofit organizations used their social media tools to interact with their online stakeholders. Overall, the study explored how art/culture/humanities nonprofit organizations used their Facebook and Twitter to interact with their online stakeholders. The study helps both the researchers and the practitioners to understand the strategies of using social media tools in nonprofit organizations. It also reveals several practical examples to illustrate what kind of social media content could attract or discourage the online stakeholders' engagement. The study is also a good benchmark report for nonprofit practitioners to evaluate their social media usage.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006659, ucf:51244
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006659
- Title
- Financial Forest.
- Creator
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Carlson, Karen, Moshell, Michael, Lindgren, Robb, Underberg-Goode, Natalie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Regular savings behavior is critical for low-income Americans to achieve financial mobility. New technology tools are being used to improve personal awareness and attention to financial goals. This thesis reviews mobile learning (mLearning) research and leading commercial personal finance smartphone apps, both of which inform the design of Financial Forest, a savings app. Participants in the 4-week Financial Forest savings study are found to have a statistically significant improved...
Show moreRegular savings behavior is critical for low-income Americans to achieve financial mobility. New technology tools are being used to improve personal awareness and attention to financial goals. This thesis reviews mobile learning (mLearning) research and leading commercial personal finance smartphone apps, both of which inform the design of Financial Forest, a savings app. Participants in the 4-week Financial Forest savings study are found to have a statistically significant improved perception of the difficulty of building an emergency fund.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005143, ucf:50682
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005143
- Title
- Gourmet Food Trucks: An Ethnographic Examination of Orlando's Food Truck Scene.
- Creator
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Hawk, Zachary, Matejowsky, Ty, Geiger, Vance, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Gourmet food trucks have emerged as increasingly popular dining alternatives for consumers in today's urban landscape. Existing literature, as well as my own ethnographic research within Orlando, Florida's mobile food vending scene, reveals that food truck owner/operators utilize various strategies to establish a viable niche for themselves in this diversified and burgeoning market. Among other things, these strategies include online social networking, creating and maintaining a recognizable...
Show moreGourmet food trucks have emerged as increasingly popular dining alternatives for consumers in today's urban landscape. Existing literature, as well as my own ethnographic research within Orlando, Florida's mobile food vending scene, reveals that food truck owner/operators utilize various strategies to establish a viable niche for themselves in this diversified and burgeoning market. Among other things, these strategies include online social networking, creating and maintaining a recognizable brand identity, collaborating with local retailers and bar owners, and incorporating organic and locally produced ingredients in their dishes whenever possible. As in other parts of the country, there appears to be a growing concern in greater Orlando about local diets and the profound and subtle messages it conveys about contemporary eating habits. I contend that dining at gourmet food trucks represents a legitimate declaration of consumer identity about individual beliefs and values. In my thesis, I examine how Orlando's gourmet food trucks offer consumers a greater selection of food options and allow locals to participate in a viable social network and community.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005003, ucf:49981
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005003
- Title
- The Rwandan Genocide and Western Media: French, British, and American Press Coverage of the Genocide between April and July of 1994.
- Creator
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Tyrrell, Candice, Walker, Ezekiel, Lyons, Amelia, Crepeau, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The Rwandan Genocide occurred between April and July of 1994. Within those four months, approximately a million Tutsi were brutally murdered by the Hutu in an effort to cleanse the country of a Tutsi presence. The genocide was the culmination of decades of unrest between the two groups created from Western influence under colonialism and post-colonial relationships. The international response to the genocide was scarce. While international intervention waned, the international media kept the...
Show moreThe Rwandan Genocide occurred between April and July of 1994. Within those four months, approximately a million Tutsi were brutally murdered by the Hutu in an effort to cleanse the country of a Tutsi presence. The genocide was the culmination of decades of unrest between the two groups created from Western influence under colonialism and post-colonial relationships. The international response to the genocide was scarce. While international intervention waned, the international media kept the genocide relevant in its publications. This thesis examines print media sources from the United States, Britain, and France. This thesis argues that the reporting of the genocide exacerbated larger issues concerning the relationship between the West and Africa. The journalists perpetuated Western superiority over Africa by utilizing racism to preserve colonial ideologies and stereotypes of Africans. In turn, this inherent Western racism complicated the implementation of human rights legislation that would have helped save Tutsi lives. This thesis places the Rwandan genocide, through the reports of Western media, into the larger historiographic context of the Western African dichotomy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005730, ucf:50080
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005730
- Title
- THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON SEXUAL COGNITIONS AND BEHAVIORS.
- Creator
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Duarte, Joshua, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Pop culture and social media have become a prime source of entertainment and communication. The current study focuses on the potential effects of consuming this form of media and how it affects our sexual cognitions and behaviors. A sample of nine hundred and two university students were given self-reporting questionnaires concerning demographics, sexual cognitions, and exposure to sexual content in music. An analysis of music artist's posts on social media was also performed. It was...
Show morePop culture and social media have become a prime source of entertainment and communication. The current study focuses on the potential effects of consuming this form of media and how it affects our sexual cognitions and behaviors. A sample of nine hundred and two university students were given self-reporting questionnaires concerning demographics, sexual cognitions, and exposure to sexual content in music. An analysis of music artist's posts on social media was also performed. It was hypothesized that artists who have sexual content published in their work will also have the same amount of sexual content on social media. However, there were no significant correlations found between these sources. This study found that exposure to sexual content on social media could increase the chances of acquiring certain sexual cognitions. The current study also aimed to analyze the common characteristics of artist's that post a higher frequency of sexual content on social media. This study found that female artists tend to post more sexual content on social media compared to male artists, as well as music groups containing both male and female artists.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000136, ucf:46062
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000136
