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Title: EXPLORING DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH STATUS AMONG INDIVIDUALS IN THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATION.
Creator: Devoe, Kelley R, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The primary purpose of this study is to determine if certain lifestyle and health behaviors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, diet) in the medically underserved population have any influence on particular health statuses. This study also looked to determine if these health behaviors resulted in particular medical aliments being more prevalent or specific to this community. The secondary purpose of this study aims to gain information that may help health care providers practicing in this...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this study is to determine if certain lifestyle and health behaviors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, diet) in the medically underserved population have any influence on particular health statuses. This study also looked to determine if these health behaviors resulted in particular medical aliments being more prevalent or specific to this community. The secondary purpose of this study aims to gain information that may help health care providers practicing in this community to earlier identify risk factors in patients before a medical problem becomes more severe, difficult and expensive to treat. A survey, adapted from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), was created to allow for the collection of descriptive statistical data. The survey contains questions on the various topics of diet, physical activity, chronic diseases, and self-perception of overall health status. The survey was distributed to 20 older adult participants at Hebni Nutrition, LLC, all from disadvantaged backgrounds. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Of the 20 surveys collected, about half of the respondents reported consuming close to the recommended fruit and vegetable servings and participating in regular physical activity. Furthermore, the participants reported rates of diabetes and hypertension well above average. This study's results were inconclusive as to whether any specific health behaviors among medically underserved individuals influence the prevalence of chronic diseases in this population; more likely a combination of many factors and overall poorer health habits that persist over a lifetime are contributors to chronic diseases among the medically underserved population.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000292, ucf:45892
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000292

Title: APPLICATION AND COMPARISON OF ACTIVE LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION METHODS IN BIOCHEMISTRY EDUCATION.
Creator: Thibaut, Dylan, Borgon, Robert, Caranto, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Biochemistry has continued to be one of the most complex and important subjects in science education. The purpose of this research is to investigate active learning implementation methods in a Biochemistry I context to determine the most effective means of preparing current science undergraduates. Two Biochemistry I classes over two semesters were analyzed in this study, with class A using a variable active learning schedule and class B using a consistent active learning schedule. Four...
Show moreBiochemistry has continued to be one of the most complex and important subjects in science education. The purpose of this research is to investigate active learning implementation methods in a Biochemistry I context to determine the most effective means of preparing current science undergraduates. Two Biochemistry I classes over two semesters were analyzed in this study, with class A using a variable active learning schedule and class B using a consistent active learning schedule. Four aspects were analyzed to determine active learning validity: perception of different active learning properties, standardized final exam grades, class grade, and teaching implementation. The consistent schedule of daily active learning in class B showed an increase in mean final exam score by 12.72%, significantly improved mean student grade in the class from a high C to a low B (p= 0.0038), and comparing student perception of active learning data, showed a significant decrease in student desire for passive learning (p= 0.025), increased desire for active learning (p= 0.022), and increased desire for flipped classrooms (p= 0.042) after first experiencing opposite results in the first semester of implementation which had increased desire for passive learning (p= 0.003) and teacher-centric learning (p= 0.026). A variable active learning schedule showed no significant values besides an increase in individual learning desire (p= 0.037) and a marginally significant increase in desire for passive learning (p= 0.053) both in its second semester of implementation. This research supports that a consistent, daily active learning curriculum making up approximately 40-50% of daily instruction is preferable compared to a variable lecture schedule with active learning days in between lecture days in undergraduate Biochemistry I large-class instruction given that professors perform it over multiple semesters.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000578, ucf:45662
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000578

Title: ACTIVITY BUDGETS AND BEHAVIOR OF CAPTIVE BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEYS (ATELES GEOFFROYI) AT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS.
Creator: Hargrave, Stephanie, Mansfield, Kate, Logiudice, Frank, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Establishing baseline activity budgets for zoo-housed captive animals can be important in tracking behavior changes that may indicate medical or other concerns, as well as assessing overall welfare and the need for implementation of interventions such as increased amounts of enrichment. This study sought to calculate activity budgets for the current spider monkeys residing at the Central Florida Zoo, a father-daughter pair of Ateles geoffroyi. Having a baseline activity budget is also...
Show moreEstablishing baseline activity budgets for zoo-housed captive animals can be important in tracking behavior changes that may indicate medical or other concerns, as well as assessing overall welfare and the need for implementation of interventions such as increased amounts of enrichment. This study sought to calculate activity budgets for the current spider monkeys residing at the Central Florida Zoo, a father-daughter pair of Ateles geoffroyi. Having a baseline activity budget is also valuable because major changes in behavior may accompany the upcoming introduction of new individuals to this particular group of spider monkeys. BORIS behavior coding software was used to log behavior continuously over 58.3 hours of observation. The individuals in this zoo setting spent significantly more time stationary (resting or still and awake) and less time engaged in feeding behavior than wild spider monkeys. However, they spent as much or more of their time moving than Ateles species in natural settings. Temperature and exhibit renovation had minimal to no observed effects on activity budgets. Human presence usually has the effect of increasing activity and vigilance of animals while decreasing resting time, but on busier days at the zoo, one subject (a pet-reared male spider monkey) spent more time resting and less time moving than when there were fewer zoo visitors. No aggression was observed, but affiliative social behavior like allogrooming and embracing was observed infrequently. The study animals appeared to lack the bimodal pattern of activity (with activity peaking early and late in the day) common in wild spider monkeys, a finding that is consistent with activity budgets of other spider monkeys that are frequently exposed to humans. Time of day affected activity budgets to a small degree; the monkeys became more active later in the day and spent more time resting in the morning.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000518, ucf:45607
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000518

Title: ARISTOTLE ON MIND.
Creator: Adams, Rachel, Jones, Don, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The mind as it is found in Aristotle's great work De Anima is a special capacity of the soul. It has both active and passive properties that work together to allow discursive thinking and moral ethical behavior to emerge. This work will look at Aristotle's philosophy of mind, and I will forward a new interpretation of the mind as he understood it: what I call the active and passive mind property dualism. Aristotle's four causes allow for a unique application of a form of dualism that accounts...
Show moreThe mind as it is found in Aristotle's great work De Anima is a special capacity of the soul. It has both active and passive properties that work together to allow discursive thinking and moral ethical behavior to emerge. This work will look at Aristotle's philosophy of mind, and I will forward a new interpretation of the mind as he understood it: what I call the active and passive mind property dualism. Aristotle's four causes allow for a unique application of a form of dualism that accounts for the ontological status of the mind and the emergence of rational thinking. The importance of potentiality and actuality in Aristotle's metaphysics gives a different sort of formulation of the mind-body problem than is traditionally understood in the philosophy of mind. The first section of this paper will look at the terms used, especially actuality and potentiality. A comparison to Plato's tripartite soul will be given. Next, Aristotle's different kinds of soul and their varied capacities will be explored. Finally, the active mind will be explained as it appears in Book III, chapter 5.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003846, ucf:44696
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003846

Title: Persistence of Physical Activity Among Veterans.
Creator: Davis, Jean, Edwards, Joellen, Loerzel, Victoria, Weiss, Josie, Kehinde, Julius, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The global burden of disease is staggering in terms of financial costs and human suffering. The general public is aware that physical activity is healthy, although the fact that physical activity can treat and reverse diseases, reduce the risk of cancers, prevent many chronic diseases, stave off cognitive decline, and contribute to quality longevity is less well known. Healthcare practitioners and policymakers are impeded in efforts to support physical activity due to the lack of knowledge of...
Show moreThe global burden of disease is staggering in terms of financial costs and human suffering. The general public is aware that physical activity is healthy, although the fact that physical activity can treat and reverse diseases, reduce the risk of cancers, prevent many chronic diseases, stave off cognitive decline, and contribute to quality longevity is less well known. Healthcare practitioners and policymakers are impeded in efforts to support physical activity due to the lack of knowledge of factors associated with physical activity persistence. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine these factors and identify which predict persistent physical activity among veterans to inform future programs and policies to support physical activity for health. The theorized influence of physical activity habit is addressed in the initial dissertation manuscript. Habits being more difficult to lapse from than to continue made them suitable for investigation to address the knowledge gap identified when no reports of long-term physical activity habits were found. Veterans provided an ideal population to study long-term physical activity habits with, as research indicates that veterans likely formed physical activity habits through recurrent physical activity required to meet the fitness requirements of active duty service. This led to the research reported in the second manuscript. The research was based on theory, literature review, and input from veterans. The integrated theory of health behavior change informed the predictor variables investigated. The explanatory and predictive cross-sectional study of community-dwelling veterans used the web survey method to answer questions of which factors were associated with sufficient or insufficient physical activity among veterans, and which factors were predictive. Recruitment of veterans occurred through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk(&)#174;) and linked veterans to the survey on Qualtrics(&)#174;. Findings revealed direct associations of exercise self-regulation, social support for exercise, and some service-related and other demographic factors with sufficient or insufficient physical activity. Qualtrics(&)#174; allowed for the presentation of survey questions in a variety of formats. To determine the best format for survey items, a state of the knowledge review was conducted. This review is presented in the final dissertation manuscript. Implications for future research, health education, clinical practice, and health policy are identified. It is expected that the knowledge gained in this study will inform future Veterans Affairs programs, provider practices, public health initiatives, and health care policies to support physical activity practices for healthy longevity.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007886, ucf:52783
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007886

Title: Development of Decision Support System for Active Traffic Management Systems Considering Travel Time Reliability.
Creator: Chung, Whoibin, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Eluru, Naveen, Hasan, Samiul, Cai, Qing, Huang, Hsin-Hsiung, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As traffic problems on roadways have been increasing, active traffic management systems (ATM) using proactive traffic management concept have been deployed on freeways and arterials. The ATM aims to integrate and automate various traffic control strategies such as variable speed limits, queue warning, and ramp metering through a decision support system (DSS). Over the past decade, there have been many efforts to integrate freeways and arterials for the efficient operation of roadway networks....
Show moreAs traffic problems on roadways have been increasing, active traffic management systems (ATM) using proactive traffic management concept have been deployed on freeways and arterials. The ATM aims to integrate and automate various traffic control strategies such as variable speed limits, queue warning, and ramp metering through a decision support system (DSS). Over the past decade, there have been many efforts to integrate freeways and arterials for the efficient operation of roadway networks. It has been required that these systems should prove their effectiveness in terms of travel time reliability. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new concept of a decision support system integrating variable speed limits, queue warning, and ramp metering on the basis of travel time reliability of freeways and arterials.Regarding the data preparation, in addition to collecting multiple data sources such as traffic data, crash data and so on, the types of traffic data sources that can be applied for the analysis of travel time reliability were investigated. Although there are many kinds of real-time traffic data from third-party traffic data providers, it was confirmed that these data cannot represent true travel time reliability through the comparative analysis of measures of travel time reliability. Related to weather data, it was proven that nationwide land-based weather stations could be applicable.Since travel time reliability can be measured by using long-term periods for more than six months, it is necessary to develop models to estimate travel time reliability through real-time traffic data and event-related data. Among various matrix to measure travel time reliability, the standard deviation of travel time rate [minute/mile] representing travel time variability was chosen because it can represent travel time variability of both link and network level. Several models were developed to estimate the standard deviation of travel time rate through average travel time rate, the number of lanes, speed limits, and the amount of rainfall.Finally, a DSS using a model predictive control method to integrate multiple traffic control measures was developed and evaluated. As a representative model predictive control, METANET model was chosen, which can include variable speed limit, queue warning, and ramp metering, separately or combined. The developed DSS identified a proper response plan by comparing travel time reliability among multiple combinations of current and new response values of strategies. In the end, it was found that the DSS provided the reduction of travel time and improvement of its reliability for travelers through the recommended response plans.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007615, ucf:52542
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007615

Title: MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR HEAVY EARTHMOVING CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT BASED ON TIME, COST, AND POLLUTANT EMISSIONS.
Creator: Alshboul, Odey, Tatari, Omer, Al-Deek, Haitham, Abou-Senna, Hatem, Awad, Amro, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Earthmoving activity is considered a significant activity in the construction project. The cost of earthmoving activity in the construction projects in some cases reaches about 30% of the overall cost of the project. Moreover, heavy equipment selection needs to be utilized in this activity, such as trucks and excavators. Such equipment emits a huge amount of carbon that has a negative effect on environmental dimensions. A mathematical model to optimize all design variables (i.e., capacity,...
Show moreEarthmoving activity is considered a significant activity in the construction project. The cost of earthmoving activity in the construction projects in some cases reaches about 30% of the overall cost of the project. Moreover, heavy equipment selection needs to be utilized in this activity, such as trucks and excavators. Such equipment emits a huge amount of carbon that has a negative effect on environmental dimensions. A mathematical model to optimize all design variables (i.e., capacity, number, and speed) related to this equipment is urgently required to prevent these negative impacts. The proposed model offers a genetic algorithm-based optimization technique for earthmoving activity. The model has four main phases: (1) define all related decision variables for earthmoving equipment, (2) detect all related constraints that impact the optimization model, (3) derive the mathematical optimization model, and (4) apply the multi-objective genetic algorithms. The optimization approach is utilized to minimize the cost and duration of the earthmoving activity, along with reducing the carbon emissions and fuel consumption. A case study is applied to test and validate the addressed model. Optimization outputs have proven the model efficiency in saving substantial cost and time compared to the actual results. The results of the case study show that the innovative and original contribution of the created mathematical optimization model. These unique and new competencies are anticipated to support contractors and construction management engineers to minimize time and cost associated with earthmoving activities.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007598, ucf:52518
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007598

Title: Evaluating Teaching Grammar in Specific Constraints of Context: A Pilot Study in the Developmental Writing Program at Seminole State College.
Creator: Roney, Joshua, Marinara, Martha, Scott, John, McDaniel, Rudy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This pilot study investigated the efficacy of a supplemental Active Learning intervention that was administered with grammar workbook software in remedial-level composition classrooms at Seminole State College. The study analyzed student response data in a pre-test and post-test instrument in four classrooms; two followed standard methods while two incorporated the additional experimental intervention. The groups are identified in this study as either (")Standard(") or (")Experimental,(")...
Show moreThis pilot study investigated the efficacy of a supplemental Active Learning intervention that was administered with grammar workbook software in remedial-level composition classrooms at Seminole State College. The study analyzed student response data in a pre-test and post-test instrument in four classrooms; two followed standard methods while two incorporated the additional experimental intervention. The groups are identified in this study as either (")Standard(") or (")Experimental,(") according to the method administered in the classroom.The intervention was designed based on five grammar topic areas which correspond with content assessed in the pre-test and post-test. The Active Learning method required students to prepare a short, guided presentation on selected grammar topics. Findings showed that there was no significant change in improvement between the pre-test and post-test among the Standard or the Experimental groups, due in part to a relatively small sample size. A positive change approaching significant level occurred in the Experimental group in topic areas related to critical thinking. No significant or near-significant change was observed in the topic areas related to memorization in either group. Recommendations were made for further sampling, modification, and future applications of the intervention used in the study and for continued testing of grammar software used for instruction in Developmental Writing classes at Seminole State College.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004590, ucf:49218
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004590

Title: STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL OF TETRAFORM SPACE FRAME FOR USE IN MICRO-SCALE MACHINING.
Creator: Knipe, Kevin, Xu, Chengying, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research thesis aims to achieve the structural analysis and active vibration damping of the Tetraform machining structure. The Tetraform is a space frame made up of four equilateral triangles with spherical masses at the four vertices. This frame was originally developed for grinding of optical lenses and is now being adapted for use in micro-precision milling. The Tetraform is beneficial to the milling process due to its exceptionally high dynamic stiffness characteristics, which...
Show moreThis research thesis aims to achieve the structural analysis and active vibration damping of the Tetraform machining structure. The Tetraform is a space frame made up of four equilateral triangles with spherical masses at the four vertices. This frame was originally developed for grinding of optical lenses and is now being adapted for use in micro-precision milling. The Tetraform is beneficial to the milling process due to its exceptionally high dynamic stiffness characteristics, which increases the machining stability and allows for higher material removal rates and accuracy. However, there are still some modes of vibration that are critical to the milling process and need to be dampened out. Under operating conditions of many structures, resonant modes of vibration can easily be excited which often lead to structural failure or significant reduction in operating performance. For the milling application, resonant frequencies of the machining structure can severely limit the milling process. The goal of the presented research is to increase surface and subsurface integrity with optimal material removal rate and least possible machining vibration, while maintaining accurate precision and surface finish. The vibrations from the machine tool not only affect the quality of the machined part but also the machine tool itself, since the cutting tool is susceptible to break or wear quickly when operating at high vibration modes, thus inevitably decreasing tool life. Vibration control has gained considerable attention in many areas including aerospace, automotive, structural, and manufacturing. Positive Position Feedback (PPF) is a vibration control scheme that is commonly used for its robust stability properties. A PPF controller works as a low pass filter, eliminating instability from unmodeled higher-frequency modes. The PPF controller concept is used in developing an active vibration control scheme to target the critical frequencies of the Tetraform. The controller is implemented with use of piezoelectric actuators and sensors, where the sensors are bonded to the opposing sides of the beams as the actuators, allowing for the assumption of collocation. The sensor/actuator pairs are placed at an optimal location on the Tetraform with high modal displacements for all the critical frequencies. Multiple finite element models are developed in order to analyze the structural dynamics and allow for controller design. A model is developed in the finite element software ANSYS and is used to obtain the Tetraform's dynamic characteristics, which include natural frequencies and mode shapes. This model is also used to visualize the changes in mode shapes due to structural modifications or different material selections. Other models are also developed in Matlab and Simulink. This consists of the creation of a finite element model which is then converted to state space. The piezoelectric transducers are included in this model for the input and output of the state space model. This model can be used for controller design where the goal is to create maximum decibel reduction at critical frequencies while attempting to minimize controller effort.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002962, ucf:47976
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002962

Title: VICTIMIZATION, RISKY BEHAVIORS, AND THE VIRTUAL WORLD.
Creator: Morgan, Rachel, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults because of the availability of the internet. Because these websites promote interpersonal connections and information sharing among individuals around the world, personal information to online "friends" may be shared carelessly. However, little is known about the correlation between engaging in online activities, sharing personal information online, and susceptibility to online...
Show moreSocial networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults because of the availability of the internet. Because these websites promote interpersonal connections and information sharing among individuals around the world, personal information to online "friends" may be shared carelessly. However, little is known about the correlation between engaging in online activities, sharing personal information online, and susceptibility to online victimization and cyberbullying. This study analyzes data from the Parents & Teens 2006 Survey to examine the applicability of Routine Activities Theory as a theoretical framework for understanding cybervictimization and cyberbullying. Online teens and teens on social networking sites (SNS) were examined separately in this study to determine if social networking (SNS) teens were at an increased risk. The results indicated that participating in online activities and sharing personal information increased the risk for receiving a threatening email, instant message or text message. Teens whose parents did not have rules regulating their online activities and behaviors were also at an increased risk for receiving a threatening email, instant message or text message. The logistic regression models show that for social networking (SNS) teens, gender and age increase the odds of receiving a threat, compared to online teens.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003048, ucf:48348
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003048

Title: EFFECT OF COLLABORATIVE PLANNING FOR AN ACTIVITY-BASED APPROACH TO EARLY INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ACROSS SCHOOL AND HOME ENVIRONMENTS.
Creator: Salazar, Marisa, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, families and educators are challenged with providing intensive, evidence-based practices in the least restrictive environment. Evidence exists for a variety of effective intervention approaches. Selection of appropriate interventions requires consideration of the individual needs of the child and family. An activity-based approach to early intervention combines strategies from a variety of evidence-based practices and...
Show moreAs the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, families and educators are challenged with providing intensive, evidence-based practices in the least restrictive environment. Evidence exists for a variety of effective intervention approaches. Selection of appropriate interventions requires consideration of the individual needs of the child and family. An activity-based approach to early intervention combines strategies from a variety of evidence-based practices and allows for intensity of instruction through distributed opportunities for practice. Brief teaching interactions are elicited within the context of typical routines and activities throughout the day. Thus, intervention can be provided in inclusive classroom settings as well as at home, without disrupting the ongoing activities and routines. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of collaborative planning for an activity- based approach to early intervention for children with ASD across school and home settings. Dependent measures included the combined rate of learning opportunities delivered by the teacher and parent across settings as well as the combined rate of the child's correct demonstrations for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal. Teacher and parent perceptions of the value and effectiveness of collaborative planning for an activity-based approach to early intervention were also assessed using pre- and post-survey responses as well as information from a final interview. Participants were a preschool-aged boy with ASD, his mother, and his preschool teacher. A single subject, multiple-probe design was selected to analyze the effect of collaborative planning for an activity-based approach to intervention for a young child with ASD across school and home settings. The teacher and parent selected three matched routines that typically occur both at school and at home as the context for embedding activity-based learning opportunities to iii address a selected IEP goal. Results indicated that following collaborative planning meetings for each of the routines, there was both an increase in the collective learning opportunities delivered at school and at home, as well as a simultaneous increase in child outcomes for the targeted IEP objective in both settings. Responses from the teacher and parent pre- and post-surveys and final interviews provided social validation for the ease and practicality of collaborative planning for activity-based intervention. Both the teacher and parent felt confident in supporting the child's IEP goal within the context of typical daily routines. The teacher also expressed that the collaborative planning helped her to really focus on the child's individualized goal. Furthermore, both the teacher and the parent affirmed the intervention's potential for generalization. Collaborative planning to embed children's goals within the context of typical routines both at school and at home allowed for a collective increase in learning opportunities and related child performance on an individualized goal that may not have otherwise been possible. By including the parent as an active an equal decision maker in the educational planning process, intervention at school was enhanced and carried over into the home. The use of collaborative planning for activity-based intervention with both the teacher and the parent strengthened the power of instruction for an IEP goal by providing multiple and varied learning opportunities throughout the day and across settings, ultimately increasing child outcomes.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003892, ucf:48717
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003892

Title: A CULTURAL-HISTORICAL ACTIVITY THEORY ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM FACULTY.
Creator: Marquez, Rolando, Gunter, Glenda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Researchers have revealed that among the reasons provided as barriers to the adoption of technology are: lack of technology resources, time, professional development and support (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, 1997; Parker, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; NCATE, 1997; Shelly, Gunter & Gunter, 2010, U.S. Congress, 1995). Several models used to explain the usage of technology within education such as the Technology Acceptance Model ...
Show moreBackground: Researchers have revealed that among the reasons provided as barriers to the adoption of technology are: lack of technology resources, time, professional development and support (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, 1997; Parker, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; Sheldon & Jones, 1996; NCATE, 1997; Shelly, Gunter & Gunter, 2010, U.S. Congress, 1995). Several models used to explain the usage of technology within education such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) have been somewhat ineffective in explaining or providing a holistic view of the factors that come into play when examining technology infusion and diffusion as they account for a limited percentage of variance (Legris, Ingham & Collerete, 2003; Pan, Gunter, Sivo & Cornell, 2005). Purpose: To better understand the choices that faculty members make in their use of educational technologies and media and to determine why some technologies such as blackboard have been widely adopted, but others have not. The following research question was formulated to guide the study: "Why do faculty members in higher education make the instructional choices they do with respect to educational technologies and media? Also, how can the use of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), as a more robust framework, offer an increase in explanatory power to better enable the understanding of a multitude of factors that impact the adoption and use of certain media technologies? Setting: A technology rich department at a college of a large urban university in the Southeastern United States. Participants: Three faculty members who taught in the department. Research Design: Qualitative multi-site case study informed by Engeström's CHAT(Engeström, 1987). Data Collection and Analysis: Document analysis, individual interviews, and laboratory and classroom observations provided data. Qualitative data analysis that employed qualitative inquiry research was informed by Creswell's "data analysis spiral" and Engeström's CHAT. Findings: Visits at the institution presented several of the key ideas in the CHAT framework including contradictions within the media selection activity and tensions at the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary levels. Additional themes included group work, autonomy, media as a tool to achieve learning goals, caring for students, early adopters, and relevance with current trends.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003665, ucf:48833
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003665

Title: The Workplace Consequences of Obesity: Impacts on the Organization, the Employee, and the Proximal Coworker.
Creator: Johnson, Michael, Schminke, Marshall, Folger, Robert, Taylor, Shannon, Galperin, Bella, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Obesity is a condition affecting billions of people around the world. Its societal, psychological, and health outcomes have been well documented across multiple disciplines. Moreover, obesity leads to serious workplace outcomes for the organization, the obese individual, and the coworkers working around the obese employee. With this multi-chapter dissertation, I review the literature on the workplace consequences of obesity and extend one potentially fruitful area within this literature base:...
Show moreObesity is a condition affecting billions of people around the world. Its societal, psychological, and health outcomes have been well documented across multiple disciplines. Moreover, obesity leads to serious workplace outcomes for the organization, the obese individual, and the coworkers working around the obese employee. With this multi-chapter dissertation, I review the literature on the workplace consequences of obesity and extend one potentially fruitful area within this literature base: obesity's impact on a proximal employee.Chapter 1 reviews the workplace consequences associated with obesity. The purpose is to evaluate and integrate this multidisciplinary literature so that management scholars can take up the study of obesity. Although a limited amount of work is being done in management, this work is stagnant and ignoring the larger body of literature from other areas. Addressing this weakness, this chapter accomplishes three goals. First, it reviews the empirical literature and conceptual foundations that have examined the workplace consequences of obesity. Second, it develops an integrated conceptual model of obesity's impact on workplace outcomes, with particular attention to the processes by which obesity is associated with these outcomes. Third, it presents key unanswered questions and directions for future research.Chapter 2 explores a new target for the impact of obesity, the non-obese coworker working around the obese employee. This chapter considers how an employee's obesity can affect a proximal coworker's job performance. To do so, it considers the three people: an observer (Person A), an obese employee (Person B), and a non-obese coworker (Person C). To date, the main theoretical framework has only considered ratings in the mind of an observer (Person A) and how the negative attitudes associated with obesity (Person B) can spill over onto a proximal worker (Person C). This leads an observer (Person A) to rate the coworker's (Person C) performance more negatively than a coworker not working around an obese employee (Person B). However, beyond the impact of obesity on the subjective evaluations by an observer (Person A), there is reason to believe that the non-obese employee (Person C) may be impacted in such a way to affect actual job performance. Accordingly, I competitively test three theoretical perspectives that may explain the processes by which a coworker's obesity (Person B) may impact a proximal coworker's (Person C) job performance. One of these perspectives (stereotype activation theory), receives consistent support across samples.Chapter 3 presents a concluding discussion. I consider lessons learned from Chapter 2 and integrate these with the literature reviewed in Chapter 1.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006608, ucf:51270
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006608

Title: Examining the role of cardiovascular and cognitive fitness in goal-directed aiming across the lifespan.
Creator: Rupp, Michael, Smither, Janan, Mouloua, Mustapha, Mcconnell, Daniel, Kincaid, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Older adults experience more difficulties completing goal directed movements than younger adults. The reasons for this have not been completely elucidated within the research lit-erature; however, it is thought that age related movement differences are due to at least one of three possible reasons. The current study investigated the influence of these three hypotheses: (1) biomechanical changes (limbs, joints, or muscles), (2) sensory feedback processing ability, or (3) differences in overall...
Show moreOlder adults experience more difficulties completing goal directed movements than younger adults. The reasons for this have not been completely elucidated within the research lit-erature; however, it is thought that age related movement differences are due to at least one of three possible reasons. The current study investigated the influence of these three hypotheses: (1) biomechanical changes (limbs, joints, or muscles), (2) sensory feedback processing ability, or (3) differences in overall movement strategy on movement kinematics. Additionally, physical activi-ty is known to improve both physical and cognitive functioning and staying cognitively active may also attenuate age-related declines in cognitive ability; thus the current study also examined the impact of physical and mental fitness on movement performance across the lifespan. Both active and sedentary young and old adults completed different experimental conditions to de-termine how biomechanical ability, sensory processing ability, and individual differences impact different kinematic aspects of movement performance. Participants completed two different Fitts' pointing tasks where difficulty was manipulated by either increasing biomechanical effort and/or amount of feedback processing needed to complete each movement. Results indicated that distance impacted movement more than width for all participants indicated by a greater ID-MT slope. While increasing age was associated with an increases slope, the larger finding was that age increased the overall time. Thus, it was concluded that distance and width constraints are processed by similar processes regardless of age, but these processes slow with age. Cardio-vascular fitness attenuated declines in the distance condition while mental fitness attenuated those in the width condition. Further supporting a theory of differential movement constraints.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006787, ucf:51827
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006787

Title: Understanding Arson Through Community Resilience.
Creator: South, Rhena, Corzine, Harold, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Li, Yingru, McCutcheon, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Over 40,000 arsons were reported in the 2014 Uniform Crime Report; however, this number is underestimated since there are no official arson trends reported by the FBI due to the lack of agencies reporting this offense. Arson is one of the most destructive and under researched crimes. This lack of research can be attributed to the dual definition of arson (-) that is, the destruction of one's own property or someone else's property (-) the opportunistic nature of arson, and the inability to...
Show moreOver 40,000 arsons were reported in the 2014 Uniform Crime Report; however, this number is underestimated since there are no official arson trends reported by the FBI due to the lack of agencies reporting this offense. Arson is one of the most destructive and under researched crimes. This lack of research can be attributed to the dual definition of arson (-) that is, the destruction of one's own property or someone else's property (-) the opportunistic nature of arson, and the inability to determine a measurable rate. The current study uses data from the Chicago Police Department's Citizen Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) System and the 2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates to explore arson offending among and across neighborhoods within the framework of routine activities theory and social disorganization theory. Spatially weighted negative binomial regression is used to test correlation and significance. Analyses were run in STATA and ArcGIS 10.4.1. Results are consistent with prior arson research showing that rates of occurrence are increased by structural measures such as social disorganization, physical disorder, and public transportation. However, racial heterogeneity and accessibility to public transportation are shown to both increase or decrease rates of arson occurrence depending on the subtype of arson. These results suggest that community characteristics may play a greater role in understanding arson offending than previously thought.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006800, ucf:51816
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006800

Title: The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men.
Creator: Mangine, Gerald, Hoffman, Jay, Fukuda, David, Stout, Jeffrey, Ratamess, Nicholas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The magnitude of improvements in muscular strength and size are influenced by the volume and intensity of a resistance training program. While it is clearly advantageous for resistance-trained individuals to utilize programming specific to these goals, it not clear which is more important. Therefore the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of focusing on training volume versus intensity on changes in muscle size and strength. Changes in muscular strength and size...
Show moreThe magnitude of improvements in muscular strength and size are influenced by the volume and intensity of a resistance training program. While it is clearly advantageous for resistance-trained individuals to utilize programming specific to these goals, it not clear which is more important. Therefore the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of focusing on training volume versus intensity on changes in muscle size and strength. Changes in muscular strength and size were examined in 29 resistance-trained men following 8 weeks of resistance training. Participants were randomly assigned to either a high volume (VOL, n = 14, 4 x 10 (-) 12RM, 1min rest) or high intensity (INT, n = 15, 4 x 3 (-) 5RM, 3min rest) resistance training program. Lean body mass, lean arm and leg mass, were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, while ultrasound images (VL-vastus lateralis, RF-rectus femoris, PM-pectoralis major, and TB-triceps brachii) were used to assess changes in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness (MT). Strength was measured by one repetition-maximum (1RM) squat (SQ) and bench press (BP). Changes in muscular (RF (&) VL) activation in response to increases in submaximal SQ intensity (40-, 60-, 80-, (&) 100%-1RM) were assessed via surface electromyography. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately post, 30min post, and 60min post-exercise at week 3 (WK3) and week 10 (WK10), to assess plasma/serum testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), cortisol (CORT), and insulin. Area under the curve analysis revealed a greater (p (<) 0.05) increase for VOL (WK3: GH (&) CORT; WK10: CORT) compared to INT. Compared to WK3, WK10 showed reduced responses for VOL (GH and CORT) and INT (IGF1). Significant group differences were observed for changes in lean arm mass (INT: 5.2 (&)#177; 2.9%, VOL: 2.2 (&)#177; 5.6%) and BP 1RM (INT: 14.8 (&)#177; 9.7%, VOL: 6.9 (&)#177; 9.0%). Over the course of 8 weeks, our data indicate that trained men would benefit more when focusing on training intensity, rather than volume, for strength and size improvements.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005658, ucf:50179
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005658

Title: Seeing a Whole Life: Genre and Identity in Occupational Therapy.
Creator: Johnson, Stefanie, Wardle, Elizabeth, Hall, Mark, Roozen, Kevin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A significant body of writing and rhetoric research focuses on the literate practices that reflect or construct the professional self, particularly in disciplines that rely heavily on the use of forms to categorize or identify customers, clients, or patients. Many of these studies examine the influence of discipline-specific genres on the creation of a professional self for healthcare practitioners. Occupational therapy, a nearly 100-year-old yet little understood profession, is significantly...
Show moreA significant body of writing and rhetoric research focuses on the literate practices that reflect or construct the professional self, particularly in disciplines that rely heavily on the use of forms to categorize or identify customers, clients, or patients. Many of these studies examine the influence of discipline-specific genres on the creation of a professional self for healthcare practitioners. Occupational therapy, a nearly 100-year-old yet little understood profession, is significantly different from many other healthcare disciplines, in part, because the genres used by occupational therapists reflect the profession's careful attention to the whole life of a patient. These genres are built around an understanding of a patient's occupation as the object of the profession's activity system. (")Occupation(") (commonly defined too narrowly by those outside of the profession as (")work(")), is, quite simply, anything that meaningfully and purposefully occupies a person's time. This broadly defined object invites an expansive professional vision that includes the patient's life and history outside of a diagnosis. This study presents the narratives of four occupational therapists and the literate activities that inform their practice. Their voices, as excerpted in this case study, join a strong, ongoing conversation in writing and rhetoric studies about the relationship between genre and identity. Using the lens of activity theory, this is one account of a healthcare profession that pays unusual attention to patients' whole lives through genres that mediate shared agency between the caregiver and patient. It is also, however, the story of the ways in which this identity, as a uniquely occupation-based discipline, becomes obscured as therapists translate their work to genres created and controlled by other, more powerful activity systems.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005813, ucf:50036
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005813

Title: The Effects of 6-weeks of Resistance Training on the Neuromuscular Fatigue Threshold in Older Adults.
Creator: Emerson, Nadia, Stout, Jeffrey, Hoffman, Jay, Fragala, Maren, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Age-related deficits in muscle mass, strength, and function place an increased burden of work on existing skeletal muscle and may lead to early onset of neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) during activities of daily living. Resistance exercise (RE) is the proven method for improving neuromuscular function in healthy older adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 6 weeks of RE on the NMF threshold as well as strength and functional performance in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-four older adults...
Show moreAge-related deficits in muscle mass, strength, and function place an increased burden of work on existing skeletal muscle and may lead to early onset of neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) during activities of daily living. Resistance exercise (RE) is the proven method for improving neuromuscular function in healthy older adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 6 weeks of RE on the NMF threshold as well as strength and functional performance in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-four older adults were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of RE (EXE; n = 12; age 72 (&)#177; 6.3 y; BMI 28.4 kg/m2) or control (CONT; n = 12; age 70.3 (&)#177; 5.6 y; BMI 27.6 kg/m2). Body fat percent (BF%), lean mass (LM), and fat mass (FM) were measured using DEXA and participants performed a discontinuous cycle ergometer test, physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT), to determine the onset of NMF. Functional performance was assessed by time to complete 5 chair rises (CHAIR) and walk an 8-foot course (WALK). Lower body strength was assessed by predicted 1-RM leg extension (1RM). Two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA; time [PRE, POST] x group [EXE and CONT]) and magnitude based inferences were used to compare dependent variables. RESULTS: RE significantly increased 1RM (35%; p = 0.001) and CHAIR (20%; p = 0.047). RE had a likely beneficial effect on WALK (15%) and a possibly beneficial effect on PWCFT (14%). There were no significant changes to LM or FM, however, women in EXE significantly decreased BF% (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that RE improves measures of strength and functional performance and possibly the onset of NMF in older adults.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004679, ucf:49876
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004679

Title: The campus: A fortress of democracy.
Creator: Lash, Joseph P., American Student Union
Date Issued: 1937
Identifier: 370515, CFDT370515, ucf:5515
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/370515

Title: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL FACTORS ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND HISPANIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.
Creator: DAVIS, JACQUELINE, Dr. Cynthia J. Hutchinson, Dr. E. Lea Witta and, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The underachievement of African American and Hispanic students has been an ongoing problem for schools in the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to add to the existing body of knowledge concerning social capital of African American and Hispanic high school students' academic achievement. Using a nationally representative sample from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS: 2002), base year through the first follow-up year database, 551 high school students, the...
Show moreThe underachievement of African American and Hispanic students has been an ongoing problem for schools in the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to add to the existing body of knowledge concerning social capital of African American and Hispanic high school students' academic achievement. Using a nationally representative sample from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS: 2002), base year through the first follow-up year database, 551 high school students, the researcher assessed indicators (school-sponsored activities, out-of-school activities, and parental involvement) within the construct of social capital, to see whether social capital could serve as a predictor of academic achievement among African American and Hispanic high school students. Data were analyzed through Repeated Measures analysis and Multiple Regression analysis controlling for gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The main effects revealed a statistically significant difference between the social capital factors in school-sponsored activities, out-of- school activities, and parent involvement. The results showed an increase in the first follow-up year. Socio-economic status, race and gender were statistically significant social capital factors. Females and African Americans were found to have higher levels of social capital in school-sponsored activities. Out-of- school activities revealed males had higher levels of social capital. Parent involvement indicators showed that female and Hispanic students were affected by social capital. Differences in math scores revealed an increase in the first follow-up year, showing males outscored females. Also, Hispanic students' scores were higher than African American students. Finally, the strongest predictors for academic achievement were gender, race, and participation in school sponsored activity in the base year and first follow-up year. In addition, parent involvement was also found to be a strong predictor of achievement in the follow-up year.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002673, ucf:48215
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002673

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