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- Title
- COMPREHENSIVE ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE SAFETY OF UNSIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS.
- Creator
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Haleem, Kirolos, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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According to documented statistics, intersections are among the most hazardous locations on roadway systems. Many studies have extensively analyzed safety of signalized intersections, but did not put their major focus on the most frequent type of intersections, unsignalized intersections. Unsignalized intersections are those intersections with stop control, yield control and no traffic control. Unsignalized intersections can be differentiated from their signalized counterparts in that their...
Show moreAccording to documented statistics, intersections are among the most hazardous locations on roadway systems. Many studies have extensively analyzed safety of signalized intersections, but did not put their major focus on the most frequent type of intersections, unsignalized intersections. Unsignalized intersections are those intersections with stop control, yield control and no traffic control. Unsignalized intersections can be differentiated from their signalized counterparts in that their operational functions take place without the presence of a traffic signal. In this dissertation, multiple approaches of analyzing safety at unsignalized intersections were conducted. This was investigated in this study by analyzing total crashes, the most frequent crash types at unsignalized intersections (rear-end as well as angle crashes) and crash injury severity. Additionally, an access management analysis was investigated with respect to the different median types identified in this study. Some of the developed methodological techniques in this study are considered recent, and have not been extensively applied. In this dissertation, the most extensive data collection effort for unsignalized intersections was conducted. There were 2500 unsignalized intersections collected from six counties in the state of Florida. These six counties were Orange, Seminole, Hillsborough, Brevard, Leon and Miami-Dade. These selected counties are major counties representing the central, western, eastern, northern and southern parts in Florida, respectively. Hence, a geographic representation of the state of Florida was achieved. Important intersections' geometric and roadway features, minor approach traffic control, major approach traffic flow and crashes were obtained. The traditional negative binomial (NB) regression model was used for modeling total crash frequency for two years at unsignalized intersections. This was considered since the NB technique is well accepted for modeling crash count data suffering from over-dispersion. The NB models showed several important variables affecting safety at unsignalized intersections. These include the traffic volume on the major road and the existence of stop signs, and among the geometric characteristics, the configuration of the intersection, number of right and/or left turn lanes, median type on the major road, and left and right shoulder widths. Afterwards, a new approach of applying the Bayesian updating concept for better crash prediction was introduced. Different non-informative and informative prior structures using the NB and log-gamma distributions were attempted. The log-gamma distribution showed the best prediction capability. Crash injury severity at unsignalized intersections was analyzed using the ordered probit, binary probit and nested logit frameworks. The binary probit method was considered the best approach based on its goodness-of-fit statistics. The common factors found in the fitted probit models were the logarithm of AADT on the major road, and the speed limit on the major road. It was found that higher severity (and fatality) probability is always associated with a reduction in AADT, as well as an increase in speed limit. A recently developed data mining technique, the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) technique, which is capable of yielding high prediction accuracy, was used to analyze rear-end as well as angle crashes. MARS yielded the best prediction performance while dealing with continuous responses. Additionally, screening the covariates using random forest before fitting MARS model was very encouraging. Finally, an access management analysis was performed with respect to six main median types associated with unsignalized intersections/access points. These six median types were open, closed, directional (allowing access from both sides), two-way left turn lane, undivided and mixed medians (e.g., directional median, but allowing access from one side only). Also, crash conflict patterns at each of these six medians were identified and applied to a dataset including median-related crashes. In this case, separating median-related and intersection-related crashes was deemed significant in the analysis. From the preliminary analysis, open medians were considered the most hazardous median type, and closed and undivided medians were the safest. The binomial logit and bivariate probit models showed significant median-related variables affecting median-related crashes, such as median width, speed limit on the major road, logarithm of AADT, logarithm of the upstream and downstream distances to the nearest signalized intersection and crash pattern. The results from the different methodological approaches introduced in this study could be applicable to diagnose safety deficiencies identified. For example, to reduce crash severity, prohibiting left turn maneuvers from minor intersection approaches is recommended. To reduce right-angle crashes, avoiding installing two-way left turn lanes at 4-legged intersections is essential. To reduce conflict points, closing median openings across from intersections is recommended. Since left-turn and angle crash patterns were the most dominant at undivided medians, it is recommended to avoid left turn maneuvers at unsignalized intersections having undivided medians at their approach. This could be enforced by installing a left-turn prohibition sign on both major and minor approaches.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002900, ucf:48011
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002900
- Title
- The Intersection of Race and Class in Maternity Leave: Who's Left Out?.
- Creator
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Ittai, Christine, Carter, Shannon, Rivera, Fernando, Hinojosa, Melanie, Santana, Maria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Maternity leave is a critical work-family policy that affects over two-thirds of the working U.S. female population. Although it has been studied extensively, especially since the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the majority of the research has focused on White, middle-class, married, and educated working mothers. There is a plethora of information about access to maternity leave, utilization of maternity leave, length of maternity leave, and compensation during leave....
Show moreMaternity leave is a critical work-family policy that affects over two-thirds of the working U.S. female population. Although it has been studied extensively, especially since the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the majority of the research has focused on White, middle-class, married, and educated working mothers. There is a plethora of information about access to maternity leave, utilization of maternity leave, length of maternity leave, and compensation during leave. However, there are several limitations in the research. A majority of studies use outdated datasets; measure family leave as a proxy for maternity leave; study paid and unpaid maternity leave as one variable; and leave out contextual factors. Using intersectionality theory as a guiding framework, which poses that women's gendered experiences are shaped by the intersection of race/ethnicity and class, the purpose of this study is to identify similarities and differences in the maternity leave practices of a racially diverse sample of working mothers. The Listening to Mothers III Survey of births occurring in 2011 and 2012 will be used for this study. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors that predict access to leave, utilization of leave, length of leave, and compensation during leave. Results show that sociodemographic factors such as household income, poverty level, and insurance are consistent predictors of access to leave, use of leave, and length of leave. Using an intersectional approach revealed that mothers' intersectional locations can increase or decrease their chances of getting access to leave, using leave, the length of leave taken, and compensation received during leave. The results of this study show that including sociodemographic factors in maternity leave research can further our understanding of how the social characteristics of working mothers impact their maternity leave experiences. Paying more attention to these factors in maternity leave research will contribute recommendations for creating more inclusive maternity leave policies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007338, ucf:52113
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007338
- Title
- A GPSS/360 Computer Model for Simulation of Automobile Traffic at Intersections.
- Creator
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Golovcsenko, Igor V., ,, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis
- Date Issued
- 1974
- Identifier
- CFR0011598, ucf:53135
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0011598
- Title
- Grandma got passed over by a manager: The intersection of age and gender in hiring.
- Creator
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Perez, Alyssa, Fritzsche, Barbara, Dawson, Nicole, Shoss, Mindy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Research has demonstrated how age stereotypes influence judgment and decision making at work, but older workers are more than just older. All individuals are members of multiple demographic categories, yet we know surprisingly little about how multiple category membership affects judgments and decision making at work. Competing models have been suggested, such as the category activation and inhibition model (Kulik et al., 2007) and the intersectional salience of ageism at work model (Marcus (...
Show moreResearch has demonstrated how age stereotypes influence judgment and decision making at work, but older workers are more than just older. All individuals are members of multiple demographic categories, yet we know surprisingly little about how multiple category membership affects judgments and decision making at work. Competing models have been suggested, such as the category activation and inhibition model (Kulik et al., 2007) and the intersectional salience of ageism at work model (Marcus (&) Fritzsche, 2015). However, empirical tests of these models are scarce. In the present study, the age and gender of job applicants were manipulated in a mock job interview. Job context was also manipulated through a recruitment ad that described the ideal applicant using age and gender stereotypic language. One hundred and seventy-three human resource professionals rated the mock interview. It was expected that when the demographic characteristics of the job applicant matched the stereotypes identified by the job ad, hiring professionals would rate the applicant as more suitable in hireability, qualifications, and recommended starting salary. Results showed a bias against older job applicants, as they were rated as less qualified and as requiring higher starting salaries than younger job applicants, even though their interview transcripts were identical. Moreover, a 3-way interaction showed that the highest salaries were suggested for older job applicants whose gender matched the gender stereotypes presented in the job ad. These results illustrate a hurdle faced by older workers; they will be perceived as less capable yet more expensive. Ageism emerged as the most salient category in this study of individuals seeking re-employment beyond traditional working age, but the results suggest intersectional effects as well. Future research should further examine how ageism is experienced by different multi-group members in other job contexts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007511, ucf:52637
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007511
- Title
- Developing Warrants for Designing Continuous Flow Intersection and Diverging Diamond Interchange.
- Creator
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Almoshaogeh, Meshal, Radwan, Essam, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Abou-Senna, Hatem, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The main goal of this dissertation is to have better understanding of design and operation of the Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) and Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) - as well as numerous factors that affect signalized intersection and interchange performance due to increased left-turn demand. The dissertation attempts to assess the need and justification to redesign intersections and interchanges to improve their efficiency. And to that end, an extensive literature review of existing...
Show moreThe main goal of this dissertation is to have better understanding of design and operation of the Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) and Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) - as well as numerous factors that affect signalized intersection and interchange performance due to increased left-turn demand. The dissertation attempts to assess the need and justification to redesign intersections and interchanges to improve their efficiency. And to that end, an extensive literature review of existing studies was done with the prime aim of perceiving the principles of these innovative designs and determining the methodology to-be-followed, in order to reach the study's core. Accordingly, several DDI and CFI locations were selected as candidate locations, where the designs have already been implemented and the required data - to model calibration and validation - was collected. The micro-simulation software (VISSIM 8.0) was used for simulation, calibration and validation of the existing conditions - through several steps - including signal optimization and driving behavior parameter sensitivity analysis. Subsequently, an experiment was conceived for each design, aiming at examining several factors that affect each design's efficiency. The experiment comprised 180 and 90 different CFI (&) DDI scenarios and their conventional designs, respectively. Two measures of effectiveness were identified for result analysis: the average delay and capacity. Result analyses were performed to detect switching thresholds (from conventional to innovative designs. In addition, performance comparison studies of the CFI and DDI with their conventional designs were performed. The results and findings will serve as guidelines for decision-makers as to when they should consider switching from conventional to innovative design. Finally, decision support systems were developed to speed up the search for the superior design, in comparison with others.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0007276, ucf:52187
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007276
- Title
- Reproductive Rights and Justice Advocacy in Central Florida: Who is Represented?.
- Creator
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Hager, Mary, Mishtal, Joanna, Harris, Shana, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis examines the racial understanding and social relationships of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida staff and volunteers. As well, this research explores how Planned Parenthood supporters organize and promote diverse advocacy work to promote reproductive justice in social media and volunteer education. Planned Parenthood has been at the forefront of reproductive rights campaigns for over a century, and their work has often tied into contemporary feminist and...
Show moreThis thesis examines the racial understanding and social relationships of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida staff and volunteers. As well, this research explores how Planned Parenthood supporters organize and promote diverse advocacy work to promote reproductive justice in social media and volunteer education. Planned Parenthood has been at the forefront of reproductive rights campaigns for over a century, and their work has often tied into contemporary feminist and political issues. Of note, feminists of color have called for a shift from advocacy for (")reproductive choice(") to (")reproductive justice(") as a way to identify the needs and predicaments of a wider range of women and to promote advocacy that is more representative of the population it aims to serve. Yet, how key non-governmental organizations such as Planned Parenthood engage with intersectional issues of ethnicity, race, sex, gender, and socioeconomic class in their advocacy work has been understudied. Using ethnographic methods of participant observation and semi-structured interviews, this research examines how volunteers and staff apply their understandings of racial disparities and inclusive advocacy efforts to better aid Central Florida's marginalized communities and communities of color. This project contributes to the greater call for policy and organizational analysis through applied anthropology and feminist studies in the United States and addresses how organizations balance the desires of their funders against the diverse needs of their patients.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007011, ucf:52048
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007011
- Title
- INTERSECTIONAL INVISIBILITY: A COMPARISON AMONG CAUCASIAN, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, AND LATINO MEN AND WOMEN.
- Creator
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Reeves, De'Siree, Chin, Matthew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The objective of this thesis was to investigate intersectional (categorical/social) invisibility and the extent to which this phenomenon occurs in a comparison of dominant (i.e., Caucasian), and non-dominant (African-American and Latino) social/ethnic groups. It has been found that intersectional invisibility occurs among African-American women with respect to Caucasian men and women, and African American men (Sesko & Biernat, 2010), but little of this research has been done regarding Latinas...
Show moreThe objective of this thesis was to investigate intersectional (categorical/social) invisibility and the extent to which this phenomenon occurs in a comparison of dominant (i.e., Caucasian), and non-dominant (African-American and Latino) social/ethnic groups. It has been found that intersectional invisibility occurs among African-American women with respect to Caucasian men and women, and African American men (Sesko & Biernat, 2010), but little of this research has been done regarding Latinas. Thus, this experiment aims to not only examine whether Latinas are also subject to intersectional invisibility among dominant (i.e., Caucasian) and non-dominant (i.e., African American and/or Latino) groups, but to determine whether the theory can be extended to perceptions between non-dominant groups such as African-Americans and Latinos. Determining whether intersectional invisibility occurs among Latinas, moreover, may provide theoretical and practical insights of what advantages/disadvantages Latinas may particularly endure as members of the rapidly growing Latino population in the U.S.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004819, ucf:45436
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004819
- Title
- SAFETY ANALYSES AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS CONSIDERING SPATIAL, TEMPORAL AND SITE CORRELATION.
- Creator
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Wang, Xuesong, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Statistics show that signalized intersections are among the most dangerous locations of a roadway network. Different approaches including crash frequency and severity models have been used to establish the relationship between crash occurrence and intersection characteristics. In order to model crash occurrence at signalized intersections more efficiently and eventually to better identify the significant factors contributing to crashes, this dissertation investigated the temporal, spatial,...
Show moreStatistics show that signalized intersections are among the most dangerous locations of a roadway network. Different approaches including crash frequency and severity models have been used to establish the relationship between crash occurrence and intersection characteristics. In order to model crash occurrence at signalized intersections more efficiently and eventually to better identify the significant factors contributing to crashes, this dissertation investigated the temporal, spatial, and site correlations for total, rear-end, right-angle and left-turn crashes. Using the basic regression model for correlated crash data leads to invalid statistical inference, due to incorrect test statistics and standard errors based on the misspecified variance. In this dissertation, the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were applied, which provide an extension of generalized linear models to the analysis of longitudinal or clustered data. A series of frequency models are presented by using the GEE with a Negative Binomial as the link function. The GEE models for the crash frequency per year (using four correlation structures) were fitted for longitudinal data; the GEE models for the crash frequency per intersection (using three correlation structures) were fitted for the signalized intersections along corridors; the GEE models were applied for the rear-end crash data with temporal or spatial correlation separately. For right-angle crash frequency, models at intersection, roadway, and approach levels were fitted and the roadway and approach level models were estimated by using the GEE to account for the "site correlation"; and for left-turn crashes, the approach level crash frequencies were modeled by using the GEE with a Negative Binomial link function for most patterns and using a binomial logit link function for the pattern having a higher proportion of zeros and ones in crash frequencies. All intersection geometry design features, traffic control and operational features, traffic flows, and crashes were obtained for selected intersections. Massive data collection work has been done. The autoregression structure is found to be the most appropriate correlation structure for both intersection temporal and spatial analyses, which indicates that the correlation between the multiple observations for a certain intersection will decrease as the time-gap increase and for spatially correlated signalized intersections along corridors the correlation between intersections decreases as spacing increases. The unstructured correlation structure was applied for roadway and approach level right-angle crashes and also for different patterns of left-turn crashes at the approach level. Usually two approaches at the same roadway have a higher correlation. At signalized intersections, differences exist in traffic volumes, site geometry, and signal operations, as well as safety performance on various approaches of intersections. Therefore, modeling the total number of left-turn crashes at intersections may obscure the real relationship between the crash causes and their effects. The dissertation modeled crashes at different levels. Particularly, intersection, roadway, and approach level models were compared for right-angle crashes, and different crash assignment criteria of "at-fault driver" or "near-side" were applied for disaggregated models. It shows that for the roadway and approach level models, the "near-side" models outperformed the "at-fault driver" models. Variables in traffic characteristics, geometric design features, traffic control and operational features, corridor level factor, and location type have been identified to be significant in crash occurrence. In specific, the safety relationship between crash occurrence and traffic volume has been investigated extensively at different studies. It has been found that the logarithm of traffic volumes per lane for the entire intersection is the best functional form for the total crashes in both the temporal and spatial analyses. The studies of right-angle and left-turn crashes confirm the assumption that the frequency of collisions is related to the traffic flows to which the colliding vehicles belong and not to the sum of the entering flows; the logarithm of the product of conflicting flows is usually the most significant functional form in the model. This study found that the left-turn protection on the minor roadway will increase rear-end crash occurrence, while the left-turn protection on the major roadway will reduce rear-end crashes. In addition, left-turn protection reduces Pattern 5 left-turn crashes (left-turning traffic collides with on-coming through traffic) specifically, but it increases Pattern 8 left-turn crashes (left-turning traffic collides with near-side crossing through traffic), and it has no significant effect on other patterns of left-turn crashes. This dissertation also investigated some other factors which have not been considered before. The safety effectiveness of many variables identified in this dissertation is consistent with previous studies. Some variables have unexpected signs and a justification is provided. Injury severity also has been studied for Patterns 5 left-turn crashes. Crashes were located to the approach with left-turning vehicles. The "site correlation" among the crashes occurred at the same approach was considered since these crashes may have similar propensity in crash severity. Many methodologies and applications have been attempted in this dissertation. Therefore, the study has both theoretical and implementational contribution in safety analysis at signalized intersections.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001497, ucf:47078
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001497
- Title
- A NEW APPROACH TO IDENTIFY THE EXPECTED CRASH PATTERNS BASED ON SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION SIZE AND ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS.
- Creator
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Salkapuram, Hari, Mohamed, Abdel-Aty, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Analysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from...
Show moreAnalysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from six jurisdictions in Florida, namely, Brevard, Seminole, Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough Counties and the City of Orlando. Using these data a simple methodology has been developed to identify the expected number of crashes by type and severity at signalized intersections. Intersection size, based on the total number of lanes, was used as a factor that was simple to identify and a representative of many geometric and traffic characteristics of an intersection. The results from the analysis showed that crash frequency generally increased with the increased size of intersections but the rates of increase differed for different intersection types (i.e., Four-legged intersection with both streets two-way, Four-legged intersection with at least one street one-way, and T-intersections). The results also showed that the dominant type of crashes differed at these intersection types and severity of crashes was higher at the intersections with more conflict points and larger differential in speed limits between major and minor roads. The analysis may potentially be useful for traffic engineers for evaluating safety at signalized intersections in a simple and efficient manner. The findings in this analysis provide strong evidence that the patterns of crashes by type and severity vary with the size and type of intersections. Thus, in future analysis of crashes at intersections, the size and type of intersections should be considered to account for the effects of intersection characteristics on crash frequency. In the second phase, data (crash and intersection characteristics) obtained from individual jurisdictions are linked to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database to include characteristics of the at-fault drivers involved in crashes. These crashes are analyzed using contingency tables and binary logistic regression models. This study categorizes crashes into three major types based on relative initial movement direction of the involved vehicles. These crash types are, 1) Initial movement in same direction (IMSD) crashes. This crash type includes rear end and sideswipe crashes because the involved vehicles for these crashes would be traveling in the same direction prior to the crash. 2) Initial movement in opposite direction (IMOD) crashes comprising left-turn and head on crashes. 3) Initial movement in perpendicular direction (IMPD) crashes, which include angle and right-turn crashes. Vehicles involved in these crashes would be traveling on different roadways that constitute the intersection. Using the crash, intersection, and at-fault driver characteristics for all crashes as inputs, three logistic regression models are developed. In the logistic regression analyses total number of through lanes at an intersection is used as a surrogate measure to AADT per lane and also intersection type is introduced as a 'predictor' of crash type. The binary logistic regression analyses indicated, among other results, that at intersections with one-way roads, adverse weather conditions, older drivers and/or female drivers increase the likelihood of being at-fault at IMOD crashes. Similar factors associated with other groups of crashes (i.e., IMSD and IMPD) are also identified. These findings from the study may be used to develop specialized training programs by zooming in onto problematic intersections/maneuvers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001208, ucf:46954
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001208
- Title
- RIGHT TURN SPLIT: A NEW DESIGN TO ALLEVIATE WEAVING ON ARTERIAL STREETS.
- Creator
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Shaaban, Khaled, Radwan, Essam, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
While weaving maneuvers occur on every type of roadway, most studies have focused on freeway maneuvers. Weaving occurring on non-freeway facilities, such as arterial streets, can cause significant operational problems. Arterial streets weaving typically occur when vehicles coming from a side street at an upstream intersection attempt to enter the main street from one side to reach access points on the opposite site at a downstream intersection by crossing one or more lanes. This dissertation...
Show moreWhile weaving maneuvers occur on every type of roadway, most studies have focused on freeway maneuvers. Weaving occurring on non-freeway facilities, such as arterial streets, can cause significant operational problems. Arterial streets weaving typically occur when vehicles coming from a side street at an upstream intersection attempt to enter the main street from one side to reach access points on the opposite site at a downstream intersection by crossing one or more lanes. This dissertation investigates the type of problems occurring on arterial streets due to the weaving movements and recommends a new design to alleviate weaving on arterial streets. Firstly, the dissertation examined the different weaving movements occurring between two close-spaced intersections at two sites in Florida and explained the breakdown conditions caused by the weaving movements at the two sites. Secondly, the dissertation proposed a new design, Right Turn Split (RTS), to alleviate the delay caused by the weaving movements. The new design proposed separating the worst weaving movement entering the arterial from the other movements and providing a separate path for this movement. The new method is easy to implement and does not require much right of way. Thirdly, the dissertation compared two microscopic models, SimTraffic and VISSIM, to choose the most suitable model to be used to study the operational benefits of the RTS design. Based on the results of the comparison, it was decided to use SimTraffic for the analysis. Fourthly, the dissertation proposed a new calibration and validation procedure for microscopic simulation models. The procedure was applied on SimTraffic using the traffic data from the two studied sites. The proposed procedure appeared to be properly calibrating and validating the SimTraffic simulation model. Finally, the calibrated and validated model was used to study the operational benefits of the RTS design. Using a wide range of geometric and volume conditions, 729 before and after pairs were created to compare the delay of similar scenarios before and after applying the RTS design. The results were analyzed graphically and statistically. The findings of the analysis showed that the RTS design provided lower delay on the arterial street than the original conditions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000402, ucf:46346
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000402
- Title
- SAFETY ISSUES OF RED-LIGHT RUNNING AND UNPROTECTED LEFT-TURN AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS.
- Creator
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Yan, Xuedong, Radwan, Essam, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Crashes categorized as running red light or left turning are most likely to occur at signalized intersections and resulted in substantial severe injuries and property damages. This dissertation mainly focused on these two types of vehicle crashes and the research methodology involved several perspectives. To examine the overall characteristics of red-light running and left-turning crashes, firstly, this study applied 1999-2001 Florida traffic crash data to investigate the accident propensity...
Show moreCrashes categorized as running red light or left turning are most likely to occur at signalized intersections and resulted in substantial severe injuries and property damages. This dissertation mainly focused on these two types of vehicle crashes and the research methodology involved several perspectives. To examine the overall characteristics of red-light running and left-turning crashes, firstly, this study applied 1999-2001 Florida traffic crash data to investigate the accident propensity of three aspects of risk factors related to traffic environments, driver characteristics, and vehicle types. A quasi-induced exposure concept and statistical techniques including classification tree model and multiple logistic regression were used to perform this analysis. Secondly, the UCF driving simulator was applied to test the effect of a proposed new pavement marking countermeasure which purpose is to reduce the red-light running rate at signalized intersections. The simulation experiment results showed that the total red-light running rate with marking is significantly lower than that without marking. Moreover, deceleration rate of stopping drivers with marking for the higher speed limit are significantly less than those without marking. These findings are encouraging and suggesting that the pavement marking may result in safety enhancement as far as right-angle and rear-end traffic crashes at signalized intersections. Thirdly, geometric models to compute sight distances of unprotected left-turns were developed for different signalized intersection configurations including a straight approach leading to a straight one, a straight approach leading to a curved one, and a curved approach leading to a curved one. The models and related analyses can be used to layout intersection design or evaluate the sight distance problem of an existing intersection configuration to ensure safe left-turn maneuvers by drivers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000451, ucf:46389
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000451
- Title
- PREDICTING AIR QUALITY NEAR ROADWAY INTERSECTIONS THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF A GAUSSIAN PUFF MODEL TO MOVING SOURCES.
- Creator
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Kim, Brian, Wayson, Roger, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With substantial health and economic impacts attached to many highway-related projects, it has become imperative that the models used to assess air quality be as accurate as possible. The United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently promulgates the use of CAL3QHC to model concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) near roadway intersections. This model uses steady-state and macroscopic methods to model the physical phenomena (e.g., emission rates, atmospheric dispersion, etc...
Show moreWith substantial health and economic impacts attached to many highway-related projects, it has become imperative that the models used to assess air quality be as accurate as possible. The United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently promulgates the use of CAL3QHC to model concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) near roadway intersections. This model uses steady-state and macroscopic methods to model the physical phenomena (e.g., emission rates, atmospheric dispersion, etc.) occurring at intersections. These methods are not straightforward and unintuitive for the users. Therefore, this project investigated the possibility of developing a model that is theoretically more realistic and flexible than CAL3QHC. The new model entitled, Traffic Air Quality Simulation Model (TRAQSIM), uses a microscopic approach by modeling vehicle movements and dispersion in a simulation environment. Instead of steady-state plume equations used in the CAL3QHC model, TRAQSIM uses a discrete puff methodology that can be used to model time-based dispersion of pollutants. Most of the components incorporated into TRAQSIM have been drawn from existing methodologies and therefore, are not new. However, the combination of these different methods into a single integrated model is new and presents a novel approach to such a model. Initial verification and sensitivity/trend studies of the model indicate that TRAQSIM uses reasonable/realistic traffic parameters and behaves intuitively correct. A validation study showed that TRAQSIM produces good results when compared to actual measured data with an overall R2 value of 0.605 for 11 scenarios comprising 264 data points. Although most statistical parameters showed CAL3QHC agrees better overall with measured data (R2 value of 0.721), the comparisons were mixed on a scenario-by-scenario basis; that is, CAL3QHC showed better results for 6 scenarios and TRAQSIM showed better results for 5 scenarios. Additional tests with larger datasets, which were beyond the scope of this work, could be conducted to obtain more definitive conclusions and allow further development of TRAQSIM. While CAL3QHC is a mature model that has been developed over many years, TRAQSIM is new and has much more potential for improvement. The physical parameters used in TRAQSIM allow it to be more directly (more logically) improved than the approximations used in CAL3QHC. In addition, although the fundamental-level modeling in TRAQSIM make it a more complex model internally, it is much more intuitive for the user to understand and use.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000316, ucf:46306
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000316
- Title
- SAFETY ISSUES OF RED-LIGHT RUNNING AND UNPROTECTED LEFT-TURN AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS.
- Creator
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Yan, Xuedong, Radwan, Essam, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Crashes categorized as running red light or left turning are most likely to occur at signalized intersections and resulted in substantial severe injuries and property damages. This dissertation mainly focused on these two types of vehicle crashes and the research methodology involved several perspectives. To examine the overall characteristics of red-light running and left-turning crashes, firstly, this study applied 1999-2001 Florida traffic crash data to investigate the accident propensity...
Show moreCrashes categorized as running red light or left turning are most likely to occur at signalized intersections and resulted in substantial severe injuries and property damages. This dissertation mainly focused on these two types of vehicle crashes and the research methodology involved several perspectives. To examine the overall characteristics of red-light running and left-turning crashes, firstly, this study applied 1999-2001 Florida traffic crash data to investigate the accident propensity of three aspects of risk factors related to traffic environments, driver characteristics, and vehicle types. A quasi-induced exposure concept and statistical techniques including classification tree model and multiple logistic regression were used to perform this analysis. Secondly, the UCF driving simulator was applied to test the effect of a proposed new pavement marking countermeasure which purpose is to reduce the red-light running rate at signalized intersections. The simulation experiment results showed that the total red-light running rate with marking is significantly lower than that without marking. Moreover, deceleration rate of stopping drivers with marking for the higher speed limit are significantly less than those without marking. These findings are encouraging and suggesting that the pavement marking may result in safety enhancement as far as right-angle and rear-end traffic crashes at signalized intersections. Thirdly, geometric models to compute sight distances of unprotected left-turns were developed for different signalized intersection configurations including a straight approach leading to a straight one, a straight approach leading to a curved one, and a curved approach leading to a curved one. The models and related analyses can be used to layout intersection design or evaluate the sight distance problem of an existing intersection configuration to ensure safe left-turn maneuvers by drivers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000401, ucf:46347
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000401
- Title
- SEXUAL ASSAULT ON COLLEGE AGED WOMEN: INTERSECTIONALITY MATTERS.
- Creator
-
Comeau, Dhaneen D, Hinojosa, Melanie, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Sexual assault on college campuses is a pervasive issue that continues to affect women from a variety of backgrounds. Unfortunately, the narratives of women of color, especially black women are often marginalized even though data shows that they tend to be more susceptible to sexual assault. Using survey questions concerning traditional gender roles, and situations of sexual assault (while considering race and gender), this study will measure the attitudes of 300 college-aged individuals....
Show moreSexual assault on college campuses is a pervasive issue that continues to affect women from a variety of backgrounds. Unfortunately, the narratives of women of color, especially black women are often marginalized even though data shows that they tend to be more susceptible to sexual assault. Using survey questions concerning traditional gender roles, and situations of sexual assault (while considering race and gender), this study will measure the attitudes of 300 college-aged individuals. Data will be analyzed using an ANOVA test to study the combined effects that race and gender may have on the respondents' perception of victims. Historically, African American/black women have faced unique stereotypes about their sexuality that dehumanizes and normalizes sexual aggression towards them. This study aims to explore perceptions about sexual assault as it relates to college-age black women and expand the scope of research currently being done on victimization.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH0000230, ucf:44679
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000230
- Title
- AN INTERSECTIONAL COMPARISON OF FEMALE AGENCY IN TONI MORRISON'S SULA AND WANG ANYI'S SONG OF EVERLASTING SORROW.
- Creator
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Lynton, Jordan, Bell, Kathleen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The opportunities created by the end of the Mao Era and legislature promoting the rights of African Americans and women in the mid-twentieth century allowed women of both cultures to break further into the literary scene and negotiate their own sense of agency through their work. Although Western feminism also grew rapidly throughout this period, its ethnocentric centering of gender prevented it from being a reliable lens with which to analyze the work of Chinese and African American women...
Show moreThe opportunities created by the end of the Mao Era and legislature promoting the rights of African Americans and women in the mid-twentieth century allowed women of both cultures to break further into the literary scene and negotiate their own sense of agency through their work. Although Western feminism also grew rapidly throughout this period, its ethnocentric centering of gender prevented it from being a reliable lens with which to analyze the work of Chinese and African American women who experienced issues of race, class, and gender simultaneously. This caused Western feminists to evaluate the work of Chinese and African American women from a perspective of privilege and misrepresented the cultural, social, and political influences that impacted their agency. Thus, this paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the intersectional paradigm as a comparative lens with which to analyze the construction of female characters in mid-twentieth century Chinese and African American fiction in place of a Western feminist lens. To this effect, it will apply the intersectional lens to Toni Morrison's Sula (1973) and Wang Anyi's Song of Everlasting Sorrow (2008) specifically, to determine how this research paradigm can be used to reveal the identities the female protagonists construct and their opportunities for agency. This paper hopes to increase discourse on the applications of intersectionality in literature as a tool for better understanding the literature of women of color.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004436, ucf:45124
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004436
- Title
- Countering the Narrative: Exploring the Relationships among Wellness, Resilience, and Empowerment within Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV (BMSM+).
- Creator
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Heard, Nevin, Shillingford-Butler, Ann, Joe, Richelle, Boote, David, Dollarhide, Collette, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately impact marginalized populations, where one in two Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. The lack of research regarding the wellness of Black men who have sex with men living with HIV (BMSM+) inhibits understanding, which could hinder professions missioned with bettering the wellness of BMSM+. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to investigate if resilience and empowerment predict BMSM+'s...
Show moreThe HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately impact marginalized populations, where one in two Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. The lack of research regarding the wellness of Black men who have sex with men living with HIV (BMSM+) inhibits understanding, which could hinder professions missioned with bettering the wellness of BMSM+. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to investigate if resilience and empowerment predict BMSM+'s wellness. However, a lack of internal consistency among the empowerment measurement required the researcher to remove the scale and adjust the scope of the study. A simple linear regression determined that resilience predicted wellness with statistical significance F(1, 247) = 726.012,(&)nbsp;R2 = .745, p =.000, f2 = 2.92. Descriptive statistics revealed that there were no significant differences in overall wellness when comparing BMSM+ ((N = 249) to norming samples representative of the U.S. population, t(248) = 1.575, p = .12 and African-Americans, t(248) = -1.444, p = .150; though BMSM+ had higher overall wellness when compared to men, t(248) = 9.926, p = .000. Most of the BMSM+ in this study had a resilience score that was somewhat low to very low (M = 123. 39), which was significantly lower than norming samples of the U.S. population, t(248) = -8.345, p = .000 and men, p = .000; males: t(248) = -7.938, p = .000. Additionally, the researcher ran two post hoc analyses that used multi-factor ANOVAs that revealed significant differences in resilience and wellness between groups when examining participants' HIV viral load detectability, CD4 count, mode of HIV contraction, level of religiosity/spirituality, education, and relationship status. Overall, the findings of the current study challenge the assumption that BMSM+ are unwell and has implications for counseling practitioners, counselor educators, researchers, and community-based organizations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007191, ucf:52258
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007191
- Title
- ANALYSIS OF TYPE AND SEVERITY OF TRAFFIC CRASHES AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS USING TREE-BASED REGRESSION AND ORDERED PROBIT MODELS.
- Creator
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Keller, Joanne Marie, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Many studies have shown that intersections are among the most dangerous locations of a roadway network. Therefore, there is a need to understand the factors that contribute to traffic crashes at such locations. One approach is to model crash occurrences based on configuration, geometric characteristics and traffic. Instead of combining all variables and crash types to create a single statistical model, this analysis created several models that address the different factors that affect crashes...
Show moreMany studies have shown that intersections are among the most dangerous locations of a roadway network. Therefore, there is a need to understand the factors that contribute to traffic crashes at such locations. One approach is to model crash occurrences based on configuration, geometric characteristics and traffic. Instead of combining all variables and crash types to create a single statistical model, this analysis created several models that address the different factors that affect crashes, by type of collision as well as injury level, at signalized intersections. The first objective was to determine if there is a difference between important variables for models based on individual crash types or severity levels and aggregated models. The second objective of this research was to investigate the quality and completeness of the crash data and the effect that incomplete data has on the final results. A detailed and thorough data collection effort was necessary for this research to ensure the quality and completeness of this data. Multiple agencies were contacted and databases were crosschecked (i.e. state and local jurisdictions/agencies). Information (including geometry, configuration and traffic characteristics) was collected for a total of 832 intersections and over 33,500 crashes from Brevard, Hillsborough and Seminole Counties and the City of Orlando. Due to the abundance of data collected, a portion was used as a validation set for the tree-based regression.Hierarchical tree-based regression (HTBR) and ordered probit models were used in the analyses. HTBR was used to create models for the expected number of crashes for collision type as well as injury level. Ordered probit models were only used to predict crash severity levels due to the ordinal nature of this dependent variable. Finally, both types of models were used to predict the expected number of crashes.More specifically, tree-based regression was used to consider the difference in the relative importance of each variable between the different types of collisions. First, regressions were only based on crashes available from state agencies to make the results more comparable to other studies. The main finding was that the models created for angle and left turn crashes change the most compared to the model created from the total number of crashes reported on long forms (restricted data usually available at state agencies). This result shows that aggregating the different crash types by only estimating models based on the total number of crashes will not predict the number of expected crashes as accurately as models based on each type of crash separately. Then, complete datasets (full dataset based on crash reports collected from multiple sources) were used to calibrate the models. There was consistently a difference between models based on the restricted and complete datasets. The results in this section show that it is important to include minor crashes (usually reported on short forms and ignored) in the dataset when modeling the number of angle or head-on crashes and less important to include minor crashes when modeling rear-end, right turn or sideswipe crashes. This research presents in detail the significant geometric and traffic characteristics that affect each type of collision.Ordered probit models were used to estimate crash injury severity levels for three different types of models; the first one based on collision type, the second one based on intersection characteristics and the last one based on a significant combination of factors in both models. Both the restricted and complete datasets were used to create the first two model types and the output was compared. It was determined that the models based on the complete dataset were more accurate. However, when compared to the tree-based regression results, the ordered probit model did not predict as well for the restricted dataset based on intersection characteristics. The final order
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000074, ucf:52857
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000074
- Title
- An Examination of the Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care Coordination Program for Racial and Ethnic Minority Females.
- Creator
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Vance, Michelle, Gryglewicz, Kimberley, Chapple, Reshawna, Lawrence, Shawn, Fisher, Kristina Childs, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Suicide accounts for close to 800,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In the state of Florida, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Currently, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, claiming more lives than homicide. Among Black and Hispanic youth (10 to 24), it is the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death. This study aimed to examine the extent to which depression and suicidality outcomes change among...
Show moreSuicide accounts for close to 800,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In the state of Florida, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Currently, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, claiming more lives than homicide. Among Black and Hispanic youth (10 to 24), it is the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death. This study aimed to examine the extent to which depression and suicidality outcomes change among racial and ethnic minority females (i.e., Black and African American, Hispanic) who participated in a care coordination intervention. These subpopulations were chosen due to limited suicide prevention research on at-risk racial and ethnic minority females and to address health disparities. To examine these outcomes, the study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design utilizing secondary data from 76 youth participants enrolled in the care coordination program from three crisis stabilization units (CSU) in Florida. Key findings included significant decreases in depression symptomology (54%) and suicidality (82%). Among participants enrolled in the program, 84% did not have a readmission to the CSU. Length of stay was a predictor or readmission in that a one unit (one day) increase lead to a 3% increase in odds of readmission to the CSU. Results of this study can help guide social work and mental health practitioners in designing and implementing community-based suicide prevention programs for racial and ethnic minority females.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007548, ucf:52594
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007548
- Title
- Impact of the longer change and clearance intervals on signalized intersections and corridors.
- Creator
-
Alfawzan, Mohammed, Radwan, Essam, Eluru, Naveen, Abou-Senna, Hatem, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Evaluating the impact of longer change and clearance intervals on signalized intersections and corridors is the main goal of this study. In fact, the Florida department of Transportation (FDOT) has adopted a new signal retiming effort in a number of signalized intersections along several corridors. The Orange County started implementing the new signal timing from December, 2013 and completed it in June, 2015. The other objective of this new signal timing is to minimize the red light running...
Show moreEvaluating the impact of longer change and clearance intervals on signalized intersections and corridors is the main goal of this study. In fact, the Florida department of Transportation (FDOT) has adopted a new signal retiming effort in a number of signalized intersections along several corridors. The Orange County started implementing the new signal timing from December, 2013 and completed it in June, 2015. The other objective of this new signal timing is to minimize the red light running rate. This study is dedicated to investigate the signal retiming effort adopted by the FDOT and how the new signal timing might impact the studied signalized intersections' performance and safety. To address this issue, a number of signalized intersections along three corridors in Orange County were investigated during different three time of the day periods AM, MD, and PM. Additionally, three categories of signal timings were adopted to better understand the performance and safety of old (pattern 1), current (pattern 2), and proposed (pattern 3) signal timings. The analysis was based on the Simtraffic simulation which is a part of Synchro 8 software. The research results provide that the signalized intersection's performance along the three corridors during the three plans of the day were found significantly affected by lengthening the change and clearance intervals. Signal timing 2 and 3 were observed significantly different than signal timing 1 which have greater intersection delay, queue length, intersection overall volume to capacity v/c ratio, and Intersection capacity utilization ICU. Furthermore, the results show that the signal timing 2 and signal timing 3 significantly increase the total delay and travel time along the studied arterials during the three plans of the day.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006064, ucf:50970
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006064
- Title
- A Case Study of the Self-efficacy of High School Aged Underrepresented Minority Women Entering the Medical Pipeline.
- Creator
-
Dames, Jennifer, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Butler, Malcolm, Hopp, Carolyn, Beverly, Monifa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study focused on the self-efficacy and experiences described by a purposively sampled case (n = 8) of high school-aged underrepresented minority women (URMW) as they entered the medical career pipeline through their participation in a formal medical pipeline program. The study was framed by three theories: intersectionality, positionality, and self-efficacy. Research questions were analyzed qualitatively, using case study methods, and quantitatively, using a paired sample t-test. Study...
Show moreThis study focused on the self-efficacy and experiences described by a purposively sampled case (n = 8) of high school-aged underrepresented minority women (URMW) as they entered the medical career pipeline through their participation in a formal medical pipeline program. The study was framed by three theories: intersectionality, positionality, and self-efficacy. Research questions were analyzed qualitatively, using case study methods, and quantitatively, using a paired sample t-test. Study data revealed that participants came into the program with high levels of self-efficacy in several self-efficacy factors. Yet, participants in the pipeline program made significant improvements in their self-assertive efficacy.Analysis of other data revealed that students remained motivated and persisted in the pursuit of their aspirations in spite of challenges they encountered because of their ethnicities and gender. Also, students described a lack of engagement with science courses, indicated poor relationships with science instructors, and revealed inadequate understanding of important high science content that, along with ethnic and gendered factors, caused them to negatively position themselves in science. This study provides valuable information to K-12 science educators, medical education institutions, and policy makers concerned with extending science education and healthcare-related career opportunities to minority women.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005321, ucf:50522
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005321