Current Search: values (x)
Pages
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Title
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LATTICE-VALUED CONVERGENCE: QUOTIENT MAPS.
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Creator
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Boustique, Hatim, Richardson, Gary, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The introduction of fuzzy sets by Zadeh has created new research directions in many fields of mathematics. Fuzzy set theory was originally restricted to the lattice , but the thrust of more recent research has pertained to general lattices. The present work is primarily focused on the theory of lattice-valued convergence spaces; the category of lattice-valued convergence spaces has been shown to possess the following desirable categorical properties: topological, cartesian-closed, and...
Show moreThe introduction of fuzzy sets by Zadeh has created new research directions in many fields of mathematics. Fuzzy set theory was originally restricted to the lattice , but the thrust of more recent research has pertained to general lattices. The present work is primarily focused on the theory of lattice-valued convergence spaces; the category of lattice-valued convergence spaces has been shown to possess the following desirable categorical properties: topological, cartesian-closed, and extensional. Properties of quotient maps between objects in this category are investigated in this work; in particular, one of our principal results shows that quotient maps are productive under arbitrary products. A category of lattice-valued interior operators is defined and studied as well. Axioms are given in order for this category to be isomorphic to the category whose objects consist of all the stratified, lattice-valued, pretopological convergence spaces. Adding a lattice-valued convergence structure to a group leads to the creation of a new category whose objects are called lattice-valued convergence groups, and whose morphisms are all the continuous homomorphisms between objects. The latter category is studied and results related to separation properties are obtained. For the special lattice , continuous actions of a convergence semigroup on convergence spaces are investigated; in particular, invariance properties of actions as well as properties of a generalized quotient space are presented.
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Date Issued
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2008
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Identifier
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CFE0002369, ucf:47811
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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/CFE0002369
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Title
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Reconceptualizing Responsiveness for Network Governance: Insights from Cross-Sector Efforts to Assist the Displaced Population From Puerto Rico in Central Florida.
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Creator
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Prysmakova, Safiya, Bryer, Thomas, Hu, Qian, Sadiq, Abdul-Akeem, Piccolo, Ronald F, Meek, Jack, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This study further expands current knowledge on responsiveness in the public administration field and examines factors that contribute to more responsive public service delivery networks. This research reconceptualized the concept of responsiveness under the lens of New Public Governance as a legitimate democratic public value and answered the following research questions: What constructs constitute to the concept of public service responsiveness? How can public service responsiveness be...
Show moreThis study further expands current knowledge on responsiveness in the public administration field and examines factors that contribute to more responsive public service delivery networks. This research reconceptualized the concept of responsiveness under the lens of New Public Governance as a legitimate democratic public value and answered the following research questions: What constructs constitute to the concept of public service responsiveness? How can public service responsiveness be measured at the network level? Does the complexity of public service provision affect perceived public service network responsiveness? How do collaborative processes across network partners, community support, and resource munificence affect the responsiveness of public delivery networks? The study utilized a multi-method case study approach. The case of the study is focused on the cross-sector efforts in response to the crisis, caused by the massive displacement of the Puerto Rican population to Central Florida after Hurricane Maria. The data was collected using surveys administrated to the displaced population, and interviews conducted with the managers of service delivery organizations. Using quantitative methods, this study developed a valid and reliable model for measuring perceived public service network responsiveness, which is built on the constructs that include the sufficiency of service provision, dignity, clarity of communication and public engagement. The findings suggested that the displaced population that sought a higher number of low complexity services had a more negative perception of public service network responsiveness. The study suggested that negative perception in low complexity service provision can be caused by the low capability of the public service system and low level of public input, and can be characterized as (")consumeristic(") approach. The qualitative findings showed that collaborative processes can affect the responsiveness of public service networks. Increased community support proved to be a positive factor for public service network responsiveness, while a lack of flexible funding is a negative factor for public service network responsiveness.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFE0007852, ucf:52762
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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/CFE0007852
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Title
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Reproductive Rights and Justice Advocacy in Central Florida: Who is Represented?.
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Creator
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Hager, Mary, Mishtal, Joanna, Harris, Shana, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, University of Central Florida
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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.
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Date Issued
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2018
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Identifier
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CFE0007011, ucf:52048
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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/CFE0007011
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Title
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Frames and Phase Retrieval.
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Creator
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Juste, Ted, Han, Deguang, Sun, Qiyu, Dutkay, Dorin, Wang, Dingbao, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Phase retrieval tackles the problem of recovering a signal after loss of phase. The phase problem shows up in many different settings such as X-ray crystallography, speech recognition, quantum information theory, and coherent diffraction imaging. In this dissertation we present some results relating to three topics on phase retrieval. Chapters 1 and 2 contain the relevant background materials. In chapter 3, we introduce the notion of exact phase-retrievable frames as a way of measuring aframe...
Show morePhase retrieval tackles the problem of recovering a signal after loss of phase. The phase problem shows up in many different settings such as X-ray crystallography, speech recognition, quantum information theory, and coherent diffraction imaging. In this dissertation we present some results relating to three topics on phase retrieval. Chapters 1 and 2 contain the relevant background materials. In chapter 3, we introduce the notion of exact phase-retrievable frames as a way of measuring aframe's redundancy with respect to its phase retrieval property. We show that, in the d-dimensional real Hilbert space case, exact phase-retrievable frames can be of any lengths between 2d ? 1 and d(d + 1)/2, inclusive. The complex Hilbert space case remains open.In chapter 4, we investigate phase-retrievability by studying maximal phase-retrievable subspaces with respect to a given frame. These maximal PR-subspaces can have different dimensions. We are able to identify the ones with the largest dimension and this can be considered as a generalizationof the characterization of real phase-retrievable frames. In the basis case, we prove that if M is a k-dimensional PR-subspace then |supp(x)| ? k for every nonzero vector x ? M . Moreover, if1 ? k (<) [(d + 1)/2], then a k-dimensional PR-subspace is maximal if and only if there exists a vector x ? M such that |supp(x)| = k.Chapter 5 is devoted to investigating phase-retrievable operator-valued frames. We obtain some characterizations of phase-retrievable frames for general operator systems acting on both finite and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces; thus generalizing known results for vector-valued frames, fusion frames, and frames of Hermitian matrices.Finally, in Chapter 6, we consider the problem of characterizing projective representations that admit frame vectors with the maximal span property, a property that allows for an algebraic recov-ering of the phase-retrieval problem. We prove that every irreducible projective representation of a finite abelian group admits a frame vector with the maximal span property. All such vectors can be explicitly characterized. These generalize some of the recent results about phase-retrieval with Gabor (or STFT) measurements.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFE0007660, ucf:52503
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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/CFE0007660
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Title
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TWO ESSAYS ON BIDDING IN MULTI-UNIT COMMON VALUE AUCTIONS.
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Creator
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Shao, Minjie, Schnitzlein, Charles, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This dissertation consists of two essays on the topic of bidding in multi-unit common value auction. Essay one examines the role of capacity constraint on the auction results and bidding behavior. We consider a general case where bidders are unconstrained, and a second setting where bidders are capacity constrained. We document downward sloping demand curves for individual bidders. Bidders shade their bids by submitting quantity-price pairs and spreading their bids. The winner's curse is...
Show moreThis dissertation consists of two essays on the topic of bidding in multi-unit common value auction. Essay one examines the role of capacity constraint on the auction results and bidding behavior. We consider a general case where bidders are unconstrained, and a second setting where bidders are capacity constrained. We document downward sloping demand curves for individual bidders. Bidders shade their bids by submitting quantity-price pairs and spreading their bids. The winner's curse is strong in the unconstrained treatment, but we find no evidence of the winner's curse when bidding constraints are imposed. Unconstrained bidders shade bids significantly more and their quantity-weighted prices are much lower than those in the constrained treatment. Interacting with the information structure, the capacity constraint has a significant impact on the auction results including the market clearing price, market efficiency, and the degree of market concentration. We provide evidence that efficient price discovery in multi-unit auctions with diverse information is possible, but careful attention to auction design will make this outcome more likely. Essay two examines how the introduction of a noncompetitive bidding option affects outcomes in a multi-unit uniform-price auction. The experimental design incorporates many of the characteristics of the markets that pertain to the issuance of new equity securities. Important features of the bidding environment include endogenous bidder entry, costly information acquisition, bidders that differ by capacity constraint, and substantial uncertainty with respect to the intrinsic value. We use a standard uniform-price auction as our baseline setting where only competitive bids are accepted. Our results show that introducing the noncompetitive bidding option improves auction performance by increasing revenue and reducing price error. Underpricing is found in both treatments, but is less severe in the presence of the noncompetitive bidding option. The incorporation of this option significantly increases both the small bidder participation rate and allocation, and reduces the incentive for small bidders to free ride by submitting extremely high bids. Under both treatments, information acquisition increases large bidders' profits but proves unprofitable for small bidders, and pricing accuracy is increasing in the rate of information acquisition.
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Date Issued
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2010
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Identifier
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CFE0003234, ucf:48526
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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/CFE0003234
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Title
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An analysis of the difference between assessed instructional practices, value-added measures, and learning gains of secondary reading teachers.
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Creator
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Fritz, Ronald, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Doherty, Walter, Kennedy, Mary, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship that exists among instructional practice scores, value-added measures, and learning gains for the Large Urban School District (LUSD) among reading teachers in Grades 6-12 for the 2012-2013 school year. In addition, this study was also conducted to address the perceptions of secondary school principals and assistant principals regarding the relationship of the three variables and their relevance in making personnel decisions....
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship that exists among instructional practice scores, value-added measures, and learning gains for the Large Urban School District (LUSD) among reading teachers in Grades 6-12 for the 2012-2013 school year. In addition, this study was also conducted to address the perceptions of secondary school principals and assistant principals regarding the relationship of the three variables and their relevance in making personnel decisions. Quantitative data were obtained from school district databases for observation scores, value-added measures, and standardized assessment achievement data to determine the relationship among the variables. In addition, a perception survey was completed by secondary school principals and assistant principals. With a sample size of 138, the survey yielded a return rate of 84%. The data were analyzed to determine actual relationships among instructional practice scores, value-added measures, and learning gains, as well as how the participants perceived each variable in isolation. The literature review supported the findings regarding the inflation of observation scores by school administrators. The only significant relationship (.48) existed between value-added measures and learning gains. Likewise, school leaders in the LUSD believed that their observations were important in analyzing the needs of their teachers and should be included in summative evaluations. Learning gains were supported by the participants more than instructional practice scores and value-added measures as evidence of effective instruction. The literature review revealed past program evaluation studies regarding the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) as a valid measure for assessing grade level benchmarks. The information in this study is valuable and suggests that continued professional learning for school leaders regarding classroom observations to improve inter-rater reliability is needed. Likewise, school leaders would benefit from understanding the relationships that exist among instructional practice scores, value-added measures, and learning gains to drive conversations with teachers regarding rigorous instruction.
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Date Issued
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2014
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Identifier
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CFE0005494, ucf:50362
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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/CFE0005494
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Title
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JOB SATISFACTION AND VALUE PRIORITIES OF COUNSELORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AND AGENCY SETTINGS.
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Creator
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Cunningham, Laura, Daire, Andrew, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Counselors can work at a variety of locations (Vacc & Loesch, 2000). Yet very little is known about each setting (King, 2007) and what type of counselors would have an optimum fit. Burnout is a pervasive issue in counseling (Lawson, 2007) and providing good-fit information could lessen turnover and burnout from the counseling field. The primary purpose of this study included investigating the differences between job satisfaction and value priorities of counselors in private practice and...
Show moreCounselors can work at a variety of locations (Vacc & Loesch, 2000). Yet very little is known about each setting (King, 2007) and what type of counselors would have an optimum fit. Burnout is a pervasive issue in counseling (Lawson, 2007) and providing good-fit information could lessen turnover and burnout from the counseling field. The primary purpose of this study included investigating the differences between job satisfaction and value priorities of counselors in private practice and agency settings. The overarching theoretical framework included Frank Parsons' (1909) 'goodness of fit' theory, which is a person-organizational fit theory for job satisfaction. Schwartz Value Theory (Schwartz, 1992, 1994) provided the trait of the person under investigation: value priorities. The use of global and facet measures of job satisfaction provided the 'good-fit' measure (Brief & Weiss, 2002). The final analysis included one hundred and thirty-five counselors, with seventy-two agency counselors and sixty-three private practitioners. Counselors completed two assessments and a survey in a descriptive correlational design. Two methods of group and e-mail administration produced a 98.7 % and 33% response rates, respectively. The data collection instruments included: The Schwartz Value Survey (SVS; Schwartz, 1992), the abridged Job Descriptive Index (aJDI; Stanton et al., 2002), the abridged Job In General Scale (aJIG; Russell et al., 2004), and the Counselor History Questionnaire (Cunningham, 2009). The statistical procedures used to analyze the data included two one-way MANOVAs and four standard multiple regressions. Post- hoc analysis included ANOVA for five subscales on the aJDI measure. The three research questions included; (a) Are there any differences between job satisfaction between counselors in private practice and agency settings? (b) Are there any differences between value priorities of self-transcendence and self-enhancement between counselors in private practice and agency settings?, and (c) Are there any relationships among the variables of job satisfaction and value priorities of counselors in private practice and agency setting? The first research question was supported, with private practitioners reporting statistically significant higher levels of job satisfaction on two measures, with 12.9 % of the variance explained by the model. Furthermore, the results of the post-hoc included private practitioners reporting statistically significant higher ratings on the aJDI subscales of Work and Income, and Agency counselors reporting higher scores on the Supervision subscale. The second and third research questions were not supported; as there were no differences in value priorities of counselors in private practice and agency. Furthermore, no predictive relationships existed among the variables of work location, value priorities, and job satisfaction. The data suggested that private practitioners experienced a higher level of job satisfaction than their counterparts in agency settings. Furthermore, the non-significant results of value priorities suggested that counselors, as a whole, possess similar value priorities which are not altered by different work settings. Implications for counselors and counselor educators were presented, along with areas of future research.
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Date Issued
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2010
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Identifier
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CFE0003334, ucf:48434
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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/CFE0003334
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Title
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The Effects of Regulatory Orientation on Subjective Task Values, Ability Beliefs, and Gameplay in a Grammar Editing Computer Game.
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Creator
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Strnad, Stephen, Hoffman, Bobby, Hartshorne, Richard, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This study investigated mean group differences in composite subjective task values, ability beliefs, and gameplay behaviors between low promotion and high promotion English as a Second Language (ESL) postsecondary students while playing two versions of a grammar-editing computer game. First, students were categorized according to their scores on the General Regulatory Focus Measure. Next, students played two identical versions of the grammar-editing game; in the second game version, an...
Show moreThis study investigated mean group differences in composite subjective task values, ability beliefs, and gameplay behaviors between low promotion and high promotion English as a Second Language (ESL) postsecondary students while playing two versions of a grammar-editing computer game. First, students were categorized according to their scores on the General Regulatory Focus Measure. Next, students played two identical versions of the grammar-editing game; in the second game version, an independent variable was added in the form of an in-game punishment. In the middle of each game version, students completed a modified version of the Expectancy-value Questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to determine any statistically significant group differences between groups in terms of subjective task values, ability beliefs, and gameplay behaviors. Results indicated no statistically significant differences between groups for any of the composite dependent variables tested. However, two individual items measuring utility and attainment value indicated significant group differences. The findings of this study both supported and contradicted aspects of regulatory orientation theory and previous regulatory orientation research. This research contributed to the need for motivation studies in the field of digital game-based learning utilizing well-established theoretical frameworks. In addition, this study offered researchers, teachers, instructional designers, and video game designers insights into the effects of regulatory orientations in the digital game-based learning context.
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Date Issued
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2018
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Identifier
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CFE0007105, ucf:51939
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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/CFE0007105
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Title
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CATEGORICAL PROPERTIES OF LATTICE-VALUED CONVERGENCE SPACES.
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Creator
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Flores, Paul, Richardson, Gary, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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This work can be roughly divided into two parts. Initially, it may be considered a continuation of the very interesting research on the topic of Lattice-Valued Convergence Spaces given by Jäger [2001, 2005]. The alternate axioms presented here seem to lead to theorems having proofs more closely related to standard arguments used in Convergence Space theory when the Lattice is L=.Various Subcategories are investigated. One such subconstruct is shown to be isomorphic to the category of...
Show moreThis work can be roughly divided into two parts. Initially, it may be considered a continuation of the very interesting research on the topic of Lattice-Valued Convergence Spaces given by Jäger [2001, 2005]. The alternate axioms presented here seem to lead to theorems having proofs more closely related to standard arguments used in Convergence Space theory when the Lattice is L=.Various Subcategories are investigated. One such subconstruct is shown to be isomorphic to the category of Lattice Valued Fuzzy Convergence Spaces defined and studied by Jäger . Our principal category is shown to be a topological universe and contains a subconstruct isomorphic to the category of probabilistic convergence spaces discussed in Kent and Richardson when L=. Fundamental work in lattice-valued convergence from the more general perspective of monads can be found in Gähler . Secondly, diagonal axioms are defined in the category whose objects consist of all the lattice valued convergence spaces. When the latter lattice is linearly ordered, a diagonal condition is given which characterizes those objects in the category that are determined by probabilistic convergence spaces which are topological. Certain background information regarding filters, convergence spaces, and diagonal axioms with its dual are given in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes Probabilistic Convergence and associated Diagonal axioms. Chapter 3 defines Jäger convergence and proves that Jäger's construct is isomorphic to a bireflective subconstruct of SL-CS. Furthermore, connections between the diagonal axioms discussed and those given by Gähler are explored. In Chapter 4, further categorical properties of SL-CS are discussed and in particular, it is shown that SL-CS is topological, cartesian closed, and extensional. Chapter 5 explores connections between diagonal axioms for objects in the sub construct δ(PCS) and SL-CS. Finally, recommendations for further research are provided.
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Date Issued
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2007
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Identifier
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CFE0001715, ucf:47292
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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/CFE0001715
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Title
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INFORMATION RETRIEVAL PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT USING THE AVERAGE STANDARD ESTIMATOR AND THE MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION WEIGHTED SET OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES.
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Creator
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AHRAM, TAREQ, McCauley-Bush, Pamela, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Information retrieval is much more challenging than traditional small document collection retrieval. The main difference is the importance of correlations between related concepts in complex data structures. These structures have been studied by several information retrieval systems. This research began by performing a comprehensive review and comparison of several techniques of matrix dimensionality estimation and their respective effects on enhancing retrieval performance using singular...
Show moreInformation retrieval is much more challenging than traditional small document collection retrieval. The main difference is the importance of correlations between related concepts in complex data structures. These structures have been studied by several information retrieval systems. This research began by performing a comprehensive review and comparison of several techniques of matrix dimensionality estimation and their respective effects on enhancing retrieval performance using singular value decomposition and latent semantic analysis. Two novel techniques have been introduced in this research to enhance intrinsic dimensionality estimation, the Multi-criteria Decision Weighted model to estimate matrix intrinsic dimensionality for large document collections and the Average Standard Estimator (ASE) for estimating data intrinsic dimensionality based on the singular value decomposition (SVD). ASE estimates the level of significance for singular values resulting from the singular value decomposition. ASE assumes that those variables with deep relations have sufficient correlation and that only those relationships with high singular values are significant and should be maintained. Experimental results over all possible dimensions indicated that ASE improved matrix intrinsic dimensionality estimation by including the effect of both singular values magnitude of decrease and random noise distracters. Analysis based on selected performance measures indicates that for each document collection there is a region of lower dimensionalities associated with improved retrieval performance. However, there was clear disagreement between the various performance measures on the model associated with best performance. The introduction of the multi-weighted model and Analytical Hierarchy Processing (AHP) analysis helped in ranking dimensionality estimation techniques and facilitates satisfying overall model goals by leveraging contradicting constrains and satisfying information retrieval priorities. ASE provided the best estimate for MEDLINE intrinsic dimensionality among all other dimensionality estimation techniques, and further, ASE improved precision and relative relevance by 10.2% and 7.4% respectively. AHP analysis indicates that ASE and the weighted model ranked the best among other methods with 30.3% and 20.3% in satisfying overall model goals in MEDLINE and 22.6% and 25.1% for CRANFIELD. The weighted model improved MEDLINE relative relevance by 4.4%, while the scree plot, weighted model, and ASE provided better estimation of data intrinsic dimensionality for CRANFIELD collection than Kaiser-Guttman and Percentage of variance. ASE dimensionality estimation technique provided a better estimation of CISI intrinsic dimensionality than all other tested methods since all methods except ASE tend to underestimate CISI document collection intrinsic dimensionality. ASE improved CISI average relative relevance and average search length by 28.4% and 22.0% respectively. This research provided evidence supporting a system using a weighted multi-criteria performance evaluation technique resulting in better overall performance than a single criteria ranking model. Thus, the weighted multi-criteria model with dimensionality reduction provides a more efficient implementation for information retrieval than using a full rank model.
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Date Issued
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2008
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Identifier
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CFE0002426, ucf:47747
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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/CFE0002426
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Title
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MODELING CRASH FREQUENCIES AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
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Creator
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Kowdla, Smitha, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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A high percentage of highway crashes in the United States occur at intersections. These crashes result in property damage, lost productivity, injury, and even death. Identifying intersections associated with high crash rate is very important to minimize future crashes. The purpose of this study is to develop efficient means to evaluate intersections, which may require safety improvements. The area covered by the analysis in this thesis includes Orange and Seminole Counties and the City of...
Show moreA high percentage of highway crashes in the United States occur at intersections. These crashes result in property damage, lost productivity, injury, and even death. Identifying intersections associated with high crash rate is very important to minimize future crashes. The purpose of this study is to develop efficient means to evaluate intersections, which may require safety improvements. The area covered by the analysis in this thesis includes Orange and Seminole Counties and the City of Orlando. The aforementioned counties and city thus represent Central Florida. Each County/City provided data that consisted of signalized intersection drawings that were either in the form of electronic or hard copies, the county's extensive crash database and a list of intersections that underwent modifications during the study period. A total of 786 intersections were used in the analysis and the crash database was made up of 4271 crashes. From the signalized intersection drawings obtained from the county's traffic engineering department, a geometry database was created to classify all intersections by the number of through lanes, number of left turning lanes, Average Annual Daily Traffic and Posted Speed limits on the Major road of the intersection. In this research, crashes and their type, e.g., rear-end, left-turn and angle as well as total crashes were investigated. Numerous models were developed first using the Poisson regression and then using the Negative Binomial approach as the data showed overdispersion. The modeling process aimed to relate geometric and traffic factors to the frequency of crashes at intersections. Expected value analysis tables were also developed to determine if an intersection had an abnormally high number of crashes. These tables can be used in assisting Traffic Engineers in identifying serious safety problems at intersections. The general models illustrated that rear-end crashes were associated with high natural logarithm of AADT on the major road and the number of lanes (major intersections, e.g. 6x4/6x6), whereas AADT on the major road did not affect left-turn crashes. Intersections with the configuration 4x2/6x2 (2 through lanes at the minor roadway) or T intersections as another category experienced an increase in left-turn crashes. Angle crashes were most frequent at one-way intersections especially in the case of 4x4 intersections. Individual models that included interaction terms with one variable at a time concluded that AADT on the major road positively influenced rear-end crashes more compared to angle and left-turn crashes. As the speed increases on the minor road, the left turn crashes are affected more when compared to angle and rear-end crashes, therefore it can be concluded that left-turn crashes are most influenced by the speed limit on the minor road compared to angle crashes and then followed by rear-end crashes. As the total number of left turn lanes increased at the intersection, thereby increasing the size of the intersection, the number of rear-end crashes increased. An overall model that contained natural logarithm of AADT on major road, total number of left turn lanes at the intersection, number of through lanes on the minor road and configuration of the intersection, as independent variables, along with interaction terms, further concluded and supported the individual models that the number of crashes (rear-end, left-turn and angle) increased as the AADT on the major road increased and the number of crashes decreased as the total number of left turn lanes at the intersection increased. Also, crashes increased as the number of through lanes on the minor road increased. The variables' interaction effects with dummies representing rear-end and left-turn crashes in the final model showed that as the AADT on the major road increased, the number of rear-end crashes increased compared to left-turn and angle crashes and also that as the total number of left turn lanes at the intersection increased, the number of left-turn crashes decreased when compared to rear-end and angle crashes. Also the number of rear-end crashes increased at major four leg intersections e.g. 6x4, 6x6 etc. This thesis demonstrated the superiority of Negative Binomial regression in modeling the frequency of crashes at signalized intersections.
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Date Issued
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2004
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Identifier
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CFE0000267, ucf:46224
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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/CFE0000267
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Title
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THE RELATIONS AMONG CULTURAL VALUES, ETHNICITY, AND JOB CHOICE TRADE-OFF PREFERENCES.
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Creator
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Isenhour, Linda, Stone, Dianna, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Researchers in human resource management (HRM) have long been concerned with the attraction and retention of organizational members (Breaugh, 1992; Rynes, 1991; Vroom, 1966). However, as the U.S. work force has become more diverse (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000), the need to consider how issues of cultural diversity are related to the recruitment process has become increasingly important. For example, although past research has investigated relations among individuals' values, personality, and...
Show moreResearchers in human resource management (HRM) have long been concerned with the attraction and retention of organizational members (Breaugh, 1992; Rynes, 1991; Vroom, 1966). However, as the U.S. work force has become more diverse (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000), the need to consider how issues of cultural diversity are related to the recruitment process has become increasingly important. For example, although past research has investigated relations among individuals' values, personality, and job choice preferences, no research has examined the job choice trade-off preferences of culturally diverse individuals. Moreover, researchers have not examined explicit job choice trade-off preferences involving job and organizational factors, even though expectancy theory-based models of recruitment implicitly suggest that individuals make trade-offs among valent job and organizational factors. Therefore, the purpose of the current research was to examine the relations among individuals' (a) cultural values (power distance, Protestant Ethic-earnings, Protestant Ethic-upward striving), (b) ethnicity (European-American, Hispanic-American), and (c) their job choice trade-off preferences for organizational prestige over pay using Thurstone's (1927, 1931) law of comparative judgment method. Study 1 served as a pilot of the procedure and measures. Based on the results of Study 1, changes were made to improve reliability of measures prior to Study 2. Study 2 tested hypothesized relations among cultural values, ethnicity, and job choice trade-off preferences for organizational prestige over pay. Results from Study 2 showed that power distance cultural values were related positively to job choice trade-off preferences for organizational prestige over pay and that Protestant Ethic-earnings cultural values were related negatively to job choice trade-off preferences for organizational prestige over pay. In addition, Hispanic-Americans were more likely than European-Americans to prefer job choice trade-offs for organizational prestige over pay. However, Protestant Ethic-upward striving cultural values were unrelated to job choice trade-off preferences for organizational prestige over pay. Moreover, ethnicity was unrelated to power distance cultural values, Protestant Ethic-earning cultural values, or Protestant Ethic-upward striving cultural values. Study results suggest that including cultural values and ethnicity in future recruitment research can enhance the understanding of individuals' job choice preferences and provide practitioners with information to attract multicultural job applicants.
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Date Issued
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2006
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Identifier
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CFE0001194, ucf:46858
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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/CFE0001194
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Title
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A PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPOSED PARADOXICAL EFFECTS OF VALUING HAPPINESS.
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Creator
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Coles, Nicholas, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Several researchers in happiness studies have called for an increased sociopolitical interest in indicators of societal happiness. However, recent evidence for the proposed paradoxical effects of valuing happiness suggest that an increase in society's perceived value of happiness may exert a detrimental, inverse influence on well-being. This notion is based on previous research demonstrating that manipulating participants to value happiness causes them to experience less positive emotions,...
Show moreSeveral researchers in happiness studies have called for an increased sociopolitical interest in indicators of societal happiness. However, recent evidence for the proposed paradoxical effects of valuing happiness suggest that an increase in society's perceived value of happiness may exert a detrimental, inverse influence on well-being. This notion is based on previous research demonstrating that manipulating participants to value happiness causes them to experience less positive emotions, compared to controls, when viewing positive film clips. Following the humanistic notion that the maximization of societal happiness is an advantageous sociopolitical endeavor, the proposed paradoxical effects of valuing happiness present a psychological barrier that researchers must strive to understand and, ideally, overcome. Previous experimental research on the paradoxical effects of valuing happiness has focused on participants' emotionality as an operational definition of happiness. However, drawing from the Subjective Well-Being construct, emotionality is only one of several components of happiness. Building from this Subjective-Well Being framework, this study expands upon previous research by investigating whether a valuing happiness manipulation influences participants' emotionality while they contemplate their own happiness. To examine this, nineteen participants were divided into two groups, one which received a valuing happiness manipulation (n=9) and the others served as a control group (n=10), and instructed to contemplate their personal happiness for 45 seconds. To measure participants' emotions during this task, facial electromyography data were collected from the corrugator supercilii and the zygomaticus major facial muscles, a measure that previous research suggests is sensitive to the emotional value of thought. Results indicated that participants manipulated to value happiness did not experience significant differences in facial electromyography activation compared to controls. However, although non-significant, the correlation between facial electromyography activation and participants' rating of happiness differed substantially for participants manipulated to value happiness (average r=.41 for corrugator, average r=-.09 for zygomaticus) and controls (average r=.-.29 for corrugator, average r=.14 for zygomaticus). The counterintuitive correlations for participants led to value happiness, despite not experiencing significant difference in the emotional value of the happiness contemplation task, provide preliminary evidence that these participants utilize the information retrieved from the contemplative stage in a qualitatively different way than controls when judging their own happiness. More specifically, the correlations for participants led to value happiness trend in the opposite direction of controls, demonstrating that increases in positive emotion during happiness contemplation actually are associated with lower scores on a self-report of happiness. This study suggests that the paradoxical effects of valuing happiness does not influence the retrieval of information when contemplating ones' happiness, but may influence (in an apparently detrimental fashion) how this information is utilized when judging one's happiness. Although the between-condition differences in correlations failed to reach statistical significance (more specifically, p=.09 for corrugator), this study provides preliminary evidence for the existence of a new dynamic of the proposed paradoxical effects of valuing happiness that is novel to the happiness studies discourse. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.
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Date Issued
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2015
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Identifier
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CFH0004766, ucf:45360
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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/CFH0004766
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Title
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The effects of Japanese Ryokan attributes on perceived values and purchase intention.
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Creator
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Karakawa, Ryuichi, Kwun, David, Hara, Tadayuki, Kang, Juhee, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The increasing demand for spa and hot spring resorts, particularly within the luxury markets, provides an opportunity for new types of accommodations. This study focused on Ryokan which is described as traditional Japanese hotels with hot springs. Despite the recent trend of expanding Japanese Ryokans in the global market, most extant research had only focused on perceptions of customers who have experienced Ryokans. Therefore, this study explored what attributes of Japanese Ryokans are...
Show moreThe increasing demand for spa and hot spring resorts, particularly within the luxury markets, provides an opportunity for new types of accommodations. This study focused on Ryokan which is described as traditional Japanese hotels with hot springs. Despite the recent trend of expanding Japanese Ryokans in the global market, most extant research had only focused on perceptions of customers who have experienced Ryokans. Therefore, this study explored what attributes of Japanese Ryokans are important to potential customers and to what extent these attributes could enhance perceived values toward Japanese Ryokans. A total of 983 usable responses were collected through an online self-administrative survey on Qualtrics.The results of this study identified four major dimensions of Japanese Ryokan's attributes (i.e., hotel attributes, hot springs and spas, Japanese servicescape, and Japanese culture) and two major dimensions of perceived value (i.e., functional (&) hedonic value and symbolic (&) financial value). Overall, Japanese servicescape, Japanese culture, and hot springs and spas had a significant positive effect on both value dimensions, while hotel attributes positively related to functional (&) hedonic value. In addition, the two dimensions of perceived value significantly mediated the relationship between Ryokan attribute dimensions and purchase intention.This study contributes to the theoretical foundation in the lodging literature by identifying dimensions of Japanese Ryokan attributes which reflect the unique characteristics of Japanese Ryokans within the luxury hot spring hotel/ resort context. Furthermore, the results of this study revealed potential consumers' value perceptions toward luxury Japanese Ryokans and their effects on purchase intention. Overall, this study provided useful guidelines for Japanese Ryokans to create value-based marketing strategies.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFE0007473, ucf:52663
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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/CFE0007473
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Title
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Examining High School Teachers' Technology Acceptation of A Learning Management System in A Large Public School District.
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Creator
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Foster-Hennighan, Shari, Butler, Malcolm, Hewitt, Randall, Boote, David, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this research study was to understand high school teachers' acceptance and use of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) (Canvas, 2011) in a large public school district. Teachers are the keystone species within the educational environment, and as such, are critical for the successful integration of technology in the classroom (Davis, Eickelmann, (&) Zaka, 2013). Therefore, in order to facilitate teacher's acceptance and use of technology for instructional purposes, those...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to understand high school teachers' acceptance and use of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) (Canvas, 2011) in a large public school district. Teachers are the keystone species within the educational environment, and as such, are critical for the successful integration of technology in the classroom (Davis, Eickelmann, (&) Zaka, 2013). Therefore, in order to facilitate teacher's acceptance and use of technology for instructional purposes, those factors that influence or prevent use need to be understood. This study used a revised Technology Acceptance Model (Fathema, Shannon, (&) Ross, 2015) to determine those factors that affect teachers' actual informational and communicational use of the Canvas LMS (Canvas, 2011). This mixed methods study used a survey and interview to answer three research questions concerning acceptance, use, and departmental influence on the use of Canvas LMS. The survey data were analyzed with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in order to produce two explanatory models to address the three research questions. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 teachers from one high school in a large public school district. The interview questions were transcribed, coded, and themed in order to answer research questions two and three. The analysis of the survey and interview data found that teachers were more likely to use informational rather than communicational features in Canvas. Communicational use differences were more evident than informational use among the four core subject areas, with mathematics using these features the least. For both models of survey data, the quality of the Canvas system was an influence on teacher use. The influence of teacher intent was contradictory between the two models. The findings from this study can be used to inform stakeholders of factors that influence high school teachers Canvas use, and recommendations to improve integration in the future.
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Date Issued
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2019
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Identifier
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CFE0007631, ucf:52478
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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/CFE0007631
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Title
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Scale Development to Measure the Co-Creation Experience, and Resulting Value and Behavioral Intentions in Museums, Exhibitions, and Installations.
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Creator
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Mathis, Elaine, Okumus, Fevzi, Van Niekerk, Mathilda, Rivera, Manuel, Weber, Karin, Uysal, Muzaffer, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to develop and test a scale that can measure the co-creation experience, resulting value, and behavioral intentions in MEI. The study addresses six objectives: (1) To propose a framework of co-creation, (2) To evaluate what constructs of co-creation are needed, (3) To analyze how and what value is created, (4) To evaluate how co-creation impacts behavioral intentions, (5) To evaluate how value impacts behavioral intentions, and (6) To create a model that tests...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a scale that can measure the co-creation experience, resulting value, and behavioral intentions in MEI. The study addresses six objectives: (1) To propose a framework of co-creation, (2) To evaluate what constructs of co-creation are needed, (3) To analyze how and what value is created, (4) To evaluate how co-creation impacts behavioral intentions, (5) To evaluate how value impacts behavioral intentions, and (6) To create a model that tests the co-creation experience and resulting value and behavioral intentions in MEI. This dissertation employed a mixed-method approach. A qualitative study was conducted to develop and define the constructs, wherein a survey was developed. The survey led into the quantitative portion of the study, which measured co-creation, so a scale was created and tested. Statistical analyses consisted of exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Study results indicate that the developed co-creation scale is reliable and identified what dimensions of co-creation exist with MEI. The research findings suggest that co-creation can be used to facilitate more interactive experiences within the museum, exhibition, and installation environment. Co-creation not only encourages greater interaction but leads to enhanced value and positive behavioral intentions. This study provided a better understanding of the co-creation experience including how attendees co-create, and how to enhance the value added which can impact behavioral intentions. By identifying the constructs to measure co-creation, value, and behavioral intentions, event designs may be planned to stimulate true co-creation, welcoming the interaction and input from all actors. This study provided a (")Collage of Co-Creation(") which can direct future research to develop a comprehensive scale of co-creation.
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Date Issued
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2018
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Identifier
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CFE0007224, ucf:52233
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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/CFE0007224
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Title
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A Framework for Measuring the Value-Added of Knowledge Processes with Analysis of Process Interactions and Dynamics.
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Creator
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Cintron, Jose, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Thompson, William, Ajayi, Richard, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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The most known and widely used methods use cash flows and tangible assets to measure the impact of investments in the organization's outputs. But in the last decade many newer organizations whose outputs are heavily dependent on information technology utilize knowledge as their main asset. These organizations' market values lie on the knowledge of its employees and their technological capabilities. In the current technology-based business landscape the value added by assets utilized for...
Show moreThe most known and widely used methods use cash flows and tangible assets to measure the impact of investments in the organization's outputs. But in the last decade many newer organizations whose outputs are heavily dependent on information technology utilize knowledge as their main asset. These organizations' market values lie on the knowledge of its employees and their technological capabilities. In the current technology-based business landscape the value added by assets utilized for generation of outputs cannot be appropriately measured and managed without considering the role that intangible assets and knowledge play in executing processes. The analysis of processes for comparison and decision making based on intangible value added can be accomplished using the knowledge required to execute processes. The measurement of value added by knowledge can provide a more realistic framework for analysis of processes where traditional cost methods are not appropriate, enabling managers to better allocate and control knowledge-based processes. Further consideration of interactions and complexity between proposed process alternatives can yield answers about where and when investments can improve value-added while dynamically providing higher returns on investment.
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Date Issued
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2013
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Identifier
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CFE0004983, ucf:49585
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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/CFE0004983
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Title
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The Effects of Journaling and Vocabulary Strategies on Elementary Students' Attitudes Towards Mathematical Performance.
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Creator
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Janzen, Renee, Gresham, Regina, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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In an attempt to examine the effects of journaling and vocabulary strategies on elementary students' attitudes towards mathematical performance, I embedded reflective journaling and vocabulary strategies into my fourth grade mathematics curriculum. The mathematics content focused on whole number place value, multiplication, and division. My study revealed the positive effects these interventions can have on elementary students' attitudes towards mathematics.
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Date Issued
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2012
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Identifier
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CFE0004266, ucf:49520
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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/CFE0004266
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Title
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AN EXAMINATION OF CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AND RELATIVE EFFECTS ON CONSUMER VALUES.
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Creator
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Walls, Andrew, Wang, Youcheng, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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In the ever changing business climate, the service sector has become a major focus of attention. One key aspect of this competitive environment is the effort of many businesses to differentiate themselves by creating unique customer experiences that accompany their products and services. The challenge to creating memorable consumer experiences is the proper identification of specific characteristics that influence experiences and gaining better understanding of how these impact consumers...
Show moreIn the ever changing business climate, the service sector has become a major focus of attention. One key aspect of this competitive environment is the effort of many businesses to differentiate themselves by creating unique customer experiences that accompany their products and services. The challenge to creating memorable consumer experiences is the proper identification of specific characteristics that influence experiences and gaining better understanding of how these impact consumers perceived values. To this end, this study attempted to develop a model that identifies influencing dimensions of consumer experiences and investigates the composition of consumer experiences and the relative outcome on consumer's perceived values in a hospitality setting. To facilitate this research objective, a model was presented which proposed that consumer experiences are composed of both physical and human interaction characteristics. The consumer's perspective of these characteristics, and hence the actual service experience, are affected by situational factors and individual characteristic which in return impact perceived emotive and cognitive values. A set of propositions are presented based on the model and literature review to measure the relationship between these factors. To initiate this research, an intercept survey approach was taken. Four hundred sixty-two (462) surveys were completed by hotel guests staying in one of three market segments in Orlando, FL. Participants completed the self-administered survey by answering questions concerning their current stay experience relating to physical environment, human encounters, trip-related factors, individual characteristics, and perceived values. Overall, the results found that trip-related factors and individual characteristics affect perceptions of physical environment and human interactions consumer experiences during their hotel stay. In addition, the results revealed that both physical environment and human interactions have significant and positive relationship with perceived values. These results can give lodging managers a better understanding of the composition of consumer experiences and how these events influence perceived values.
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Date Issued
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2009
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Identifier
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CFE0002760, ucf:48136
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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/CFE0002760
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Title
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A Priori Analysis of Error and Bias in Value-Added Models.
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Creator
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Lavery, Matthew, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Sivo, Stephen, Bai, Haiyan, Amrein-Beardsley, Audrey, University of Central Florida
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Abstract / Description
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Over the past 20 years, value-added models (VAMs) have become increasingly popular in educational assessment and accountability policies because of the sophisticated statistical controls these models use to purportedly isolate the effect of a single teacher on the learning gains of his or her students. The present research uses a Monte Carlo simulation study design in order to investigate whether VAMs are able to provide accurate estimates of teacher effectiveness when all assumptions are met...
Show moreOver the past 20 years, value-added models (VAMs) have become increasingly popular in educational assessment and accountability policies because of the sophisticated statistical controls these models use to purportedly isolate the effect of a single teacher on the learning gains of his or her students. The present research uses a Monte Carlo simulation study design in order to investigate whether VAMs are able to provide accurate estimates of teacher effectiveness when all assumptions are met and to determine how robust the models are to endogenous peer effects and nonrandom assignment of students to classroom. The researcher generates three years of simulated achievement data for 18,750 students taught by 125 teachers, and analyzes this data with a linear mixed model similar to the SAS(&)#174; EVAAS(&)#174; Multivariate Response Model (MRM; M1), a basic covariate adjustment model (M2), and variations on these models designed to estimate random classroom effects. Findings indicate that the modified EVAAS may be too computationally onerous to be of practical use, and that modified covariate adjustment models do not perform significantly differently than the basic covariate adjustment model. When all assumptions are met, M1 is more accurate than M2, but both models perform reasonably well, misclassifying fewer than 5% of teachers on average. M1 is more robust to endogenous peer effects than M2, however both models misclassified more teachers than when all assumptions are met. M2 is more robust to nonrandom assignment of students than M1. Assigning teachers a balanced schedule of nonrandom classes with low, medium, and high prior achievement seemed to mitigate the problems that nonrandom assignment caused for M1, but made M2 less accurate. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
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Date Issued
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2016
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Identifier
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CFE0006344, ucf:51568
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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/CFE0006344
Pages