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- Title
- Process Optimization Towards the Development of an Automated CNC Monitoring System for a Simultaneous Turning and Boring Operation.
- Creator
-
Hernandez, Manuel, Xu, Chengying, Chew, Phyekeng, Xu, Yunjun, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Manufacturing operations generate revenue by adding value to material through machine work and the cost associated with part production hinders the maximum profit available. In order to remain competitive, companies invest in research to maximize profit and reduce waste of manufacturing operations. This results in cheaper products for the customer without sacrificing quality. The purpose of this research was to identify machine settings of an Okuma LC 40 Turning Center and optimize the cost...
Show moreManufacturing operations generate revenue by adding value to material through machine work and the cost associated with part production hinders the maximum profit available. In order to remain competitive, companies invest in research to maximize profit and reduce waste of manufacturing operations. This results in cheaper products for the customer without sacrificing quality. The purpose of this research was to identify machine settings of an Okuma LC 40 Turning Center and optimize the cost of machining in terms of tool cost and energy consumption while maintaining part quality at a productive cycle time. Studying the relationship between energy consumption, tool life, and cycle time with the speed and feed settings through statistical Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method will allow the production plant to make profitable financial decisions concerning simultaneous turning operation of forged chrome-alloy steel. The project was divided into three phases; the first phase began with a literature survey of sensors used in current manufacturing research and the adaptation of our sensors to the Okuma LC 40 turning center. Then, phase II used design of experiments to identify spindle speed and feedrate settings that optimize multiple responses related to the turning process. The result was a saving in energy consumption (kWh) by 11.8%, a saving in cutting time by 13.2% for a total cost reduction from $1.15 per tool pass to $1.075 per tool pass. Furthermore, this work provides the foundation for phase III to develop an intelligent monitoring system to provide real-time information about the state of the machine and tool. For a monitoring system to be implemented in production, it should utilize cost effective sensors and be nonintrusive to the cutting operation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004278, ucf:49510
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004278
- Title
- Internal Degrees of Freedom and Spin Transitions in Single Molecule Magnets.
- Creator
-
Atkinson, James, Del Barco, Enrique, Chen, Bo, Mucciolo, Eduardo, Luis, Fernando, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis covers a range of work detailing the transitions between spin eigenstates in molecular magnet systems. Broadly speaking, these transitions can be divided into two kinds: Those that involve a the tunneling of spin through a potential barrier to a resonant state on the other side, a phenomenon known as quantum tunneling of magnetization, and those that occur through the absorption or emission of a photon. In this latter case, the energy of the photon must match the difference...
Show moreThis thesis covers a range of work detailing the transitions between spin eigenstates in molecular magnet systems. Broadly speaking, these transitions can be divided into two kinds: Those that involve a the tunneling of spin through a potential barrier to a resonant state on the other side, a phenomenon known as quantum tunneling of magnetization, and those that occur through the absorption or emission of a photon. In this latter case, the energy of the photon must match the difference between two eigenstates with a difference in angular momentum of ?. We will detail research performed on single molecule magnets, a class of systems that has established itself as an exemplar of higher-order spin interaction. Specifically, we will present the results of studies focused on two Manganese based systems, both of which represent good examples of single molecule magnet behavior. By performing magnetization measurements below the temperature threshold where these systems' polarizations become hysteretic, we find that the precise form of the observed resonant tunneling features (which includes evidence for strong interference of geometric phase a.k.a. Berry phase) can be related to the specifics of the intramolecular interaction. We have analyzed our results using the (")giant spin(") model (which approximates the system as a single spin) as well as with a (")multi-spin(") method which considers all interactions between the ions in the molecular core. We will also discuss the results of measurements performed on a crystalline sample under stress (uniaxial pressure). The data has been analyzed in a framework in which a physical distortion is modelled as a modification of the molecular anisotropy, with different directions of applied stress represented as changes to different parameters governing the molecular energy landscape. This analysis includes simulation of the magnetic relaxation through a master equation approach to the spin-phonon interaction.Finally, our discussion will outline efforts toward understanding the coherent behavior of spin systems. The (")weak(") and (")strong(") coupling between a photon and spin represent two regimes of an interaction by which the information within a spin can be accessed and manipulated. We will discuss the challenges involved in exploring these regimes, both from a theoretical and experimental standpoint. The purpose of this experiment dovetails with those outlined above in attempting to form an intimate basis of knowledge describing the universal relationships to spin at the most fundamental level.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006524, ucf:51381
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006524
- Title
- Mothers' Temperament, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Psychological Symptoms: How Are Enduring Maternal Characteristics Related to Mothers' Perceptions of Children's Temperament, Behavior Problems, and Adaptive Functioning?.
- Creator
-
Kolomeyer, Ellen, Renk, Kimberly, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Extant literature documented the impact of mothers' characteristics and parenting behaviors on young children's psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated the importance of mothers' adverse childhood experiences in the relationships among some of these constructs. To expand on the existing knowledge, the present study examined the relationships among mothers' temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, and specific parenting behaviors, with reflective...
Show moreExtant literature documented the impact of mothers' characteristics and parenting behaviors on young children's psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated the importance of mothers' adverse childhood experiences in the relationships among some of these constructs. To expand on the existing knowledge, the present study examined the relationships among mothers' temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, and specific parenting behaviors, with reflective functioning and attributions serving as two potential mediating variables in these relationships. A community sample of 224 diverse mothers of young children who were between 2- to 5-years of age rated their own adverse childhood experiences, temperament, reflective functioning, attributions, specific parenting behaviors, satisfaction with their maternal role, and psychological symptoms. Additionally, mothers rated their children's temperament, behavior problems, and adaptive functioning. Statistical analyses were conducted on the overall sample as well as on a subsample of participants who reported a high exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Correlational analyses indicated a variety of significant relationships among the variables of interest. Next, mediational analyses indicated that mothers' attributions mediated the relationship between mothers' temperament and parenting behaviors in both the overall sample and the subsample of mothers who reported high exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Further, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that a number of maternal characteristics predicted young children's outcomes. Overall, this study identified unique predictors of mothers' parenting behaviors and of mothers' perceptions of the outcomes experienced by their young children. Most importantly, this study highlighted the importance of serving families as a whole when wanting to provide lasting improvements to individual and family functioning through intervention services.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006130, ucf:51167
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006130
- Title
- Community College Faculty with Corporate Leadership Experience and Full Range Leadership Theory.
- Creator
-
Hardee, Gloria, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Cox, Thomas, Bowdon, Melody, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Community colleges have developed into vital resources for affordable, easy access, high quality education. Community college instructors with previous leader experience possess the credentials needed to teach their curricula and to lead learning experiences in the classroom. Researchers have found that instructors who display transformational leadership qualities can influence student actions, awareness, and learning outcomes. This study was conducted to explore community college faculty who...
Show moreCommunity colleges have developed into vital resources for affordable, easy access, high quality education. Community college instructors with previous leader experience possess the credentials needed to teach their curricula and to lead learning experiences in the classroom. Researchers have found that instructors who display transformational leadership qualities can influence student actions, awareness, and learning outcomes. This study was conducted to explore community college faculty who possess transformational leadership qualities in relation to student extra effort, student perception of instructor effectiveness, and overall satisfaction with the instructor. The conceptual framework is the full range leadership theory which is one of the most broadly used comprehensive leadership theories. The measurement tool used was Avolio and Bass's (2004) Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), which measures nine factors of leadership skills through a quantitative survey. These findings present support for the recognition of the value of transformational leadership in the community college environment. Consistent with the findings of this study, transformational leadership has been viewed as the most revered leadership model in the full range leadership theory. Instructors have the ability to integrate critical components of transformational leadership behaviors to impact the student experience in the classroom, resulting in higher levels of student outcomes of extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction. The findings add to the body of literature and provide insight into the leadership skills of community college instructors from previous business experience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005502, ucf:50351
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005502
- Title
- Experiencing the World of Franklin: The Making of an Immersive and Interactive Historical Exhibit.
- Creator
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Webster, Daniel, Beiler, Rosalind, Larson, Peter, Lester, Connie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis involves the creation of a historically-themed museum element. The element, titled (")Improving Community,(") is a virtual interactive game that allows players to explore certain realities of colonial American life. Within the game, players are presented with a number of civic-related issues that existed throughout the eighteenth century, and they are then given options to improve the situation. Interactivity and immersion are key features of the game, and they have been...
Show moreThis thesis involves the creation of a historically-themed museum element. The element, titled (")Improving Community,(") is a virtual interactive game that allows players to explore certain realities of colonial American life. Within the game, players are presented with a number of civic-related issues that existed throughout the eighteenth century, and they are then given options to improve the situation. Interactivity and immersion are key features of the game, and they have been incorporated so that players may engage with the past and assume a more active role in the process of historical reconstruction. Research for the games draws mostly upon historical primary sources, including first-hand accounts, letters, diaries, periodicals, pamphlets, meeting minutes, and legal documents. In addition, the process of developing the games was informed by a number of secondary source works, and therefore this study inspects the ways in which (")Improving Community(") fits within the ongoing scholarly debates. Ultimately this project contributes to the field of public history by demonstrating the usefulness of games as a tool for historical exhibition. (")Improving Community(") is both entertaining and educational, and as a result, the game provides individuals with a unique outlet for exploring and experiencing the past.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004196, ucf:49005
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004196
- Title
- DOES HABITAT AFFECT CLONAL DEMOGRAPHY? AN EXPERIMENT WITH POLYGONELLA MYRIOPHYLLA IN ROADSIDE AND FLORIDA SCRUB.
- Creator
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Horn, Kristina, Quintana-Ascencio, Pedro, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Polygonella myriophylla (Polygonaceae) is a clonal shrub listed as endangered and narrowly endemic to pyrogenic scrub ecosystems in central Florida. It is almost restricted to gaps within the matrix of shrubs in the scrub but also occurs along adjacent road-side habitats. I hypothesize that persistent disturbed microhabitats and more dynamic sand accretion in roadsides will increase rooting probabilities compared to more stable scrub habitats, affecting survival, growth and reproduction. In...
Show morePolygonella myriophylla (Polygonaceae) is a clonal shrub listed as endangered and narrowly endemic to pyrogenic scrub ecosystems in central Florida. It is almost restricted to gaps within the matrix of shrubs in the scrub but also occurs along adjacent road-side habitats. I hypothesize that persistent disturbed microhabitats and more dynamic sand accretion in roadsides will increase rooting probabilities compared to more stable scrub habitats, affecting survival, growth and reproduction. In April 2004- March 2006, I compared plant (genet) and basal branch (ramet) performance between experimentally manipulated plants in native scrub and roadside habitats at two locations within the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest in Polk County: LC01 and Old School. We completed a total of 6 evaluations in each site (April, July and November 2004, May and November 2005, and March 2006). Fifteen plants per replicated habitat in LCO1 and Old School were selected based on presence of four unrooted branches. Each unrooted branch within a plant randomly received one of four possible treatments: forced branch burial, branch lifting, procedural control, and no manipulation (total N= 60 genets and 240 ramets). Forced burial was implemented to mimic sand burial and evaluate rooting probability and performance in both habitats. Branch lifting was applied to prevent sand burial and evaluate demography of unrooted branches in both habitats. The procedural control served to evaluate wire effects on ramet demography. The control provided vital and rooting rates of branches in natural conditions. Road populations exhibited larger crown area and higher monthly diameter (controlled by initial diameter) and higher monthly length growth rates compared to scrub populations. Rooting probability was only affected by treatment one (buried wire) not habitat or site. Forced sand burial increased rooting (67 % after forced contact vs. 20-30 % for other treatments). Rooted branches did not exhibit variation in survival, growth, or fecundity compared to unrooted branches. Old School populations exhibited larger crown area, higher monthly diameter and monthly length growth rates compared to LC01 populations. Prescribed fires killed several plants explaining significantly higher branch survival at the unburned LC01 (66.1%) compared to recently burned Old School (36.2 %). LC01 populations exhibited higher fecundity and ramet survival compared to Old School populations. In February – December 2006, I describe the reproductive schedule at (LC01) in 10 road and 10 scrub plants. Monthly, I counted number of inflorescences and flowers per inflorescence (one inflorescence per plant) for each plant. Number of inflorescences per plant was highest between May and September and higher in road than in scrub. Our results indicate significant different demographic performance of P. myriophylla at plant and branch level between road and scrub habitats. A longer term study is needed to determine if the persistence of P. myriophylla is threatened by increasing roadside populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001982, ucf:47421
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001982
- Title
- THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOSITY ON SEXUAL VICTIMIZATION EXPERIENCES AND REPORTING BEHAVIORS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Bauer, Nicole, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study investigated the relationship between religiosity of female college students and sexual victimization experiences. These experiences include the reporting behaviors that take place subsequent to an act of sexual victimization. The study utilized secondary data gathered from the forth wave of a longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Justice between 1990 and 1995. The study used multidimensional levels of religiosity to analyze and to assess its impact on the sexual...
Show moreThis study investigated the relationship between religiosity of female college students and sexual victimization experiences. These experiences include the reporting behaviors that take place subsequent to an act of sexual victimization. The study utilized secondary data gathered from the forth wave of a longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Justice between 1990 and 1995. The study used multidimensional levels of religiosity to analyze and to assess its impact on the sexual victimization experiences. Findings ascertained that certain behavioral measures of religiosity were consistently found to be a protective factor against sexual victimization. On the other hand, subjective measures of religiosity were not found to be a protective measure for victimization. Instead, this measure was statistically determined to be related to experiencing acts of sexual victimization. Recommendations were given for a greater focus on campus resources pertaining to student victimization and more in-depth research on the role churches have in dealing with this issue.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002389, ucf:47759
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002389
- Title
- PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS' DEVELOPMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER CONCEPTS AND OPERATIONS DURING A CLASSROOM TEACHING EXPERIMENT.
- Creator
-
Roy, George, Dixon, Juli, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A classroom teaching experiment was conducted to document prospective teachers' development of whole number concepts and operations. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the collective understanding of prospective teachers in an elementary mathematics content course. Design research methodology, specifically a classroom teaching experiment was the methodology selected for this study since it allows learning to be documented in a classroom environment and is iterative in...
Show moreA classroom teaching experiment was conducted to document prospective teachers' development of whole number concepts and operations. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the collective understanding of prospective teachers in an elementary mathematics content course. Design research methodology, specifically a classroom teaching experiment was the methodology selected for this study since it allows learning to be documented in a classroom environment and is iterative in nature. A revised hypothetical learning trajectory and instructional tasks from a previous classroom teaching experiment were used in this study (Andreasen, 2006). Research about children's development of whole number concepts and operations was used in developing instructional learning goals. In addition, research regarding prospective teachers' development supported the instructional modification that all tasks would be presented and expected to be reasoned about in base-8. Both qualitative data and quantitative data were collected. Qualitative data included whole class dialogue that was videotaped and transcribed, as well as student work samples. Quantitative data included items from the Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics database that were administered prior to and subsequent to the instructional sequence in base-8 (Hill, Schilling, & Ball, 2005). It should be noted that the items selected from the database were in base-10. The emergent perspective served as the interpretive framework of the collected qualitative data. This perspective reflexively coordinates the social or group perspective simultaneously with psychological or individual perspective. As stated, this study sought to describe the communal mathematics understanding of prospective teachers in an elementary mathematics content course. Toulmin's (1969) model of argumentation and Rasmussen and Stephan's three-phase methodology served to document normative ways of group reasoning called classroom mathematical practices. The following classroom mathematical practices were identified as taken-as-shared by prospective teachers: (a) developing small number relationships using Double 10-Frames, (b) developing two-digit thinking strategies using the open number line, (c) flexibly representing equivalent quantities using pictures or Inventory Forms, and (d) developing addition and subtraction strategies using pictures or an Inventory Form. Quantitative results indicated that prospective teachers were able to apply mathematical understandings grounded in base-8 to whole number concepts in base-10. In the end, counting and calculating in base-8 provides a meaningful context for prospective teachers to reconstruct their knowledge of whole number concepts and operations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002398, ucf:47754
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002398
- Title
- CONSTRUCTING EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM OF ONLINE COURSES: A MODEL FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY PRACTITIONERS.
- Creator
-
Thompson, Kelvin, Dziuban, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Online courses are complex, human-driven contexts for formal learning. Little has been said about the environment emerging from the interaction of instructor(s), learners, and other resources in such courses. Theories that focus on instructional settings and methods that are designed to accommodate inquiry into complex phenomena are essential to the systematic study of online courses. Such a line of research is necessary as the basis for a common language with which we can begin to speak...
Show moreOnline courses are complex, human-driven contexts for formal learning. Little has been said about the environment emerging from the interaction of instructor(s), learners, and other resources in such courses. Theories that focus on instructional settings and methods that are designed to accommodate inquiry into complex phenomena are essential to the systematic study of online courses. Such a line of research is necessary as the basis for a common language with which we can begin to speak holistically about online courses. In this dissertation, I attempt to generate better questions about the nature of online instructional environments. By combining prior works related to educational criticism and qualitative research case study with original innovations, I develop a model for studying the instructional experiences of online courses. I then apply this approach in the study of one specific online course at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000657, ucf:46553
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000657
- Title
- SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES.
- Creator
-
Phelps, Julie, Evans, Ruby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Mirroring the changing demographics of the nation, the community college student population continues to grow in size and in diversity. Almost half of all students who enter these institutions need at least one remedial course, which is often developmental mathematics. Developed in 1973, Supplemental Instruction (SI) has quickly gained recognition as an academic support program that is used to aid student performance, retention, and academic success. This dissertation used a phenomenological...
Show moreMirroring the changing demographics of the nation, the community college student population continues to grow in size and in diversity. Almost half of all students who enter these institutions need at least one remedial course, which is often developmental mathematics. Developed in 1973, Supplemental Instruction (SI) has quickly gained recognition as an academic support program that is used to aid student performance, retention, and academic success. This dissertation used a phenomenological approach to identify factors that motivated students' attendance and subsequent learning experiences in SI sessions associated with developmental mathematics. Sources of data included five rounds of interviews (three with SI learners and two with SI leaders), a Multiple Intelligence Inventory, and statistical information from the referent community college. Study findings revealed eight themes that characterized motivating factors for attending these optional instructional sessions. Moreover, nine themes emerged from the data regarding types of activities learners experienced in SI. Findings suggest that SI helps create a climate of achievement for learners taking developmental mathematics in a community college setting.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000661, ucf:46512
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000661
- Title
- MICRO-SPECTROSCOPY OF BIO-ASSEMBLIES AT THE SINGLE CELL LEVEL.
- Creator
-
Kera, Jeslin, Chakrabarti, Debopam, Schulte, Alfons, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In this thesis, we investigate biological molecules on a micron scale in the ultraviolet spectral region through the non-destructive confocal absorption microscopy. The setup involves a combination of confocal microscope with a UV light excitation beam to measure the optical absorption spectra with spatial resolution of 1.4 ?m in the lateral and 3.6 ?m in the axial direction. Confocal absorption microscopy has the benefits of requiring no labels and only low light intensity for excitation...
Show moreIn this thesis, we investigate biological molecules on a micron scale in the ultraviolet spectral region through the non-destructive confocal absorption microscopy. The setup involves a combination of confocal microscope with a UV light excitation beam to measure the optical absorption spectra with spatial resolution of 1.4 ?m in the lateral and 3.6 ?m in the axial direction. Confocal absorption microscopy has the benefits of requiring no labels and only low light intensity for excitation while providing a strong signal from the contrast generated by the attenuation of propagating light due to absorption. This enables spatially resolved measurements of single live cells and bio-molecules with less than 10^9 molecules in the probe volume. Employing a multichannel detection system, the absorption spectrum of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell is measured on the timescale of seconds. We also extend the spectral range from the visible range to the experimentally more challenging ultra-violet region where characteristic absorption bands of bio-molecules are observed. Exploiting the ultra-violet range, amino acids, nucleic acids solutions, and plant cells are investigated. We measure the spatially resolved absorption spectra at the nucleus of an onion cell and cytoplasm to probe DNA base-pair absorption. Small variations in our micro-absorption data are seen around 260 nm, possibly due to the abundance of DNA in the nucleus. This thesis contributes to the goal of spectroscopic identification of spatial heterogeneities at the single cell level and the label-free detection of proteins and nucleic acids.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000356, ucf:45905
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000356
- Title
- PRESERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE INFLUENCE AND VALUE OF AN EMBEDDED, SCHOOL-BASED FIELD EXPERIENCE.
- Creator
-
Zambrano, Beverly V, Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explored how preservice teachers perceive the influence and value of an embedded, school-based field experience. Information was gathered from preservice teachers using surveys and a focus group interview. The data collected showed that an embedded field experience tied to a language arts methods course was generally a positive influence leading to great self-efficacy. Further, the data compared similarly to research supporting the notion that embedded field experiences generally...
Show moreThis study explored how preservice teachers perceive the influence and value of an embedded, school-based field experience. Information was gathered from preservice teachers using surveys and a focus group interview. The data collected showed that an embedded field experience tied to a language arts methods course was generally a positive influence leading to great self-efficacy. Further, the data compared similarly to research supporting the notion that embedded field experiences generally have the effect of strengthening preservice teachers� self-efficacy. Looking at Bandura�s work in Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change, it shows that early interactions and successes will boost the self-efficacy of preservice teachers. This study found that successful experiences help preservice teachers value their embedded, school-based field experiences and help view it as something positive. Even if the experience had its difficulties, preservice teachers were able to learn from the situation and if they ever find themselves in a similar circumstance, they will feel more confident about handling things. Therefore, when these preservice teachers become in-service teachers, they will feel more confident about their abilities compared to in-service teachers who did not have similar experiences in their teacher preparation program.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000058, ucf:45530
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000058
- Title
- MEASURING OPTICAL TURBULENCE PARAMETERS WITH A THREE-APERTURE RECEIVER.
- Creator
-
Wayne, David, Phillips, Ronald, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis discusses methods to measure several atmospheric parameters related to turbulence. Techniques used by two different scintillometers based on weak turbulence theory are discussed along with a method to estimate the inner scale developed by Hill. The theory and minimization algorithm used to infer the atmospheric parameters are discussed. The main focus is on the analysis and collection of experimental data with a three-aperture receiver system. Intensity fluctuations from a CW...
Show moreThis thesis discusses methods to measure several atmospheric parameters related to turbulence. Techniques used by two different scintillometers based on weak turbulence theory are discussed along with a method to estimate the inner scale developed by Hill. The theory and minimization algorithm used to infer the atmospheric parameters are discussed. The main focus is on the analysis and collection of experimental data with a three-aperture receiver system. Intensity fluctuations from a CW laser source are collected over a 1km path with three different receiving apertures. The scintillation index is found for each receiving aperture and recently developed theory for all regimes of optical turbulence is used to infer three atmospheric parameters, Cn2, l0, and L0. The transverse wind speed is also calculated from the experimental data using a cross-correlation technique. Parallel to the three-aperture data collection is a commercial scintillometer unit which reports Cn2 and crosswind speed. There is also a weather station positioned at the receiver side which provides point measurements for temperature and wind speed. The Cn2 measurement obtained from the commercial scintillometer is used to infer l0, L0, and the scintillation index. Those values are then compared to the inferred atmospheric parameters from the experimental data. Hill's method is used as an estimate to l0 based upon path-averaged wind speed and is compared to the inferred l0 values. The optimal aperture sizes required for three-aperture data collection are presented. In closing, the technique for measuring crosswind speed is discussed along with the ideal aperture size and separation distance for data collection. Suggestions are offered for future experimentation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001393, ucf:46974
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001393
- Title
- INCREASING ORAL LANGUAGE FLUENCY AND SYNTACTIC STRUCTURE THROUGH A BALANCED READING APPROACH: A CASE STUDY OF A FIVE-YEAR OLD BEGINNING READER OF THE EDGE OF THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.
- Creator
-
Palmer, Kelly, Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In recent years, a significant surge has occurred in the amount of children who are being diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum. Current statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011) show that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and that the diagnosis of such is estimated to grow prodigiously due to a variety of different aspects, such as an ever-increasing broadening definition of autism, an inclusion of autism as a...
Show moreIn recent years, a significant surge has occurred in the amount of children who are being diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum. Current statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011) show that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and that the diagnosis of such is estimated to grow prodigiously due to a variety of different aspects, such as an ever-increasing broadening definition of autism, an inclusion of autism as a disability category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990, improved diagnostic methods, and some other unknown factors (In Nickel's work as cited by Nickels in 2010). Also, because a lack of or weakness in communication skills is a common characteristic for students who have an ASD, receiving early intervention to increase communication is imperative for this population. In consideration of this premise, this study looks at whether using a blended, balanced mode of reading instruction, the Language Experience Approach (Stauffer, 1970; Van Allen, 1970) and the work of Patricia Oelwein (1995), through written means can improve oral language fluency output and syntactical structure concurrently for a student who has suffered from many of the symptoms of ASD, but has not been clinically diagnosed. Along with the collection of qualitative data aggregated throughout this study through observational means, quantitative data was also collected before, during, and after the intervention to measure the effects on the subject. Quantitative data was obtained from a Letter-Identification Assessment (Clay 2005), the QRI-5 (Leslie & Caldwell, 2011), the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (Dunn & Dunn, 1997) , and Mean Length of Utterance (MLU). Results obtained from this study showed that the interventions had a positive effect on the subject in terms of listening, speaking, reading, and writing where the fluency and complexity of the subject's speech patterns and ability to read and write improved over the course of the intervention period.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004239, ucf:44905
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004239
- Title
- Group Composition Characteristics as Predictors of Shared Leadership: An Exploration of Competing Models of Shared Leadership Emergence.
- Creator
-
Currie, Richard, Ehrhart, Mark, Burke, Shawn, Jex, Steve, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The study of leadership in organizations has received much research attention over the past several decades. However, most of this research has examined hierarchical structures of leadership wherein one individual leads, or is perceived to lead, several other individuals. With a growing number of organizations structuring employees within teams or work groups, researchers have begun studying the ways in which leadership operates in groups. One alternative to the traditional hierarchical...
Show moreThe study of leadership in organizations has received much research attention over the past several decades. However, most of this research has examined hierarchical structures of leadership wherein one individual leads, or is perceived to lead, several other individuals. With a growing number of organizations structuring employees within teams or work groups, researchers have begun studying the ways in which leadership operates in groups. One alternative to the traditional hierarchical structure is for leadership to be distributed or shared in groups such that multiple group members contribute to the overall leadership function of the group. As a result, researchers have begun examining the construct of shared leadership, which is defined as the extent to which multiple group members share in the leadership function of the group. Because shared leadership is a relatively new concept in the research literature, our knowledge of the antecedents of shared leadership is limited. The primary aim of the present research was to explore group composition as a potential antecedent of shared leadership in teams. Group composition was examined in terms of the agreeableness, extraversion, collectivistic work orientation, and trait competitiveness within the group. Mean, minimum/maximum, and variance models of group composition were employed in the present research. A sample of 385 participants comprised a total of 97 groups of three to six individuals to complete a leaderless group discussion exercise and completed measures of shared leadership after completing the group exercise. Results from a series of hierarchical linear regression analyses found no significant relationships between any of predictors and shared leadership using either a social network analysis or a referent-shift approach. Given the short amount of time group members worked on the group task, a clear implication of these findings is that shared leadership requires adequate time to manifest in groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007446, ucf:52694
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007446
- Title
- Comparative Analysis of The Effects Of Virtual Reality Active Video Game And Controller-Free Active Video Game Play On Physiological Response, Perceived Exertion, And Hedonic Experience.
- Creator
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Wooden, Shanon, McCauley, Pamela, Rabelo, Luis, Karwowski, Waldemar, Fukuda, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Over 60% of US adults are overweight or obese. Sedentary lifestyles are considered major contributors to the high rates and increasing prevalence of obesity. Physical activity is a critical component in shifting from sedentary lifestyles. Studies indicate that less than half of U.S. adults meet the CDC/ACSM physical activity recommendations. Interactive video games can increase PA, but no study has yet assessed physiologic effort, hedonics, and perceived exertion for playing immersive virtual...
Show moreOver 60% of US adults are overweight or obese. Sedentary lifestyles are considered major contributors to the high rates and increasing prevalence of obesity. Physical activity is a critical component in shifting from sedentary lifestyles. Studies indicate that less than half of U.S. adults meet the CDC/ACSM physical activity recommendations. Interactive video games can increase PA, but no study has yet assessed physiologic effort, hedonics, and perceived exertion for playing immersive virtual reality (VR) and controller-free screen-based active video games (AVGs), compared to treadmill walking and resting. We ran 25 subjects (9 female, 16 male) in 10-minute sessions of five conditions. Head Mounted Display VR: Oculus (Fruit Ninja and Boxing), Screen-based AVG: Kinect (Fruit Ninja and Boxing), and Treadmill walking at 3 mph. One, six-condition (Rest, Treadmill 3.0, Kinect Boxing, Kinect Fruit Ninja, Oculus Boxing, Oculus Fruit Ninja) repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine differences in HRmean. Three, five-condition (Treadmill 3.0, Kinect Boxing, Kinect Fruit Ninja, Oculus Boxing, Oculus Fruit Ninja) repeated-measures ANOVA were used to examine differences in HRpeak, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and Hedonics (Liking). Post hoc analyses using pairwise comparisons were used to further assess significant main effects of the condition. A Pearson's product-moment correlation was run to assess the relationship between activity condition HRmean and RPE VR Boxing elicited the greatest physiological effort, producing vigorous-intensity PA. There was no significant difference in average heart rate for the Treadmill, Kinect Fruit Ninja, Kinect Boxing, and VR Fruit Ninja. Thus, the Kinect and VR sport and casual games are comparable to treadmill walking PA levels and qualify as moderate-intensity activity. The VR Fruit Ninja, VR Boxing, Kinect Fruit Ninja were the most enjoyed activities. Despite having the highest Heart rate and the highest self-reported Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), VR Boxing was significantly more enjoyable than Treadmill Walking. There was no statistically significant correlation between Activity Condition HRmean and RPE.Both casual and sports VR and AVG activities are enjoyable activities for adults, stimulating moderate-to-vigorous activity through a traditionally sedentary medium. This research extends previous works in active video gaming effects on physiological cost, perceived exertion and hedonics and fills the gap relating virtual reality active video games. The significance of the research outcomes is that this analysis provides a scientifically validated approach to support the establishment of physical activity level goals and guidelines in the development of active video games as a response and/or remedy to address the sedentary lifestyles that are contributing to American and global obesity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007383, ucf:52065
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007383
- Title
- Boots on the Ground: A Participant-Oriented Approach to Program Evaluation.
- Creator
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Djak, Nikki, Vitale, Thomas, Cox, Thomas, Boote, David, Swan, Bonnie, Goodman, Constance, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Despite best efforts to fully prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the knowledge and skills they will need as educators, many universities nationwide fall short of doing so. Poor or unrelated pre-service preparation of education majors prior to graduation creates disconnects between college coursework requirements and real-world expectations of educators, which decreases the value of these education programs. It also leaves many PSTs entering internship and subsequent first-year...
Show moreDespite best efforts to fully prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the knowledge and skills they will need as educators, many universities nationwide fall short of doing so. Poor or unrelated pre-service preparation of education majors prior to graduation creates disconnects between college coursework requirements and real-world expectations of educators, which decreases the value of these education programs. It also leaves many PSTs entering internship and subsequent first-year employment ill-prepared to handle all of the classroom responsibilities expected of them, which contributes to another nationwide problem: low retention of novice teachers. To address comprehensive preparation of PSTs, professors at one large metropolitan university in the southeastern United States initiated the Boots on the Ground (BotG) program, which exposes PSTs to direct instructional opportunities with K-12 students concurrently with early coursework. Multiple studies have found that closely integrating field experience with coursework is highly influential in increasing both the preparedness of PSTs and their self-efficacy as educators. This study is a mixed methods, participant-oriented program evaluation of the BotG program, meant to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the program's influence and inform improvement. It looks at the affect the BotG program has on perceived preparedness and self-efficacy of PSTs as well as its impact on different stakeholder groups. Study findings indicate that the early exposure to the profession and experience working with K-12 students provided to pre-service teachers who participated in the Boots on the Ground program may provide them with a means to increase perceptions of preparedness and self-efficacy for teaching. Findings also detail the program's influence on other stakeholders, including provision of extra support for the academic and behavioral support of K-12 students. The researcher also suggests implications for education and recommendations for further research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007171, ucf:52287
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007171
- Title
- The Stories of Transition: A Qualitative Exploration of International Undegraduate Students' Academic Experiences in First-Year Seminar Courses in the United States.
- Creator
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Krsmanovic, Masa, Cox, Thomas, Campbell, Laurie, Bartee, RoSusan, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to explore how international undergraduate students enrolled in a first-year seminar (FYS) course perceived and described their academic experiences in a large, public university in the southeastern region of the United States. Guided by Schlossberg's (1984) 4 S Transition Model, this qualitative investigation was conducted through in-depth interviews with 10 international undergraduate students representing different countries and academic...
Show moreThe purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to explore how international undergraduate students enrolled in a first-year seminar (FYS) course perceived and described their academic experiences in a large, public university in the southeastern region of the United States. Guided by Schlossberg's (1984) 4 S Transition Model, this qualitative investigation was conducted through in-depth interviews with 10 international undergraduate students representing different countries and academic majors. The participants' narratives revealed that the academic experiences of international first-year students enrolled in the FYS course can be described as challenging, especially in terms of a) understanding U.S. higher education, b) establishing relationships with American peers, c) navigating academic differences, and d) perceiving the lack of institutional understanding. At the same time, the stories of these 10 students demonstrated that participation in the FYS course had an overall positive impact on students' academic experiences during the first year, especially in terms of a) developing academic skills and competencies, b) developing transferable skills and competencies, c) increased use of campus resources, and d) overall adjustment within the first year. The findings are discussed in relation to the relevant literature and recommendations for practice and future research are provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007667, ucf:52484
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007667
- Title
- An Examination of Perceptions and Intentions of Preservice Educators in Title I Settings.
- Creator
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Kaczmarczyk, Annemarie, Roberts, Sherron, Lue, Martha, Hoffman, Elizabeth, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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With the shifting demographics of our nation and increased vacancies in schools, teacher preparation programs must equip teachers to work with today's culturally, academically, racially, and economically (CARE) diverse student population effectively. University-based teacher preparation programs are called to examine the steps taken and experiences provided to develop effective teachers to work with CARE students and fill vacancies, specifically in Title I schools. Preservice teachers, 15...
Show moreWith the shifting demographics of our nation and increased vacancies in schools, teacher preparation programs must equip teachers to work with today's culturally, academically, racially, and economically (CARE) diverse student population effectively. University-based teacher preparation programs are called to examine the steps taken and experiences provided to develop effective teachers to work with CARE students and fill vacancies, specifically in Title I schools. Preservice teachers, 15 total, participated in this qualitative study examining the perceptions and intentions of PSTs who were exposed to course content and field experiences that focused on Title I and CARE students. The PSTs were placed into two focus groups based on the number of times they were exposed to both throughout their undergraduate career. Participants who had one to two episodes of previous exposure comprised the first group. Participants who had three opportunities for exposure (course content, field experience, and/or first internship) comprised the second focus group. All PSTs were completing their final internship with placements in Title I schools. Findings gleaned from the transcripts indicated that stereotypes and previous perceptions of Title I schools and CARE students were positively impacted through their experiences. Throughout their internship semester, all participants used words that denoted respect and understanding for their diverse students and for their beginning challenges to implement instruction. PSTs noted a need for additional preparation in undergraduate courses related to best practice and classroom management within their Title I school settings. Despite challenges, six participants opted to seek employment in Title I schools. Of the remaining participants, five indicated intentions to teach in non-Title I, while four remained neutral. Future related research will focus on creating and providing meaningful experiences for PSTs that lead to positive intentions for teaching in Title I schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007202, ucf:52270
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007202
- Title
- ESSAYS ON CONSUMER CHARITY.
- Creator
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Paniculangara, Joseph, He, Xin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Two essays comprise this doctoral dissertation on consumers and their charitable donations. The overall objective is to investigate the role of psychological distance in charitable donations, with each essay dealing with a different moderator of this relationship. In the first essay, I study the interactive effect of social distance and processing mode (affect vs. cognition). Specifically, people tend to donate more if they use their emotions rather than cognition as diagnostic inputs for...
Show moreTwo essays comprise this doctoral dissertation on consumers and their charitable donations. The overall objective is to investigate the role of psychological distance in charitable donations, with each essay dealing with a different moderator of this relationship. In the first essay, I study the interactive effect of social distance and processing mode (affect vs. cognition). Specifically, people tend to donate more if they use their emotions rather than cognition as diagnostic inputs for decision making, especially when donor and recipient are separated by greater social distance. This may be because affect-driven and cognition-driven donors are influenced by different goals. Affect-driven donors are mainly motivated by a consummatory goal of increasing their "warm glow" utility whereas cognition-driven donors are mainly motivated by an instrumental goal of increasing "public goods" utility (i.e., making a contribution that may benefit the donor as well). While both consummatory and instrumental goals are relevant at closer social distance, only the consummatory goal is at work at greater social distance, which leads to a social distance by processing mode interaction. The hypothesized effect is tested in a series of three experiments that use different contexts and dependent measures (e.g., donation of money vs. time). In the second essay, I turn to the joint effect of psychological distance and dispositional empathy on charitable donation. Empathy or "Einf[umlaut]hlung" is defined as feeling one's way into the situation of another. While the literature suggests that empathy generally increases various forms of prosocial behavior including donations, I argue that this effect is contingent upon the psychological distance between donor and recipient. The role of empathy is especially pronounced when the recipient is perceived to be psychologically closer to the donor. This is because closer psychological distance leads to greater identification by the donor with the recipient, which in turn leads to greater donation. I demonstrated support for the hypothesized interaction between dispositional empathy and psychological distance in three experiments, each addressing a different type of psychological distance. I conclude this dissertation with a discussion of the theoretical contribution and managerial importance of the findings. Managers of not-for-profits are confronted with a multitude of challenges in increasing donations while optimizing their resources. By pointing out the processes that underlie individual donors' decisions on charitable donations, this dissertation addresses a long-felt but rarely addressed lacuna in the literature.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004041, ucf:49163
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004041
