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- Title
- The effect of Building Information Modeling on Design and Construction Industry.
- Creator
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Alassaf, Yahya, Oloufa, Amr, Tatari, Omer, Uddin, Nizam, Mouloua, Mustapha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Construction industry's evolution is, historically, in the lowest level, if compared to other industries, such as auto manufacturing. Construction is a multidisciplinary industry, considering that designers, contractors, and owners are all involved in the same project, each one seeking their own interests. The complex environment surrounding design and construction makes the decision-makers hesitate about adopting new methodology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a new method and...
Show moreConstruction industry's evolution is, historically, in the lowest level, if compared to other industries, such as auto manufacturing. Construction is a multidisciplinary industry, considering that designers, contractors, and owners are all involved in the same project, each one seeking their own interests. The complex environment surrounding design and construction makes the decision-makers hesitate about adopting new methodology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a new method and technology, which can improve both the design and the construction processes. The adoption of BIM is increasing significantly over the last years, and its effects can be seen on real life projects. In order to understand the effect of BIM on the design and construction industry, we have created a comprehensive survey, consisting of a general questionnaire and experts' interviews. The general questionnaire concentrated on most of BIM issues, while the interviews focused on specific points arisen from the general questionnaire. Most of the published papers in this area justify BIM adoption by focusing on BIM ROI, and the comparison between project with and without BIM. In this research, however, we tried first to understand BIM status at the AEC market, and then to measure its effects. Therefore, we have targeted all the players in the BIM field: engineers, architects, contractors, and owners. Through the general questionnaire, we have measured the relationship between the independent variables and outcome variables. The independent variables are: motivations, concerns, investment needed, software, valuable benefits, success measures, and BIM uses. The outcome variables include: companies' role, sector, specialty, market level, level of implementation, years of implementation, and experience. In the second part of the research, we have conducted a series of subject matter interviews to measure the effect of BIM uses and its intangible benefits. For the experts' interviews, we designed a structured interview which covers two major areas: BIM uses, and intangible benefits. Both areas derived from the general questionnaire, and we aimed to measure their effects on real life projects. After analyzing the general questionnaire by using Person Chi-Square test, the results shown a significant relationship between independent variables and outcome variables. Participants' responses shown that they share common objectives when establishing BIM such as: increasing communication, reducing rework, increasing coordination and collaboration between parties, improving quality, and increasing productivity. We have found that the use of BIM is varied, and the large companies are taking advantage of BIM technology. In addition, the majority of the participants indicate that BIM has a positive ROI, and its adoption generates more business. The experts' interviews uncovered the fact that AEC parties have common understanding about the intangible benefits, even though they perceive the benefits differently. The diverse views of intangibles' benefits were influenced by the distinct role of each party. Moreover, experts share information about BIM project, and the project outcomes are successful on the following metrics: cost, schedule, number of RFI, number of change orders, and quality.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006432, ucf:51486
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006432
- Title
- Confluence of Vision and Natural Language Processing for Cross-media Semantic Relations Extraction.
- Creator
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Tariq, Amara, Foroosh, Hassan, Qi, GuoJun, Gonzalez, Avelino, Pensky, Marianna, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In this dissertation, we focus on extracting and understanding semantically meaningful relationshipsbetween data items of various modalities; especially relations between images and naturallanguage. We explore the ideas and techniques to integrate such cross-media semantic relationsfor machine understanding of large heterogeneous datasets, made available through the expansionof the World Wide Web. The datasets collected from social media websites, news media outletsand blogging platforms...
Show moreIn this dissertation, we focus on extracting and understanding semantically meaningful relationshipsbetween data items of various modalities; especially relations between images and naturallanguage. We explore the ideas and techniques to integrate such cross-media semantic relationsfor machine understanding of large heterogeneous datasets, made available through the expansionof the World Wide Web. The datasets collected from social media websites, news media outletsand blogging platforms usually contain multiple modalities of data. Intelligent systems are needed to automatically make sense out of these datasets and present them in such a way that humans can find the relevant pieces of information or get a summary of the available material. Such systems have to process multiple modalities of data such as images, text, linguistic features, and structured data in reference to each other. For example, image and video search and retrieval engines are required to understand the relations between visual and textual data so that they can provide relevant answers in the form of images and videos to the users' queries presented in the form of text.We emphasize the automatic extraction of semantic topics or concepts from the data available in any form such as images, free-flowing text or metadata. These semantic concepts/topics become the basis of semantic relations across heterogeneous data types, e.g., visual and textual data. A classic problem involving image-text relations is the automatic generation of textual descriptions of images. This problem is the main focus of our work. In many cases, large amount of text is associated with images. Deep exploration of linguistic features of such text is required to fully utilize the semantic information encoded in it. A news dataset involving images and news articles is an example of this scenario. We devise frameworks for automatic news image description generation based on the semantic relations of images, as well as semantic understanding of linguistic features of the news articles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006507, ucf:51401
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006507
- Title
- Context-Aware Mobile Augmented Reality Visualization in Construction Engineering Education.
- Creator
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Shirazi, Arezoo, Behzadan, Amir, Oloufa, Amr, Tatari, Mehmet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Recent studies suggest that the number of students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees has been generally decreasing. An extensive body of research cites the lack of motivation and engagement in the learning process as a major underlying reason of this decline. It has been discussed that if properly implemented, instructional technology can enhance student engagement and the quality of learning. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to implement...
Show moreRecent studies suggest that the number of students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees has been generally decreasing. An extensive body of research cites the lack of motivation and engagement in the learning process as a major underlying reason of this decline. It has been discussed that if properly implemented, instructional technology can enhance student engagement and the quality of learning. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to implement and assess effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)-based pedagogical tools on student learning. For this purpose, two sets of experiments were designed and implemented in two different construction and civil engineering undergraduate level courses at the University of Central Florida (UCF). The first experiment was designed to systematically assess the effectiveness of a context-aware mobile AR tool (CAM-ART) in real classroom-scale environment. This tool was used to enhance traditional lecture-based instruction and information delivery by augmenting the contents of an ordinary textbook using computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) objects and other virtual multimedia (e.g. sound, video, graphs). The experiment conducted on two separate control and test groups and pre- and post- performance data as well as student perception of using CAM-ART was collected through several feedback questionnaires. In the second experiment, a building design and assembly task competition was designed and conducted using a mobile AR platform. The pedagogical value of mobile AR-based instruction and information delivery to student learning in a large-scale classroom setting was also assessed and investigated. Similar to the first experiment, students in this experiment were divided into two control and test groups. Students' performance data as well as their feedback, suggestions, and workload were systematically collected and analyzed. Data analysis showed that the mobile AR framework had a measurable and positive impact on students' learning. In particular, it was found that students in the test group (who used the AR tool) performed slightly better with respect to certain measures and spent more time on collaboration, communication, and exchanging ideas in both experiments. Overall, students ranked the effectiveness of the AR tool very high and stated that it has a good potential to reform traditional teaching methods.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005257, ucf:50609
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005257
- Title
- Optimization of Block Layout and Evaluation of Collection Mat Materials for Polyacrylamide Treatment Channels.
- Creator
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McDougal, Alicia, Chopra, Manoj, Nam, Boo Hyun, Wang, Dingbao, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Construction sites are frequently cited as major sources of pollution that degrade the quality of surface water. The highly erodible topsoil is transported off site by stormwater runoff causing negative effects downstream. Research has shown that the small particles, which are the most susceptible to erosive forces, have more pollutants associated with them than larger soil particles. Currently, in the state of Florida, it is not permissible to discharge water to a receiving water body if the...
Show moreConstruction sites are frequently cited as major sources of pollution that degrade the quality of surface water. The highly erodible topsoil is transported off site by stormwater runoff causing negative effects downstream. Research has shown that the small particles, which are the most susceptible to erosive forces, have more pollutants associated with them than larger soil particles. Currently, in the state of Florida, it is not permissible to discharge water to a receiving water body if the turbidity is more than 29 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) above background or higher than background for an outstanding Florida water body. The removal of fine suspended sediment from water can be achieved by filtration, settling, and the use of chemical coagulants. Polyacrylamide (PAM), a coagulant, has been shown to be effective in removing fine suspended particles from water via coagulation and flocculation. The Stormwater Management Academy at the University of Central Florida has researched the use of PAM and collection mats in a treatment channel to meet state discharge requirements. In this study, turbid water using sediment from typical Florida soils was simulated and passed through a channel. The channel contained polymer blocks in a configuration previously determined to be the most effective. An important component of the treatment system is the floc collection. This research examined three types of collection mats, namely jute, coconut fiber and polypropylene mix to collect the flocs. This thesis presents the results of this investigation.The results for the sandy soil tests showed an average removal efficiency prior to the collection mat starting at 71% and decreasing to 44% at the end of the tests. The 20-foot coconut mat maintained an average removal efficiency of 90%. The turbidity due to silty-sandy soil was decreased with an average removal efficiency prior to the collection mat ranging from 50% to 65%. The average removal efficiency for the 20-foot coconut mat started at 85%and decreased to 60% during the tests. The turbidity due to crushed limestone showed an average removal efficiency prior to the collection mat ranging from 81% down to 69% over time. The average results from the 20-foot coconut mat ranged from 65% to 80%. Turbidity was tested on the samples under two conditions, a 30 second settling time and completely mixed. Statistical results show a significant decrease (?=0.05) in turbidity between the mixed and settled samples.Statistical analyses were performed on the collected data, which concluded that the capability of the mat to reduce turbidity can be repeated with a 95% confidence interval. The 20-foot length coconut mat had the highest turbidity removal efficiency for every soil type examined. Further statistical analysis showed that the achieved turbidity reduction was significantly different (?=0.05) for the various materials. It was observed that generally, each type of mat clogged during testing indicating that longer collection mats be used, possibly lining the entire channel. Recommendations from this study are to provide a settling area after the collection mats and line the entire length of the channel with the collection mat selected.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005210, ucf:50628
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005210
- Title
- Rock-a-Buy Baby: Consumerism by New, First-Time Mothers.
- Creator
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Afflerback, Sara, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, Carter, Shannon, Koontz, Amanda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Rock-a-Buy Baby: Consumerism by New, First-Time Mothers, is the first known sociological exploration of need-based consumption for babies, despite the baby gear industry being a $6-billion-dollar business (whattoexpect.com). Data stemmed from qualitative, semi-structured interviews with new, first-time mothers (3 months (-) 1 year postpartum) conducted within participants' households. The insights gained from the present study tell us a great deal about the (")needs(") that predominantly...
Show moreRock-a-Buy Baby: Consumerism by New, First-Time Mothers, is the first known sociological exploration of need-based consumption for babies, despite the baby gear industry being a $6-billion-dollar business (whattoexpect.com). Data stemmed from qualitative, semi-structured interviews with new, first-time mothers (3 months (-) 1 year postpartum) conducted within participants' households. The insights gained from the present study tell us a great deal about the (")needs(") that predominantly white, middle-class mothers socially constructed in anticipation of their first child, and the consumptive behaviors used to accomplish these "needs." Respondents had turned to similar resources (other mothers, online forums, consumer reports, books, magazines, etc.) to help them construct (")need(") and formulate decisions among commodities. Provided they were relying on comparable, if not overlapping, bodies of knowledge, mothers' narratives about consumer (")need(") were often congruent. Additionally, the ways expectant mothers accumulated items are ritualized and made tradition. The baby shower and gift registration process (which all of my respondents participated in to some variation) are social constructions; these practices, which are so strongly tied to consumption, also constituted reality for mothers, and inevitably, their babies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004258, ucf:49502
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004258
- Title
- OPTIMAL DETOUR PLANNING AROUND BLOCKED CONSTRUCTION ZONES.
- Creator
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Jardaneh , Mutasem, Khalafallah, Ahmed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Construction zones are traffic way areas where construction, maintenance or utility work is identified by warning signs, signals and indicators, including those on transport devices that mark the beginning and end of construction zones. Construction zones are among the most dangerous work areas, with workers facing workplace safety challenges that often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In addition, daily commuters are also impacted by construction zone detours that affect their...
Show moreConstruction zones are traffic way areas where construction, maintenance or utility work is identified by warning signs, signals and indicators, including those on transport devices that mark the beginning and end of construction zones. Construction zones are among the most dangerous work areas, with workers facing workplace safety challenges that often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In addition, daily commuters are also impacted by construction zone detours that affect their safety and daily commute time. These problems represent major challenges to construction planners as they are required to plan vehicle routes around construction zones in such a way that maximizes the safety of construction workers and reduces the impact on daily commuters. This research aims at developing a framework for optimizing the planning of construction detours. The main objectives of the research are to first identify all the decision variables that affect the planning of construction detours and secondly, implement a model based on shortest path formulation to identify the optimal alternatives for construction detours. The ultimate goal of this research is to offer construction planners with the essential guidelines to improve construction safety and reduce construction zone hazards as well as a robust tool for selecting and optimizing construction zone detours.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003586, ucf:48900
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003586
- Title
- PREDICTION AND ALLOCATION OF LIVE TO VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION BRIDGING RESOURCES.
- Creator
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lackey, stephanie, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This document summarizes a research effort focused on improving live-to-virtual (L-V) communication systems. The purpose of this work is to address a significant challenge facing the tactical communications training community through the development of the Live-to-Virtual Relay Radio Prediction Algorithm and implementation of the algorithm into an Integrated Live-to-Virtual Communications Server prototype device. The motivation for the work and the challenges of integrating live and virtual...
Show moreThis document summarizes a research effort focused on improving live-to-virtual (L-V) communication systems. The purpose of this work is to address a significant challenge facing the tactical communications training community through the development of the Live-to-Virtual Relay Radio Prediction Algorithm and implementation of the algorithm into an Integrated Live-to-Virtual Communications Server prototype device. The motivation for the work and the challenges of integrating live and virtual communications are presented. Details surrounding the formulation of the prediction algorithm and a description of the prototype system, hardware, and software architectures are shared. Experimental results from discrete event simulation analysis and prototype functionality testing accompany recommendations for future investigation. If the methods and technologies summarized are implemented, an estimated equipment savings of 25%-53% and an estimated cost savings of $150,000.00 - $630,000.00 per site are anticipated. Thus, a solution to a critical tactical communications training problem is presented through the research discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001401, ucf:47072
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001401
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF HIGH SCHOOL GEOMETRY STUDENTS' PROVING AND LOGICAL THINKING ABILITIES AND THE IMPACT OF DYNAMIC GEOMETRY SOFTWARE ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE.
- Creator
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Subramanian, Lalitha, Hynes, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the role of a yearlong geometry course on high school geometry students' logical thinking and proof construction abilities, (b) the linkage between students' logical thinking and proof construction abilities, and (c) the impact of dynamic geometry software on students' performance. In addition, this study also ventured to determine if the type of geometry course had any impact on students' logical thinking and proof construction achievement....
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the role of a yearlong geometry course on high school geometry students' logical thinking and proof construction abilities, (b) the linkage between students' logical thinking and proof construction abilities, and (c) the impact of dynamic geometry software on students' performance. In addition, this study also ventured to determine if the type of geometry course had any impact on students' logical thinking and proof construction achievement. The sample for the study consisted of 1,325 high school geometry students enrolled in regular, honors, and mastery courses in four high schools from the school district affiliated with the Local Education Agency (LEA) during the academic year 2004-2005. Geometer's Sketchpadä (GSP) was assumed to represent the dynamic geometry software. Responses of students on two pre-tests and two post-tests, each with one on logical thinking and one on proof, were analyzed to address the research questions. Results of the analyses indicated no significant effect of the yearlong geometry course on the performance of students on proof tests but a fairly significant effect on the tests of logical thinking. Use of GSP was found to have some impact on honors and mastery students' performance on proof post-tests. Honors students showed a higher logical thinking level than their regular and mastery counterparts in both GSP and non-GSP groups. There was a significant positive correlation between students' performance on the tests of logical thinking and proof.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000616, ucf:46546
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000616
- Title
- CRACK MOTHERS, CRACK BABIES, AND BLACK MALE DOPE DEALERS: PRODUCTIONS OF DEVIANCE DURING AMERICA'S CRACK COCAINE PANIC IN THE 1980S.
- Creator
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Yandow, Chantelle, Schippert, Claudia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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A moral panic erupted during the 1980s among the American public when stories about crack cocaine saturated the media. In this thesis I analyze how discursive productions of deviancy operated in the CBS news documentary: 48 Hours on Crack Street (1986) and other print news sources at that time. Three salient characters that appear in news media discourse during the panic are "crack mothers," "crack babies," and "Black male dope dealers." The news media frightened the public with such...
Show moreA moral panic erupted during the 1980s among the American public when stories about crack cocaine saturated the media. In this thesis I analyze how discursive productions of deviancy operated in the CBS news documentary: 48 Hours on Crack Street (1986) and other print news sources at that time. Three salient characters that appear in news media discourse during the panic are "crack mothers," "crack babies," and "Black male dope dealers." The news media frightened the public with such representations (among others) and the public urged politicians to get tough on drug crime to control the so-called crack cocaine plague. Politicians responded with omnibus drug reforms that established mandatory minimum sentences and the controversial 100:1 sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine. The enforcement of the draconian drug laws that were passed in response to the crack cocaine panic continues to be a contributing factor to America's current prison crisis. Moreover, the laws are enforced in ways that disproportionately punish the poor and African-Americans. I conclude that the criminal disenfranchisement of millions of people since the 1980s relates to the media's representation of the crack cocaine "epidemic" and the legislation that was passed to control illicit drugs such as crack cocaine.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003822, ucf:44758
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003822
- Title
- USER-IS PARTNERSHIP AND IS DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS.
- Creator
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SHIM, Jook-Ting "JT", Jiang, James J., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Since 1970, high project failure rate and low user satisfaction has elicited research on users and their role in the process. It is believed that users' physical participation or psychological involvement in the development process can improve user satisfaction and/or system quality. Previous research treats users as a source of requirements and hypothesizes satisfaction to increase when requirements are fulfilled. However, inconsistent conclusions lead to confusion. Recently, a co...
Show moreSince 1970, high project failure rate and low user satisfaction has elicited research on users and their role in the process. It is believed that users' physical participation or psychological involvement in the development process can improve user satisfaction and/or system quality. Previous research treats users as a source of requirements and hypothesizes satisfaction to increase when requirements are fulfilled. However, inconsistent conclusions lead to confusion. Recently, a co-production concept has been proposed to understand consumer participation in product development process. In this reconceptualization, users, instead of requirement generator, should be part of the production. In this study, based on co-production concept, we view users as one knowledge source and study how knowledge can be coordinated through the co-production process. After collecting data from 97 system users, most of the hypothesized relationships have been confirmed. IS-user co-production has a positive effect on expertise coordination and, in turn, improves teamwork outcomes. The only relationship that is not significant is between "bring expertise to bear" and "creativity." Implications for practitioner and suggestion for future research are provided. Co-production was found to be a second-order construct comprised of multiple formative constructs. Higher levels of coproduction behavior were expected and were found to produce better outcomes of collaborative efforts. For future study, this relationship is expected to hold true when pairs of information systems developers and information systems users who have worked together on the same information systems development project are surveyed at the end of their projects (or just before it ends or recently thereafter).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002340, ucf:47790
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002340
- Title
- Passive voice usage in undergraduate STEM textbooks.
- Creator
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Luo, Huiyuan, Mihai, Florin, Nutta, Joyce, Folse, Keith, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The present study, a corpus-based quantitative analysis, investigated the use of passive voice in terms of percentage (percentage of total passive usage), constructions (the most commonly used passive forms), and dispersion (the verbs that tended to be associated with passive usage) in college STEM textbooks, more specifically in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The corpus consisted of twenty textbooks with over 1 million running words selected from the textbooks' chapters....
Show moreThe present study, a corpus-based quantitative analysis, investigated the use of passive voice in terms of percentage (percentage of total passive usage), constructions (the most commonly used passive forms), and dispersion (the verbs that tended to be associated with passive usage) in college STEM textbooks, more specifically in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The corpus consisted of twenty textbooks with over 1 million running words selected from the textbooks' chapters. By identifying the main verbs and passive verbs used in the textbooks, the percentage of passive voice usage was calculated. The statistical difference of passive constructions between disciplines was examined by conducting a MANOVA test, and an instrument, the Compleat Lexical Tutor was used to generate a word list of the most commonly-used past participles in passive voice.Results showed that the overall percentage of passive voice usage is over 30%. The MANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference of passive voice constructions across the four disciplines, i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.Implications for teaching suggest that passive voice was an important grammar feature that needs to be taught tor the English as a second/foreign language students who major in the STEM fields. Additionally, the use of passive constructions should be taught differently in reading and writing based on the needs of the four STEM disciplines, due to the significant difference of passive forms usage in these fields.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007047, ucf:52020
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007047
- Title
- REMOTE SENSING WITH COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE MODELLING FOR MONITORING THE ECOSYSTEM STATE AND HYDRAULIC PATTERN IN A CONSTRUCTED WETLAND.
- Creator
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Mohiuddin, Golam, Chang, Ni-bin, Lee, Woo Hyoung, Wanielista, Martin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Monitoring the heterogeneous aquatic environment such as the Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) located at the northeast of the Everglades is extremely important in understanding the land processes of the constructed wetland in its capacity to remove nutrient. Direct monitoring and measurements of ecosystem evolution and changing velocities at every single part of the STA are not always feasible. Integrated remote sensing, monitoring, and modeling technique can be a state-of-the-art tool to...
Show moreMonitoring the heterogeneous aquatic environment such as the Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) located at the northeast of the Everglades is extremely important in understanding the land processes of the constructed wetland in its capacity to remove nutrient. Direct monitoring and measurements of ecosystem evolution and changing velocities at every single part of the STA are not always feasible. Integrated remote sensing, monitoring, and modeling technique can be a state-of-the-art tool to estimate the spatial and temporal distributions of flow velocity regimes and ecological functioning in such dynamic aquatic environments. In this presentation, comparison between four computational intelligence models including Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), Genetic Programming (GP) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were organized to holistically assess the flow velocity and direction as well as ecosystem states within a vegetative wetland area. First the local sensor network was established using Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV). Utilizing the local sensor data along with the help of external driving forces parameters, trained models of ELM, GP and ANN were developed, calibrated, validated, and compared to select the best computational capacity of velocity prediction over time. Besides, seasonal images collected by French satellite Pleiades have been analyzed to address the seasonality effect of plant species evolution and biomass changes in the constructed wetland. The key finding of this research is to characterize the interactions between geophysical and geochemical processes in this wetland system based on ground-based monitoring sensors and satellite images to discover insight of hydraulic residence time, plant species variation, and water quality and improve the overall understanding of possible nutrient removal in this constructed wetland.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005533, ucf:52864
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005533
- Title
- Gate and throughput optimizations for null convention self-timed digital circuits.
- Creator
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Smith, Scott Christopher, DeMara, Ronald, Engineering and Computer Science
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; Convention Logic (NCL) provides an asynchronous design methodology employing dual-rail signals, quad-rail signals, or other Mutually Exclusive Assertion Groups (MEAGs) to incorporate data and control information into one mixed path. In NCL, the control is inherently present with each datum, so there is no need for worse case delay analysis and control path delay matching. This dissertation focuses on optimization methods for NCL...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; Convention Logic (NCL) provides an asynchronous design methodology employing dual-rail signals, quad-rail signals, or other Mutually Exclusive Assertion Groups (MEAGs) to incorporate data and control information into one mixed path. In NCL, the control is inherently present with each datum, so there is no need for worse case delay analysis and control path delay matching. This dissertation focuses on optimization methods for NCL circuits, specifically addressing three related architectural areas of NCL design. First, a design method for optimizing NCL circuits is developed. The method utilizes conventional Boolean minimization followed by table-driven gate substitutions. It IS applied to design time and space optimal fundamental logic functions, a time and space optimal full adder, and time, transistor count, and power optimal up-counter circuits. The method is applicable when composing logic functions where each gate is a state-holding element; and can produce delay-insensitive circuits requiring less area and fewer gate delays than alternative gate-level approaches requiring full minterm generation. Second, a pipelining method for producing throughput optimal NCL systems is developed. A relationship between the number of gate delays per stage and the worse case throughput for a pipeline as a whole is derived. The method then uses this relationship to minimize a pipeline's worse-case throughput by partitioning the NCL combinational circuitry through the addition of asynchronous registers. The method is applied to design a maximum throughput unsigned multiplier, which yields a speedup of 2.25 over the non-pipelined version, while maintaining delay-insensitivity. Third, a technique to mitigate the impact of the NULL cycle is developed. The technique Wher increases the maximum attainable throughput of a NCL system by reducing inherent overheads associated with an integrated data and control path. This technique is applied to a non-pipelined Cbit by 4-bit unsigned multiplier to yield a speedup of 1.61 over the standalone version. Finally, these techniques are applied to design a 72+32x32 multiply and &cumulate (MAC) unit, which outperforms other delay-insensitive/self-timed MACs in the literature. It also performs conditional rounding, scaling, and saturation of the output, whereas the others do not; thus further distinguishing it from the previous work. The methods developed facilitate speed, transistor count, and power tradeoffs using approaches that are readily automatable.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2001
- Identifier
- CFR0001377, ucf:52924
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0001377
- Title
- NUTRIENT AND PATHOGEN REMOVAL IN A SUBSURFACE UPFLOW WETLAND SYSTEM USING GREEN SORPTION MEDIA.
- Creator
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Xuan, Zhemin, Chang, Ni-Bin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Due to environmental health and nutrient impact concerns, the conventional on-site sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems are no longer able to meet the nutrient reduction requirements for wastewater effluent and may represent a large fraction of pollutant loads. The loads include not only nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but also pathogens such as fecal coliform and E. coli which indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria flowing into aquatic system that adversely...
Show moreDue to environmental health and nutrient impact concerns, the conventional on-site sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems are no longer able to meet the nutrient reduction requirements for wastewater effluent and may represent a large fraction of pollutant loads. The loads include not only nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but also pathogens such as fecal coliform and E. coli which indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria flowing into aquatic system that adversely affect public health. A subsurface upflow wetland, which is an effective small-scale wastewater treatment system with low energy and maintenance requirements and operational costs, fits the current nutrient and pathogen removal situation having received wide attention throughout the world. Within this research study, a subsurface upflow wetland system (SUW), including four parallel SUW (three planted versus one unplanted), were constructed as a key component of the septic tank system receiving 454 liters per day (120 GPD) influent using the green sorption media along with selected plant species. It was proved effective in removing both nutrients and pathogens. During a one month test run, the planted wetlands achieved a removal efficiency of 84.2%, 97.3 %, 98.93 % and 99.92%, compared to the control wetland, 10.5%, 85.7 %, 99.74 % and 100.0 %, in total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), fecal coli and E.Coli, respectively. Denitrification was proved to be the dominant pathway for removing N as evidenced by the mass balance and real-time PCR analyses. A simplified compartmental dynamics simulation model of constructed subsurface upflow wetlands was also developed to provide a dependable reference and tool for design of constructed subsurface upflow wetland.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002967, ucf:47964
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002967
- Title
- Use of Integrated Training Environments to Sustain Army Warfighting Proficiency in an Era of Constrained Resources: Understanding What's Required to Win the First Battle of the Next Conflict.
- Creator
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Lerz, Edward, Proctor, Michael, Nickerson, David, Goodwin, Gregory, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research investigates the current state and ability of homestation training infrastructure (TADSS, networks, and facilities) and framework for training (scenarios, databases, and training support packages) to support a Live Virtual Constructive (-) Integrating Architecture (LVC-IA) delivered Integrated Training Environment (ITE). As combat operations in Central and Southwest Asia come to a close the Army is faced with extreme post-conflict budget cuts and force reductions. Continued...
Show moreThis research investigates the current state and ability of homestation training infrastructure (TADSS, networks, and facilities) and framework for training (scenarios, databases, and training support packages) to support a Live Virtual Constructive (-) Integrating Architecture (LVC-IA) delivered Integrated Training Environment (ITE). As combat operations in Central and Southwest Asia come to a close the Army is faced with extreme post-conflict budget cuts and force reductions. Continued evolution of Army training methodology is required to overcome limited resources and maintain force readiness in the anticipated (")era of persistent conflict("). A LVC-IA delivered ITE promises to be the next step in the evolution of training. Interoperation of live, virtual, and constructive simulations in a persistent and consistent manner can collectively train brigade and below units on combined arms tasks in a resource constrained homestation environment. However, LVC-IA cannot act alone in establishing the ITE. Prior to the fielding of LVC-IA, local installations must already possess a training infrastructure that optimizes training resources as well as a framework for training that meets Operational Adaptability training requirements. To measure the perceived state and ability of homestation training infrastructure and framework for training to support a LVC-IA delivered ITE, a survey was conducted of homestation training community members at the 18 Army installations scheduled for LVC-IA fielding. Additionally, perceptions regarding the role of LVC-IA in establishing the ITE and emerging resources, useful in the development of local framework for training were sought. Findings, conclusions, limitations, lessons learned, and recommendations for future research are presented.?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005104, ucf:50755
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005104
- Title
- On the Back of the Crocodile: Extent, Energetics, and Productivity in Wetland Agricultural Systems, Northern Belize.
- Creator
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Montgomery, Shane, Chase, Arlen, Chase, Diane, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Ancient populations across the globe successfully employed wetland agricultural techniques in a variety of environmentally and climatically diverse landscapes throughout prehistory. Within the Maya Lowlands, these agricultural features figure prominently in the region comprised of northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo, an area supporting low-outflow rivers, large lagoons, and numerous bajo (swamp) features. Along the banks of the Hondo and New Rivers, the Maya effectively utilized wetland...
Show moreAncient populations across the globe successfully employed wetland agricultural techniques in a variety of environmentally and climatically diverse landscapes throughout prehistory. Within the Maya Lowlands, these agricultural features figure prominently in the region comprised of northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo, an area supporting low-outflow rivers, large lagoons, and numerous bajo (swamp) features. Along the banks of the Hondo and New Rivers, the Maya effectively utilized wetland agricultural practices from the Middle Preclassic to the Terminal Classic Periods (1000 B.C.(-)A.D. 950). A number of past archaeological projects have thoroughly examined the construction and impact of these swampland modifications. After four decades of study, a more precise picture has formed in relation to the roles that these ditched field systems played in the regional development of the area. However, a detailed record of the full spatial extent, combined construction costs, and potential agricultural productivity has not been attempted on a larger scale. This thesis highlights these avenues of interest through data obtained from high- and medium-resolution satellite imagery and manipulated through geographic information systems (GIS) technology. The research explores environmental factors and topographic elements dictating the distribution of such entities, the energetic involvement required to construct and maintain the systems, and the efficiency of wetland techniques as compared to traditional milpa agriculture. Spatial analyses reveal a total of 254 distinct wetland field systems within the 6560 square kilometer area of interest, clustered along navigable waterways, seasonal lagoons, and upland landscapes separating the Hondo and New Rivers. Energetic estimates illustrate substantial investment in wetland field construction, spanning several generations based on a locally available workforce. However, productivity calculations associated with the ditched field systems commonly exceed those attributed to milpa techniques, suggesting agricultural surplus far beyond the immediate need. These combined data indicate the potential export of maize and other agricultural commodities to regional centers in northern Belize and further abroad during the Late Preclassic and Late to Terminal Classic Periods through riverine trade networks. Additionally, these data help illustrate participation trends and patterns of connectivity relating to tiered sites within the area of interest. This research contributes to the overall understanding of wetland agriculture within Mesoamerica as well as provides insight into the political management of intensive agricultural production during Maya prehistory.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006360, ucf:51514
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006360
- Title
- Shifted Plastic Hinge Column Connections Using Grouted Sleeves for Accelerated Bridge Construction.
- Creator
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Al-Jelawy, Haider, Mackie, Kevin, Gou, Jihua, Chopra, Manoj, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is being increasingly used in new bridge construction and repair. ABC typically requires prefabricated elements joined with mechanical couplers. Grouted sleeves (GSs) offer good construction tolerances and load transfer between precast elements. However, previous research identified some performance issues with precast columns employing GS connections for seismic regions. Therefore, there is a need to develop improved connection details. This research...
Show moreAccelerated bridge construction (ABC) is being increasingly used in new bridge construction and repair. ABC typically requires prefabricated elements joined with mechanical couplers. Grouted sleeves (GSs) offer good construction tolerances and load transfer between precast elements. However, previous research identified some performance issues with precast columns employing GS connections for seismic regions. Therefore, there is a need to develop improved connection details. This research consists of three components; testing of six large-scale precast reinforced concrete column models, a series of individual component tests on GS bar splices, and analytical studies. Large-scale, precast column models were designed and experimentally tested using a shifted plastic hinge (SPH) concept to minimize the damage in the capacity-protected elements and retain the column ductility. The column testing matrix considered aspect ratio, moment gradient, and splicing details. Column models were tested in an upright cantilever configuration under quasi-static cyclic load. Results showed that SPH can be used for both flexural and flexural-shear columns. Two types of component tests were performed: tensile tests to quantify the tensile behavior of the splices, and strain penetration tests to quantify the slip at the sleeve ends. The tests were used to obtain constitutive models for the bond-slip behavior of the GS splices.Results showed that GS splices developed the full ultimate stress of the spliced bars and that the slip at sleeve ends can considerably influence the global behavior of the precast columns. The analytical models were developed in OpenSees using fiber-based beams models and they incorporated the calibrated bond-slip models of GS splices. The large-scale column tests were simulated and compared with respective experimental results. Analytical results showed that the developed models were able to mimic the column behavior and can be used for analysis of GS precast columns.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006851, ucf:51739
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006851
- Title
- Does Constructive Criticism Boost Creativity? Examining the Moderating Role of Leader-Member Exchange, Learning Goal Orientation, and Feedback Seeking Behavior.
- Creator
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Burnell, Devin, Modianos, Doan, Ford, Cameron, Ehrhart, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research investigates whether constructive criticism enhances creative performance within the relationship context of leaders and followers. Previous research on leadership and creativity defines creative products as novel and useful, but overlooks antecedents to creative action(-)the immediate precondition of creative products. Creative action, or creative performance, includes (1) identifying a problem, (2) searching for information, (3) generating solutions, and (4) evaluating the...
Show moreThis research investigates whether constructive criticism enhances creative performance within the relationship context of leaders and followers. Previous research on leadership and creativity defines creative products as novel and useful, but overlooks antecedents to creative action(-)the immediate precondition of creative products. Creative action, or creative performance, includes (1) identifying a problem, (2) searching for information, (3) generating solutions, and (4) evaluating the best solution. Previous research informs that three psychological mechanisms are responsible for creative actions: (1) sense-making, (2) motivation, and (3) knowledge processes. Constructive criticism is posited to act simultaneously on each of these processes to encourage creative performance across the creativity process. This relationship is hypothesized to be moderated by leader-member exchange. Furthermore, follower feedback-seeking behavior and learning goal orientation are also hypothesized to moderate the constructive criticism and creativity relationship. A series of moderated multiple regression analyses were conducted on survey data from 201 employees and 83 leader-follower dyads. Results indicate that constructive criticism has a null relationship with creativity, and may be detrimental to the in-role performance of followers. However, more nuanced analyses show that these relationships are to some degree moderated by leader-member exchange, the follower's learning goal orientation, and the follower's frequency of feedback seeking behavior.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006982, ucf:51681
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006982
- Title
- A real-time crane service scheduling decision support system (CSS-DSS) for construction tower cranes.
- Creator
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Zavichi Tork, Amir, Madani Larijani, Kaveh, Oloufa, Amr, Tatari, Mehmet, Xanthopoulos, Petros, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The success of construction projects depends on proper use of construction equipment and machinery to a great extent. Thus, appropriate planning and control of the activities that rely on construction equipment could have significant effects on improving the efficiency of project operations. Cranes are the largest and most conspicuous construction equipment, widely used in typical construction sites. They play a major role in relocation of materials in horizontal and vertical directions on...
Show moreThe success of construction projects depends on proper use of construction equipment and machinery to a great extent. Thus, appropriate planning and control of the activities that rely on construction equipment could have significant effects on improving the efficiency of project operations. Cranes are the largest and most conspicuous construction equipment, widely used in typical construction sites. They play a major role in relocation of materials in horizontal and vertical directions on construction sites. Given the nature of activities relying on construction cranes in various stages of a project, cranes normally have control over the critical path of the project with the potential to create schedule bottlenecks and delaying the completion of the project. This dissertation intends to improve crane operations efficiency by developing a new framework for optimizing crane service sequence schedule. The crane service sequence problem is mathematically formulated as an NP-complete optimization problem based on the well-known Travel Salesman Problem (TSP) and is solved using different optimization techniques depending on the problem's size and complexity. The proposed framework sets the basis for developing near-real time decision support tools for on-site optimization of crane operations sequence. To underline the value of the proposed crane sequence optimization methods, these methods are employed to solve several numerical examples. Results show that the proposed method can create a travel time saving of 28% on average in comparison with conventional scheduling methods such as First in First out (FIFO), Shortest Job First (SJF), and Earliest Deadline First (EDF).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005078, ucf:50738
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005078
- Title
- The Moral Oppression of the Teaching Profession: Learning to Transcend.
- Creator
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Smith, Rebecca, Hewitt, Randall, Carter, Shannon, Terzian, Sevan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis is both descriptive and philosophical, and at its core, it justifies the need for social foundations of education courses and programs in the university setting. It begins by analyzing the meaning of oppression and the part knowledge plays in confining the individual. The analysis then draws upon Patricia Hill Collins' theory of intersecting oppressions to get at the complexities and restrictions of working in the public schooling institution. It works through the ways in which...
Show moreThis thesis is both descriptive and philosophical, and at its core, it justifies the need for social foundations of education courses and programs in the university setting. It begins by analyzing the meaning of oppression and the part knowledge plays in confining the individual. The analysis then draws upon Patricia Hill Collins' theory of intersecting oppressions to get at the complexities and restrictions of working in the public schooling institution. It works through the ways in which sexist, classist, and racist practices afflict everyone in the institution through the bureaucratic mechanism and collateral oppression. The four components that make up the wires on the cage (gender, class, race, and bureaucracy) not only confine; they cause varying degrees of direct and indirect harms (psychological, emotional, moral, financial) to those on the inside. The concept of the institutional cage is then merged with Rodman Webb's work on schools as total institutions. Through an analysis on the characteristics of total institutions, it becomes apparent that standardization, technological developments, and the influence of venture philanthropy have brought schools more in-line with the total institution. The study then clarifies the ways in which corporatic, bureaucratic, and technocratic mentalities infect the institution, where they intersect, and how they restrict those within. The components coalesce into the conceptualization of moral oppression: the act of being coerced to ignore and suppress one's morality, moral impulses, and moral way of knowing. The remainder of the study explores the meaning of moral action and suggests some ways educators can let go of the ways of thinking and acting that may be keeping them from confidently doing what they know to be good and just.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004940, ucf:49621
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004940
