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Title: A COMMON COMPONENT-BASED SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE FOR MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL PC-BASED VIRTUAL SIMULATION.
Creator: Lewis, Joshua, Proctor, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Commercially available military-themed virtual simulations have been developed and sold for entertainment since the beginning of the personal computing era. There exists an intense interest by various branches of the military to leverage the technological advances of the personal computing and video game industries to provide low cost military training. By nature of the content of the commercial military-themed virtual simulations, a large overlap has grown between the interests, resources,...
Show moreCommercially available military-themed virtual simulations have been developed and sold for entertainment since the beginning of the personal computing era. There exists an intense interest by various branches of the military to leverage the technological advances of the personal computing and video game industries to provide low cost military training. By nature of the content of the commercial military-themed virtual simulations, a large overlap has grown between the interests, resources, standards, and technology of the computer entertainment industry and military training branches. This research attempts to identify these commonalities with the purpose of systematically designing and evaluating a common component-based software architecture that could be used to implement a framework for developing content for both commercial and military virtual simulation software applications.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001177, ucf:46868
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001177

Title: ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATIONS OF GUEST ATTITUDES TOWARDS QUEUING IN THEME PARKS.
Creator: Lemaster, Austin, Dickson, Duncan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Queue lines are a fundamental inevitably of the modern theme park. Parks have begun to introduce various systems for combating the normal queue, some of which are at no extra cost to guests and some of which are an extra cost. These systems feature a variety of methods by which guests can bypass the normal queue and enter one featuring a minimal wait. Parks have also started to introduce elements within queues that make waiting in them easier and change guests' perception of time, thus making...
Show moreQueue lines are a fundamental inevitably of the modern theme park. Parks have begun to introduce various systems for combating the normal queue, some of which are at no extra cost to guests and some of which are an extra cost. These systems feature a variety of methods by which guests can bypass the normal queue and enter one featuring a minimal wait. Parks have also started to introduce elements within queues that make waiting in them easier and change guests' perception of time, thus making the waits seem shorter. This thesis attempts to determine the attitudes of guests towards these new trends as well as traditional queuing. Experiences and perceptions of queues from theme park guests were collected and have been compared with existing literature on guest satisfaction, theme parks and queue lines in order to determine relationships between current practices and theory. The findings from these relationships resulted in several suggestions for theme parks to take into account as queues continue to evolve in order to best suit guest needs.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004744, ucf:45356
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004744

Title: Virtual Reality Technology and Customer Delight in Theme Parks: The Role of Experience Quality.
Creator: Jia, Chenge, Okumus, Fevzi, Fu, Xiaoxiao, Milman, Ady, Van Niekerk, Mathilda, Ozturk, Ahmet, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the rapid development of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, theme park companies are eager to apply VR technology to their attractions. Operating as highly hedonic consumption businesses, theme parks need to make sure that they offer unique and memorable experiences to customers in order to enhance their competitive advantages. However, empirical data is needed to understand whether and how VR technology will enhance visitors' experiences, including the quality of their experience,...
Show moreWith the rapid development of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, theme park companies are eager to apply VR technology to their attractions. Operating as highly hedonic consumption businesses, theme parks need to make sure that they offer unique and memorable experiences to customers in order to enhance their competitive advantages. However, empirical data is needed to understand whether and how VR technology will enhance visitors' experiences, including the quality of their experience, customer delight, and customer loyalty. Therefore, this study aims to examine how VR influences visitor's theme park experience quality, customer delight, and customer loyalty. Based on an in-depth literature review, a research model and hypotheses were developed. Through a self-administered questionnaire, empirical data was collected from theme park visitors who have experienced VR attractions during the past three months. According to the results of the study, the hedonism factor is the most important antecedent of customer delight, which in turn stimulates customer loyalty. Additionally, customer loyalty toward the VR attraction shows positively and partially mediated effects between customer delight and customer loyalty toward the theme park that contains the VR attraction. The study contributes to the empirical study of VR technology application and the concept of customer delight in the entertainment sector of the tourism industry. This study also suggests that theme park operators should emphasize offering a hedonic experience to customers. Suggestions for future research are also provided.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007404, ucf:52071
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007404

Title: Two Pathways To Performance: Affective- and Motivationally-Driven Development In Virtual Multiteam Systems.
Creator: Jimenez, Miliani, Dechurch, Leslie, Salas, Eduardo, Bowers, Clint, Zaccaro, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Multiteam systems are an integral part of our daily lives. We witness these entities in natural disaster responses teams, such as the PB Oil Spill and Hurricane Katrina, governmental agencies, such as the CIA and FBI, working behind the scenes to preemptively disarm terrorist attacks, within branches of the Armed Forces, within our organizations, and in science teams aiming to find a cure for cancer (Goodwin, Essens, (&) Smith, 2012; Marks (&) Luvison, 2012). Two key features of the...
Show moreMultiteam systems are an integral part of our daily lives. We witness these entities in natural disaster responses teams, such as the PB Oil Spill and Hurricane Katrina, governmental agencies, such as the CIA and FBI, working behind the scenes to preemptively disarm terrorist attacks, within branches of the Armed Forces, within our organizations, and in science teams aiming to find a cure for cancer (Goodwin, Essens, (&) Smith, 2012; Marks (&) Luvison, 2012). Two key features of the collaborative efforts of multiteam systems are the exchange of information both within and across component team boundaries as well as the virtual tools employed to transfer information between teams (Keyton, Ford, (&) Smith, 2012; Zaccaro, Marks, (&) DeChurch, 2012).The goal of this dissertation was to shed light on enabling the effectiveness of multiteam systems. One means of targeting this concern was to provide insight on the underpinnings of MTS mechanism and how they evolve. The past 20 years of research on teams supports the central role of motivational and affective states (Kozlowski (&) Ilgen, 2006; and Mathieu, Maynard, Rapp, (&) Gibson, 2008) as critical drivers of performance. Therefore it was my interest to understand how these critical team mechanisms unravel at the multiteam system level and understanding how they influence the development of other important multiteam system processes and emergent states. Specifically, this dissertation focused on the influence motivational and affective emergent states (such as multiteam efficacy and multiteam trust) have on shaping behavioral processes (such as information sharing-unique and open) and cognitive emergent states (such as Transactive memory systems and shared mental models). Findings from this dissertation suggest that multiteam efficacy is a driver of open information sharing in multiteam systems and both types of cognitive emergent states (transactive memory systems and shared mental models). Multiteam trust was also found to be a critical driver of open information sharing and the cognitive emergent state transactive memory systems.Understanding that these mechanisms do not evolve in isolation, it was my interest to study them under a growing contextual state that is continuously infiltrating our work lives today, under virtual collaboration. This dissertation sought to uncover how the use of distinct forms of virtual tools, media rich tools and media retrievability tools, enable multiteam systems to develop needed behavioral processes and cognitive emergent states. Findings suggest that the use of media retrievability tools interacted with the task mental models in promoting the exchange of unique information both between and within component teams of a multiteam system.The implications of these findings are twofold. First, since both motivational and affective emergent states of members within multiteam systems are critical drivers of behavioral processes, cognitive emergent states, and in turn multiteam system performance; future research should explore how we can diagnose as well as target the development of multiteam system level efficacy and trust. Second, the virtual communication tools that provide multiteam systems members the ability to review discussed materials at a later point in time are critical for sharing information both within and across component teams depending on the level of shared cognition that multiteam system members possess of the task.Therefore the ability to encourage the use and provide such tools for collaborative purposes is beneficial for the successful collaboration of multiteam systems.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004389, ucf:52872
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004389

Title: Managing IO Resource for Co-running Data Intensive Applications in Virtual Clusters.
Creator: Huang, Dan, Wang, Jun, Zhou, Qun, Sun, Wei, Zhang, Shaojie, Wang, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Today Big Data computer platforms employ resource management systems such as Yarn, Torque, Mesos, and Google Borg to enable sharing the physical computing among many users or applications. Given virtualization and resource management systems, users are able to launch their applications on the same node with low mutual interference and management overhead on CPU and memory. However, there are still challenges to be addressed before these systems can be fully adopted to manage the IO resources...
Show moreToday Big Data computer platforms employ resource management systems such as Yarn, Torque, Mesos, and Google Borg to enable sharing the physical computing among many users or applications. Given virtualization and resource management systems, users are able to launch their applications on the same node with low mutual interference and management overhead on CPU and memory. However, there are still challenges to be addressed before these systems can be fully adopted to manage the IO resources in Big Data File Systems (BDFS) and shared network facilities. In this study, we mainly study on three IO management problems systematically, in terms of the proportional sharing of block IO in container-based virtualization, the network IO contention in MPI-based HPC applications and the data migration overhead in HPC workflows. To improve the proportional sharing, we develop a prototype system called BDFS-Container, by containerizing BDFS at Linux block IO level. Central to BDFS-Container, we propose and design a proactive IOPS throttling based mechanism named IOPS Regulator, which improves proportional IO sharing under the BDFS IO pattern by 74.4% on an average. In the aspect of network IO resource management, we exploit using virtual switches to facilitate network traffic manipulation and reduce mutual interference on the network for in-situ applications. In order to dynamically allocate the network bandwidth when it is needed, we adopt SARIMA-based techniques to analyze and predict MPI traffic issued from simulations. Third, to solve the data migration problem in small-medium sized HPC clusters, we propose to construct a sided IO path, named as SideIO, to explicitly direct analysis data to BDFS that co-locates computation with data. By experimenting with two real-world scientific workflows, SideIO completely avoids the most expensive data movement overhead and achieves up to 3x speedups compared with current solutions.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007195, ucf:52268
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007195

Title: The Mathematics Achievement Gap in Virtual Education.
Creator: Glover, Sara, Martin, Suzanne, Boote, David, Dixon, Juli, Butler, Lorrie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of online Algebra I teachers as they relate to the instruction of minority students. There is an academic achievement gap that exists between minority students and their non-minority peers in United States public education (Sousa (&) Armor, 2016). Although national educational policy has sought to narrow the academic achievement gap, it is persistent and must be addressed because public education affects the future of our nation ...
Show moreThis phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of online Algebra I teachers as they relate to the instruction of minority students. There is an academic achievement gap that exists between minority students and their non-minority peers in United States public education (Sousa (&) Armor, 2016). Although national educational policy has sought to narrow the academic achievement gap, it is persistent and must be addressed because public education affects the future of our nation (Fullan (&) Quinn, 2016). Virtual education is a growing platform for learning, with nearly 300,000 students enrolled across the United States. Achievement data demonstrates the existence of an academic achievement gap in this learning environment as well (Miron, Shank, (&) Davidson, 2018). Yet, there is not a great deal of high-quality research surrounding aspects of virtual education (Molnar et al., 2017). A phenomenological research method was used to examine the lived experiences of Algebra I teachers in a virtual learning environment. Interviews were conducted with five participants (N = 5). Data analysis resulted in eight overarching themes and twenty-seven tertiary themes. The major themes include: (a) teachers believe that student characteristics are a primary determinant of their success in virtual education; (b) teachers believe they have a strong impact upon student success in a virtual learning environment; (c) teachers believe Algebra I is a challenging content area for student achievement; (d) teachers believe family involvement impacts student learning in virtual education; (e) teachers believe frequent and consistent communication is vital in virtual education; (f) teachers believe there are challenges communicating with English language learners; (g) teachers believe strategies can be implemented to support student success in an online learning environment; and (h) teachers believe virtual education is a unique learning environment. This study concludes with an examination of each finding and provides implications for virtual education teachers and policy, and recommendations for future research.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007461, ucf:52667
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007461

Title: AN ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL, STATUTORY, AND GOVERNANCE ISSUES OF VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOLS.
Creator: Thedy, Elizabeth, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the legal, statutory, and governance issues facing virtual charter schools. Virtual models of schooling have the potential to change the face of public education as such schools challenge traditional forms of education. Legislators, policy makers, and school boards must carefully consider existing charter school legislation and determine whether such language is applicable to virtual charter school models. As virtual forms of schooling increase, and choice options for...
Show moreThis study examined the legal, statutory, and governance issues facing virtual charter schools. Virtual models of schooling have the potential to change the face of public education as such schools challenge traditional forms of education. Legislators, policy makers, and school boards must carefully consider existing charter school legislation and determine whether such language is applicable to virtual charter school models. As virtual forms of schooling increase, and choice options for parents become more readily available, the challenge is to develop statutory language that is not overly restrictive but provides a framework from which authorizers and governing boards may operate to ensure the quality, equity, and fiscal responsibility of virtual charter schools. The focus of the study was on the existing legislation in the 19 states with current virtual charter school statutes. The qualitative examination of case law, combined with a review of statutory language, provided the sources of data. Recommendations for policymakers, legislators, departments of education, and school boards were developed to ensure the instructional quality control, the compliance with state and federal statute, and the financial security of virtual charter schools. In an era where choice in education has become mainstream, monitoring the quality of choice options becomes paramount. The development of policies and laws relative to the careful operation of virtual charter schools, from authorization, to governance, to appropriate funding is in the purview of the state. Case law developed in states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where the legality of virtual charter schools has been challenged provides the legal standards for other state legislatures. The establishment of carefully worded legislation that addresses the issues inherent in the next version of school choice is critical to the successful operation of virtual charter schools. Oversight for funding, attendance, curriculum and instruction, and teacher certification is critical in both the authorizing and governance of such schools. Legislation that details the process for enrolling district and out of district students, the process for how the funding flows from the state, to the district, to the virtual charter school, and how the students will be counted for accountability purposes is critical to the successful implementation of virtual charter schools.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003244, ucf:48557
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003244

Title: Measuring Trust in Virtual Worlds: Avatar-Mediated Self-Disclosure.
Creator: Surprenant, Amanda, Sims, Valerie, Chin, Matthew, Rinalducci, Edward, Singer, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated the development of trust between strangers interacting via avatars in virtual worlds. The first part of the study analyzed perceived trustworthiness based on the visual appearance of avatars; the second part makes observations of two strangers self-disclosing information via avatars in a virtual world; the third part analyzed an experimental situation of two individuals interacting via avatars, where avatar appearance was changed and participants were recruited based...
Show moreThis study investigated the development of trust between strangers interacting via avatars in virtual worlds. The first part of the study analyzed perceived trustworthiness based on the visual appearance of avatars; the second part makes observations of two strangers self-disclosing information via avatars in a virtual world; the third part analyzed an experimental situation of two individuals interacting via avatars, where avatar appearance was changed and participants were recruited based on their experience with interacting with others via avatars. Findings showed that perceived trustworthiness does vary based on the visual appearance of the avatar. A positive relationship was found for self-disclosure and experience, in that those who have previously chosen to participate in a virtual world were more likely to share more detailed information about themselves. Non-significant differences in self-disclosure were found for avatar appearance; however, experience in using virtual worlds was significantly different for the willingness to share information before engaging in a task: experienced participants shared more information than inexperienced participants. This suggests that self-disclosure might be influenced by appearance at the point of formation in that the experienced are willing to overlook the avatar, and less so when there are other sources of information to base trust-behavior on (Altman (&) Taylor, 1973; Nowak (&) Rauh, 2006).Recommendations were made for modifications for similar experiments trying to validate an objective measure of trust, and for continued research in the development of trust between strangers interacting via avatars
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004291, ucf:49496
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004291

Title: Currency in Transition: An Ethnographic Inquiry of Bitcoin Adherents.
Creator: Fletcher, Justin, Matejowsky, Ty, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, Sinelli, Peter, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Internet and other telecommunications systems have reshaped the means by which markets are accessed, generated, and transformed. Recent innovations in computer science have led to the development of a virtually bound, decentralized, encrypted currency system known as bitcoin. Unlike conventional currency systems, the Bitcoin protocol is cryptologically defined with a virtual structure that allows it to simultaneously operate as currency, commodity, and market shaping socio-political force...
Show moreThe Internet and other telecommunications systems have reshaped the means by which markets are accessed, generated, and transformed. Recent innovations in computer science have led to the development of a virtually bound, decentralized, encrypted currency system known as bitcoin. Unlike conventional currency systems, the Bitcoin protocol is cryptologically defined with a virtual structure that allows it to simultaneously operate as currency, commodity, and market shaping socio-political force. Its decentralized design permits it to function as a free-market response to fiat currencies vulnerable to inflation, regulation, and manipulation. Given the cultural significance anthropologists and other social scientists have assigned to various modes and mediums of exchange over the years, the socio-economic impact of this novel currency system warrants particular consideration. This research describes the Bitcoin community that has emerged alongside the currency, including the entrepreneurs, developers, and consumers who are dedicated to bitcoin's perpetuation and acceptance as an internationally recognized medium of exchange. Ethnographic interviews and participant observation were utilized to collect information from users in the Central Florida area, detailing their experiences and interactions with the Bitcoin protocol and its associated community. This research provides new levels of anthropological insight into currency development, market interaction, and economically embodied social commentary. Moreover, its exploratory nature helps create a viable framework around which qualitative inquiry of virtual crypto-currencies may be designed in future studies.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004997, ucf:49550
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004997

Title: Mixed Reality Experiences in the M.Ed. Educational Leadership Program: Student Perceptions.
Creator: Buckridge, Hilary, Taylor, Rosemarye, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Olan, Elsie, Mitchell, Paul, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of the study was to ascertain the perception of students in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program of mixed reality experiences using TeachLivE(TM) in preparation for the challenges of school leadership. Specifically, the study analyzed the use of mixed reality virtual practice with immediate coaching and feedback in the preparation of educational leadership masters' level students before they engaged in real time communications with parents and teachers. The study...
Show moreThe purpose of the study was to ascertain the perception of students in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program of mixed reality experiences using TeachLivE(TM) in preparation for the challenges of school leadership. Specifically, the study analyzed the use of mixed reality virtual practice with immediate coaching and feedback in the preparation of educational leadership masters' level students before they engaged in real time communications with parents and teachers. The study encapsulates the perceptions of the master's degree in educational leadership students through the following research questions: (a) To what extent, if any, do Educational Leadership M.Ed. students believe the TeachLivE(TM) parent conference and teacher post observation conference simulation experiences to be helpful in developing their communications skills with parents and teachers? (b) To what extent, if at all, do Educational Leadership M.Ed. students believe the TeachLivE(TM) coaching feedback was helpful in developing their communications skills with parents and teachers? (c) To what extent do student reflections of the TeachLivE(TM) experience indicate it is beneficial in increasing skill in communicating with parents and teachers immediately following the mixed reality simulation? (d) To what extent do Educational Leadership M.Ed. students perceive the TeachLivE(TM) experience to be beneficial in influencing leadership behaviors as they relate to communication with parents and teachers at the end of the second semester administrative internship?Students from the college of education in a large university participated in the study (N = 141). Results show a high-perceived value of the simulation experience and the coaching and feedback in the development of administrative conferencing and communication skills. Descriptive statistics used to answer the research questions show the highest mean for the perceived value of the coaching and feedback, close to (")strongly agree("), from parent conference participants (M = 4.86), followed by teacher conference participants (M = 4.76).Responses for the simulation being beneficial from parent conference participants were also high (M = 4.71), close to (")strongly agree(") and from the teacher conference participants between agree and (")strongly agree(") (4.59). The perceptions of the simulation being realistic practice were between (")agree(") and (")strongly agree(") with parent conference were (M = 4.63) and teacher conferences (M = 4.46).The participant perceptions for the simulation being helpful in building confidence in communication skills was between (")agree(") and (")strongly agree(") for the parent conference (M = 4.41) and close to (")agree(") for the teacher conference (M = 4.14).Participant responses at the conclusion of the internship in practice indicated high value of the mixed reality simulation with mean scores between (")agree(") and (")strongly agree("), in relation to the experience was beneficial to the development of speaking confidence when conferencing with parents (M = 3.57), and the coaching feedback was helpful (M = 3.56). Responses were consistent in rating between (")agree(") and (")strongly agree(") for program continuance immediately following the simulation (M = 4.62), and after the internship (M = 3.67).Recommendations of the study were to ensure that all students have access to the authentic practice model provided by the TeachLivETM mixed reality simulation lab through identified target courses. In addition, it was recommended that more practice opportunities are integrated into the program. These additional experience should include multiple opportunities within the same target courses, as well as investigate additional course work within the Educational Leadership M.Ed. program to integrated the mixed reality simulation to practice specific leadership skills. A final recommendation of this study was to provide opportunities for students to schedule additional practice time in the lab to improve personal professional practice. These recommendations will support the continued development of administrative communication skills of Educational Leadership M.Ed. students, through accurate, realistic and complex situational practice.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006081, ucf:50950
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006081

Title: The Effect of Virtual Simulation on the Development of Basic Counseling Skills, Self-Reported Immersion Experience, Self-Reported Counselor Self-Efficacy, and Self-Reported Anxiety of Counselors-in-Training.
Creator: Uwamahoro, Olivia, Hagedorn, W. Bryce, Young, Mark, Taylor, Dalena, Boote, David, Lenz, A. Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: There is a high need for competent professional counselors because of the increasing number of children and adults presenting mental health concerns each year in the United States (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012). Counselor educators are tasked with the duty of preparing counselors-in-training (CITs) to be competent clinicians. In order for counseling professionals to be considered competent clinicians, they must demonstrate competence in three domains: (a) knowledge, (b) skills,...
Show moreThere is a high need for competent professional counselors because of the increasing number of children and adults presenting mental health concerns each year in the United States (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012). Counselor educators are tasked with the duty of preparing counselors-in-training (CITs) to be competent clinicians. In order for counseling professionals to be considered competent clinicians, they must demonstrate competence in three domains: (a) knowledge, (b) skills, and (c) behavior (ACA, 2014; CACREP, 2009).The goal of this study was to contribute to further understanding the most effective instructional approach to facilitating role play while instructing pre-practicum counseling students. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual simulation training on the development of basic counseling skills, the immersion experience, levels of anxiety, and levels of counselor self-efficacy (CSE) among CITs using student-to-avatar and student-to-student role play. A quasi-experimental research design was used to investigate the effect of the treatment on the constructs.The results of this study found that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups across all four constructs. A spilt-plot analysis of variance, trend analysis, and repeated measures between factor multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The results of this study indicated that exposure to virtual simulation training did not affect the development of basic counseling skills, immersion experience, counselor self-efficacy, and anxiety. The results also showed that virtual simulation did not hinder the development of basic counseling skills, or negatively influence immersion experience, counselor self-efficacy or anxiety.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005895, ucf:50875
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005895

Title: Virtual resistance based DC-link voltage regulation for Microgrid DG inverters.
Creator: Shinde, Siddhesh, Batarseh, Issa, Mikhael, Wasfy, Kutkut, Nasser, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research addresses the practical issues faced by Microgrid Distributed Generation (DG) inverters when operated in islanded mode. A Microgrid (MG) is an interconnection of domestic distributed loads and low voltage distributed energy sources such as micro-turbine, wind-turbine, PVs and storage devices. These energy sources are power limited in nature and constrain the operation of DG inverters to which they are coupled. DG inverters operated in islanded mode should maintain the power...
Show moreThis research addresses the practical issues faced by Microgrid Distributed Generation (DG) inverters when operated in islanded mode. A Microgrid (MG) is an interconnection of domestic distributed loads and low voltage distributed energy sources such as micro-turbine, wind-turbine, PVs and storage devices. These energy sources are power limited in nature and constrain the operation of DG inverters to which they are coupled. DG inverters operated in islanded mode should maintain the power balance between generation and demand. If DG inverter operating in islanded mode drains its source power below a certain limit or if it is incapable of supplying demanded power due to its hardware rating, it turns on its safety mechanism and isolates itself from the MG. This, in turn, increases the power demand on the rest of the DG units and can have a catastrophic impact on the viability of the entire system. This research presents a Virtual Resistance based DC Link Voltage Regulation technique which will allow DG inverters to continue to source their available power even when the power demand by the load is higher than their capacity without shutting off and isolating from the MG.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006503, ucf:51403
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006503

Title: Effects of Mixed-reality Peer Interactions on Workplace Problem-solving of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
Creator: Bukaty, Caitlyn, Dieker, Lisa, Marino, Matthew, Hines, Rebecca, Kohler, Paula, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have deficits in problem-solving skills within the realm of social communication, which may pose a barrier to employment (Livermore (&) Goodman, 2009). The ability to provide appropriate verbal responses is critical to success in an inclusive workplace for people with ID (Alber, Heward, (&) Hippler, 1999). Foley and colleagues (2013) found individuals with ID with strong communication skills were more likely to be engaged in...
Show moreIndividuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have deficits in problem-solving skills within the realm of social communication, which may pose a barrier to employment (Livermore (&) Goodman, 2009). The ability to provide appropriate verbal responses is critical to success in an inclusive workplace for people with ID (Alber, Heward, (&) Hippler, 1999). Foley and colleagues (2013) found individuals with ID with strong communication skills were more likely to be engaged in independent employment than peers with weak communication skills. Furthermore, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA; 2014) mandated improved access to inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. However, social communication for the workplace is a seldom addressed skill (Langford, 2013; Matsumoto (&) Hwang, 2013b).In an attempt to contribute to the research base surrounding workplace communication skills for individuals with ID the researcher conducted an experimental group design study to examine the effects of mixed-reality virtual peer interactions on workplace problem-solving. The Innovative Facilitation of Requisite Communication Skills for Employment (In-FORCE) intervention consisted of four 5-minute interactions with a virtual avatar playing the role of a peer in the TLE TeachLivE(TM) (TLE) virtual environment. Each participant in the treatment group completed the intervention. During interactions participants discussed workplace problem scenarios with the peer avatar, and received coaching and feedback from the avatar. Scenarios were based on a soft skills curriculum from the U.S. DOL (n.d.) and were validated by experts in the field of entry level employment. Problem-solving achievement was measured using a checklist. Checklist data were analyzed between pretest and posttest based on group assignment using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with one factor between.The results of the analysis indicated positive change between pretest and posttest for individual members of the treatment group, but the results were not statistically significant. A possible reason for this lack of significance is the minimal amount of time participants spent engaged in the intervention. The 20 minutes total intervention time was advantageous as it (1) required participants to spend minimal time away from regular daily activities; (2) controlled the emotional impact of the interactions, as 5 minutes in a simulator has been found to have to the emotional equivalence of 30 minutes of human interaction (Dieker, Hynes, Hughes, (&) Smith, 2008); and (3) it allowed the intervention to be delivered at the cost of $40 per participant. Despite controlling for time in this study, more time engaged in the intervention may have led to more noticeable results. Building upon potential changes and future implications the researcher discusses the findings, implications for problem-solving and employment skills training, and the reconceptualization of research practices for individuals with ID.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006272, ucf:51050
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006272

Title: Investigating Simulation-Based Pattern Recognition Training For Behavior Cue Detection.
Creator: Maraj, Crystal, Lackey, Stephanie, Kincaid, John, Shumaker, Randall, Keebler, Joseph, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The U.S. military uses pattern recognition training to observe anomalies in human behavior. An examination of the pattern recognition training literature for Warfighters reveals a gap in training to discern patterns of human behavior in live environments. Additionally, the current state of warfare is evolving and requires operations to change. As a result, pattern recognition training must accommodate new practices to improve performance. A technique used to improve memory for identifying...
Show moreThe U.S. military uses pattern recognition training to observe anomalies in human behavior. An examination of the pattern recognition training literature for Warfighters reveals a gap in training to discern patterns of human behavior in live environments. Additionally, the current state of warfare is evolving and requires operations to change. As a result, pattern recognition training must accommodate new practices to improve performance. A technique used to improve memory for identifying patterns in the environment is Kim's game. Kim's game establishes patterns to identify inanimate objects, of which information retains in memory for later recall. The paper discusses the fundamental principles of Kim's game applied to virtual Simulation-Based Training. The virtual version of Kim's game contains customized scenarios for training behavior cue analysis. Virtual agents display kinesic cues that exhibit aggressive (i.e., slap hands and clench fist) and nervous behaviors including wring hands and check six. This research takes a novel approach by animating the kinesics cues in the virtual version of Kim's game for pattern recognition training. Detection accuracy, response time, and false positive detection serve as the performance data for analysis. Additional survey data collected include engagement, flow, and simulator sickness. All collected data was compared to a control condition to examine its effectiveness of behavior cue detection. A series of one-way between subjects design ANOVA's were conducted to examine the differences between Kim's game and control on post-test performance. Although, the results from this experiment showed no significance in post-test performance, the percent change in post-test performance provide further insight into the results of the Kim's game and control strategies. Specifically, participants in the control condition performed better than the Kim's game group on detection accuracy and response time. However, the Kim's game group outperformed the control group on false positive detection. Further, this experiment explored the differences in Engagement, Flow, and Simulator Sickness after the practice scenario between Kim's game group and the control group. The results found no significant difference in Engagement, partial significance for Flow, and significant difference for Simulator Sickness between the Kim's game and control group after the practice scenario. Next, a series of Spearman's rank correlations were conducted to assess the relationships between Engagement, Flow, Simulator Sickness, and post-test performance, as well as examine the relationship between working memory and training performance; resulting in meaningful correlations to explain the relationships and identifying new concepts to explain unrelated variables. Finally, the role of Engagement, Flow, and Simulator Sickness as a predictor of post-test performance was examined using a series of multiple linear regressions. The results highlighted Simulator Sickness as a significant predictor of post-test performance. Overall, the results from this experiment proposes to expand the body of pattern recognition training literature by identifying strategies that enhance behavior cue detection training. Furthermore, it provides recommendations to training and education communities for improving behavior cue analysis. ?
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005659, ucf:50166
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005659

Title: Virtual Teams and Intercultural Ethics: Preventative Measures for Ethical Dilemmas.
Creator: Blanton, Rebecca, Flammia, Madelyn, Jones, Daniel, Dombrowski, Paul, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines the ethical challenges faced by technical communicators working in global virtual teams. Virtual teams usage are becoming increasingly more popular and diverse. As a result, it is valuable for technical communicators to understand and recognize the challenges that are faced within global virtual teams in order to find solutions and preventive measures for these challenges. The ethical challenges present in global virtual teams were determined by examining the literature...
Show moreThis thesis examines the ethical challenges faced by technical communicators working in global virtual teams. Virtual teams usage are becoming increasingly more popular and diverse. As a result, it is valuable for technical communicators to understand and recognize the challenges that are faced within global virtual teams in order to find solutions and preventive measures for these challenges. The ethical challenges present in global virtual teams were determined by examining the literature on virtual teams and intercultural ethics and conducting a survey of practicing technical communicators who have experience in virtual teams. The purpose of the survey was to determine the ethical challenges that are present for technical communicators and how these issues were resolved. The survey results reveal valuable approaches to resolving and preventing ethical challenges in virtual teams. This thesis contributes to a better understanding of virtual teams and intercultural ethics and examines the ethical challenges that are faced by technical communicators. Furthermore, the thesis presents preventive measures for addressing ethical challenges. Finally, the thesis also provides suggestions for future research into the ethical challenges that are faced within global virtual teams, particularly those related to cultural differences.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004653, ucf:49887
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004653

Title: A Study of Elementary Student Course Completion and Achievement in Virtual and Traditional Format Courses within the Volusia County School District.
Creator: Garzia, Janet, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Gordon, Murray, Barbara, Kennedy, Mary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research study was to determine how elementary students enrolled in virtual education classes performed on state assessments and final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics as compared with students enrolled in traditional classes, and to examine whether there was a difference in the successful course completion rates between the two groups. Five research questions guided this study concerning the relationship of successful course completion, final grades, and FCAT 2...
Show moreThe focus of this research study was to determine how elementary students enrolled in virtual education classes performed on state assessments and final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics as compared with students enrolled in traditional classes, and to examine whether there was a difference in the successful course completion rates between the two groups. Five research questions guided this study concerning the relationship of successful course completion, final grades, and FCAT 2.0 achievement level scores and the variables of virtual and traditional education in the School District of Volusia County. This study is significant, as the movement of virtual learning is driven by economic factors and learning outcomes need to be considered in making instructional delivery decisions.Chi-square analysis suggested no statistical significant difference existed in either Reading or Mathematics successful course completion of students in virtual and traditional settings. Chi-square analyses and a one-sample t-test suggested there was no statistical significant difference in performance of virtual and traditional students on FCAT 2.0 Reading and Mathematics achievement levels. Although the Chi-square analyses showed no statistical significance in performance of virtual and traditional students on final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics, the one-sample t-tests suggested there was a statistically significant difference. When interpreting these results, caution should be taken as the virtual student population was extremely disproportionate to the traditional student population. Implications for practice and recommendations for future study are suggested in this study.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004848, ucf:49713
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004848

Title: Post-traumatic stress disorder: The effect of age and military status on the military population's awareness of community mental health resources.
Creator: Stapp, Susan, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Cornell, Richard, Moskal, Patsy, Brophy-Ellison, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive...
Show moreThis study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive review of the literature to find directions to fulfill the goal of this study. A survey was conducted and 586 active military, veterans, and their family members responded to an instrument that contained 40 items. This study was constrained to three items from the survey; age, military affiliation, self-rated awareness of treatment for PTSD. Multiple analysis techniques found no significant (p (<) .05) correlation between either age and awareness or military affiliation and awareness. Further analysis found a significant (p = .003) correlation between veterans and awareness, as well as between family members of veterans (p = .017) and awareness. Veterans and their family members indicated a greater awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder than did active troops and/or their family members. The significance of this finding presents new opportunities to study and improve both the marketing and the delivery of mental health treatment for PTSD to the active military population. Multiple opportunities for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005266, ucf:50586
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005266

Title: A Framework for Safety Training Using Virtual Reality Software.
Creator: Riad, Rana, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Ferreras, Ana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Safety training is a vital component to the well-being of individuals in all industries. With technology advancing at the current pace, conventional training methods are no longer the most effective way to communicate information. There is a strong need for safety training that incorporates new methods and forms of communication to obtain higher levels of comprehension. Virtual reality systems offer a highly customizable and interactive form of delivering information to users. This research...
Show moreSafety training is a vital component to the well-being of individuals in all industries. With technology advancing at the current pace, conventional training methods are no longer the most effective way to communicate information. There is a strong need for safety training that incorporates new methods and forms of communication to obtain higher levels of comprehension. Virtual reality systems offer a highly customizable and interactive form of delivering information to users. This research addresses major gaps in the field of safety training using virtual reality systems and provides a design framework for creating a virtual safety-training system. A model for the virtual environment is designed and developed and the process and justification is described. The environment and an applied use case for this model is developed and verified using a sample of trainees that would use the model. This exploratory framework provides a significant contribution to the field of safety education through virtual reality systems and can be expanded with further research.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005698, ucf:50152
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005698

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

Title: Mediated Physicality: Inducing Illusory Physicality of Virtual Humans via Their Interactions with Physical Objects.
Creator: Lee, Myungho, Welch, Gregory, Wisniewski, Pamela, Hughes, Charles, Bruder, Gerd, Wiegand, Rudolf, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The term virtual human (VH) generally refers to a human-like entity comprised of computer graphics and/or physical body. In the associated research literature, a VH can be further classified as an avatar(-)a human-controlled VH, or an agent(-)a computer-controlled VH. Because of the resemblance with humans, people naturally distinguish them from non-human objects, and often treat them in ways similar to real humans. Sometimes people develop a sense of co-presence or social presence with the...
Show moreThe term virtual human (VH) generally refers to a human-like entity comprised of computer graphics and/or physical body. In the associated research literature, a VH can be further classified as an avatar(-)a human-controlled VH, or an agent(-)a computer-controlled VH. Because of the resemblance with humans, people naturally distinguish them from non-human objects, and often treat them in ways similar to real humans. Sometimes people develop a sense of co-presence or social presence with the VH(-)a phenomenon that is often exploited for training simulations where the VH assumes the role of a human. Prior research associated with VHs has primarily focused on the realism of various visual traits, e.g., appearance, shape, and gestures. However, our sense of the presence of other humans is also affected by other physical sensations conveyed through nearby space or physical objects. For example, we humans can perceive the presence of other individuals via the sound or tactile sensation of approaching footsteps, or by the presence of complementary or opposing forces when carrying a physical box with another person. In my research, I exploit the fact that these sensations, when correlated with events in the shared space, affect one's feeling of social/co-presence with another person. In this dissertation, I introduce novel methods for utilizing direct and indirect physical-virtual interactions with VHs to increase the sense of social/co-presence with the VHs(-)an approach I refer to as mediated physicality. I present results from controlled user studies, in various virtual environment settings, that support the idea that mediated physicality can increase a user's sense of social/co-presence with the VH, and/or induced realistic social behavior. I discuss relationships to prior research, possible explanations for my findings, and areas for future research.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007485, ucf:52687
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007485

Virtual Reality (13)	+ -
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Virtual Environments (7)	+ -
Presence (6)	+ -
virtual environment (6)	+ -

virtual teams (6)	+ -
Simulation (5)	+ -
Virtual Environment (5)	+ -
immersion (5)	+ -
mixed reality (5)	+ -
simulation (5)	+ -
Augmented Reality (4)	+ -
Florida Virtual School (4)	+ -
Training (4)	+ -
online learning (4)	+ -
virtual (4)	+ -
Mixed Reality (3)	+ -
Performance (3)	+ -
Social Skills (3)	+ -
VR (3)	+ -
Virtual (3)	+ -
Virtual Worlds (3)	+ -
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avatar (3)	+ -
presence (3)	+ -
technology (3)	+ -
training (3)	+ -
video games (3)	+ -
After Action Review (2)	+ -
Avatars (2)	+ -

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Honors Collection (13)	+ -

English (121)	+ -
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University of Central Florida (122)	+ -
Bowers, Clint (8)	+ -
Beidel, Deborah (7)	+ -
Dieker, Lisa (7)	+ -
Gunter, Glenda (7)	+ -

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