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- Title
- Effects of Mixed-reality Peer Interactions on Workplace Problem-solving of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
- Creator
-
Bukaty, Caitlyn, Dieker, Lisa, Marino, Matthew, Hines, Rebecca, Kohler, Paula, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have deficits in problem-solving skills within the realm of social communication, which may pose a barrier to employment (Livermore (&) Goodman, 2009). The ability to provide appropriate verbal responses is critical to success in an inclusive workplace for people with ID (Alber, Heward, (&) Hippler, 1999). Foley and colleagues (2013) found individuals with ID with strong communication skills were more likely to be engaged in...
Show moreIndividuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have deficits in problem-solving skills within the realm of social communication, which may pose a barrier to employment (Livermore (&) Goodman, 2009). The ability to provide appropriate verbal responses is critical to success in an inclusive workplace for people with ID (Alber, Heward, (&) Hippler, 1999). Foley and colleagues (2013) found individuals with ID with strong communication skills were more likely to be engaged in independent employment than peers with weak communication skills. Furthermore, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA; 2014) mandated improved access to inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. However, social communication for the workplace is a seldom addressed skill (Langford, 2013; Matsumoto (&) Hwang, 2013b).In an attempt to contribute to the research base surrounding workplace communication skills for individuals with ID the researcher conducted an experimental group design study to examine the effects of mixed-reality virtual peer interactions on workplace problem-solving. The Innovative Facilitation of Requisite Communication Skills for Employment (In-FORCE) intervention consisted of four 5-minute interactions with a virtual avatar playing the role of a peer in the TLE TeachLivE(TM) (TLE) virtual environment. Each participant in the treatment group completed the intervention. During interactions participants discussed workplace problem scenarios with the peer avatar, and received coaching and feedback from the avatar. Scenarios were based on a soft skills curriculum from the U.S. DOL (n.d.) and were validated by experts in the field of entry level employment. Problem-solving achievement was measured using a checklist. Checklist data were analyzed between pretest and posttest based on group assignment using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with one factor between.The results of the analysis indicated positive change between pretest and posttest for individual members of the treatment group, but the results were not statistically significant. A possible reason for this lack of significance is the minimal amount of time participants spent engaged in the intervention. The 20 minutes total intervention time was advantageous as it (1) required participants to spend minimal time away from regular daily activities; (2) controlled the emotional impact of the interactions, as 5 minutes in a simulator has been found to have to the emotional equivalence of 30 minutes of human interaction (Dieker, Hynes, Hughes, (&) Smith, 2008); and (3) it allowed the intervention to be delivered at the cost of $40 per participant. Despite controlling for time in this study, more time engaged in the intervention may have led to more noticeable results. Building upon potential changes and future implications the researcher discusses the findings, implications for problem-solving and employment skills training, and the reconceptualization of research practices for individuals with ID.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006272, ucf:51050
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006272
- Title
- A Comparison of Concurrent Correctness Criteria for Shared Memory Based Data Structure.
- Creator
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Bhattacharya, Dipanjan, Dechev, Damian, Leavens, Gary, Bassiouni, Mostafa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Developing concurrent algorithms requires safety and liveness to be defined in order to understand their proper behavior. Safety refers to the correctness criteria while liveness is the progress guarantee. Nowadays there are a variety of correctness conditions for concurrent objects. The way these correctness conditions differ and the various trade-offs they present with respect to performance, usability, and progress guarantees is poorly understood. This presents a daunting task for the...
Show moreDeveloping concurrent algorithms requires safety and liveness to be defined in order to understand their proper behavior. Safety refers to the correctness criteria while liveness is the progress guarantee. Nowadays there are a variety of correctness conditions for concurrent objects. The way these correctness conditions differ and the various trade-offs they present with respect to performance, usability, and progress guarantees is poorly understood. This presents a daunting task for the developers and users of such concurrent algorithms who are trying to better understand the correctness of their code and the various trade-offs associated with their design choices and use. The purpose of this study is to explore the set of known correctness conditions for concurrent objects, find their correlations and categorize them, and provide insights regarding their implications with respect to performance and usability. In this thesis, a comparative study of Linearizability, Sequential Consistency, Quiescent Consistency and Quasi Linearizability will be presented using data structures like FIFO Queues, Stacks, and Priority Queues, and with a case study for performance of these implementations using different correctness criteria.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006263, ucf:51046
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006263
- Title
- A Lab-Scale Experimental Framework for Studying the Phenomenon of Autorotation.
- Creator
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Rimkus, Sigitas, Das, Tuhin, Xu, Yunjun, Simaan, Marwan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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While wind energy has emerged as a popular source of renewable energy, the traditional wind turbine has an inherent limitation, namely that it only generates power in the presence of sufficiently high and consistent wind speeds. As a result, wind farms are typically built in areas with a high probability of the required wind speeds, which are geographically sparse. One way of overcoming this drawback is to tap into the energy available in winds at high altitudes which are not only consistent...
Show moreWhile wind energy has emerged as a popular source of renewable energy, the traditional wind turbine has an inherent limitation, namely that it only generates power in the presence of sufficiently high and consistent wind speeds. As a result, wind farms are typically built in areas with a high probability of the required wind speeds, which are geographically sparse. One way of overcoming this drawback is to tap into the energy available in winds at high altitudes which are not only consistent and of high magnitude, but also globally pervasive. An airborne wind energy device based upon the phenomenon of autorotation could potentially be used to exploit the abundance of wind of energy present at high altitudes.The work in this thesis first presents our study of a tethered-airfoil system as a candidate airborne wind energy (AWE) system. A mathematical model was used to show the feasibility of energy capture and the stability of the device in a wind field. Subsequently, the research identified the principle of autorotation to be better suited for high altitude energy harvesting. To this end, the thesis first presents a theoretical basis of the principle of autorotation, which is developed from existing models in literature. The model was adapted to predict aerodynamic conditions when used for harvesting energy. Encouraging simulation results prompted the main emphasis of this thesis, namely design of an experimental framework to corroborate the theory. Several experiments were devised to determine basic performance characteristics of an autogyro rotor and the data from each experiment is presented. A lab-scale experimental setup was developed as part of this thesis. The setup, consisting of a flapping-blade autogyro rotor and sensors, was used to acquire preliminary aerodynamic performance data. It is envisioned that refinements to this setup will ultimately provide a means of directly comparing analytical and experimental data. In this regard, we provide conclusions and make comments on improvements for future experiments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005239, ucf:50593
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005239
- Title
- OPTIMIZING THE DESIGN OF MULTIMODAL USER INTERFACES.
- Creator
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Reeves, Leah, Stanney, Kay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Due to a current lack of principle-driven multimodal user interface design guidelines, designers may encounter difficulties when choosing the most appropriate display modality for given users or specific tasks (e.g., verbal versus spatial tasks). The development of multimodal display guidelines from both a user and task domain perspective is thus critical to the achievement of successful human-system interaction. Specifically, there is a need to determine how to design task information...
Show moreDue to a current lack of principle-driven multimodal user interface design guidelines, designers may encounter difficulties when choosing the most appropriate display modality for given users or specific tasks (e.g., verbal versus spatial tasks). The development of multimodal display guidelines from both a user and task domain perspective is thus critical to the achievement of successful human-system interaction. Specifically, there is a need to determine how to design task information presentation (e.g., via which modalities) to capitalize on an individual operator's information processing capabilities and the inherent efficiencies associated with redundant sensory information, thereby alleviating information overload. The present effort addresses this issue by proposing a theoretical framework (Architecture for Multi-Modal Optimization, AMMO) from which multimodal display design guidelines and adaptive automation strategies may be derived. The foundation of the proposed framework is based on extending, at a functional working memory (WM) level, existing information processing theories and models with the latest findings in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and other allied sciences. The utility of AMMO lies in its ability to provide designers with strategies for directing system design, as well as dynamic adaptation strategies (i.e., multimodal mitigation strategies) in support of real-time operations. In an effort to validate specific components of AMMO, a subset of AMMO-derived multimodal design guidelines was evaluated with a simulated weapons control system multitasking environment. The results of this study demonstrated significant performance improvements in user response time and accuracy when multimodal display cues were used (i.e., auditory and tactile, individually and in combination) to augment the visual display of information, thereby distributing human information processing resources across multiple sensory and WM resources. These results provide initial empirical support for validation of the overall AMMO model and a sub-set of the principle-driven multimodal design guidelines derived from it. The empirically-validated multimodal design guidelines may be applicable to a wide range of information-intensive computer-based multitasking environments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001636, ucf:47237
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001636
- Title
- AN HEDONOMIC EVALUATION OF PLEASURABLE HUMAN-TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE: THE EFFECT OF EXPOSURE AND AESTHETICS ON THE EXPERIENCE OF FLOW.
- Creator
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Murphy, Lauren, Hancock, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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A framework was developed called the Extended Hedonomic Hierarchy (EHH) that provides a basis for evaluating pleasurable human-system experience. Results from a number of experiments within this framework that evaluated specific dimensions of the framework are reported. The 'Exposure' component of the EHH framework and hedonics of the system were investigated to see how changes would affect other dimensions, such as the occurrence of flow, the mode of interaction, and the needs of the user....
Show moreA framework was developed called the Extended Hedonomic Hierarchy (EHH) that provides a basis for evaluating pleasurable human-system experience. Results from a number of experiments within this framework that evaluated specific dimensions of the framework are reported. The 'Exposure' component of the EHH framework and hedonics of the system were investigated to see how changes would affect other dimensions, such as the occurrence of flow, the mode of interaction, and the needs of the user. Simulations and video games were used to investigate how repeated exposure affects flow, interaction mode, and the user needs. The Kansei Engineering method was used to measure user needs and investigate the effect of different hedonic properties of the system on user needs and flow. Findings reveal that: (a) pleasurable human-system experience increases linearly with repeated exposure to the technology of interest; (b) an habituation effect of flow mediated by day; (c) motivation to satisfy human need for technology is hierarchically structured and contributes to pleasurable human-system experience; (d) interactivity is hierarchically structured and seamless mode of interaction is a behavioral outcome of pleasurable human-system experience; (e) there are individual differences among users that affect the likelihood of experiencing pleasurable human-system interaction; (f) performance is positively correlated to flow and (g) the method of kansei engineering provides data from which informed decisions about design can be made and empirical research can be conducted. Suggestions for (a) making Hedonomics a reality in industry, the workplace, and in the field of Human Factors, (b) future research directions for Hedonomics, and (c) principles and guidelines for the practice of Hedonomics are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000875, ucf:46650
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000875
- Title
- EDUCATIONAL HANDHELD VIDEO: EXAMINING SHOT COMPOSITION, GRAPHIC DESIGN, AND THEIR IMPACT ON LEARNING.
- Creator
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Hutchens, Jason, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Formal features of video such as shot composition and graphic design can weigh heavily on the success or failure of educational videos. Many studies have assessed the proper use of these techniques given the psychological expectations that viewers have for video programming (Hawkins et al., 2002; Kenny, 2002; Lang, Zhou, Schwardtz, Bolls, & Potter, 2000; McCain, Chilberg, & Wakshlag, 1977; McCain & Repensky, 1972; Miller, 2005; Morris, 1984; Roe, 1998; Schmitt, Anderson, & Collins, 1999;...
Show moreFormal features of video such as shot composition and graphic design can weigh heavily on the success or failure of educational videos. Many studies have assessed the proper use of these techniques given the psychological expectations that viewers have for video programming (Hawkins et al., 2002; Kenny, 2002; Lang, Zhou, Schwardtz, Bolls, & Potter, 2000; McCain, Chilberg, & Wakshlag, 1977; McCain & Repensky, 1972; Miller, 2005; Morris, 1984; Roe, 1998; Schmitt, Anderson, & Collins, 1999; Sherman & Etling, 1991; Tannenbaum & Fosdick, 1960; Wagner, 1953). This study examined formal features within the context of the newly emerging distribution method of viewing video productions on mobile handheld devices. Shot composition and graphic design were examined in the context of an educational video to measure whether or not they had any influence on user perceptions of learning and learning outcomes. The two formal features were modified for display on 24 inch screens and on 3.5 inch or smaller screens. Participants were shown one of the four modified treatments, then presented with a test to measure whether or not the modified formal features had any impact or influence on learning outcomes from a sample of 132 undergraduate college students. No significant differences were found to occur as a result of manipulation of formal features between the treatment groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002371, ucf:47797
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002371
- Title
- The Effects of Presentation Mode and Pace on Learning Immunology with Computer Simulation: A Cognitive Evaluation of a Multimedia Learning Resource.
- Creator
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Bradley-Radakovich, Kristy, Kincaid, John, Khaled, Annette, McDaniel, Rudy, Greenwood-Ericksen, Adams, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Multimedia learning tools have the potential to benefit instructors and learners as supplemental learning materials. However, when such tools are designed inappropriately, this can increase cognitive taxation and impede learning, rendering the tools ineffective. Guided by the theoretical underpinnings provided by cognitive load theory and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, this study sought to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of a multimedia simulation tool aimed at teaching...
Show moreMultimedia learning tools have the potential to benefit instructors and learners as supplemental learning materials. However, when such tools are designed inappropriately, this can increase cognitive taxation and impede learning, rendering the tools ineffective. Guided by the theoretical underpinnings provided by cognitive load theory and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, this study sought to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of a multimedia simulation tool aimed at teaching immunology to novices in an instructional setting. The instructional mode and pace of the tool were manipulated, the three levels of each variable yielding nine experimental groups. The effects of mode and pace on workload and learning scores were observed. The results of this study did not support the theory-driven hypotheses. No significant learning gains were found between the configuration groups, however overall significant learning gains were subsequently found when disregarding mode and pace configuration. Pace was found to influence workload such that fast pace presentations significantly increased workload ratings and a significant interaction of mode and pace was found for workload ratings. The findings suggest that the learning material was too high in intrinsic load and the working memory of the learners too highly taxed for the benefits of applying the design principles to be observed. Results also illustrate a potential exception to the conditions of the design principles when complex terminology is to be presented. Workload findings interpreted in the context of stress adaptation potentially indicate points at which learners at maximum capacity begin to exhibit performance decrements.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004090, ucf:49150
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004090
- Title
- CREATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND USE MIX, NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC REALM ENGAGEMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL CAPITAL.
- Creator
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Burns, William, Korosec, Ronnie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research provides a confirmatory based analysis which begins with the planning concept of land use mix and explores its explanatory affect upon resident perceptions of their built environment in terms of proximity of recreation and retail destinations within their neighborhood public realm. This research further explores the residentÂÂ's potential inclination to access these destinations by non motorized active travel modes of walking or bicycling. This research...
Show moreThis research provides a confirmatory based analysis which begins with the planning concept of land use mix and explores its explanatory affect upon resident perceptions of their built environment in terms of proximity of recreation and retail destinations within their neighborhood public realm. This research further explores the residentÂÂ's potential inclination to access these destinations by non motorized active travel modes of walking or bicycling. This research examines the relationship between the propensity for active travel within the neighborhood public realm and levels of resident active engagement (walking and bicycling) and passive engagement (sitting on the front porch) in the neighborhood public realm. This research then examines the relationship between public realm engagement and levels of neighborhood social capital. There are two overarching types of community design patterns, the traditional design pattern, which generally provides higher levels of land use mix and the conventional suburban design pattern, which generally provides lower levels of land use mix (primarily single use). Since the end of World War II, virtually all of the Florida landscape has been developed with the conventional suburban design pattern. In the past ten years, several planning based initiatives have been undertaken by regional planning advocacy and academic organizations which examine differing outcomes associated with the implementation of traditional versus suburban design patterns. Specifically, these studies sought to understand how these different design patterns would translate into the development of existing undisturbed uplands and wetlands. Two major studies, the Penn Design Study (2004) sponsored by the University of Central Florida Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies and the ÂÂ"How Shall We GrowÂÂ" (2006) study sponsored by MyRegion.org in association with the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, provided scenarios associated with future growth outcomes over the next fifty years within the seven county Central Florida region. These study initiatives concluded that the conventional suburban pattern should no longer be implemented in order to reduce future adverse impacts to FloridaÂÂ's environment. These studies supported the implementation of a more traditional pattern of growth, with its higher levels of compactness, mixed land uses and connectivity, as the preferred form of future land development. They demonstrated that traditional design forms would reduce the amount of impacted undeveloped land and also reduce the amount of public service costs associated with lower levels of compactness and land use mix. Although the aforementioned studies provide a very informative evaluation from an environmental perspective, they do not extend their differing potential growth scenarios to a ÂÂ"healthy communitiesÂÂ" perspective. This research endeavors to begin to fill that gap through evidence based research using a confirmatory model approach that addresses relationships between phenomena that may be indicative of healthy communities. This study identifies the phenomena of outdoor neighborhood public realm engagement, primarily in the form of physical activity (walking and bicycling) and socializing in the public realm, and neighborhood level social capital, and their potential relationship with higher and lower levels of land use mix. This research posits a pathway mechanism, using structural equation modeling, to better grasp their possible relationships. This research seeks to add evidence based research to the public policy discussion pertaining to the type of future land development patterns that will be advocated by citizens and public policy makers by providing a fuller evaluative resource that includes a discussion of ÂÂ"healthy communitiesÂÂ" in terms of outdoor physical activity and social interaction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003515, ucf:48948
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003515
- Title
- THE INTEGRATED USER EXPERIENCE EVALUATION MODEL: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO INTEGRATING USER EXPERIENCE DATA SOURCES.
- Creator
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Champney, Roberto, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Evaluating the user experience (UX) associated with product interaction is a challenge for current human-systems developers. This is largely due to a lack of theoretical guidance for directing how best to assess the UX and a paucity of tools to support such evaluation. This dissertation provided a framework and tools for guiding and supporting evaluation of the user experience. This doctoral research involved reviewing the literature on UX, using this knowledge to build first build a...
Show moreEvaluating the user experience (UX) associated with product interaction is a challenge for current human-systems developers. This is largely due to a lack of theoretical guidance for directing how best to assess the UX and a paucity of tools to support such evaluation. This dissertation provided a framework and tools for guiding and supporting evaluation of the user experience. This doctoral research involved reviewing the literature on UX, using this knowledge to build first build a theoretical model of the UX construct and later develop a theoretical model to for the evaluation of UX in order to aid evaluators – the integrated User eXperience EValuation (iUXEV), and empirically validating select components of the model through three case studies. The developed evaluation model was subjected to a three phase validation process that included the development and application of different components of the model separately. The first case study focused on developing a tool and method for assessing the affective component of UX which resulted in lessons learned for the integration of the tool and method into the iUXEV model. The second case study focused on integrating several tools that target different components of UX and resulted in a better understanding of how the data could be utilized as well as identify the need for an integration method to bring the data together. The third case study focused on the application of the results of an usability evaluation on an organizational setting which resulted in the identification of challenges and needs faced by practitioners. Taken together, this body of research, from the theoretically-driven iUXEV model to the newly developed emotional assessment tool, extends the user experience / usability body of knowledge and state-of-practice for interaction design practitioners who are challenged with holistic user experience evaluations, thereby advancing the state-of-the-art in UX design and evaluation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002761, ucf:48098
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002761
- Title
- Grounding Design of Instruction: An exploration of the uses of Scientific-Based Research and Theory in the Design of Online Instruction by Faculty in Higher Education.
- Creator
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Koech, Japheth, Gunter, Glenda, Xu, Lihua, Hartshorne, Richard, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study was conducted to explore the processes educators in higher education used to ground their design of online instruction using scientific-based research and theory. Literature reviewed suggested reasons educators fail to ground the design of instruction were a lack of formal training in instructional methods, skills, support, and research understanding. The rationale for the study was to (a) increase understanding of how educators use scientific research and theory as a basis in...
Show moreThis study was conducted to explore the processes educators in higher education used to ground their design of online instruction using scientific-based research and theory. Literature reviewed suggested reasons educators fail to ground the design of instruction were a lack of formal training in instructional methods, skills, support, and research understanding. The rationale for the study was to (a) increase understanding of how educators use scientific research and theory as a basis in decision-making during design and creation of online instruction,(b)identify best practices, and (c) add to the conversation in the instructional design field. A qualitative case study research design was utilized to interview, review course, and review documents of four participants to capture their viewpoints as to the (a) meaning of; (b) evidence; (c) step by step processes; and (d) problems associated with the processes of grounding the design of online instruction in scientific-based research and theory. Data obtained were analyzed through detailed case description, direct interpretation, cross-case analysis, pattern establishment, and naturalistic generalization. Pedagogy, instructional design, instructional technology, support, and problems emerged as key thematic issues. Findings suggested that although educators were consistent in defining meaning, followed step-by-step processes, and had evidence to support their decisions, they encountered logistical challenges of time, technology and design in the process of using scientific-based research and theory to ground the design of online instruction. The implications for practice from this research were similar to recommendations of other researchers. For this process to be smoother, regular training, peer professional interactions, and support must be present.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005821, ucf:50022
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005821
- Title
- DESIGNING FOR A JAPANESE HIGH-CONTEXT CULTURE: CULTURE'S INFLUENCE ON THE TECHNICAL WRITER'S VISUAL RHETORIC.
- Creator
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Carpenter, Russell, Flammia, Madelyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis analyzes the challenges technical writers face when designing documents for high-context cultures, such as the Japanese. When developing documents intended to cross cultural gulfs, technical writers must take into consideration cultural expectations, preferences, and practices in document design and communication. High-context cultures, such as Japan, design documents using drastically different design strategies than those used in the United States. Japanese communication habits...
Show moreThis thesis analyzes the challenges technical writers face when designing documents for high-context cultures, such as the Japanese. When developing documents intended to cross cultural gulfs, technical writers must take into consideration cultural expectations, preferences, and practices in document design and communication. High-context cultures, such as Japan, design documents using drastically different design strategies than those used in the United States. Japanese communication habits are more ambiguous than communication in the United States. Thus, the Japanese often use visuals for their aesthetic appeal, not for their ability to complement the text that surrounds the visual. The ambiguous nature of high-context culture communication habits often pose problems when Americans try to communicate--whether through written or oral communication--with a high-context audience. Without careful analysis and research into these cultural implications, the technical writer risks developing unsuccessful documents that do not accomplish the goals of the communication. It takes years of research to understand cultural differences, especially in the case of Japanese communication habits. With the research presented in this thesis, technical writers will understand better how to address document design issues when designing for high-context cultures in general and the Japanese culture specifically. In order to effectively analyze document design strategies across cultures, I have collected documents from two cultures--from the United States and from Japan. These two cultures represent a low-context culture, the United States, and a high-context culture, Japan. The United States and Japan are opposite each other on Edward T. Hall's cultural continuum, providing ideal subjects for a cross-cultural document design analysis. Using previous research in document design and cultural studies, I have established a grid for analyzing visual elements in the documents I have collected--full color automobile sales booklets. I analyze both high- and low-context documents against this grid. The various document design grids allow for visual representation of document design decisions in both cultures. American international technical communicators can use these grids as a starting point for addressing the cultural implications of document design for high-context audiences. The research presented in this thesis shows that high- and low-context cultures use visuals much differently. Readers, in both cultures, are persuaded differently by visual elements. By exploring and analyzing the use of visuals such as photos, diagrams, line drawings, and the way both cultures use visuals to approach their audiences, this thesis attempts to present an explanation of visuals in high-context cultures that will aid American technical writers who design documents for international audiences. This thesis uses Japanese cultural analysis and Japanese design theories to explain high-context design decisions applied to Japanese documents.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000372, ucf:46336
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000372
- Title
- INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF 3-D SPATIALIZED AUDITORY CUES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITUATION AWARENESS FOR TEAMS.
- Creator
-
Milham, Laura, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation investigated the effects of spatialized auditory cues on the development of situation awareness for teams. Based on extant research, it was hypothesized that 3-D spatialized auditory cues can be utilized by teams to develop knowledge about team member location in addition to supporting the usage of team behaviors for developing and maintaining situation awareness. Accordingly, the study examined how situation awareness would be differentially influenced by varying the type...
Show moreThis dissertation investigated the effects of spatialized auditory cues on the development of situation awareness for teams. Based on extant research, it was hypothesized that 3-D spatialized auditory cues can be utilized by teams to develop knowledge about team member location in addition to supporting the usage of team behaviors for developing and maintaining situation awareness. Accordingly, the study examined how situation awareness would be differentially influenced by varying the type of auditory cues incorporated into virtual environment (VE) team training scenarios within the context of a MOUT team task. In general, the results of this study provided partial support for the beneficial effects of 3-D audio cues in facilitating the development of situation awareness and reducing workload. Implications are discussed in the context of design guidance for VE training systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000857, ucf:46653
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000857
- Title
- Analyzing Faculty Attitudes and Actions Surrounding Distance Education Accommodations and Inclusiveness Based On UDL Principles.
- Creator
-
Cash, Catherine, Cox, Thomas, Vitale, Thomas, Preston, Michael, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As distance education continues to increase, it is vital that postsecondary institutions contribute time and resources towards upholding inclusive teaching practices that decrease barriers and increase opportunities for diverse student populations. This study examined faculty attitudes and actions surrounding online accommodations and inclusive teaching practices that were based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles using the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI), which...
Show moreAs distance education continues to increase, it is vital that postsecondary institutions contribute time and resources towards upholding inclusive teaching practices that decrease barriers and increase opportunities for diverse student populations. This study examined faculty attitudes and actions surrounding online accommodations and inclusive teaching practices that were based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles using the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI), which was adapted into the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory-Distance Education (ITSI-DE) to focus on faculty teaching fully online courses. The ITSI-DE measured the following seven constructs: (a) Accommodations, (b) Accessible Course Materials, (c) Course Modifications, (d) Inclusive Lecture Strategies, (e) Inclusive Classroom, (f) Inclusive Assessment, and (g) Disability Law and Concepts (Lombardi et al., 2015). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) affirmed a five-factor structure for action subscales, and seven-factor structure for attitudinal subscales for the ITSI-DE. The internal consistency calculated for the ITSI-DE was consistent with prior values reported for the ITSI, which ranged from .70 to .85 (Lombardi et al., 2013). A Pearson product moment correlation was performed, which confirmed a statistically significant correlation between faculty attitudes and actions. Next, a multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine if significant differences existed between faculty attitudes and actions based on instructional rank, college, age, or gender. Results affirmed statistically significant differences between faculty attitudes and actions based on gender. Lastly, no significant findings were associated with the three chi square test of association that were performed to identify if college, age, or gender influenced preferred methods of training on inclusive teaching practices. Descriptive statistics indicated the largest percentage of faculty preferred to receive information and training on inclusive teaching practices via online methods (46.8%) versus face-to-face methods (34.3%) and hard copy print methods (18.9%).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007747, ucf:52399
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007747
- Title
- Uncertainty treatment in performance based seismic assessment of typical bridge classes in United States.
- Creator
-
Mehdizadeh Nasrabadi, Mohammad, Mackie, Kevin, Catbas, Necati, Yun, Hae-Bum, Xanthopoulos, Petros, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Bridge networks are expensive and complex infrastructures and are essential components of today's transportation systems. Despite the advancement in computer aided modeling and increasing the computational power which is increasing the accessibility for developing the fragility curves of bridges, the complexity of the problem and uncertainties involved in fragility analysis of the bridge structures in addition to difficulties in validating the results obtained from the analysis requires...
Show moreBridge networks are expensive and complex infrastructures and are essential components of today's transportation systems. Despite the advancement in computer aided modeling and increasing the computational power which is increasing the accessibility for developing the fragility curves of bridges, the complexity of the problem and uncertainties involved in fragility analysis of the bridge structures in addition to difficulties in validating the results obtained from the analysis requires precaution in utilization of the results as a decision making tool. The main focus of this research is to address, study and treatment of uncertainties incorporated in various steps of performance based assessments (PBA) of the bridge structures. In this research the uncertainties is divided into three main categories. First, the uncertainties that come from ground motions time and frequency content alteration because of scarcity of the recorded ground motions in the database. Second, uncertainties associated in the modeling and simulation procedure of PBA, and third uncertainties originated from simplistic approach and methods utilized in the conventional procedure of PBA of the structures. Legitimacy of the scaling of ground motions is studied using the response of several simple nonlinear systems to amplitude scaled ground motions suites. Bias in the response obtained compared to unscaled records for both as recorded and synthetic ground motions.Results from this section of the research show the amount of the bias is considerable and can significantly affect the outcome of PBA. The origin of the bias is investigated and consequently a new metric is proposed to predict the bias induced by ground motion scaling without nonlinear analysis. Results demonstrate that utilizing the predictor as a scaling parameter can significantly reduce the bias for various nonlinear structures. Therefore utilizing the new metric as the intensity measuring parameter of the ground motions is recommended in PBA. To address the uncertainties associated in the modeling and simulation, MSSS concrete girder bridge class were selected due to the frequency of the construction in USCS region and lack of seismic detailing. A large scale parameters screening study is performed using Placket-Burman experimental design that considers a more complete group of parameters to decrease the computational expense of probabilistic study of the structure's seismic response. Fragility analysis for MSSS bridge is performed and the effect of removing the lesser important parameters the probabilistic demand model was investigated. This study reveals parameters reduction based on screening study techniques can be utilized to increase efficiency in fragility analysis procedure without compromising the accuracy of the outcome. The results from this study also provides more direct information on parameter reduction for PBA as well as provide insight into where future investments into higher fidelity finite element and constitutive models should be targeted. Conventional simplistic PBA approach does not account for the fundamental correlation between demand and capacity models. A more comprehensive PBA approach is presented and fragility analysis is performed with implementation of a new formulation in the component fragility analysis for MSSS bridge class and the outcome is compared with the one from conventional procedure. The results shows the correlation between demand and capacity affects the outcome of PBA and the fragility functions variation is not negligible. Therefore using the presented approach is necessary when accuracy is needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005531, ucf:50309
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005531
- 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
- OPTIMIZING THE GLOBAL PERFORMANCE OF BUILD-TO-ORDER SUPPLY CHAINS.
- Creator
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Shaalan, Tarek, Geiger, Christopher, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Build-to-order supply chains (BOSCs) have recently received increasing attention due to the shifting focus of manufacturing companies from mass production to mass customization. This shift has generated a growing need for efficient methods to design BOSCs. This research proposes an approach for BOSC design that simultaneously considers multiple performance measures at three stages of a BOSC – Tier I suppliers, the focal manufacturing company and Tier I customers (product delivery...
Show moreBuild-to-order supply chains (BOSCs) have recently received increasing attention due to the shifting focus of manufacturing companies from mass production to mass customization. This shift has generated a growing need for efficient methods to design BOSCs. This research proposes an approach for BOSC design that simultaneously considers multiple performance measures at three stages of a BOSC – Tier I suppliers, the focal manufacturing company and Tier I customers (product delivery couriers). We present a heuristic solution approach that constructs the best BOSC configuration through the selection of suppliers, manufacturing resources at the focal company and delivery couriers. The resulting configuration is the one that yields the best global performance relative to five deterministic performance measures simultaneously, some of which are nonlinear. We compare the heuristic results to those from an exact method, and the results show that the proposed approach yields BOSC configurations with near-optimal performance. The absolute deviation in mean performance across all experiments is consistently less than 4%, with a variance less than 0.5%. We propose a second heuristic approach for the stochastic BOSC environment. Compared to the deterministic BOSC performance, experimental results show that optimizing BOSC performance according to stochastic local performance measures can yield a significantly different supply chain configuration. Local optimization means optimizing according to one performance measure independently of the other four. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we test the impact of local performance variability on the global performance of the BOSC. Experimental results show that, as variability of the local performance increases, the mean global performance decreases, while variation in the global performance increases at steeper levels.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001411, ucf:47063
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001411
- Title
- RIGHT TURN SPLIT: A NEW DESIGN TO ALLEVIATE WEAVING ON ARTERIAL STREETS.
- Creator
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Shaaban, Khaled, Radwan, Essam, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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While weaving maneuvers occur on every type of roadway, most studies have focused on freeway maneuvers. Weaving occurring on non-freeway facilities, such as arterial streets, can cause significant operational problems. Arterial streets weaving typically occur when vehicles coming from a side street at an upstream intersection attempt to enter the main street from one side to reach access points on the opposite site at a downstream intersection by crossing one or more lanes. This dissertation...
Show moreWhile weaving maneuvers occur on every type of roadway, most studies have focused on freeway maneuvers. Weaving occurring on non-freeway facilities, such as arterial streets, can cause significant operational problems. Arterial streets weaving typically occur when vehicles coming from a side street at an upstream intersection attempt to enter the main street from one side to reach access points on the opposite site at a downstream intersection by crossing one or more lanes. This dissertation investigates the type of problems occurring on arterial streets due to the weaving movements and recommends a new design to alleviate weaving on arterial streets. Firstly, the dissertation examined the different weaving movements occurring between two close-spaced intersections at two sites in Florida and explained the breakdown conditions caused by the weaving movements at the two sites. Secondly, the dissertation proposed a new design, Right Turn Split (RTS), to alleviate the delay caused by the weaving movements. The new design proposed separating the worst weaving movement entering the arterial from the other movements and providing a separate path for this movement. The new method is easy to implement and does not require much right of way. Thirdly, the dissertation compared two microscopic models, SimTraffic and VISSIM, to choose the most suitable model to be used to study the operational benefits of the RTS design. Based on the results of the comparison, it was decided to use SimTraffic for the analysis. Fourthly, the dissertation proposed a new calibration and validation procedure for microscopic simulation models. The procedure was applied on SimTraffic using the traffic data from the two studied sites. The proposed procedure appeared to be properly calibrating and validating the SimTraffic simulation model. Finally, the calibrated and validated model was used to study the operational benefits of the RTS design. Using a wide range of geometric and volume conditions, 729 before and after pairs were created to compare the delay of similar scenarios before and after applying the RTS design. The results were analyzed graphically and statistically. The findings of the analysis showed that the RTS design provided lower delay on the arterial street than the original conditions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000402, ucf:46346
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000402
- Title
- INTEGRATING KEY ELEMENTS IN AN E-LEARNING CURRICULUM FOR AN OPTIMUM EDUCATIONAL AND INTERACTIVE USER EXPERIENCE.
- Creator
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Stearns, Heather, Jones, Dan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study determines the particular components that are considered the best practices to use when implementing an e-Learning curriculum. Technical communicators and instructional designers have numerous development options to choose from. However, practices that work in academe do not always integrate well in a corporate setting, and what works for one corporation may not work for another. There is no singular methodology for developers to apply that enables e-Learning to fit every...
Show moreThis study determines the particular components that are considered the best practices to use when implementing an e-Learning curriculum. Technical communicators and instructional designers have numerous development options to choose from. However, practices that work in academe do not always integrate well in a corporate setting, and what works for one corporation may not work for another. There is no singular methodology for developers to apply that enables e-Learning to fit every organization's needs. Research shows that to ensure a successful online learning implementation, a sound project management team must be in place at the beginning of the project planning. This team must be prepared to collaborate with managers and users across an organization and carefully incorporate their suggestions into the curriculum design. Additionally, this team must be experienced not only in making sure that the project is launched on time and within the defined budget, but also in asking pertinent questions about the users, content structure, and design. Implementing an e-Learning site involves more than putting a Web page online for users to view. Developers must know about adult learning styles, must know how to incorporate interactive activities (like games and simulations), and must know how to write content so that it is engaging yet understandable.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002099, ucf:47547
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002099
- Title
- MEDIUM ACCESS CONTROL PROTOCOLS AND ROUTING ALGORITHMS FOR WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS.
- Creator
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Bag, Anirban, Bassiouni, Mostafa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In recent years, the development of a large variety of mobile computing devices has led to wide scale deployment and use of wireless ad hoc and sensor networks. Wireless Sensor Networks consist of battery powered, tiny and cheap "motes", having sensing and wireless communication capabilities. Although wireless motes have limited battery power, communication and computation capabilities, the range of their application is vast. In the first part of the dissertation, we have addressed the...
Show moreIn recent years, the development of a large variety of mobile computing devices has led to wide scale deployment and use of wireless ad hoc and sensor networks. Wireless Sensor Networks consist of battery powered, tiny and cheap "motes", having sensing and wireless communication capabilities. Although wireless motes have limited battery power, communication and computation capabilities, the range of their application is vast. In the first part of the dissertation, we have addressed the specific application of Biomedical Sensor Networks. To solve the problem of data routing in these networks, we have proposed the Adaptive Least Temperature Routing (ALTR) algorithm that reduces the average temperature rise of the nodes in the in-vivo network while routing data efficiently. For delay sensitive biomedical applications, we proposed the Hotspot Preventing Routing (HPR) algorithm which avoids the formation of hotspots (regions having very high temperature) in the network. HPR forwards the packets using the shortest path, bypassing the regions of high temperature and thus significantly reduces the average packet delivery delay, making it suitable for real-time applications of in-vivo networks. We also proposed another routing algorithm suitable for being used in a network of id-less biomedical sensor nodes, namely Routing Algorithm for networks of homogeneous and Id-less biomedical sensor Nodes (RAIN). Finally we developed Biocomm, a cross-layer MAC and Routing protocol co-design for Biomedical Sensor Networks, which optimizes the overall performance of an in-vivo network through cross-layer interactions. We performed extensive simulations to show that the proposed Biocomm protocol performs much better than the other existing MAC and Routing protocols in terms of preventing the formation of hotspots, reducing energy consumption of nodes and preventing network congestion when used in an in-vivo network. In the second part of the dissertation, we have addressed the problems of habitat-monitoring sensor networks, broadcast algorithms for sensor networks and the congestion problem in sensor networks as well as one non-sensor network application, namely, on-chip communication networks. Specifically, we have proposed a variation of HPR algorithm, called Hotspot Preventing Adaptive Routing (HPAR) algorithm, for efficient data routing in Networks On-Chip catering to their specific hotspot prevention issues. A protocol similar to ALTR has been shown to perform well in a sensor network deployed for habitat monitoring. We developed a reliable, low overhead broadcast algorithm for sensor networks namely Topology Adaptive Gossip (TAG) algorithm. To reduce the congestion problem in Wireless Sensor Networks, we proposed a tunable cross-layer Congestion Reducing Medium Access Control (CRMAC) protocol that utilizes buffer status information from the Network layer to give prioritized medium access to congested nodes in the MAC layer and thus preventing congestion and packet drops. CRMAC can also be easily tuned to satisfy different application-specific performance requirements. With the help of extensive simulation results we have shown how CRMAC can be adapted to perform well in different applications of Sensor Network like Emergency Situation that requires a high network throughput and low packet delivery latency or Long-term Monitoring application requiring energy conservation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001915, ucf:47480
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001915
- Title
- MESHFREE APPROXIMATION METHODS FOR FREE-FORM OPTICAL SURFACES WITH APPLICATIONS TO HEAD-WORN DISPLAYS.
- Creator
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Cakmakci, Ozan, Rolland, Jannick, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Compact and lightweight optical designs achieving acceptable image quality, field of view, eye clearance, eyebox size, operating across the visible spectrum, are the key to the success of next generation head-worn displays. The first part of this thesis reports on the design, fabrication, and analysis of off-axis magnifier designs. The first design is catadioptric and consists of two elements. The lens utilizes a diffractive optical element and the mirror has a free-form surface described...
Show moreCompact and lightweight optical designs achieving acceptable image quality, field of view, eye clearance, eyebox size, operating across the visible spectrum, are the key to the success of next generation head-worn displays. The first part of this thesis reports on the design, fabrication, and analysis of off-axis magnifier designs. The first design is catadioptric and consists of two elements. The lens utilizes a diffractive optical element and the mirror has a free-form surface described with an x-y polynomial. A comparison of color correction between doublets and single layer diffractive optical elements in an eyepiece as a function of eye clearance is provided to justify the use of a diffractive optical element. The dual-element design has an 8 mm diameter eyebox, 15 mm eye clearance, 20 degree diagonal full field, and is designed to operate across the visible spectrum between 450-650 nm. 20% MTF at the Nyquist frequency with less than 3% distortion has been achieved in the dual-element head-worn display. An ideal solution for a head-worn display would be a single free-form surface mirror design. A single surface mirror does not have dispersion; therefore, color correction is not required. A single surface mirror can be made see-through by machining the appropriate surface shape on the opposite side to form a zero power shell. The second design consists of a single off-axis free-form mirror described with an x-y polynomial, which achieves a 3 mm diameter exit pupil, 15 mm eye relief, and a 24 degree diagonal full field of view. The second design achieves 10% MTF at the Nyquist frequency set by the pixel spacing of the VGA microdisplay with less than 3% distortion. Both designs have been fabricated using diamond turning techniques. Finally, this thesis addresses the question of "what is the optimal surface shape for a single mirror constrained in an off-axis magnifier configuration with multiple fields?" Typical optical surfaces implemented in raytrace codes today are functions mapping two dimensional vectors to real numbers. The majority of optical designs to-date have relied on conic sections and polynomials as the functions of choice. The choice of conic sections is justified since conic sections are stigmatic surfaces under certain imaging geometries. The choice of polynomials from the point of view of surface description can be challenged. A polynomial surface description may link a designer's understanding of the wavefront aberrations and the surface description. The limitations of using multivariate polynomials are described by a theorem due to Mairhuber and Curtis from approximation theory. This thesis proposes and applies radial basis functions to represent free-form optical surfaces as an alternative to multivariate polynomials. We compare the polynomial descriptions to radial basis functions using the MTF criteria. The benefits of using radial basis functions for surface description are summarized in the context of specific head-worn displays. The benefits include, for example, the performance increase measured by the MTF, or the ability to increase the field of view or pupil size. Even though Zernike polynomials are a complete and orthogonal set of basis over the unit circle and they can be orthogonalized for rectangular or hexagonal pupils using Gram-Schmidt, taking practical considerations into account, such as optimization time and the maximum number of variables available in current raytrace codes, for the specific case of the single off-axis magnifier with a 3 mm pupil, 15 mm eye relief, 24 degree diagonal full field of view, we found the Gaussian radial basis functions to yield a 20% gain in the average MTF at 17 field points compared to a Zernike (using 66 terms) and an x-y polynomial up to and including 10th order. The linear combination of radial basis function representation is not limited to circular apertures. Visualization tools such as field map plots provided by nodal aberration theory have been applied during the analysis of the off-axis systems discussed in this thesis. Full-field displays are used to establish node locations within the field of view for the dual-element head-worn display. The judicious separation of the nodes along the x-direction in the field of view results in well-behaved MTF plots. This is in contrast to an expectation of achieving better performance through restoring symmetry via collapsing the nodes to yield field-quadratic astigmatism.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002479, ucf:47674
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002479
