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Title: THE OFFLINE IMPACT OF CYBERBULLYING.
Creator: Ortiz, Kathleen, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Over the recent years, we have seen an immense increase in technology. Though the Internet can be convenient to students, it can also bear negative repercussions. Cyberbullying has impacted millions of people across the nation hindering them in many ways. The Bullying occurs through different outlets, from websites, emails to text messages. Victims cannot truly escape the matter because it follows them wherever they may go. The intent of this thesis was to see who the victims of cyberbullying...
Show moreOver the recent years, we have seen an immense increase in technology. Though the Internet can be convenient to students, it can also bear negative repercussions. Cyberbullying has impacted millions of people across the nation hindering them in many ways. The Bullying occurs through different outlets, from websites, emails to text messages. Victims cannot truly escape the matter because it follows them wherever they may go. The intent of this thesis was to see who the victims of cyberbullying are, what the aftermath effect is, and whether they notify an adult about their situation. Using data from the School Crime Supplement based on the National Crime Victimization Survey, the findings suggest that females are victims of cyber bullying more frequently than males and that adults are not commonly notified when victimization occurs. Furthermore, the repercussions of victimization include fear of harm or attack, as well as skipping classes to avoid the problem. By exploring cyberbullying and its effect, through time studies such as this one will raise awareness in society and contribute towards the solution of cyberbullying.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004398, ucf:44978
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004398

Title: Modeling Mass Care Resource Provision Post Hurricane.
Creator: Muhs, Tammy, Kincaid, John, Rollins, David, Dorman, Teresa, Taylor, Gregory, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Determining the amount of resources needed, specifically food and water, following a hurricane is not a straightforward task. Through this research effort, an estimating tool was developed that takes into account key demographic and evacuation behavioral effects, as well as hurricane storm specifics to estimate the number of meals required for the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida. The Excel based estimating tool was created using data collected...
Show moreDetermining the amount of resources needed, specifically food and water, following a hurricane is not a straightforward task. Through this research effort, an estimating tool was developed that takes into account key demographic and evacuation behavioral effects, as well as hurricane storm specifics to estimate the number of meals required for the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida. The Excel based estimating tool was created using data collected from four hurricanes making landfall in Florida during 2004-2005. The underlying model used in the tool is a Regression Decision Tree with predictor variables including direct impact, poverty level, and hurricane impact score. The hurricane impact score is a hurricane classification system resulting from this research that includes hurricane category, intensity, wind field size, and landfall location. The direct path of a hurricane, a higher than average proportion of residents below the poverty level, and the hurricane impact score were all found to have an effect on the number of meals required during the first fourteen days following a hurricane making landfall in the State of Florida.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004143, ucf:49053
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004143

Title: The Effects of Scoring Technique on Situational Judgment Test Validity.
Creator: Miller, Daniel, Jentsch, Kimberly, Jentsch, Florian, Fritzsche, Barbara, Burke, Shawn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) are frequently used by organizations as a face-valid selection measure with low adverse impact and a relatively strong relationship with relevant criteria. Despite their common use, there remain several research questions regarding the theoretical foundations and characteristics of SJTs. Additionally, developments in SJT scoring provide fertile ground for research to validate new scoring techniques to better predict criteria of interest. Motowidlo and his...
Show moreSituational Judgment Tests (SJTs) are frequently used by organizations as a face-valid selection measure with low adverse impact and a relatively strong relationship with relevant criteria. Despite their common use, there remain several research questions regarding the theoretical foundations and characteristics of SJTs. Additionally, developments in SJT scoring provide fertile ground for research to validate new scoring techniques to better predict criteria of interest. Motowidlo and his colleagues (2006) recently developed a scoring technique for SJTs based on the principle of Implicit Trait Policies (ITPs) which are implicit beliefs concerning the effectiveness of different behavioral choices that demonstrate varying levels of targeted traits. Individuals high in these targeted traits will rate item responses that demonstrate high levels of that particular trait as more effective. Taking into consideration this new method, and also considering the multitude of scoring methods already available to test developers, it logically follows that these different scoring methods will have different correlations with constructs of interest, and that by using this new method it may be possible to achieve a much higher correlation with personality. The effects of scoring technique on relationships between SJT scores and constructs of interest such as personality will in turn have effects on the criterion validity of the SJT. This research explored how scoring methods affected the relationship SJT scores have with general mental ability, personality traits, typical performance, and maximum performance. Results indicated significant differential validity as a function of the respondents' race. For minority participants, SJT scores predicted (")maximum performance ratings(") in a simulation exercise but not (")typical performance ratings(") provided by familiar peers. However, the reverse was true for Caucasian participants. The two scoring methods demonstrated differential validity. However, the nature of these differences varied as a function of the performance dimension in question (i.e., agreeableness, extraversion). Implications for future research will be discussed as well as the practical implications of these findings.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004484, ucf:49314
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004484

Title: IMPROVING THE ADVERSE IMPACT AND VALIDITY TRADE-OFF IN PARAETO OPTIMAL COMPOSITES: A COMPARISON OF WEIGHTS DEVELOPED ON CONTEXTUAL VS TASK PERFORMANCE.
Creator: Tsang, Howin, Wooten, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Recent research in reducing adverse impact in personnel selection has focused on the use of various weighting schemes to balance levels of adverse impact and the validity of selection processes. De Corte Lievens & Sackett (2007) suggested the use of the normal boundary intersection method to create a number of weights that optimize adverse impact and criterion validity. This study seeks to improve the efficacy of this solution by looking at specific types of performance, namely task and...
Show moreRecent research in reducing adverse impact in personnel selection has focused on the use of various weighting schemes to balance levels of adverse impact and the validity of selection processes. De Corte Lievens & Sackett (2007) suggested the use of the normal boundary intersection method to create a number of weights that optimize adverse impact and criterion validity. This study seeks to improve the efficacy of this solution by looking at specific types of performance, namely task and contextual performance. It will investigate whether a focus on contextual performance will improve the trade-off by requiring smaller losses in validity for greater gains in adverse impact. This study utilized data from 272 applicants for exempt positions at a multinational financial institution. The two sets of Paraeto optimal composite were developed, one based on contextual performance and the other based on task performance. Results were analyzed based on levels of adverse impact and validity of weights generated using each method. Results indicate that reducing adverse impact required a greater validity trade-off for task performance than contextual performance. Application of this method would allow for greater reductions to adverse impact than the original method while retaining a validity coefficient of 95% of the maximum achieved with regression weighting. Though this method would limit practitioners to selecting based on contextual performance, the use of minimal cut-off scores on task predictors or job experience could allow employers to incorporate task measures while further reducing adverse impact.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003399, ucf:48386
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003399

Title: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF MARINE TURTLE ECO-TOURISM.
Creator: Cope, Kendra, Mansfield, Kate, Weishampel, John, Slotkin, Michael, DeFreese, Duane, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Marine turtles have historically contributed to economic activity through consumptive harvest for food, tools, and decorative objects. Only recently have they begun to benefit humans economically through non-consumptive roles, primarily as a focal point of educational eco-tourism. In recent years, the annual number of turtle walks conducted around the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR) has risen. This expansion contributed to a statistically significant increase in attendance from 2...
Show moreMarine turtles have historically contributed to economic activity through consumptive harvest for food, tools, and decorative objects. Only recently have they begun to benefit humans economically through non-consumptive roles, primarily as a focal point of educational eco-tourism. In recent years, the annual number of turtle walks conducted around the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR) has risen. This expansion contributed to a statistically significant increase in attendance from 2,162 in 2001 to 3,047 participants in 2014. I examined the regional economic impacts of marine turtle eco-tourism around the ACNWR using social surveys and an economic impact analysis tool. IMPLAN, an input-output modeling package, has been used in tourism industries around the U.S. since 1992, but this study is the first to use this tool to evaluate the holistic economic effects of marine turtle-based eco-tourism within a selected region. During the 2014 turtle walk season (June through July), surveys were distributed at six different turtle walk locations within Brevard and Indian River Counties, Florida, along the central Florida Atlantic coast. Adults attending the turtle walks (n=2,274) were given time before the educational presentation began to complete a one-page survey. Approximately 93% of turtle walk participants completed surveys. Due to market interactions within this two-county region, turtle walks contributed a minimum of three new jobs and a conservative estimate of almost $250,000 (USD) to the local economy during the two-month turtle walk season. Using financial comparisons and economic impact tools, like IMPLAN, can improve our understanding of the many roles, especially non-consumptive uses, sea turtles have in our communities. This information can be useful in resource management and conservation-based decision making.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005934, ucf:50845
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005934

Title: Fostering college student success: An analysis of the educational outcomes of Florida college students utilizing Relative Caregiver, Road-to-Independence, and Adoption tuition exemptions.
Creator: Murray, Lauren, Cox, Dr. Thomas, Preston, Michael, Whiteman, JoAnn, Molina, Olga, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated the educational outcomes of foster care youth utilizing the Road to Independence, Adopted from DCF, and Relative Caregiver tuition exemptions to pursue enrollment in Florida's state college system during the 2012-2013 academic year. An extensive literature review was conducted to examine the history of foster care, examine a contemporary portrait of the American foster care system, and the adult outcomes of former foster care. Federal and state policies impacting the...
Show moreThis study investigated the educational outcomes of foster care youth utilizing the Road to Independence, Adopted from DCF, and Relative Caregiver tuition exemptions to pursue enrollment in Florida's state college system during the 2012-2013 academic year. An extensive literature review was conducted to examine the history of foster care, examine a contemporary portrait of the American foster care system, and the adult outcomes of former foster care. Federal and state policies impacting the population, campus support initiatives at colleges nationwide and the concept of resilience were also explored. In conjunction with the Florida Department of Education's Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, the Florida Department of Children and Families provided access to a dataset compiled by the Community College and Technical Center MIS department. This file contained enrollment information for foster care youth utilizing one of three tuition exemptions to fund their education-related expenses. While all personal identifiers were eliminated prior to sharing the file, information within the document included student age, gender, race/ethnicity, academic discipline, and degree being pursued.Results of this study yielded some statistically significant differences across tuition exemption type. After examining relationships between gender and race/ethnicity and tuition exemption type, no statistically significant results were found. However, statistical significance was found after examining the relationships between academic degree being pursued and academic major/discipline and tuition exemption type. Many factors impact the experiences of foster care youth in the college classroom. These should be considered when developing programming, policy, and support services aimed at encouraging their success.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005979, ucf:50769
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005979

Title: A New Path Planning Guidance Law For Improved Impact Time Control of Missiles and Precision Munitions.
Creator: Snyder, Mark, Qu, Zhihua, Haralambous, Michael, Xu, Yunjun, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A new missile guidance law is proposed for the control of impact time which provides an improved time-to-go calculation by removing error due to trajectory curvature and also provides a family of trajectories for trajectory planning purposes. Unlike conventional optimal guidance laws, the proposed law is non explicit in time-to-go and the linearization of the engagement kinematics in order to gain a closed form solution is not necessary.
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006398, ucf:51506
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006398

Title: Low Impact Development Analysis and Comparative Assessment of Wet Detention Ponds with Floating Treatment Wetlands.
Creator: Hartshorn, Nicholas, Chang, Ni-bin, Kibler, Kelly, Wanielista, Martin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The aim of this thesis is to examine, develop, and assess innovative best management practices (BMPs) in stormwater management for pollutant reduction, flood control, and environmental sustainability. Previous research has clearly shown that urban stormwater runoff quickly transports pathogens, metals, sediment, and chemical pollutants to receiving waterbodies, resulting in the degradation of receiving waters and disruption of ecological networks. In response to this growing concern,...
Show moreThe aim of this thesis is to examine, develop, and assess innovative best management practices (BMPs) in stormwater management for pollutant reduction, flood control, and environmental sustainability. Previous research has clearly shown that urban stormwater runoff quickly transports pathogens, metals, sediment, and chemical pollutants to receiving waterbodies, resulting in the degradation of receiving waters and disruption of ecological networks. In response to this growing concern, regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), have set forth regulations aimed at protecting and restoring waterbodies. These regulations include numeric nutrient criteria (NNC) and total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), which enable effective monitoring of a waterbody with regard to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and help to restore waters not attaining their designated uses. Currently, many stormwater management systems do not provide sufficient nutrient reduction to meet growing regulations; thus, there is a clear need to develop additional BMPs to enhance nutrient reduction.Firstly, this thesis provides an overview of BMPs used in urban regions across the globe to create networks of low impact development (LID), with a focus on policy analysis. Chapter 2 examines the regulatory policies in areas of the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia from a federal, state, to local perspective in order to pinpoint what policies are supporting the shift from gray cities to green cities. Gray cities are cities comprised mainly of impervious surfaces, with little regard to the ecological health and hydrologic characteristics of the area. Green cities utilize LID to mimic pre-development hydrologic and ecological characteristics, resulting in a city that is both environmentally sustainable and offers many ecosystem services. The results of the global policy analysis identified the policies and other factors, such as funding and public involvement, necessary to facilitate the shift from gray cities to green cities and support the widespread implementation of LID.Secondly, this thesis provides a comparative analysis of three stormwater wet detention ponds, which all contained floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are a new BMP, used to enhance nutrient reduction rates in stormwater wet detention ponds. FTWs are a manmade ecosystem, utilizing plants that grow on interlocking floating foam mats, that mimics natural wetlands. Both episodic (storm event) and routine (non-storm event) sampling campaigns were carried out at the three stormwater wet detention ponds located in Gainesville, Ruskin, and Orlando, Florida. The comparative analysis of the three stormwater wet detention ponds was based on two perspectives. The fist analysis, found in Chapter 2, focuses solely on the nutrient reduction potential of FTWs and how the installation of FTWs can be used to improve nutrient reduction rates in stormwater wet detention ponds. The second analysis, found in Chapter 3, focuses on the interaction between nutrients, microcystin, and chlorophyll-a in the stormwater wet detention ponds before and after installation of the FTWs. These two studies provide a holistic understanding of the environmental and ecological aspects of utilizing FTWs as a BMP in stormwater management. FTWs were found to have a significant impact on nutrient reduction rates in the three stormwater wet detention ponds, with total nitrogen (TN) reduction rates reaching 33% at the Ruskin pond during storm events and total phosphorus (TP) reduction rates reaching 71% at the Gainesville pond during storm events. Moreover, microcystin concentrations were found to have a negative correlation with nutrient concentrations, specifically total phosphorus, for both storm and non-storm events across all three ponds.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006113, ucf:51206
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006113

Title: Policy Implications of a Teacher Evaluation System: The Relationship of Classroom Observations, Levels of Feedback, and Students Achievement Outcomes.
Creator: Rafalski, Shana, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to determine the relationship between the number of classroom observations and teacher VAM scores and (b) to identify the relationship between the types of feedback provided to teachers and student achievement outcomes as measured by VAM scores. De-identified data for the sample set of teachers in a large urban school district was gathered for the 2013-2014 year from iObservation by administrators observing teachers using the domains of the Marzano...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to determine the relationship between the number of classroom observations and teacher VAM scores and (b) to identify the relationship between the types of feedback provided to teachers and student achievement outcomes as measured by VAM scores. De-identified data for the sample set of teachers in a large urban school district was gathered for the 2013-2014 year from iObservation by administrators observing teachers using the domains of the Marzano instructional model. The number of observations were compared to VAM scores to determine if teachers with a greater number of observations received higher VAM ratings. The comments recorded and submitted as feedback were also reviewed. Data were analyzed to identify relationships between the types of feedback provided to teachers and student achievement outcomes as measured by VAM scores. No significant relationship existed between VAM scores and number of observations or percentage of comments for teachers at any grade level. In addition, no significant relationship existed between predominant feedback for teachers and VAM scores.The information in this study was valuable for understanding the relationships that exist among instructional practice scores, value-added measures, and learning gains to drive conversations with teachers regarding rigorous instruction. Observations and feedback should be a tool for improvement of instruction, but the data confirmed this process continues to be compliance based with inflated scores that do not match the level of performance of students. Changing this is strongly linked to the provision of feedback associated with improving instruction and holding teachers accountable in meeting the standards outlined in the feedback. Observers are in need of professional development on how to provide effective feedback in the areas of instruction that will make the biggest impact on student achievement. Continuing to put time and effort into implementing and monitoring evaluation systems without further training and emphasis on feedback will result in the same lack of impact on student achievement outcomes and may even undermine the role of observers in providing support to teachers.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005693, ucf:50143
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005693

Title: "THE IMPACT OF POLICY ON STUDENT SUCCESS IN SECONDARY ONLINE EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL".
Creator: McPherson, Rhonda, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Florida Virtual School (FLVS) was established in 1997 as an online education alternative for the residents of Florida. The purpose of this study was to identify policy changes at the organizational, state, and federal levels that had the propensity to impact student success (as measured by student's final letter grade) at FLVS. In addition, this study identified which type of institutional isomporphic policy (coercive, mimetic, or normative) best classified major policy changes in the...
Show moreFlorida Virtual School (FLVS) was established in 1997 as an online education alternative for the residents of Florida. The purpose of this study was to identify policy changes at the organizational, state, and federal levels that had the propensity to impact student success (as measured by student's final letter grade) at FLVS. In addition, this study identified which type of institutional isomporphic policy (coercive, mimetic, or normative) best classified major policy changes in the organization from 1997-2007. The use of institutional theory as the guiding framework for this study proved to be beneficial and enabled the researcher to conclude which types of policy are the most effective in increasing student success in the secondary online education environment. This study utilized ANOVA and regression analysis to detect whether or not changes in policy at the organizational and federal level have a statistically significant impact on student success in the secondary online education environment. This study reveals that student success at FLVS is consistently decreasing and that the change is statistically significant. Regression analysis found that the policy changes at FLVS in this study explain some of the variance detected in the change in the mean, or GPA, of the school. This study found that both coercive and mimetic policies have a statistically significant impact on student success in the secondary online education environment as identified in the isomorphic mechanisms outlined in institutional theory. This study is important to the field of literature regarding secondary online education in that it opens the discussion regarding types of policy and the potential impact that policy changes have on student success in the secondary online education environment. In addition, this study serves as a framework upon which future studies can be conducted and are recommended in this study.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002423, ucf:47741
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002423

Title: Environmental Study of Solid Waste Collection.
Creator: Maimoun, Mousa, Reinhart, Debra, Mccauley Bush, Pamela, Cooper, Charles, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The growing municipal solid waste generation rates have necessitated more efficient, optimized waste collection facilities. The majority of the US collection fleet is composed of diesel-fueled vehicles which contribute significant atmospheric emissions including greenhouse gases. In order to reduce emissions to the atmosphere, more collection agencies are investigating alternative fuel technologies such as natural gas, biofuels (bio-gas and bio-diesel), and hybrid electric technology. This...
Show moreThe growing municipal solid waste generation rates have necessitated more efficient, optimized waste collection facilities. The majority of the US collection fleet is composed of diesel-fueled vehicles which contribute significant atmospheric emissions including greenhouse gases. In order to reduce emissions to the atmosphere, more collection agencies are investigating alternative fuel technologies such as natural gas, biofuels (bio-gas and bio-diesel), and hybrid electric technology. This research is an in-depth environmental analysis of potential alternative fuel technologies for waste collection vehicles.This study will evaluate the use of alternative fuels by waste collection vehicles. Life-cycle emissions, cost, fuel and energy consumption were evaluated for a wide range of fossil and bio-fuel technologies. Moreover, the energy consumption and the tail-pipe emissions of diesel-fueled waste collection vehicles were estimated using MOVES 2010a software. Emission factors were calculated for a typical waste collection driving cycle as well as constant speed. Finally, the selection of fuel type by the waste collection industry requires consideration of environmental, security, financial, operational, and safety issues. In this study, a qualitative comparison between alternative fuels was performed; a multifactorial assessment of these factors was conducted taking into account the opinion of the waste collection industry of the importance of each factor.Liquid-petroleum fuels have higher life-cycle emissions compared to natural gas; however landfill natural gas has the lowest life-cycle emissions compared to all other fuel categories. Compressed natural gas waste collection vehicles have the lowest fuel cost per collection vehicle mile travel compared to other fuel categories. Moreover, the actual driving cycle of waste collection vehicles consists of repetitive stops and starts during waste collection; this generates more emissions than constant speed driving. Finally, the multifactorial assessment indicates that natural gas and landfill gas have better environmental, economical, and energy security performance than current liquid-petroleum fuels.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004133, ucf:49115
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004133

Title: MUSIC STANDARDS IMPLEMENTATION AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO FOURTH GRADE FLORIDA COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT TEST SCORES FROM 2004 TO 2006.
Creator: Phillips, Neal, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the possible relationships among the perceived implementation levels of elementary music standards and Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores for fourth graders in reading, mathematics, and writing for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006. Survey data for the study were obtained from 32 school district music supervisors from large, medium, and small districts who returned fully or partially completed questionnaires. The study was focused on the relationships, if any...
Show moreThis study examined the possible relationships among the perceived implementation levels of elementary music standards and Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores for fourth graders in reading, mathematics, and writing for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006. Survey data for the study were obtained from 32 school district music supervisors from large, medium, and small districts who returned fully or partially completed questionnaires. The study was focused on the relationships, if any, between a school district's mean scale scores in reading, mathematics, and writing from 2004 to 2006 in grade 4 and (a) elementary music standards implementation, (b) the average amount of time spent in elementary school music classes per week, (c) demographic and economic factors, and (d) the reported average amount of time spent in elementary school music classes per week. Findings of the study indicated that, when all variables were considered, a relationship existed among district music supervisors' views on two variables, degree of music standards implementation and the amount of time allotted per month for elementary music in respondents' school districts in 2004, 2005, and 2006; and (a) the percentage of students achieving at proficient or higher on FCAT reading who were also identified as free and reduced lunch in 2004, 2005, and 2006, (b) the percentage of students achieving at proficient or higher on FCAT mathematics who were also identified as free and reduced lunch in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and (c) the percentage of students achieving at proficient or higher on FCAT writing who were also identified as Hispanic in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Finally, implications for educational decision making were offered and recommendations were made for future studies dealing with elementary music standards implementation in Florida's schools. These recommendations included (a) investigating reasons for achievement gaps on FCAT between majority and minority ethnic groups and between minorities themselves, (b) exploring socio-economic factors affecting FCAT scores, (c) continuing research giving special attention to brain research involving music and its impact on the brain, (d) determining why high-stakes testing is necessary, and (e) devising controlled studies both in Florida and nationwide that would compare the elementary students receiving consistent and varied teaching in music with those students not receiving consistent musical instruction. Controlled and experimental group studies of pre-schoolers should be conducted to determine the extent to which the use of musical rhythms impacts the rate of language acquisition.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002063, ucf:47566
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002063

Title: THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR WORKPLACES: HOW GENDER HAS SHAPED WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW AND AWARD AMOUNTS.
Creator: Waldick, Ian, Cronon, Chad, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Equal Employment Opportunity laws are a relatively new construct within the framework of American legal history. This area of law, however, has experienced significant development within a relatively short span of time. Over the last half-century, the Supreme Court of the United States has handed down several landmark decisions, clarifying the law as to what constitutes sexual harassment, and in which circumstances employers can be held liable for the harassing actions of employees. The...
Show moreEqual Employment Opportunity laws are a relatively new construct within the framework of American legal history. This area of law, however, has experienced significant development within a relatively short span of time. Over the last half-century, the Supreme Court of the United States has handed down several landmark decisions, clarifying the law as to what constitutes sexual harassment, and in which circumstances employers can be held liable for the harassing actions of employees. The purpose of this thesis is to examine this development, and to assess the question of whether the awards given to male victims of workplace sexual harassment are comparable to the awards given to female victims.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004438, ucf:45086
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004438

Title: Viability of a Residential Integrated Stormwater, Graywater, and Wastewater Treatment System.
Creator: Goolsby, Matthew, Chopra, Manoj, Wanielista, Martin, Randall, Andrew, Chang, Ni-bin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The subject of water scarcity and the rate of water consumption have become popular over the last few decades. Within the topic of water consumption, there are two separate issues from a residential standpoint. The first concern is the steadily increasing need for viable alternative water sources to be utilized for non-potable applications in an effort to reduce potable water demands. The second concern is the need to significantly reduce of nutrient-laden wastewater effluent discharge from...
Show moreThe subject of water scarcity and the rate of water consumption have become popular over the last few decades. Within the topic of water consumption, there are two separate issues from a residential standpoint. The first concern is the steadily increasing need for viable alternative water sources to be utilized for non-potable applications in an effort to reduce potable water demands. The second concern is the need to significantly reduce of nutrient-laden wastewater effluent discharge from septic systems in order to sustain groundwater quality and prevent adverse ecological impacts. This study addresses both issues with two separate systems integrated into one environmentally functional home that emphasizes low impact development (LID) practices. The first objective of the study is to quantify the performance of the passive treatment Bold (&) GoldTM reactive filter bed (FDOH classified (")innovative system(")) for nutrient removal. The second objective is to monitor the water quality of the combined graywater/stormwater cistern for non-potable use and asses all components (green roof, gutters, graywater treatment, AC condensate, well water, stormwater contribution). The performance of the passive innovative system is compared to past studies and regulatory standards. Also, a bench scale model of the OSTDS is constructed at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Stormwater Management Academy Research and Testing Lab (SMART Lab) and tested to provide effluent data at two different residence times. Complex physical, biological, and chemical theories are applied to the analysis of wastewater treatment performance. The data from the OSTDS and stormwater/graywater cistern both systems are also assessed using statistical analysis. The results of the OSTDS are compared to FDOH regulatory requirements for (")Secondary Treatment Standards("), and (")Advanced Secondary Treatment Standards(") with positive results. The bench scale results verify that both biological nutrient removal and physiochemical sorption are occurring within the filter media and quantified the relationship between removal rates and hydraulic residence time (HRT).The combined graywater/stormwater cistern contains acceptable water quality and operates efficiently. The demand on the cistern results in about 50% capacity utilization of the cistern and there is a consistent dependency on the artesian well. The salinity content and high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the cistern water did not produce any noticeable adverse impacts on the home other than scale formation in the toilet. The results of the research determined that the implementation of the integrated system is a viable option at the residential level.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004114, ucf:49094
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004114

Title: Microscopic Assessment of Transportation Emissions on Limited Access Highways.
Creator: Abou-Senna, Hatem, Radwan, Ahmed, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Al-Deek, Haitham, Cooper, Charles, Johnson, Mark, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: On-road vehicles are a major source of transportation carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions in all the developed countries, and in many of the developing countries in the world. Similarly, several criteria air pollutants are associated with transportation, e.g., carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The need to accurately quantify transportation-related emissions from vehicles is essential. Transportation agencies and researchers in the past have...
Show moreOn-road vehicles are a major source of transportation carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions in all the developed countries, and in many of the developing countries in the world. Similarly, several criteria air pollutants are associated with transportation, e.g., carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The need to accurately quantify transportation-related emissions from vehicles is essential. Transportation agencies and researchers in the past have estimated emissions using one average speed and volume on a long stretch of roadway. With MOVES, there is an opportunity for higher precision and accuracy. Integrating a microscopic traffic simulation model (such as VISSIM) with MOVES allows one to obtain precise and accurate emissions estimates. The new United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) mobile source emissions model, MOVES2010a (MOVES) can estimate vehicle emissions on a second-by-second basis creating the opportunity to develop new software (")VIMIS 1.0(") (VISSIM/MOVES Integration Software) to facilitate the integration process. This research presents a microscopic examination of five key transportation parameters (traffic volume, speed, truck percentage, road grade and temperature) on a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 4 (I-4) test bed prototype; an urban limited access highway corridor in Orlando, Florida. The analysis was conducted utilizing VIMIS 1.0 and using an advanced custom design technique; D-Optimality and I-Optimality criteria, to identify active factors and to ensure precision in estimating the regression coefficients as well as the response variable.The analysis of the experiment identified the optimal settings of the key factors and resulted in the development of Micro-TEM (Microscopic Transportation Emissions Meta-Model). The main purpose of Micro-TEM is to serve as a substitute model for predicting transportation emissions on limited access highways to an acceptable degree of accuracy in lieu of running simulations using a traffic model and integrating the results in an emissions model. Furthermore, significant emission rate reductions were observed from the experiment on the modeled corridor especially for speeds between 55 and 60 mph while maintaining up to 80% and 90% of the freeway's capacity. However, vehicle activity characterization in terms of speed was shown to have a significant impact on the emission estimation approach.Four different approaches were further examined to capture the environmental impacts of vehicular operations on the modeled test bed prototype. First, (at the most basic level), emissions were estimated for the entire 10-mile section (")by hand(") using one average traffic volume and average speed. Then, three advanced levels of detail were studied using VISSIM/MOVES to analyze smaller links: average speeds and volumes (AVG), second-by-second link driving schedules (LDS), and second-by-second operating mode distributions (OPMODE). This research analyzed how the various approaches affect predicted emissions of CO, NOx, PM and CO2. The results demonstrated that obtaining accurate and comprehensive operating mode distributions on a second-by-second basis improves emission estimates. Specifically, emission rates were found to be highly sensitive to stop-and-go traffic and the associated driving cycles of acceleration, deceleration, frequent braking/coasting and idling. Using the AVG or LDS approach may overestimate or underestimate emissions, respectively, compared to an operating mode distribution approach.Additionally, model applications and mitigation scenarios were examined on the modeled corridor to evaluate the environmental impacts in terms of vehicular emissions and at the same time validate the developed model (")Micro-TEM("). Mitigation scenarios included the future implementation of managed lanes (ML) along with the general use lanes (GUL) on the I-4 corridor, the currently implemented variable speed limits (VSL) scenario as well as a hypothetical restricted truck lane (RTL) scenario. Results of the mitigation scenarios showed an overall speed improvement on the corridor which resulted in overall reduction in emissions and emission rates when compared to the existing condition (EX) scenario and specifically on link by link basis for the RTL scenario.The proposed emission rate estimation process also can be extended to gridded emissions for ozone modeling, or to localized air quality dispersion modeling, where temporal and spatial resolution of emissions is essential to predict the concentration of pollutants near roadways.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004777, ucf:49788
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004777

Title: Nano-Particles in Multi-Scale Composites and Ballistic Applications.
Creator: Gibson, Jason, Gou, Jihua, Raghavan, Seetha, Bai, Yuanli, Zhai, Lei, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Carbon nanotubes, graphene and nano sized core shell rubber particles have all been extensively researched for their capability to improve mechanical properties of thermoset resins. However, there has been a lack of research on their evaluation for energy absorption in high velocity impact scenarios, and the fundamental mechanics of their failure mechanisms during highly dynamic stress transfer through the matrix. This fundamental research is essential for laying the foundation for...
Show moreCarbon nanotubes, graphene and nano sized core shell rubber particles have all been extensively researched for their capability to improve mechanical properties of thermoset resins. However, there has been a lack of research on their evaluation for energy absorption in high velocity impact scenarios, and the fundamental mechanics of their failure mechanisms during highly dynamic stress transfer through the matrix. This fundamental research is essential for laying the foundation for improvement in ballistic performance in composite armor. In hard armor applications, energy absorption is largely accomplished through delamination between plies of the composite laminate. This energy absorption is accomplished through two mechanisms. The first being the elongation of the fiber reinforcement contained in the resin matrix, and the second is the propagation of the crack in between the discreet fabric plies. This research aims to fundamentally study the energy absorption characteristics of various nano-particles as reinforcements in thermoset resin for high velocity impact applications. Multiple morphologies will be evaluated through use of platelet, tubular and spherical shaped nano-particles. Evaluations of the effect on stress transfer through the matrix due to the combination of nano sized and micro scale particles of milled fiber is conducted. Three different nano-particles are utilized, specifically, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene, and core shell rubber particles. The difference in surface area, aspect ratio and molecular structure between the tube, platelet and spherical nano-particles causes energy absorption through different failure mechanisms. This changes the impact performance of composite panels enhanced with the nano-particle fillers. Composite panels made through the use of dispersing the various nano-particles in a non-contact planetary mixer, are evaluated through various dynamic and static testing, including unnotched cantilever beam impact, mixed mode fracture toughness, split-Hopkinson bar, and ballistic V50 testing.The unnotched cantilever beam testing showed that the addition of milled fiber degraded the impact resistance of the samples. Addition of graphene nano platelets unilaterally degraded impact resistance through the unnotched cantilever beam testing. 1.5% loading of MWCNT showed the greatest increase in impact resistance, with a 43% increase over baseline.Determining the critical load for mixed mode interlaminar shear testing can be difficult for composite panels that bend without breaking. An iterative technique of optimizing the coefficient of determination, R2, in linear regression is developed for objectively determining the point of non-linearity for critical load. This allows for a mathematical method of determination; thereby eliminating any subjective decision of choosing where the data becomes non-linear. The core shell rubber nano particles showed the greatest strain energy release rate with an exponential improvement over the baseline results.Synergistic effects between nano and micro sized particles in the resin matrix during transfer of the stress wave were created and evaluated. Loadings of 1% milled carbon fiber enhanced the V50 ballistic performance of both carbon nanotube and core shell rubber particles in the resin matrix. However, the addition of milled carbon fiber degrades the impact resistance of all nano-particle enhanced resin matrices. Therefore, benefits gained from the addition of micro-sized particles in combination with nano-sized particles, are only seen in high energy impact scenarios with micro second durations.Loadings of 1% core shell rubber particles and 1% milled carbon fiber have an improvement of 8% in V50 ballistic performance over the baseline epoxy sample for 44 mag single wad cutter gas check projectiles. Loadings of 1% multi-walled carbon nanotubes with 1% milled carbon fiber have an improvement of 7.3% in V50 ballistic performance over the baseline epoxy sample.The failure mechanism of the various nano-particle enhanced resin matrices during the ballistic event is discussed through the use of scanning electron microscope images and Raman spectroscopy of the panels after failure. The Raman spectroscopy data shows a Raman shift for the fibers that had an enhancement in the V50 performance through the use of nano-particles. The Raman band for Kevlar(&)#174; centered at 1,649 cm-1 stemming from the stretching of the C==O bond of the fiber shows to be more sensitive to the residual axial strain, while the Raman band centered at 1,611 cm-1 stemming from the C-C phenyl ring is minimally affected for the CSR enhanced panels due to the failure mechanism of the CSR particles during crack propagation.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004849, ucf:49714
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004849

Title: The Impact of the Community Partnership Schools Model Community School on Graduation and Attendance Rates in One Florida High School.
Creator: Ellis, Amy, Johnson, Jerry, Doherty, Walter, Williams-Fjeldhe, Karri, Castor Dentel, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify and describe the nature and extent of the relationships, if any, that existed between a Community Partnership Schools(TM) (CPS) model community school and the outcomes of graduation and attendance rates at one public high school in Florida. An evaluation study utilizing an interrupted time series (ITS) design addressed this problem by identifying and describing the relationship between the CPS model and the key outcome measures using...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to identify and describe the nature and extent of the relationships, if any, that existed between a Community Partnership Schools(TM) (CPS) model community school and the outcomes of graduation and attendance rates at one public high school in Florida. An evaluation study utilizing an interrupted time series (ITS) design addressed this problem by identifying and describing the relationship between the CPS model and the key outcome measures using visual analysis and descriptive statistics. Graduation and attendance rates for seven years before the CPS model was introduced (2003-2010) and seven years after the CPS model was introduced (2010-2017) at the CPS school were compared to the graduation and attendance rates for the same time frames of five other matched comparison high schools that had not implemented a CPS model community school. Findings of this study, though mixed, suggest the Community Partnership Schools(TM) model may have provided a positive environment for improvement in key measures at the targeted CPS high school. Though no definitive conclusions were reached, this study alongside other evaluations of the Community Partnership Schools(TM) model may be helpful in informing decision makers regarding the potential positive influence of the CPS model on such measures as graduation and attendance rates.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007452, ucf:52698
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007452

Title: Faculty Perspectives and Participation in Implementing an Early Alert System and Intervention in a Community College.
Creator: Bentham, Claudine, King, Kathy (Kathleen), Cox, Dr. Thomas, Hopp, Carolyn, Bosley, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Early alert systems have been recognized as a high impact practice designed to improve student engagement and student success. Early alert is designed to identify students with at-risk behaviors early in the semester before they decide to drop-out, withdraw, or fail their classes, using resources such as a predictive analysis tool or advising. For an early alert to be successful and efficient, faculty should be included in the process of early alert. This qualitative study examined faculty's...
Show moreEarly alert systems have been recognized as a high impact practice designed to improve student engagement and student success. Early alert is designed to identify students with at-risk behaviors early in the semester before they decide to drop-out, withdraw, or fail their classes, using resources such as a predictive analysis tool or advising. For an early alert to be successful and efficient, faculty should be included in the process of early alert. This qualitative study examined faculty's perspective and experiences when implementing early alert strategies and intervention in a two-year institution. Using Cranton's seven facets of transformative learning as a conceptual framework, this study examined the changes, perception, and experiences of faculty as a result of implementation. The literature reviews best practices that can be considered when faculty designs their early alert strategies and intervention. Participants shared their During and After Implementation Journal experience by completing reflection journals. After careful analysis of their journals and initial interview, the following major themes emerged: a) at-risk behaviors, b) high-impact practices, c) intentionality, d) personal connection, e) perspective transformation, and f) value. As a result of these themes, recommendations were provided to assist faculty development and change agents in two-year institutions in improving early alert methods to increase student success.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006857, ucf:51742
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006857

impact (3)	+ -
Adverse Impact (2)	+ -
GHG (2)	+ -
MOVES (2)	+ -
stormwater management (2)	+ -

ASTM D4812 (1)	+ -
ASTM D6671 (1)	+ -
Air Quality Impacts (1)	+ -
Alternative Fuels (1)	+ -
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (1)	+ -
Awareness (1)	+ -
BMP (1)	+ -
Biosorption Activated Media (1)	+ -
CO2 (1)	+ -
Carbon Dioxide (1)	+ -
Carbon Impact (1)	+ -
Civil Rights Act (1)	+ -
Classroom Observations (1)	+ -
Community Partnership Schools (1)	+ -
Community schools (1)	+ -
Construction impact (1)	+ -
Contextual Performance (1)	+ -
Copper Impact (1)	+ -
Corporate Social Responsibility (1)	+ -
Crassostrea virginica (1)	+ -
Custom Design (1)	+ -
Cyberbullying (1)	+ -
Cybercrime (1)	+ -
D-Optimal (1)	+ -
DON removal (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (30)	+ -
Honors Collection (8)	+ -

University of Central Florida (38)	+ -
Chang, Ni-bin (4)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (4)	+ -
Al-Deek, Haitham (3)	+ -
Wanielista, Martin (3)	+ -

Baldwin, Lee (2)	+ -
Chopra, Manoj (2)	+ -
Cooper, Charles (2)	+ -
Cox, Dr. Thomas (2)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (2)	+ -
Kibler, Kelly (2)	+ -
Kincaid, John (2)	+ -
Murray, Barbara (2)	+ -
Raghavan, Seetha (2)	+ -
Randall, Andrew (2)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (2)	+ -
Wan, Thomas (2)	+ -
Abdel-Aty, Mohamed (1)	+ -
Abou-Senna, Hatem (1)	+ -
Bai, Yuanli (1)	+ -
Bennett, Roseann (1)	+ -
Bentham, Claudine (1)	+ -
Bevc, Christine A. (1)	+ -
Bosley, Michael (1)	+ -
Bryer, Thomas (1)	+ -
Burke, Shawn (1)	+ -
Campbell, Donna (1)	+ -
Castillo Orozco, Eduardo (1)	+ -
Castor Dentel, Karen (1)	+ -
Cook, Kathy (1)	+ -

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