Current Search: system (x)
Pages
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Title
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NONLINEAR ADAPTIVE ESTIMATION ANDITS APPLICATION TO SYNCHRONIZATION OF LORENZ SYSTEM.
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Creator
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Jin, Yufang, Qu, Zhihua, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Synchronization and estimation of unknown constant parameters forLorenz-type transmitter are studied under the assumption that oneof the three state variables is not transmitted and thattransmitter parameters are not known apriori. An adaptivealgorithm is proposed to estimate both the state and systemparameters. Since Lorenz system shows the property of sensitivityto initial conditions and evolves in different mode with parametervariation, an equivalent system is introduced. The...
Show moreSynchronization and estimation of unknown constant parameters forLorenz-type transmitter are studied under the assumption that oneof the three state variables is not transmitted and thattransmitter parameters are not known apriori. An adaptivealgorithm is proposed to estimate both the state and systemparameters. Since Lorenz system shows the property of sensitivityto initial conditions and evolves in different mode with parametervariation, an equivalent system is introduced. The adaptiveobserver is designed based on this equivalent system without anyrequirement on initial conditions of the observer. It is shown byLyapunov arguments and persistent excitation analysis thatexponential stability of state and parameter estimation isguaranteed. Simulation results are included to demonstrateproperties of the algorithm. In a practical communication system,the received signals presented at the receiver part differ fromthose which were transmitted due to the effects of noise. Theproposed synchronization scheme is robust with regard to externalbounded disturbance. When an additive white gaussian noise (AWGN)channel model is considered, estimates of state and parameterconverge except for small errors. The results show promise ineither coherent detection or the message decoding intelecommunication systems.
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Date Issued
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2004
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Identifier
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CFE0000114, ucf:46187
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000114
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Title
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MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE PRISON SYSTEM: EXPLORING THE ISSUES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
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Creator
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Pacecca, Melinda, Saunders, W. Steven, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this research was to explore the issue of mental health in the prison system. A large portion of the prison population is mentally ill. The prison environment poses special challenges to these individuals. Treating mental illness in a prison environment can be difficult as there are many factors that must be considered in deciding the best way to handle mentally ill offenders. Mental health courts show promise in dealing with these issues, but methods vary quite significantly...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to explore the issue of mental health in the prison system. A large portion of the prison population is mentally ill. The prison environment poses special challenges to these individuals. Treating mental illness in a prison environment can be difficult as there are many factors that must be considered in deciding the best way to handle mentally ill offenders. Mental health courts show promise in dealing with these issues, but methods vary quite significantly from region to region. A literature review was conducted to provide an overview of the types of mental illnesses seen in prison populations, the types of crimes committed by those with a mental illness, treatment options, efficacy of treatment, and recidivism of mentally ill offenders. Data from a 2000 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation report on California prisoners and parolees and data from the California Department of Mental Health were used to run a Pearson R correlation matrix. It was predicted that there would be a higher correlation between mental illness in the general population and incarceration than socioeconomic class, in this case individuals below the poverty level, and incarceration. The results supported the hypothesis which highlights the prevalence of the issue of mental illness in the prison system. It is important to ensure that those with mental disorders are receiving appropriate treatment while incarcerated. Effective treatment may have the potential to help the individual better adapt to prison life and possibly have a better outlook upon release into the community and more research should be done to explore this possibility.
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Date Issued
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2013
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Identifier
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CFH0004402, ucf:45126
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004402
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Title
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Integration of High-Q filters with Highly Efficient Antennas.
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Creator
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Yusuf, Yazid, Gong, Xun, Wahid, Parveen, Jones, W, Wu, Xinzhang, Wang, Jing, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The integration of high-quality (Q)-factor 3-D filters with highly efficient antennas is addressed in this dissertation. Integration of filters and antennas into inseparable units eliminates the transitions between the otherwise separate structures resulting in more compact and efficient systems. The compact, highly efficient integrated 3-D filter/antenna systems, enabled by the techniques developed herein, allow for the realization of integrated RF front ends with significantly- reduced form...
Show moreThe integration of high-quality (Q)-factor 3-D filters with highly efficient antennas is addressed in this dissertation. Integration of filters and antennas into inseparable units eliminates the transitions between the otherwise separate structures resulting in more compact and efficient systems. The compact, highly efficient integrated 3-D filter/antenna systems, enabled by the techniques developed herein, allow for the realization of integrated RF front ends with significantly- reduced form factors.Integration of cavity filters with slot antennas in a single planar substrate is first demonstrated. Due to the high Q factor of cavity resonators, the efficiency of the integrated filter/antenna system is found to be the same as that of a reference filter with the same filtering characteristics. This means a near 100% efficient slot antenna is achieved within this integrated filter/antenna system. To further reduce the footprint of the integrated systems, vertically integrated filter/antenna systems are developed. We then demonstrate the integration of cavity filters with aperture antenna structures which enable larger bandwidths compared with slot antennas. The enhanced bandwidths are made possible through the excitation and radiation of surface waves. To obtain omnidirectional radiation patterns , we integrate cavity filters with monopole antennas. Finally, the integration of filters with patch antennas is addressed. Unlike the other filter/antenna integration examples presented, in which the antenna is utilized as an equivalent load, the patch antenna provides an additional pole in the filtering function.The presented techniques in this dissertation can be applied for filter/antenna integration in all microwave, and millimeter-wave frequency regions.
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Date Issued
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2011
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Identifier
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CFE0004183, ucf:49075
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004183
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Title
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RESEARCHES ON REVERSE LOOKUP PROBLEM IN DISTRIBUTED FILE SYSTEM.
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Creator
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Zhang, Junyao, Wang, Jun, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Recent years have witnessed an increasing demand for super data clusters. The super data clusters have reached the petabyte-scale can consist of thousands or tens of thousands storage nodes at a single site. For this architecture, reliability is becoming a great concern. In order to achieve a high reliability, data recovery and node reconstruction is a must. Although extensive research works have investigated how to sustain high performance and high reliability in case of node failures at...
Show moreRecent years have witnessed an increasing demand for super data clusters. The super data clusters have reached the petabyte-scale can consist of thousands or tens of thousands storage nodes at a single site. For this architecture, reliability is becoming a great concern. In order to achieve a high reliability, data recovery and node reconstruction is a must. Although extensive research works have investigated how to sustain high performance and high reliability in case of node failures at large scale, a reverse lookup problem, namely finding the objects list for the failed node remains open. This is especially true for storage systems with high requirement of data integrity and availability, such as scientific research data clusters and etc. Existing solutions are either time consuming or expensive. Meanwhile, replication based block placement can be used to realize fast reverse lookup. However, they are designed for centralized, small-scale storage architectures. In this thesis, we propose a fast and efficient reverse lookup scheme named Group-based Shifted Declustering (G-SD) layout that is able to locate the whole content of the failed node. G-SD extends our previous shifted declustering layout and applies to large-scale file systems. Our mathematical proofs and real-life experiments show that G-SD is a scalable reverse lookup scheme that is up to one order of magnitude faster than existing schemes.
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Date Issued
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2010
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Identifier
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CFE0003504, ucf:48970
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003504
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Title
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CONCENTRIC LAYOUT, A NEW SCIENTIFIC DATA LAYOUT FOR MATRIX DATA SET IN HADOOP FILE SYSTEM.
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Creator
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cheng, lu, wang, jun, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The data generated by scientific simulation, sensor, monitor or optical telescope has increased with dramatic speed. In order to analyze the raw data speed and space efficiently, data pre-process operation is needed to achieve better performance in data analysis phase. Current research shows an increasing tread of adopting MapReduce framework for large scale data processing. However, the data access patterns which generally applied to scientific data set are not supported by current MapReduce...
Show moreThe data generated by scientific simulation, sensor, monitor or optical telescope has increased with dramatic speed. In order to analyze the raw data speed and space efficiently, data pre-process operation is needed to achieve better performance in data analysis phase. Current research shows an increasing tread of adopting MapReduce framework for large scale data processing. However, the data access patterns which generally applied to scientific data set are not supported by current MapReduce framework directly. The gap between the requirement from analytics application and the property of MapReduce framework motivates us to provide support for these data access patterns in MapReduce framework. In our work, we studied the data access patterns in matrix files and proposed a new concentric data layout solution to facilitate matrix data access and analysis in MapReduce framework. Concentric data layout is a data layout which maintains the dimensional property in chunk level. Contrary to the continuous data layout which adopted in current Hadoop framework by default, concentric data layout stores the data from the same sub-matrix into one chunk. This matches well with the matrix operations like computation. The concentric data layout preprocesses the data beforehand, and optimizes the afterward run of MapReduce application. The experiments indicate that the concentric data layout improves the overall performance, reduces the execution time by 38% when the file size is 16 GB, also it relieves the data overhead phenomenon and increases the effective data retrieval rate by 32% on average.
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Date Issued
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2010
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Identifier
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CFE0003537, ucf:48955
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003537
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Title
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Speech Synthesis Utilizing Microcomputer Control.
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Creator
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Uzel, Joseph N., Patz, Benjamin W., Engineering
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Abstract / Description
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Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This report explores the subject of speech synthesis. Information given includes a brief explanation of speech production in man, an historical view of speech synthesis, and four types of electronic synthesizers in use today. Also included is a brief presentation on phonetics, the study of speech sounds. An understanding of this subject is necessary to see how a synthesizer must produce certain sounds, and how these sounds are...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This report explores the subject of speech synthesis. Information given includes a brief explanation of speech production in man, an historical view of speech synthesis, and four types of electronic synthesizers in use today. Also included is a brief presentation on phonetics, the study of speech sounds. An understanding of this subject is necessary to see how a synthesizer must produce certain sounds, and how these sounds are put together to create words. Finally a description of a limited text speech synthesizer is presented. This system allows the user to enter English text via a keyboard and have it output in spoken form. The future of speech synthesis appears to be very bright. This report also gives some possible applications of verbal computer communication.
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Date Issued
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1978
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Identifier
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CFR0004781, ucf:52972
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0004781
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Title
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A Management Training Game for Police Command Control Officer Training.
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Creator
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Custer, Charles R., Bauer, Christian, Engineering
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Abstract / Description
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Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis
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Date Issued
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1972
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Identifier
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CFR0012142, ucf:53127
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0012142
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Title
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Decentralized Power Management in Microgrids.
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Creator
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Bhattacharjee, Amit, Das, Tuhin, Simaan, Marwan, Kassab, Alain, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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A large number of power sources, operational in a microgrid, optimum power sharing andaccordingly controlling the power sources along with scheduling loads are the biggest challenges in modern power system. In the era of smart grid, the solution is certainly not simple paralleling. Hence it is required to develop a control scheme that delivers the overall power requirements while also adhering to the power limitations of each source. As the penetration of distributed generators increase and...
Show moreA large number of power sources, operational in a microgrid, optimum power sharing andaccordingly controlling the power sources along with scheduling loads are the biggest challenges in modern power system. In the era of smart grid, the solution is certainly not simple paralleling. Hence it is required to develop a control scheme that delivers the overall power requirements while also adhering to the power limitations of each source. As the penetration of distributed generators increase and are diversified, the choice of decentralized control becomes preferable. In this work, a decentralized control framework is conceived. The primary approach is taken where a small hybrid system is investigated and decentralized control schemes were developed and subsequently tested in a hardware in the loop in conjunction with the hybrid power system setup developed at the laboratory. The control design approach is based on the energy conservation principle. However, considering the vastness ofthe real power network and its complexity of operation along with the growing demand ofsmarter grid operations, called for a revamp in the control framework design. Hence, in thelater phase of this work, a novel framework is developed based on the coupled dynamicalsystem theory, where each control node corresponds to one distributed generator connectedto the microgrid. The coupling topology and coupling strengths of individual nodes aredesigned to be adjustable. The layer is modeled as a set of coupled differential equationsof pre-assigned order. The control scheme adjusts the coupling weights so that steady stateconstraints are met at the system level, while allowing flexibility to explore the solutionspace. Additionally, the approach guarantees stable equilibria during power redistribution.The theoretical development is verified using simulations in matlab simulink environment.
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Date Issued
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2014
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Identifier
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CFE0005465, ucf:50386
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005465
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Title
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Synchronous Communication System for SAW Sensors Interrogation.
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Creator
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Troshin, Maxim, Malocha, Donald, Jones, W, Gong, Xun, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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During past two decades a variety of SAW based wireless sensors were invented and research is still in progress. As different frequencies, varied bandwidths, coding techniques and constantly changing post processing algorithms are being implemented, there is a constant need for a universal and adjustable synchronous communication system able to interrogate new generations of SAW sensors. This thesis presents the design of a multiple FPGA based communication system with an operational...
Show moreDuring past two decades a variety of SAW based wireless sensors were invented and research is still in progress. As different frequencies, varied bandwidths, coding techniques and constantly changing post processing algorithms are being implemented, there is a constant need for a universal and adjustable synchronous communication system able to interrogate new generations of SAW sensors. This thesis presents the design of a multiple FPGA based communication system with an operational frequency range of 450MHz-2.2GHz capable of producing user programmed modulated signal. The synchronous receiver is designed to have interchangeable chip, replacement of which would allow adjustment of the receiver's bandwidth. Within this paper the performance of the system is only evaluated at 915MHz centered 20MHz bandwidth region. An OFC temperature sensor was interrogated. Post-processing algorithms, measurement results, and proposals for the future use of the system are presented. Detailed overview of the structure and performance of every functional block along with design considerations are analyzed. Previously designed Matlab based software was adapted for post processing of the received signal. New software with simplified GUI was designed for programming of the desired signal.
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Date Issued
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2012
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Identifier
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CFE0004270, ucf:49543
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004270
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Title
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A METHOD FOR DEVELOPING CHURCHMANIAN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
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Creator
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Linden, Lars, Courtney, James, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Some problems confronted by managers include ill-formulated wicked planning problems, a type of problem that is difficult to solve because, in part, it is difficult to know what the problem is. The Churchmanian Knowledge Management Systems (CKMS) (Richardson & Courtney, 2004) is comprised of design principles for aiding system designers, managers, and clients who make decisions pertaining to these ill-formulated wicked planning problems. Problemography theory is proposed as a method for...
Show moreSome problems confronted by managers include ill-formulated wicked planning problems, a type of problem that is difficult to solve because, in part, it is difficult to know what the problem is. The Churchmanian Knowledge Management Systems (CKMS) (Richardson & Courtney, 2004) is comprised of design principles for aiding system designers, managers, and clients who make decisions pertaining to these ill-formulated wicked planning problems. Problemography theory is proposed as a method for developing a CKMS. The method aims to measure CKMS development by using development tools that enables stakeholders and theoreticians to clarify CKMS development. A study was conducted to test a proof-of-concept development tool. The tool tested is a proposed list of processes that occur during CKMS development, processes derived from ChurchmanÃÂ's (1971) Singerian inquiring systems theory. A gap analysis was performed whereby the proposed processes were compared with the processes found during a case study of people confronting issues related to the ÃÂ"wickedÃÂ" problem of FloridaÃÂ's invasive plant problem. A second study was conducted to explore possible design principles for developing a CKMS. Two proposed design principles, Every Person Principle and Connectedness Caretaker Principle, were used to develop a Describe a Wicked Problem Inquiring System (DAWP), a Web site which aims to enable inquirers to confront wicked problems. Participants in the study formulated problems related to FloridaÃÂ's native plants and suggested potential solutions. Using WengrafÃÂ's (2001) theory-driven qualitative research, interviews with participants were analyzed and the results suggest that the Web site being developed enabled the consideration of the ethical ramifications of knowledge.
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Date Issued
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2010
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Identifier
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CFE0003098, ucf:48312
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003098
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Title
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An SoS Conceptual Model, LVC Simulation Framework, and a Prototypical Implementation of Unmanned System Interventions for Nuclear Power Plant Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Mitigation.
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Creator
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Davis, Matthew, Proctor, Michael, O'Neal, Thomas, Reilly, Charles, Sulfredge, C., Smith, Roger, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Nuclear power plant disasters can have severe and far-reaching consequences, thus emergency managers and first responders from utility owners to the DoD must be prepared to respond to and mitigate effects protecting the public and environment from further damage. Rapidly emerging unmanned systems promise significant improvement in response and mitigation of nuclear disasters. Models and simulations (M(&)S) may play a significant role in improving readiness and reducing risks through its use...
Show moreNuclear power plant disasters can have severe and far-reaching consequences, thus emergency managers and first responders from utility owners to the DoD must be prepared to respond to and mitigate effects protecting the public and environment from further damage. Rapidly emerging unmanned systems promise significant improvement in response and mitigation of nuclear disasters. Models and simulations (M(&)S) may play a significant role in improving readiness and reducing risks through its use in planning, analysis, preparation training, and mitigation rehearsal for a wide spectrum of derivate scenarios. Legacy nuclear reactor M(&)S lack interoperability between themselves and avatar or agent-based simulations of emergent unmanned systems. Bridging the gap between past and the evolving future, we propose a conceptual model (CM) using a System of System (SoS) approach, a simulation federation framework capable of supporting concurrent and interoperating live, virtual and constructive simulation (LVC), and demonstrate a prototypical implementation of an unmanned system intervention for nuclear power plant disaster using the constructive simulation component. The SoS CM, LVC simulation framework, and prototypical implementation are generalizable to other preparedness, response, and mitigation scenarios. The SoS CM broadens the current stovepipe reactor-based simulations to a system-of-system perspective. The framework enables distributed interoperating simulations with a network of legacy and emergent avatar and agent simulations. The unmanned system implementation demonstrates feasibility of the SoS CM and LVC framework through replication of selective Fukushima events. Further, the system-of-systems approach advances life cycle stages including concept exploration, system design, engineering, training, and mission rehearsal. Live, virtual, and constructive component subsystems of the CM are described along with an explanation of input/output requirements. Finally, applications to analysis and training, an evaluation of the SoS CM based on recently proposed criteria found in the literature, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued
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2017
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Identifier
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CFE0006732, ucf:51879
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006732
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Title
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AN RNAI SCREEN TO IDENTIFY COMPONENTS OF A POLYAMINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
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Creator
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Foley, Adam J, Von Kalm, Laurence, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Polyamines, specifically putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are small cationic molecules found in all organisms. Cells can biosynthetically make these molecules, or alternatively, they can be transported from the extracellular environment. Malignant cells have been shown to require relatively high amounts of polyamines. There is a chemotherapeutic agent, DFMO, used to block the biosynthesis of polyamines. Many malignant cells can circumvent DFMO therapy by activating their transport system...
Show morePolyamines, specifically putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are small cationic molecules found in all organisms. Cells can biosynthetically make these molecules, or alternatively, they can be transported from the extracellular environment. Malignant cells have been shown to require relatively high amounts of polyamines. There is a chemotherapeutic agent, DFMO, used to block the biosynthesis of polyamines. Many malignant cells can circumvent DFMO therapy by activating their transport system. A potential solution is to simultaneously block biosynthesis and transport of polyamines. However, little is known about the polyamine transport system in higher eukaryotes. This thesis aims to add to the basic biological understanding of the polyamine transport system, as well as contribute to our understanding of the way in which malignant cells are able to sustain rapid growth. This was done by screening six candidate genes believed to be involved in the polyamine transport system. These six genes were identified using various bioinformatics databases. They were screened using RNAi to knock down each gene of interest and by using an assay developed in our lab. One of the genes, RabX6, may play a possible role in the transport of putrescine.
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Date Issued
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2017
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Identifier
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CFH2000187, ucf:46043
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000187
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Title
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WATER QUALITY VARIATIONS DURING NITRIFICATION IN DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS.
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Creator
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Webb, David W, Taylor, James S., University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This thesis documents the relationship among the major water quality parametersduring a nitrification episode. Nitrification unexpectedly occurred in a chloraminated pilotdrinking water distribution system practicing with a 4.0 mg/L as Cl2 residual dosed at 4.5:1Cl2:NH3-N. Surface, ground and sea water were treated and disinfected withmonochloramines to produce finished water quality similar to regional utility water quality.PVC, galvanized, unlined cast iron and lined iron pipes were...
Show moreThis thesis documents the relationship among the major water quality parametersduring a nitrification episode. Nitrification unexpectedly occurred in a chloraminated pilotdrinking water distribution system practicing with a 4.0 mg/L as Cl2 residual dosed at 4.5:1Cl2:NH3-N. Surface, ground and sea water were treated and disinfected withmonochloramines to produce finished water quality similar to regional utility water quality.PVC, galvanized, unlined cast iron and lined iron pipes were harvested from regionaldistribution systems and used to build eighteen pilot distribution systems (PDSs). The PDSswere operated at a 5-day hydraulic residence time (HRT) and ambient temperatures.As seasonal temperatures increased the rate of monochloramine dissipation increaseduntil effluent PDS residuals were zero. PDSs effluent water quality parameters chloraminesresidual, dissolved oxygen, heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs), pH, alkalinity, and nitrogenspecies were monitored and found to vary as expected by stoichiometry associated withtheoretical biological reactions excepting alkalinity. Nitrification was confirmed in thePDSs. The occurrence in the PDSs was not isolated to any particular source water.Ammonia for nitrification came from degraded chloramines, which was common among allfinished waters. Consistent with nitrification trends of dissolved oxygen consumption,ammonia consumption, nitrite and nitrate production were clearly observed in the PDSs bulkwater quality profiles. Trends of pH and alkalinity were less apparent. To controlnitrification: residual was increased to 4.5 mg/L as Cl2 at 5:1 Cl2:NH3-N dosing ratio, and theHRT was reduced from 5 to 2 days. Elimination of the nitrification episode was achievedafter a 1 week free chlorine burn.
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Date Issued
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2004
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Identifier
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CFE0000063, ucf:46118
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000063
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Title
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SENSOR-BASED COMPUTING TECHNIQUES FOR REAL-TIME TRAFFIC EVACUATION MANAGEMENT.
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Creator
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Hamza-Lup, Georgiana, Hua, Kien, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The threat of terrorist incidents is higher than ever before and devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerns about the possibility of future incidents and their potential impact. Unlike some natural disasters that can be anticipated, terrorist attacks are sudden and unexpected. Even if sometimes we do have partial information about a possible attack, it is generally not known exactly where, when, or how an attack will...
Show moreThe threat of terrorist incidents is higher than ever before and devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerns about the possibility of future incidents and their potential impact. Unlike some natural disasters that can be anticipated, terrorist attacks are sudden and unexpected. Even if sometimes we do have partial information about a possible attack, it is generally not known exactly where, when, or how an attack will occur. This lack of information posses great challenges on those responsible for security, specifically, on their ability to respond fast, whenever necessary with flexibility and coordination. The surface transportation system plays a critical role in responding to terrorist attacks or other unpredictable human-caused disasters. In particular, existing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can be enhanced to improve the ability of the surface transportation system to efficiently respond to emergencies and recover from disasters. This research proposes the development of new information technologies to enhance today's ITS with capabilities to improve the crisis response capabilities of the surface transportation system. The objective of this research is to develop a Smart Traffic Evacuation Management System (STEMS) that responds rapidly and effectively to terrorist threats or other unpredictable disasters, by creating dynamic evacuation plans adaptable to continuously changing traffic conditions based on real-time information. The intellectual merit of this research is that the proposed STEMS will possess capabilities to support both the unexpected and unpredictable aspects of a terrorist attack and the dynamic aspect of the traffic network environment. Studies of related work indicate that STEMS is the first system that automatically generates evacuation plans, given the location and scope of an incident and the current traffic network conditions, and dynamically adjusts the plans based on real-time information received from sensors and other surveillance technologies. Refining the plans to keep them consistent with the current conditions significantly improves evacuation effectiveness. The changes that STEMS can handle range from slow, steady variations in traffic conditions, to more sudden variations caused by secondary accidents or other stochastic factors (e.g., high visibility events that determine a sudden increase in the density of the traffic). Being especially designed to handle evacuation in case of terrorist-caused disasters, STEMS can also handle multiple coordinated attacks targeting some strategic area over a short time frame. These are frequently encountered in terrorist acts as they are intended to create panic and terror. Due to the nature of the proposed work, an important component of this project is the development of a simulation environment to support the design and test of STEMS. Developing analytical patterns for modeling traffic dynamics has been explored in the literature at different levels of resolution and realism. Most of the proposed approaches are either too limited in representing reality, or too complex for handling large networks. The contribution of this work consists of investigating and developing traffic models and evacuation algorithms that overcome both of the above limitations. Two of the greatest impacts of this research in terms of science are as follows. First, the new simulation environment developed for this project provides a test bed to facilitate future work on traffic evacuation systems. Secondly, although the models and algorithms developed for STEMS are targeted towards traffic environments and evacuation, their applicability can be extended to other environments (e.g., building evacuation) and other traffic related problems (e.g., real-time route diversion in case of accidents). One of the broader impacts of this research would be the deployment of STEMS in a real environment. This research provides a fundamental tool for handling emergency evacuation for a full range of unpredictable incidents, regardless of cause, origin and scope. Wider and swifter deployment of STEMS will support Homeland Security in general, and will also enhance the surface transportation system on which so many Homeland Security stakeholders depend.
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Date Issued
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2006
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Identifier
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CFE0001248, ucf:46919
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001248
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Title
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ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF GAME-BASED SIMULATION IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL SOLDIER INTELLIGENCE GATHERING SKILLS.
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Creator
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Wiley, Carlos, Proctor, Michael, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Self-directed Learning Internet Modules based on gaming technology are making tremendous strides as tools to current training system for our military services. Currently, the US Army is testing the Every Soldier is a Sensor Simulation software (ES3) as part of the Every Soldiers a Sensor program that focuses on intelligence gathering and maintaining situational awareness. The primary training goal of this simulation is the training of individual soldiers on conducting "Active Surveillance"...
Show moreSelf-directed Learning Internet Modules based on gaming technology are making tremendous strides as tools to current training system for our military services. Currently, the US Army is testing the Every Soldier is a Sensor Simulation software (ES3) as part of the Every Soldiers a Sensor program that focuses on intelligence gathering and maintaining situational awareness. The primary training goal of this simulation is the training of individual soldiers on conducting "Active Surveillance" and "Threat Indicator Identification" where the soldier is an active participant in the process. Traditional training in intelligence gathering is based largely on cold war models. As a direct result of post 9 -11 activities and the Global War on Terrorism, changes to our process for intelligence gathering are continuing to be made to meet the challenges of the asymmetrical battlefield. This thesis assesses the contribution of game-based simulation in the advancement of individual soldier intelligence gathering skills by investigating performance as it relates to information processing, self-directed learning, and transfer. Specifically, this research will examine whether various combinations of directed and self-directed learning modules enhance soldier performance during intelligence gathering operations by determining the time, proportion of correct detections, weighted significance of detections, and accuracy of detections while participating in a live threat indicator lane as part of an experiment. The assessment is from a user and expert evaluator perspective and may be used to improve current and future gaming applications associated with individual training and intelligence gathering.
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Date Issued
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2007
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Identifier
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CFE0001686, ucf:47194
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001686
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Title
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A METHODOLOGY FOR MINIMIZING THE OSCILLATIONS IN SUPPLY CHAINS USING SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND GENETIC ALGORITHMS.
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Creator
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LAKKOJU, RAMAMOORTHY, RABELO, LUIS, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a critically significant strategy that enterprises depend on to meet challenges that they face because of highly competitive and dynamic business environments of today. Supply chain management involves the entire network of processes from procurement of raw materials/services/technologies to manufacturing or servicing intermediate products/services to converting them into final products or services and then distributing and retailing them till they reach final...
Show moreSupply Chain Management (SCM) is a critically significant strategy that enterprises depend on to meet challenges that they face because of highly competitive and dynamic business environments of today. Supply chain management involves the entire network of processes from procurement of raw materials/services/technologies to manufacturing or servicing intermediate products/services to converting them into final products or services and then distributing and retailing them till they reach final customers. A supply chain network by nature is a large and complex, engineering and management system. Oscillations occurring in a supply chain because of internal and/or external influences and measures to be taken to mitigate/minimize those oscillations are a core concern in managing the supply chain and driving an organization towards a competitive advantage. The objective of this thesis is to develop a methodology to minimize the oscillations occurring in a supply chain by making use of the techniques of System Dynamics (SD) and Genetic Algorithms (GAs). System dynamics is a very efficient tool to model large and complex systems in order to understand their complex, non-linear dynamic behavior. GAs are stochastic search algorithms, based on the mechanics of natural selection and natural genetics, used to search complex and non-linear search spaces where traditional techniques may be unsuitable.
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Date Issued
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2005
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Identifier
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CFE0000683, ucf:46489
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000683
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Title
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BIOSTABILITY IN DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: STUDY AT PILOT-SCALE.
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Creator
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LE PUIL, Michael, Randall, Andrew A., University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Biostability and related issues (e.g. nitrification) were investigated for 18 months in 18 pilot distribution systems, under various water quality scenarios. This study specifically investigated the impact of steady-state water changes on HPC levels in chlorinated and chloraminated distribution systems. Chlorination was more effective than chloramination in reducing HPC levels (1-2 log difference). There was a rapid increase in HPC corresponding to the change in steady-state water quality,...
Show moreBiostability and related issues (e.g. nitrification) were investigated for 18 months in 18 pilot distribution systems, under various water quality scenarios. This study specifically investigated the impact of steady-state water changes on HPC levels in chlorinated and chloraminated distribution systems. Chlorination was more effective than chloramination in reducing HPC levels (1-2 log difference). There was a rapid increase in HPC corresponding to the change in steady-state water quality, which was observed in all PDS. Modeling effort demonstrated that HPC levels reached a maximum within five days after water quality change and return to initial level ten days after the change. Since alkalinity was used as a tracer of the steady-state water quality change, time to reach maximum HPC was related to a mixing model using alkalinity as a surrogate that confirmed alkalinity transition was complete in approximately eight days.Biostability was assessed by HPC levels, since no coliform were ever detected. It was observed that HPC levels would be above four logs if residual droped below 0.1-0.2 mg/L as Cl2, which is below the regulatory minimum of 0.6 mg/L as Cl2. Therefore bacterial proliferation is more likely to be controlled in distribution systems as long as residual regulatory requirements are met. An empirical modeling effort showed that residual, pipe material and temperature were the most important parameters in controlling HPC levels in distribution systems, residual being the only parameter that can be practically used by utilities to control biological stability in their distribution systems. Use of less reactive (i.e. with less chlorine demand) pipes is recommended in order to prevent residual depletion and subsequent bacterial proliferation.This study is investigated biofilm growth simultaneously with suspended growth under a wide range of water quality scenarios and pipe materials. It was found that increasing the degree of treatment led to reduction of biofilm density, except for reverse osmosis treated groundwater, which exerted the highest biofilm density of all waters. Biofilm densities on corrodible, highly reactive materials (e.g. unlined cast iron and galvanized steel) were significantly greater than on PVC and lined cast iron. Biofilm modeling showed that attached bacteria were most affected by temperature and much less by HRT, bulk HPC and residual. The model predicts biofilms will always be active for environments common to drinking water distribution systems. As American utilities do not control biofilms with extensive and costly AOC reduction, American utilities must maintain a strong residual to maintain biological integrity and stability in drinking water distribution systems.Nitrite and nitrate were considered the most suitable indicators for utilities to predict onset of a nitrification episode in the distribution system bulk liquid. DO and ammonia were correlated to production of nitrite and nitrate and therefore could be related to nitrification. However since ammonia and DO consumptions can be caused by other phenomena than nitrification (e.g. oxidation by disinfectant to nitrite and reduction at the pipe wall, respectively), these parameters are not considered indicators of nitrification.Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) densities in the bulk phase correlated well with nitrite and nitrate production, reinforcing the fact that nitrite and nitrate are good monitoring tools to predict nitrification. Chloramine residual proved to be helpful in reducing nitrification in the bulk phase but has little effect on biofilm densities. As DO has been related to bacterial proliferation and nitrification, it can be a useful and inexpensive option for utilities in predicting biological instability, if monitored in conjunction with residual, nitrite and nitrate. Autotrophic (i.e. AOB) and heterotrophic (i.e. HPC) organisms were correlated in the bulk phase and biofilms.
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Date Issued
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2004
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Identifier
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CFE0000111, ucf:46183
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000111
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Title
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ANTECEDENTS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS BACKSOURCING.
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Creator
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Veltri, Natalia, Saunders, Carol, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This dissertation examines backsourcing of corporate IS activities, and why IS outsourcing clients decide to backsource. Information Systems (IS) backsourcing is a business practice in which a company takes back in-house assets, activities, and skills that are part of its IS operations and were previously outsourced to one or more outside information service suppliers. Focusing on economic, strategic and relationship motives, a number of theoretical backsourcing factors is derived from...
Show moreThis dissertation examines backsourcing of corporate IS activities, and why IS outsourcing clients decide to backsource. Information Systems (IS) backsourcing is a business practice in which a company takes back in-house assets, activities, and skills that are part of its IS operations and were previously outsourced to one or more outside information service suppliers. Focusing on economic, strategic and relationship motives, a number of theoretical backsourcing factors is derived from transaction cost theory, agency theory, core competency perspective, IOR theory and marketing channels literature. To identify factors salient in IS backsourcing and to examine the process of backsourcing this dissertation employs exploratory case study methodology. Six outsourcing contracts within three client companies are analyzed. The evidence is collected using semi-structured interviews, archival records and company documents. Results of individual cases are reported and then triangulated to single out the primary backsourcing antecedents. Qualitative comparative analysis is employed to augment the findings. The findings indicate that service quality of the outsourcing arrangement, cost benefit of backsourcing, change in the role of IS, loss of control over the outsourcing arrangement, changes in the management and power of decision makers and other organizations impact backsourcing decisions. Strategic considerations, change in the role of IS and loss of control, dominate backsourcing decision even if costs or service quality suggest otherwise. The executives exert power through their structural position within organization and have a major influence on decisions. Executives' beliefs, prior experience and values impact their perception of backsourcing and play a role in backsourcing decisions. Additionally, the power of other organizations involved in the interorganizational relationships with the client company is important. These organizations use political maneuvering to impose their goals on the client company. While service quality and cost considerations are important deliverables in the outsourcing contract, these factors by itself do not justify the decision to backsource.
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Date Issued
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2005
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Identifier
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CFE0000870, ucf:46660
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000870
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Title
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PROCESS AND MIND: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROCESS PHILOSOPHY AND THE NONLINEAR DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS SCIENCE OF COGNITION.
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Creator
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Moralez, Larry A, Favela, Luis H., University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This work examines the relationship between Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy and the nonlinear dynamical systems framework for studying cognition. I argue that the nonlinear dynamical systems approach to cognitive science presupposes many key elements of his process philosophy. The process philosophical interpretation of nature posits events and the dynamic relations between events as the fundamental substrate of reality, as opposed to static physical substances. I present a brief...
Show moreThis work examines the relationship between Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy and the nonlinear dynamical systems framework for studying cognition. I argue that the nonlinear dynamical systems approach to cognitive science presupposes many key elements of his process philosophy. The process philosophical interpretation of nature posits events and the dynamic relations between events as the fundamental substrate of reality, as opposed to static physical substances. I present a brief history of the development of substance thought before describing Whitehead's characterization of nature as a process. In following, I will examine the both the computational and nonlinear dynamical systems frameworks for investigating cognition. I will show that the computational paradigm is subject to many of the same criticisms as substance. Conversely, I will show that nonlinear dynamical cognitive science avoids these criticisms and is congenial to Whitehead's philosophy insofar as it is suitable for describing emergent processes. To conclude, I suggest that the nonlinear dynamical cognitive science confirms and validates Whitehead's philosophy. Furthermore, I argue that process philosophy is an appropriate characterization of nature for guiding inquiry in cognitive science.
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Date Issued
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2016
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Identifier
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CFH2000091, ucf:45553
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000091
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Title
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SENSEMAKING IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS: TOWARD A SENSEMAKING INQUIRING SYSTEM.
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Creator
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Parrish, James, Courtney, James, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Complexity and uncertainty have long been problems for organizations of all types. Organizational members do not do a very good job of dealing with the complexity and uncertainty as research shows that when faced with complex situations humans often turn to the same sources of information repeatedly (a practice that will eventually betray them), and/or reduce the amount of scanning that they do (Weick 1995; Boyd and Fulk 1996). Organizations often turn to information systems to help them deal...
Show moreComplexity and uncertainty have long been problems for organizations of all types. Organizational members do not do a very good job of dealing with the complexity and uncertainty as research shows that when faced with complex situations humans often turn to the same sources of information repeatedly (a practice that will eventually betray them), and/or reduce the amount of scanning that they do (Weick 1995; Boyd and Fulk 1996). Organizations often turn to information systems to help them deal with the complexity, but they often take a techno-centric view of knowledge that does not incorporate the human qualities needed for unstructured decisions (Malhotra 1997; Courtney 2001; Malhotra 2001). Additionally, there are times when the information systems that we are using may hinder the processes of dealing with the complexity (Weick and Meader 1993). Weick's (1995) concept of sensemaking is believed to help us to deal with this complexity. In his work with Meader (1993) he wonders what the effects of a sensemaking support system would have, but he does not have the answer because they state that it has not been asked. This dissertation answers the call of Weick and Meader as well as other scholars that have called for sensemaking and human intuition to be included in our information systems. This is accomplished by viewing sensemaking from an inquiring systems perspective (Churchman 1971) to develop a kernel theory that will be used in the context of design science to develop design requirements and principles for a sensemaking system. These design principles are then used to build an instantiation of the system in the form of SenseMan, a system designed to help a local government agency deal with complexity in the context of software updates. Finally the design is evaluated for its effectiveness in dealing with the complexity of in this context using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
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Date Issued
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2008
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Identifier
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CFE0002253, ucf:47834
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002253
Pages