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Title: ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF PARTICIPATION FOR AN EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR UNDERSERVED, OLDER, AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALES.
Creator: Meinert, Marina, Garcia, Jeanette, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial to people of all ages and ethnicities. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases, improve mood and sleep and allows your body to function better overall (CDC, 2018). However, populations that are more vulnerable to adverse health risks may benefit more than others from regular physical activity. This study was designed to identify the motivating factors for physical activity in a sample of older, African-American women of...
Show morePhysical activity (PA) is beneficial to people of all ages and ethnicities. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases, improve mood and sleep and allows your body to function better overall (CDC, 2018). However, populations that are more vulnerable to adverse health risks may benefit more than others from regular physical activity. This study was designed to identify the motivating factors for physical activity in a sample of older, African-American women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). This particular subgroup was chosen because of their increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease due to unhealthy lifestyle factors, specifically low levels of PA. (CDC, 2017). A secondary aim of this study was to determine the essential components necessary to create a successful PA program within this population. By determining the feasibility and acceptability of a PA program to target this specific population, further PA programs can be designed to promote adoption and sustainability of PA in this high-risk population. This study consisted of 8 African-American women of lower SES at an average age of 65 and average BMI of 32 kg/m^2 . The participants volunteered to participate in an 8-week exercise program for this study. The exercise class lasted 45 minutes and consisted of light aerobics, weight training, and mobility/flexibility exercises. After the 8 weeks, the participants were given questionnaires, surveys and participated in a focus group to collect data about their experiences. The Hebni staff and exercise instructors observed that there was 100% attendance and compliance throughout the 8 weeks. They also noted that the participants had positive attitudes and stayed actively engaged throughout the classes. After reviewing the data, it was noted that the necessary components to a successful exercise program for this population was a sense of community, cultural considerations, a community and familiar setting, and a reliable and open-minded instructor. The data showed that 100% of the participants continued participating in PA outside of the program and felt less stressed after exercising. This study is unique and important in that it looks at physical activity and its motivating factors in this population versus the ample research that focuses on why this population is sedentary but offers no solution to the problem.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000429, ucf:45785
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000429

Title: A hermeneutic study of secondary English Language Arts teacher candidates' writing instruction experiences in ESOL methods courses.
Creator: Bello, Paula, Olan, Elsie, Nutta, Joyce, Hopp, Carolyn, Mihai, Florin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this hermeneutic study was to understand, describe and interpret secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teacher candidates'(TC) experiences with writing instruction while attending English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) methods courses. The study included a purposeful convenience sample of 15 (fifteen) secondary ELA teacher candidates' (TC) attending 4 (four) different sections in 2 (two) ESOL methods courses. TCs were invited to participate in inquiry driven activities...
Show moreThe purpose of this hermeneutic study was to understand, describe and interpret secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teacher candidates'(TC) experiences with writing instruction while attending English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) methods courses. The study included a purposeful convenience sample of 15 (fifteen) secondary ELA teacher candidates' (TC) attending 4 (four) different sections in 2 (two) ESOL methods courses. TCs were invited to participate in inquiry driven activities including written reflections in response to a literacy questionnaire, oral interviews responding to open-ended questions and focus/work groups' discussions, which allowed them to reflect about their past and present literacy and learning experiences and become reflexive about the application of knowledge and practices in their future classrooms. The phenomenological hermeneutic qualitative design granted the researcher insight into participants' literacy and learning experiences as lived in relationship with their contexts, in a specific place and time.Colaizzi's (1978) seven-stages data analysis procedure, enabled the analysis and thorough description of TCs' experiences with writing instruction along their schooling and teacher education career. The following thematic categorization of participants' experiences was outlined: a)- TCs' experiences with instruction received and knowledge developed in teacher education programs, b)- TCs' recognition of good and bad practices in educational settings, including planning accommodations in general education classrooms, c)- TCs' experiences with ELs in authentic settings, d)- TCs' awareness process of ELs in schools, and e)- TCs' experiences with and about writing instruction to teach ELs.Further in depth data analysis guided the researcher into the interpretation of the fundamental structure of the phenomenon of teacher education experiences with writing instruction. TCs' experiences, drawn from different learning settings (including methods and content courses and field practicum), were articulated thanks to their participation in inquiry based learning activities. This breath of experiences specifically informed TCs' writing instruction experiences while attending ESOL methods courses. TCs' reflective and reflexive stances position them at the center of the educational phenomenon, in which TCs develop from facilitators of classroom communication to facilitators of learning processes and intercultural mediators.The phenomenon of TCs' lived experiences with writing instruction while attending ESOL methods courses, and by extension, content area courses and field practicum, needs to be analyzed, described and interpreted in order to develop practices conducive to inform the curricular development of teacher education programs and courses, to better prepare TCs to teach every learner develop knowledge and literacy, paying special attention to ELs'proficiency in English as a second language (ESL).?
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006681, ucf:51904
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006681

Title: Factors Contributing to Victim Employment, Victim Income Status, and Intimate Partner Violence in Jamaica.
Creator: Fraser, Marsha, Wan, Thomas, Yegidis, Bonnie, Dziegielewski, Sophia, Ross, Lee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Using 166 IPV police reports in Jamaica, this mixed-methods study (a) explored the utility of routine activities theory and control balance theory for explaining the relationship between victim employment and IPV; (b) explored risk factors for IPV; and (c) examined the relationships between victim employment and victim income status with IPV murder and IPV severity in the Jamaica. Content analysis of the narratives of the police reports supported both theories suggesting an integration of the...
Show moreUsing 166 IPV police reports in Jamaica, this mixed-methods study (a) explored the utility of routine activities theory and control balance theory for explaining the relationship between victim employment and IPV; (b) explored risk factors for IPV; and (c) examined the relationships between victim employment and victim income status with IPV murder and IPV severity in the Jamaica. Content analysis of the narratives of the police reports supported both theories suggesting an integration of the two theories may be most fitting. Estrangement and infidelity emerged as bold themes. Infidelity was identified as an additional risk factor in the Jamaican context. Quantitative analysis revealed that employed victims and victims with income were significantly older than their counterparts. Being unemployed and having no income were associated with being female. Male victims were 4.98 times more likely to be employed and 7.30 times more likely to have income than female victims. Older victims were 2.36 times more likely to have income than younger victims. Victim employment and victim income status failed to predict the odds of IPV murder or to impact the level of IPV severity. However, the offender's weapon emerged as a salient predictor. When an offender used a sharp weapon or a gun, the odds of the victim being murdered was 4.77 greater and .71 greater respectively than if no such weapon was used. Using a sharp weapon magnified the IPV severity (B = 1.20) while using a gun reduced the IPV severity (B = .78). This study is useful for informing public policies addressing IPV in Jamaica.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007632, ucf:52495
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007632

Title: A Multiple Case Study Exploring the Relationship Between Engagement in Model-Eliciting Activities and Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching Algebra.
Creator: Abassian, Aline, Safi, Farshid, Dixon, Juli, Andreasen, Janet, Bush, Sarah, Bostic, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this research study was to explore the nature of the relationship between engagement in model-eliciting activities (MEAs) and pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) algebra. The data collection took place in an undergraduate mathematics education content course for secondary mathematics education majors. In this multiple case study, PSMTs were given a Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) pre-assessment designed to measure...
Show moreThe goal of this research study was to explore the nature of the relationship between engagement in model-eliciting activities (MEAs) and pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) algebra. The data collection took place in an undergraduate mathematics education content course for secondary mathematics education majors. In this multiple case study, PSMTs were given a Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) pre-assessment designed to measure their MKT algebra, and based on those results, three participants were selected with varying levels of knowledge. This was done to ensure varied cases were represented in order to be able to examine and describe multiple perspectives. The three examined cases were Oriana, a PSMT with high MKT, Bianca, a PSMT with medium MKT, and Helaine, a PSMT with low MKT. Over the course of five weeks, the three PSMTs were recorded exploring three MEAs, participated in two interviews, and submitted written reflections. The extensive amount of data collected in this study allowed the researcher to deeply explore the PSMTs' MKT algebra in relation to the given MEAs, with a focus on three specific constructs(-)bridging, trimming, and decompressing(-) based on the Knowledge of Algebra for Teaching (KAT) framework. The results of this study suggest that engaging in MEAs could elicit PSMTs' MKT algebra, and in some cases such tasks were beneficial to their trimming, bridging, and decompressing abilities. Exploring MEAs immersed the PSMTs in generating descriptions, explanations, and constructions, that helped reveal how they interpreted mathematical situations that they encountered. The tasks served as useful tools for PSMTs to have deep discussions and productive discourse on various algebra topics, and make many different mathematical connections in the process.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007143, ucf:52305
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007143

Title: Digital Citizenship Tools for Cause-Based Campaigns: A Broadened Spectrum of Social Media Engagement and Participation-Scale Methodology.
Creator: Miller, Jennifer, Vie, Stephanie, Scott, Blake, Flammia, Madelyn, St. Amant, Kirk, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Digital Citizenship Tools for Cause-Based Campaigns: A Broadened Spectrum of Social Media Engagement and Participation-Scale Methodology develops and applies two new tools for understanding, measuring, and recursively adjusting small to medium-size social media-based philanthropic campaigns to better foster participation and engagement(-)in other words, democratic digital citizenship. First, a theoretical model is offered broadening current binary conceptions of success and failure or impact...
Show moreDigital Citizenship Tools for Cause-Based Campaigns: A Broadened Spectrum of Social Media Engagement and Participation-Scale Methodology develops and applies two new tools for understanding, measuring, and recursively adjusting small to medium-size social media-based philanthropic campaigns to better foster participation and engagement(-)in other words, democratic digital citizenship. First, a theoretical model is offered broadening current binary conceptions of success and failure or impact of campaigns, situating specific participant actions in social media on a spectrum. Then, from that model, a new methodology is provided to measure participation and engagement generated by campaign posts. Recommendations are also offered for recursively adjusting campaign posts to better foster democratic digital citizenship. These tools were developed from data generated by #TheFaceOffChallenge, a research project representative of a typical small to medium-size cause-based campaign. #TheFaceOffChallenge also serves as a sample for analysis illustrating how to use these tools. While explicating these tools, this dissertation explores a broad range of topics related to better understanding democratic digital citizenship: online philanthropy, awareness, and digital activism; viral and memetic transmission; tensions between consumption and creation of ideas, content, and knowledge; public(s), counterpublics, and counter-efforts; literacies and access for engagement and participation in algorithmic environments; and visual communication and semiotics.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007227, ucf:52214
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007227

Title: Biogeochemical Cycling and Nutrient Control Strategies for Groundwater at Stormwater Infiltration Basins.
Creator: O'Reilly, Andrew, Chang, Ni-bin, Wanielista, Martin, Chopra, Manoj, Wang, Dingbao, Katz, Brian, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Elevated concentrations of nutrients, particularly nitrate, in groundwater and springs in Florida are a growing resource management concern. Stormwater infiltration basins, which are a common stormwater management practice in the well-drained karst terrain areas of Florida, are a potentially important source of nutrients to the groundwater system because stormwater exits the basin by only evaporation or infiltration. To better understand the biogeochemical processes integrating stormwater...
Show moreElevated concentrations of nutrients, particularly nitrate, in groundwater and springs in Florida are a growing resource management concern. Stormwater infiltration basins, which are a common stormwater management practice in the well-drained karst terrain areas of Florida, are a potentially important source of nutrients to the groundwater system because stormwater exits the basin by only evaporation or infiltration. To better understand the biogeochemical processes integrating stormwater infiltration impacts on groundwater resources in a field-scale setting, a combination of hydrologic, soil chemistry, water chemistry, dissolved and soil gas, isotope, and microbiological data was collected from 2007 through 2010 at two stormwater infiltration basins receiving runoff from predominantly residential watersheds in north-central Florida. Substantially different biogeochemical processes affecting nitrogen fate and transport were observed beneath the two stormwater infiltration basins. Differences are related to soil textural properties that deeply link hydroclimatic conditions with soil moisture variations in a humid, subtropical climate. During 2008, shallow groundwater beneath the basin with predominantly clayey soils (median 41% silt+clay content) exhibited decreases in dissolved oxygen from 3.8 to 0.1 mg/L and decreases in nitrate-nitrogen from 2.7 mg/L to less than 0.016 mg/L, followed by manganese and iron reduction, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis. In contrast, beneath the basin with predominantly sandy soils (median 2% silt+clay content), aerobic conditions persisted from 2007 through 2009 (dissolved oxygen of 5.0(-)7.8 mg/L), resulting in nitrate-nitrogen of 1.3(-)3.3 mg/L in shallow groundwater. Soil extractable nitrate-nitrogen was significantly lower and the copper-containing nitrite reductase gene density was significantly higher beneath the clayey basin. Differences in moisture retention capacity between fine- and coarse-textured soils resulted in median volumetric gas-phase contents of 0.04 beneath the clayey basin and 0.19 beneath the sandy basin, inhibiting surface/subsurface oxygen exchange beneath the clayey basin. Subsurface biogeochemical processes at the clayey stormwater infiltration basin were further analyzed to better understand the effects of the highly variable hydrologic conditions common in humid, subtropical climates. Cyclic variations in biogeochemical processes generally coincided with wet and dry hydroclimatic conditions. Oxidizing conditions in the subsurface persisted for about one month or less at the beginning of wet periods with dissolved oxygen and nitrate showing similar temporal patterns. Reducing conditions in the subsurface evolved during prolonged flooding of the basin. At about the same time oxygen and nitrate reduction concluded, manganese, iron, and sulfate reduction began, with the onset of methanogenesis one month later. Reducing conditions persisted up to six months, continuing into subsequent dry periods until the next major oxidizing infiltration event. Evidence of denitrification in shallow groundwater at the site is supported by median nitrate-nitrogen less than 0.016 mg/L, excess nitrogen gas up to 3 mg/L progressively enriched in delta-15N during prolonged basin flooding, and isotopically heavy delta-15N and delta-18O of nitrate (up to 25 and 15 per mil, respectively). Isotopic enrichment of newly infiltrated stormwater suggests denitrification was partially completed within two days. Soil and water chemistry data suggest a biogeochemically active zone exists in the upper 1.4 m of soil, where organic carbon was the likely electron donor supplied by organic matter in soil solids or dissolved in infiltrating stormwater. The cyclic nature of reducing conditions effectively controlled the nitrogen cycle, switching nitrogen fate beneath the basin from nitrate leaching to reduction in the shallow saturated zone. Soil beneath the sandy stormwater infiltration basin was amended using biosorption activated media (BAM) to study the effectiveness of this technology in reducing inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus to groundwater. The functionalized soil amendment BAM consists of a 1.0:1.9:4.1 mixture (by volume) of tire crumb (to increase sorption capacity), silt and clay (to increase soil moisture retention), and sand (to promote sufficient infiltration), which was applied to develop an innovative best management practice (BMP) utilizing nutrient reduction and flood control sub-basins. Construction and materials costs, excluding profit and permit fees, for the innovative BMP were about $US 65 per square meter of basin bottom. Comparison of nitrate/chloride ratios for the shallow groundwater indicate that prior to using BAM, nitrate concentrations were substantially influenced by nitrification or variations in nitrate input. In contrast, for the new basin utilizing BAM, nitrate/chloride ratios indicate minor nitrification and nitrate losses with the exception of one summer sample that indicated a 45% loss. Biogeochemical indicators (denitrifier activity derived from real-time polymerase chain reaction and variations in major ions, nutrients, dissolved and soil gases, and stable isotopes) suggest nitrate losses are primarily attributable to denitrification, whereas dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and plant uptake are minor processes. Denitrification was likely occurring intermittently in anoxic microsites in the unsaturated zone, which was enhanced by increased soil moisture within the BAM layer and resultant reductions in surface/subsurface oxygen exchange that produced conditions conducive to increased denitrifier activity. Concentrations of total dissolved phosphorus and orthophosphate were reduced by more than 70% in unsaturated zone soil water, with the largest decreases in the BAM layer where sorption was the most likely mechanism for removal. Post-BAM orthophosphate/chloride ratios for shallow groundwater indicate predominantly minor increases and decreases in orthophosphate with the exception of one summer sample that indicated a 50% loss. Differences in nutrient variations between the unsaturated zone and shallow groundwater may be the result of the intensity and duration of nutrient removal processes and mixing ratios with water that had undergone little biogeochemical transformation. In order to quantify potential processes leading to observed nitrogen losses beneath the innovative BMP, an integrated infiltration basin(-)nitrogen reduction (IBNR) system dynamics model was developed. Based on two simulation periods, the IBNR model indicated denitrification accounted for a loss of about one-third of the total dissolved nitrogen mass inflow and was occurring predominantly in the BAM layer. The IBNR model results in combination with the field-based biogeochemical assessment demonstrated that the innovative BMP using the functionalized soil amendment BAM is a promising passive, economical, stormwater nutrient-treatment technology. Further field- and laboratory-scale research on the long-term sustainability of nutrient losses and further elucidation of causative physicochemical and biogeochemical mechanisms would contribute to improved BAM performance and green infrastructure development in the future.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004419, ucf:49391
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004419

Title: EVALUATING AN ONLINE PERSONALIZED FAMILY-BASED INTERVENTION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES.
Creator: Hayes, Sharon, Tantleff-Dunn, Stacey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The current study evaluated the initial feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of a motivationally-tailored family-based intervention designed to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors associated with physical activity and nutrition. Parents (N=132) of children 6 to 11 years old were randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition, and they completed a series of online questionnaires. Intervention participants (n=61) received a single motivationally-tailored feedback...
Show moreThe current study evaluated the initial feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of a motivationally-tailored family-based intervention designed to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors associated with physical activity and nutrition. Parents (N=132) of children 6 to 11 years old were randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition, and they completed a series of online questionnaires. Intervention participants (n=61) received a single motivationally-tailored feedback report via e-mail. Control participants (n=71) completed measures and immediately received information about a free online resource that provides information about healthy lifestyle behaviors (www.mypyramid.gov). Feasibility data indicate that an online feedback program has high dissemination potential (parents from 31 states participated). However, the current methodology is not sufficient in reaching families who are at greatest risk for developing chronic health conditions associated with obesity or low activity level. In general, the intervention was acceptable to parents. Outcome data revealed that the intervention and control groups did not differ significantly on most variables at one month follow-up. Exploratory analyses provided additional evidence for the importance of including parents and targeting parent-child interactions in the context of pediatric nutrition and physical activity interventions. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003359, ucf:48438
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003359

Title: Comparison of a modified and traditional rapid infiltration basin for treatment and control of nutrients in wastewater effluent.
Creator: Cormier, Jessica, Duranceau, Steven, Wang, Dingbao, Sadmani, A H M Anwar, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Rapid infiltration basins (RIB) have been historically used in Florida for groundwater recharge, effluent disposal, or a combination of both. However, this technique has proven ineffective in providing nitrogen control unless the RIB is modified in some manner. In this study, a traditional RIB was compared to a modified RIB constructed with manufactured biosorption activated media (BAM) to evaluate nitrate removal from reclaimed water. The RIBs are used for reclaimed and excess storm water...
Show moreRapid infiltration basins (RIB) have been historically used in Florida for groundwater recharge, effluent disposal, or a combination of both. However, this technique has proven ineffective in providing nitrogen control unless the RIB is modified in some manner. In this study, a traditional RIB was compared to a modified RIB constructed with manufactured biosorption activated media (BAM) to evaluate nitrate removal from reclaimed water. The RIBs are used for reclaimed and excess storm water disposal. Few, if any, studies have been published where BAM-modified RIBs have been used for this purpose. In this work, a mixture of clay, tire crumb, and sand (CTS) was selected to serve as the BAM material (Bold and Gold(TM) CTS media). Each RIB was constructed with two feet of either sand or BAM, covering more than 43,600 square feet of surface area. The BAM-modified RIB had an initial 90 pounds per cubic-foot in-place density, and the density of the control RIB approximated about 94 pounds per cubic-foot. Over an eight-month period, loadings to the BAM RIB and control RIB approximated 5.4 million gallons (MG) per acre each. Water samples, collected from lysimeters installed below the 2-foot of sand or BAM materials, were gathered monthly during 2017 (except for September and October due to the impacts of hurricane Irma); these samples were analyzed for water quality to determine nitrate removal. Soil moisture and weather data were also collected over the study period. This study demonstrated the nitrate removal effectiveness of a field-scale BAM-modified RIB as compared to a traditional field-scale sand-based RIB. Results suggest that BAM removed 30 percent more nitrates than the Control (78% and 47%, respectively) under the conditions of the study. Furthermore, BAM removed higher percentages of TN (31%) and TP (62%) than the Control (12% and 28%, respectively).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007566, ucf:52583
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007566

Title: Understanding images and videos using context.
Creator: Vaca Castano, Gonzalo, Da Vitoria Lobo, Niels, Shah, Mubarak, Mikhael, Wasfy, Jones, W Linwood, Wiegand, Rudolf, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In computer vision, context refers to any information that may influence how visual media are understood.(&)nbsp; Traditionally, researchers have studied the influence of several sources of context in relation to the object detection problem in images. In this dissertation, we present a multifaceted review of the problem of context.(&)nbsp; Context is analyzed as a source of improvement in the object detection problem, not only in images but also in videos. In the case of images, we also...
Show moreIn computer vision, context refers to any information that may influence how visual media are understood.(&)nbsp; Traditionally, researchers have studied the influence of several sources of context in relation to the object detection problem in images. In this dissertation, we present a multifaceted review of the problem of context.(&)nbsp; Context is analyzed as a source of improvement in the object detection problem, not only in images but also in videos. In the case of images, we also investigate the influence of the semantic context, determined by objects, relationships, locations, and global composition, to achieve a general understanding of the image content as a whole. In our research, we also attempt to solve the related problem of finding the context associated with visual media. Given a set of visual elements (images), we want to extract the context that can be commonly associated with these images in order to remove ambiguity. The first part of this dissertation concentrates on achieving image understanding using semantic context.(&)nbsp; In spite of the recent success in tasks such as image classi?cation, object detection, image segmentation, and the progress on scene understanding, researchers still lack clarity about computer comprehension of the content of the image as a whole. Hence, we propose a Top-Down Visual Tree (TDVT) image representation that allows the encoding of the content of the image as a hierarchy of objects capturing their importance, co-occurrences, and type of relations. A novel Top-Down Tree LSTM network is presented to learn about the image composition from the training images and their TDVT representations. Given a test image, our algorithm detects objects and determine the hierarchical structure that they form, encoded as a TDVT representation of the image.A single image could have multiple interpretations that may lead to ambiguity about the intentionality of an image.(&)nbsp; What if instead of having only a single image to be interpreted, we have multiple images that represent the same topic. The second part of this dissertation covers how to extract the context information shared by multiple images. We present a method to determine the topic that these images represent. We accomplish this task by transferring tags from an image retrieval database, and by performing operations in the textual space of these tags. As an application, we also present a new image retrieval method that uses multiple images as input. Unlike earlier works that focus either on using just a single query image or using multiple query images with views of the same instance, the new image search paradigm retrieves images based on the underlying concepts that the input images represent.Finally, in the third part of this dissertation, we analyze the influence of context in videos. In this case, the temporal context is utilized to improve scene identification and object detection. We focus on egocentric videos, where agents require some time to change from one location to another. Therefore, we propose a Conditional Random Field (CRF) formulation, which penalizes short-term changes of the scene identity to improve the scene identity accuracy.(&)nbsp; We also show how to improve the object detection outcome by re-scoring the results based on the scene identity of the tested frame. We present a Support Vector Regression (SVR) formulation in the case that explicit knowledge of the scene identity is available during training time. In the case that explicit scene labeling is not available, we propose an LSTM formulation that considers the general appearance of the frame to re-score the object detectors.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006922, ucf:51703
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006922

Title: Remediation of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Contaminated Building Materials Using Non-metal and Activated Metal Treatment Systems.
Creator: Legron-Rodriguez, Tamra, Yestrebsky, Cherie, Clausen, Christian, Elsheimer, Seth, Sigman, Michael, Chopra, Manoj, Quinn, Jacqueline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: PCBs are recalcitrant compounds of no known natural origin that persist in the environment despite their ban by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1979 due to negative health effects. Transport of PCBs from elastic sealants into concrete, brick, and granite structures has resulted in the need for a technology capable of removing these PCBs from the materials. This research investigated the use of a nonmetal treatment system (NMTS) and an activated metal treatment system ...
Show morePCBs are recalcitrant compounds of no known natural origin that persist in the environment despite their ban by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1979 due to negative health effects. Transport of PCBs from elastic sealants into concrete, brick, and granite structures has resulted in the need for a technology capable of removing these PCBs from the materials. This research investigated the use of a nonmetal treatment system (NMTS) and an activated metal treatment system (AMTS) for the remediation and degradation of PCBs from concrete, brick, and granite affixed with PCB-laden caulking. The adsorption of PCBs onto the components of concrete and the feasibility of ethanol washing were also investigated.NMTS is a sorbent paste containing ethanol, acetic acid, and fillers that was developed at the University of Central Florida Environmental Chemistry Laboratory for the in situ remediation of PCBs. Combining NMTS with magnesium results in an activated treatment system used for reductive dechlorination of PCBs. NMTS was applied to laboratory-prepared concrete as well as field samples by direct contact as well as by a novel sock-type delivery. The remediation of PCBs from field samples using NMTS and AMTS resulted in a 33-98% reduction for concrete, a 65-70% reduction for brick, and an 89% reduction in PCB concentration for granite. The limit of NMTS for absorption of Aroclor 1254 was found to be roughly 22,000 mg Aroclor 1254 per kg of treatment system or greater. The activated treatment system resulted in a 94% or greater degradation of PCBs after seven days with the majority of degradation occurring in the first 24 hours. The adsorption of PCBs to individual concrete components (hydrated cement, sand, crushed limestone, and crushed granite) was found to follow the Freundlich isotherm model with greater adsorption to crushed limestone and crushed granite compared to hydrated cement and sand. Ethanol washing was shown to decrease the concentration of laboratory-prepared concrete by 68% and the concentration of PCBs in the ethanol wash were reduced by 77% via degradation with an activated magnesium system.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005197, ucf:50625
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005197

Title: Practical Implementations of the Active Set Method for Support Vector Machine Training with Semi-definite Kernels.
Creator: Sentelle, Christopher, Georgiopoulos, Michael, Anagnostopoulos, Georgios, Kasparis, Takis, Stanley, Kenneth, Young, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a popular binary classification model due to its superior generalization performance, relative ease-of-use, and applicability of kernel methods. SVM training entails solving an associated quadratic programming (QP) that presents significant challenges in terms of speed and memory constraints for very large datasets; therefore, research on numerical optimization techniques tailored to SVM training is vast. Slow training times are especially of concern when...
Show moreThe Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a popular binary classification model due to its superior generalization performance, relative ease-of-use, and applicability of kernel methods. SVM training entails solving an associated quadratic programming (QP) that presents significant challenges in terms of speed and memory constraints for very large datasets; therefore, research on numerical optimization techniques tailored to SVM training is vast. Slow training times are especially of concern when one considers that re-training is often necessary at several values of the model's regularization parameter, C, as well as associated kernel parameters.The active set method is suitable for solving SVM problem and is in general ideal when the Hessian is dense and the solution is sparse-the case for the l1-loss SVM formulation. There has recently been renewed interest in the active set method as a technique for exploring the entire SVM regularization path, which has been shown to solve the SVM solution at all points along the regularization path (all values of C) in not much more time than it takes, on average, to perform training at a single value of C with traditional methods. Unfortunately, the majority of active set implementations used for SVM training require positive definite kernels, and those implementations that do allow semi-definite kernels tend to be complex and can exhibit instability and, worse, lack of convergence. This severely limits applicability since it precludes the use of the linear kernel, can be an issue when duplicate data points exist, and doesn't allow use of low-rank kernel approximations to improve tractability for large datasets. The difficulty, in the case of a semi-definite kernel, arises when a particular active set results in a singular KKT matrix (or the equality-constrained problem formed using the active set is semi-definite). Typically this is handled by explicitly detecting the rank of the KKT matrix. Unfortunately, this adds significant complexity to the implementation; and, if care is not taken, numerical instability, or worse, failure to converge can result. This research shows that the singular KKT system can be avoided altogether with simple modifications to the active set method. The result is a practical, easy to implement active set method that does not need to explicitly detect the rank of the KKT matrix nor modify factorization or solution methods based upon the rank. Methods are given for both conventional SVM training as well as for computing the regularization path that are simple and numerically stable. First, an efficient revised simplex method is efficiently implemented for SVM training (SVM-RSQP) with semi-definite kernels and shown to out-perform competing active set implementations for SVM training in terms of training time as well as shown to perform on-par with state-of-the-art SVM training algorithms such as SMO and SVMLight. Next, a new regularization path-following algorithm for semi-definite kernels (Simple SVMPath) is shown to be orders of magnitude faster, more accurate, and significantly less complex than competing methods and does not require the use of external solvers. Theoretical analysis reveals new insights into the nature of the path-following algorithms. Finally, a method is given for computing the approximate regularization path and approximate kernel path using the warm-start capability of the proposed revised simplex method (SVM-RSQP) and shown to provide significant, orders of magnitude, speed-ups relative to the traditional (")grid search(") where re-training is performed at each parameter value. Surprisingly, it also shown that even when the solution for the entire path is not desired, computing the approximate path can be seen as a speed-up mechanism for obtaining the solution at a single value. New insights are given concerning the limiting behaviors of the regularization and kernel path as well as the use of low-rank kernel approximations.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005251, ucf:50600
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005251

Title: Instructor Response to Uncivil Behaviors in the Classroom: An Application of Politeness Theory.
Creator: Yrisarry, Natalie, Miller, Ann, Neuberger, Lindsay, Katt, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examines levels of politeness in real time instructor responses to classroom incivility behaviors. Student participants were randomly assigned to view a video of an instructor responding to either passive or active student incivility behaviors in various ways. The responses were based on politeness theory conceptualizations of avoidance, mid-level politeness, or bald on record responses. A 2 (i.e., passive, active student incivility) x 3 (i.e., avoidance, mid-level, or bald on...
Show moreThis study examines levels of politeness in real time instructor responses to classroom incivility behaviors. Student participants were randomly assigned to view a video of an instructor responding to either passive or active student incivility behaviors in various ways. The responses were based on politeness theory conceptualizations of avoidance, mid-level politeness, or bald on record responses. A 2 (i.e., passive, active student incivility) x 3 (i.e., avoidance, mid-level, or bald on record instructor response) experimental design formed six conditions. High quality video simulations of a classroom environment, portraying one of the six conditions, were created to specifically address these dimensions. Participants took a web based survey and evaluated the instructor with respect to effectiveness, credibility, and impact on student motivation. Results demonstrate students had most positive responses to bald on record instructor responses to active student incivility. When responding to passive student incivility, a less harsh response (i.e., avoidance, mid-level), while not significantly different from a bald on record response, indicate better outcomes. Therefore, in accordance with politeness theory, instructors should consider the level of imposition created by uncivil student behavior when calibrating responses, as student perceptions can be greatly affected. Theoretical and practical considerations as well as avenues for future research are presented.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005746, ucf:50084
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005746

Title: Using Hashtags to Disambiguate Aboutness in Social Media Discourse: A Case Study of #OrlandoStrong.
Creator: DeArmas, Nicholas, Vie, Stephanie, Salter, Anastasia, Beever, Jonathan, Dodd, Melissa, Wheeler, Stephanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: While the field of writing studies has studied digital writing as a response to multiple calls for more research on digital forms of writing, research on hashtags has yet to build bridges between different disciplines' approaches to studying the uses and effects of hashtags. This dissertation builds that bridge in its interdisciplinary approach to the study of hashtags by focusing on how hashtags can be fully appreciated at the intersection of the fields of information research, linguistics,...
Show moreWhile the field of writing studies has studied digital writing as a response to multiple calls for more research on digital forms of writing, research on hashtags has yet to build bridges between different disciplines' approaches to studying the uses and effects of hashtags. This dissertation builds that bridge in its interdisciplinary approach to the study of hashtags by focusing on how hashtags can be fully appreciated at the intersection of the fields of information research, linguistics, rhetoric, ethics, writing studies, new media studies, and discourse studies. Hashtags are writing innovations that perform unique digital functions rhetorically while still hearkening back to functions of both print and oral rhetorical traditions. Hashtags function linguistically as indicators of semantic meaning; additionally, hashtags also perform the role of search queries on social media, retrieving texts that include the same hashtag. Information researchers refer to the relationship between a search query and its results using the term (")aboutness(") (Kehoe and Gee, 2011). By considering how hashtags have an aboutness, the humanities can call upon information research to better understand the digital aspects of the hashtag's search function. Especially when hashtags are used to organize discourse, aboutness has an effect on how a discourse community's agendas and goals are expressed, as well as framing what is relevant and irrelevant to the discourse. As digital activists increasingly use hashtags to organize and circulate the goals of their discourse communities, knowledge of ethical strategies for hashtag use will help to better preserve a relevant aboutness for their discourse while enabling them to better leverage their hashtag for circulation. In this dissertation, through a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Twitter discourse that used #OrlandoStrong over the five-month period before the first anniversary of the Pulse shooting, I trace how the #OrlandoStrong discourse community used innovative rhetorical strategies to combat irrelevant content from ambiguating their discourse space. In Chapter One, I acknowledge the call from scholars to study digital tools and briefly describe the history of the Pulse shooting, reflecting on non-digital texts that employed #OrlandoStrong as memorials in the Orlando area. In Chapter Two, I focus on the literature surrounding hashtags, discourse, aboutness, intertextuality, hashtag activism, and informational compositions. In Chapter Three, I provide an overview of the stages of grounded theory methodology and the implications of critical discourse analysis before I detail how I approached the collection, coding, and analysis of the #OrlandoStrong Tweets I studied. The results of my study are reported in Chapter Four, offering examples of Tweets that were important to understanding how the discourse space became ambiguous through the use of hashtags. In Chapter Five, I reflect on ethical approaches to understanding the consequences of hashtag use, and then I offer an ethical recommendation for hashtag use by hashtag activists. I conclude Chapter Five with an example of a classroom activity that allows students to use hashtags to better understand the relationship between aboutness, (dis)ambiguation, discourse communities, and ethics. This classroom activity is provided with the hope that instructors from different disciplines will be able to provide ethical recommendations to future activists who may benefit from these rhetorical strategies.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007322, ucf:52136
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007322

Title: GENERAL SOCIAL TRUST AND POLITICAL TRUST WITHIN SOCIAL AND POLITICAL GROUPS: A CASE STUDY.
Creator: Craig, Weylan, Pollock, Philip, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: People in society with high levels of generalized social trust and political trust are more likely to engage in civic activism and participation. Therefore, people involved in social and political groups will likely have higher levels of generalized social and political trust than the general public. What lacks in this realm of scholarship is a solid comparison of trust among people involved in social and political groups. This case-study analysis of generalized social trust and political...
Show morePeople in society with high levels of generalized social trust and political trust are more likely to engage in civic activism and participation. Therefore, people involved in social and political groups will likely have higher levels of generalized social and political trust than the general public. What lacks in this realm of scholarship is a solid comparison of trust among people involved in social and political groups. This case-study analysis of generalized social trust and political trust among social and political groups shows the trust that is not only generated within each group, but also which types of groups are more effective at developing citizens that participate in society. Using a researcher-designed survey instrument, two social groups and two political groups have been evaluated and compared to demonstrate members' propensity to trust others in society and those in political office at all levels of government. Sample size is 115 respondents. Among other demographic data analyzed and compared to a larger population data set in the World Values Survey, six hypotheses have been tested. Typical analysis shows demographic data or group membership as the independent variable with trust values acting as the dependent variable. Graphic and cross-tabular data show that social groups recorded higher levels of political trust than political groups. This is probably due to the ideological leanings of the political groups. Political groups showed higher levels of generalized social trust than social groups. Political group members probably feel that their actions are benefiting the greater good. Additionally, participation variables showed that not only are political group members more interested in politics than social group members, but they also have higher levels of registering to vote and to participate in the voting process. They are probably seeking to make significant change in the political system through their actions. The research conducted does not seek to provide a comprehensive analysis of trust among members of social and political groups. However, it is intended to promote the analysis of trust among people in society that have a predisposition to trust as they have shown through the act of participating in a social or political group. As foci for the development of trust, analysis of social and political groups provides a shortcut for scholars interested in the development and proliferation of trust in society. This research provides analysis of four case-study groups at one point in time. Further research using larger sample sizes and time-series analysis could advance trust analysis among social and political groups.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001370, ucf:46997
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001370

Title: A SOCIAL COGNITIVE APPROACH TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF POPULAR POKER TELEVISION SHOWS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Londo, Marc, Shaver, Dan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Tournament poker shows have become a leading ratings draw on American television. Since ESPN and the Travel Channel began airing their innovative poker shows in 2003, the game has reached a new following, particularly among college students. There are unique and psychologically significant factors that characterize the college population that make students particularly receptive to popular characterizations in media. This study investigates the potential exacerbating effect that these widely...
Show moreTournament poker shows have become a leading ratings draw on American television. Since ESPN and the Travel Channel began airing their innovative poker shows in 2003, the game has reached a new following, particularly among college students. There are unique and psychologically significant factors that characterize the college population that make students particularly receptive to popular characterizations in media. This study investigates the potential exacerbating effect that these widely popular poker television shows have on the gambling behavior of college students. 444 college students completed a survey designed to assess gratifications sought through media along with measures of attitudes, gambling behavior, and social systems. Using Social Cognitive Theory as a framework of influence, exposure to these shows – ranging from the individual student to the overall college environment – was assessed and evaluated. Results indicated that student gambling is strongly correlated to viewership of poker shows, particularly among younger students. This was especially seen among students who utilized the online gambling option. Gambling behavior of peers wasn't shown to be a strong influence for student gambling. However, excitement was shown to be a strong variable that should be looked at closer.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001087, ucf:46781
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001087

Title: INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY: EVALUATING TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS TARGETING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND DIET.
Creator: DiPietro, Jessica, Norris, Anne, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Overweight and obese children have increased risks for multiple preventable diseases and conditions which can impair their physiological health and significantly increases the overall cost of their healthcare. Free mobile applications and technology for weight loss, dietary tracking, and physical activity may be quite useful for monitoring nutritional intake and exercise to facilitate weight loss. If so, nurses are well positioned to recommend such tools as part of their efforts to prevent...
Show moreOverweight and obese children have increased risks for multiple preventable diseases and conditions which can impair their physiological health and significantly increases the overall cost of their healthcare. Free mobile applications and technology for weight loss, dietary tracking, and physical activity may be quite useful for monitoring nutritional intake and exercise to facilitate weight loss. If so, nurses are well positioned to recommend such tools as part of their efforts to prevent childhood obesity and help children and parents better manage childhood obesity when it is present. However, there are no guidelines that nurses can use to determine what applications or technologies are most beneficial to children and their parents. The purpose of this project is to develop such guidelines based on a review of the scientific literature published in the last 5 years. Articles regarding healthy-lifestyle promoting mobile applications and technological approaches to health and fitness interventions were identified by searching articles indexed by CINAHL, Psychinfo, Medline, ERIC, IEEE Xplore, and Academic Search Premier. Identified articles were assessed using Melnyk's hierarchy of evidence and organized into tables so that implications for research and suggestions for practice could be made.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004616, ucf:45255
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004616

Title: MODELING SCENES AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN VIDEOS.
Creator: Basharat, Arslan, Shah, Mubarak, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In this dissertation, we address the problem of understanding human activities in videos by developing a two-pronged approach: coarse level modeling of scene activities and fine level modeling of individual activities. At the coarse level, where the resolution of the video is low, we rely on person tracks. At the fine level, richer features are available to identify different parts of the human body, therefore we rely on the body joint tracks. There are three main goals of this dissertation: ...
Show moreIn this dissertation, we address the problem of understanding human activities in videos by developing a two-pronged approach: coarse level modeling of scene activities and fine level modeling of individual activities. At the coarse level, where the resolution of the video is low, we rely on person tracks. At the fine level, richer features are available to identify different parts of the human body, therefore we rely on the body joint tracks. There are three main goals of this dissertation: (1) identify unusual activities at the coarse level, (2) recognize different activities at the fine level, and (3) predict the behavior for synthesizing and tracking activities at the fine level. The first goal is addressed by modeling activities at the coarse level through two novel and complementing approaches. The first approach learns the behavior of individuals by capturing the patterns of motion and size of objects in a compact model. Probability density function (pdf) at each pixel is modeled as a multivariate Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), which is learnt using unsupervised expectation maximization (EM). In contrast, the second approach learns the interaction of object pairs concurrently present in the scene. This can be useful in detecting more complex activities than those modeled by the first approach. We use a 14-dimensional Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) that captures motion and size of concurrently tracked objects. The proposed models have been successfully used to automatically detect activities like unusual person drop-off and pickup, jaywalking, etc. The second and third goals of modeling human activities at the fine level are addressed by employing concepts from theory of chaos and non-linear dynamical systems. We show that the proposed model is useful for recognition and prediction of the underlying dynamics of human activities. We treat the trajectories of human body joints as the observed time series generated from an underlying dynamical system. The observed data is used to reconstruct a phase (or state) space of appropriate dimension by employing the delay-embedding technique. This transformation is performed without assuming an exact model of the underlying dynamics and provides a characteristic representation that will prove to be vital for recognition and prediction tasks. For recognition, properties of phase space are captured in terms of dynamical and metric invariants, which include the Lyapunov exponent, correlation integral, and correlation dimension. A composite feature vector containing these invariants represents the action and will be used for classification. For prediction, kernel regression is used in the phase space to compute predictions with a specified initial condition. This approach has the advantage of modeling dynamics without making any assumptions about the exact form (polynomial, radial basis, etc.) of the mapping function. We demonstrate the utility of these predictions for human activity synthesis and tracking.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002897, ucf:48042
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002897

Title: Hearing the Voices of the Deserters: Activist Critical Making in Electronic Literature.
Creator: Okkema, Laura, Salter, Anastasia, Beever, Jonathan, Fanfarelli, Joseph, Moulthrop, Stuart, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Critical making is an approach to scholarship which combines discursive methods with creative practices. The concept has recently gained traction in the digital humanities, where scholars are looking for ways of integrating making into their research in ways that are inclusive and empowering to marginalized populations. This dissertation explores how digital humanists can engage critical making as a form of activism in electronic literature, specifically in the interactive fiction platform...
Show moreCritical making is an approach to scholarship which combines discursive methods with creative practices. The concept has recently gained traction in the digital humanities, where scholars are looking for ways of integrating making into their research in ways that are inclusive and empowering to marginalized populations. This dissertation explores how digital humanists can engage critical making as a form of activism in electronic literature, specifically in the interactive fiction platform Twine. The author analyzes the making process of her own activist Twine game The Deserters and embeds the project within digital humanities discourses on activism and social justice, hypertext, electronic literature, critical making, and hacker culture. The Deserters is a text-based digital game based on the experiences of the author's family as refugees from East Germany. The player's objective in the game is to research a family's history by searching the game-world for authentic documents, including biographical writings, journal entries, photographs, and records, thereby retracing historical events through personal experience. The Deserters aims at inspiring a compassionate and empathetic stance towards immigrants and refugees today. The author reflects on the ethical, narrative, aesthetic, and technical choices she made throughout the creation process of The Deserters to create a critical activist game. The results of the analysis demonstrate that Twine offers a unique environment for composing politically impactful personal narratives. From the project, the author derives best practices for activist critical making, which emphasize the importance for makers to imagine the needs and perspectives of their audience. The work expands digital humanities' theoretical and practical toolkit for critical making.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007421, ucf:52701
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007421

Title: Explore Contributing Geometric Factors and Built-Environment on Bicycle Activity and Safety at Intersections.
Creator: Castro, Scott, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Cai, Qing, Eluru, Naveen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study attempts to explore all factors associated with bicycle motor-vehicle crashes at intersections in order to improve bicycle safety and bicycle activity. Factors such as exposure (bicycle and vehicle volumes), existing facilities (bike lanes, sidewalks, shared-use paths), geometric design (# of lanes, speed limit, medians, legs, roadway conditions), and land-use were collected and evaluated using Poisson, Zero-Inflated Poisson, and Negative Binomial models in SAS 9.4 software....
Show moreThis study attempts to explore all factors associated with bicycle motor-vehicle crashes at intersections in order to improve bicycle safety and bicycle activity. Factors such as exposure (bicycle and vehicle volumes), existing facilities (bike lanes, sidewalks, shared-use paths), geometric design (# of lanes, speed limit, medians, legs, roadway conditions), and land-use were collected and evaluated using Poisson, Zero-Inflated Poisson, and Negative Binomial models in SAS 9.4 software. Increasing the bicycle travel mode can have positive lasting effects on personal health, the environment, and improve traffic conditions. Deterrents that keep users from riding bicycles more are the lack of facilities and most importantly, safety concerns. Florida has consistently been a national leader in bicyclist deaths, which made this area a great candidate to study. Vehicle and bicycle volumes for 159 intersections in Orlando, Florida were collected and compared with crash data that was obtained. All existing facilities, geometric design properties, and land-uses for each intersection were collected for analysis. The results confirmed that an increase of motor-vehicles and bicyclists would increase the risk of a crash at an intersection. The presence of a keyhole lane (bike lane in-between a through and exclusive right turn lane), was shown to be statistically significant, and although it still had a positive correlation with injury risk, it had a much lower risk of crashes than a typical bike lane at intersections. The presence of a far shared path (more than 4 feet from the edge of curb) was shown to be statistically significant in decreasing the risk of crashes between bicycles and motor-vehicles at intersections. Institutional, agricultural, residential, government, and school land uses had positive correlations and were statistically significant with increasing activity of bicyclists at intersections. This study is unique because it uses actual bicycle volume as an exposure to determine the effects of bicycle safety and activity at intersections and not many others have done this. It is important for transportation planners and designers to use this information to design better complete streets in the future.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007318, ucf:52134
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007318

Title: Exploring the Self-Reported Dietary Habits and Physical Activity Between Athletes and Non-Athletes in Four Central Florida Public High Schools.
Creator: Redd, Alison, Valdes, Anna, Stout, Jeffrey, Fisher, Thomas, Garcia, Jeanette, Fukuda, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The federal reimbursable meals offered in American school cafeterias have recently been revised with improved nutrition standards yet may not meet the needs of student athletes who require additional energy intake. While many epidemiological studies report high numbers of adolescents who are overweight or obese, there are close to eight million high school students involved in interscholastic sports(-)more now than ever before. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to establish...
Show moreThe federal reimbursable meals offered in American school cafeterias have recently been revised with improved nutrition standards yet may not meet the needs of student athletes who require additional energy intake. While many epidemiological studies report high numbers of adolescents who are overweight or obese, there are close to eight million high school students involved in interscholastic sports(-)more now than ever before. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to establish participation rates in the federal school meals programs in a local Central Florida school district between athlete and non-athlete high school populations. Additionally, the study aimed to establish athlete and non-athlete participation rates in the federal free/reduced lunch program and determine the average number of hours spent in physical activity between athlete and non-athletes in one week. An online questionnaire was developed to assess students' self-reported energy intake and energy expenditure through sport participation and physical activity acquired during leisure time. Results of the study revealed no significance difference in federal school breakfast or lunch consumption rates between athletes and non-athletes. The study also revealed similar participation rates in the free and reduced lunch program between athlete and non-athletes when purchasing school lunches. Additionally, while non-athletes reported more average hours acquiring physical activity in their leisure time than athletes did, athletes accrued more average hours of overall physical activity due to time spent in interscholastic sport practice. Lastly, results determined significant differences in Body Mass Index (BMI) with athletes having lower BMIs than non-athletes. If meals policies evolve to be more accurately reflective of energy intake needs of athletes and non-athletes, school meals could appropriately fuel student performance in the classroom, the athletic field, and beyond.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007239, ucf:52230
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007239

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