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Confluence of Vision and Natural Language Processing for Cross-media Semantic Relations Extraction
Title
Confluence of Vision and Natural Language Processing for Cross-media Semantic Relations Extraction.
Creator
Tariq, Amara, Foroosh, Hassan, Qi, GuoJun, Gonzalez, Avelino, Pensky, Marianna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
In this dissertation, we focus on extracting and understanding semantically meaningful relationshipsbetween data items of various modalities; especially relations between images and naturallanguage. We explore the ideas and techniques to integrate such cross-media semantic relationsfor machine understanding of large heterogeneous datasets, made available through the expansionof the World Wide Web. The datasets collected from social media websites, news media outletsand blogging platforms...
Show moreIn this dissertation, we focus on extracting and understanding semantically meaningful relationshipsbetween data items of various modalities; especially relations between images and naturallanguage. We explore the ideas and techniques to integrate such cross-media semantic relationsfor machine understanding of large heterogeneous datasets, made available through the expansionof the World Wide Web. The datasets collected from social media websites, news media outletsand blogging platforms usually contain multiple modalities of data. Intelligent systems are needed to automatically make sense out of these datasets and present them in such a way that humans can find the relevant pieces of information or get a summary of the available material. Such systems have to process multiple modalities of data such as images, text, linguistic features, and structured data in reference to each other. For example, image and video search and retrieval engines are required to understand the relations between visual and textual data so that they can provide relevant answers in the form of images and videos to the users' queries presented in the form of text.We emphasize the automatic extraction of semantic topics or concepts from the data available in any form such as images, free-flowing text or metadata. These semantic concepts/topics become the basis of semantic relations across heterogeneous data types, e.g., visual and textual data. A classic problem involving image-text relations is the automatic generation of textual descriptions of images. This problem is the main focus of our work. In many cases, large amount of text is associated with images. Deep exploration of linguistic features of such text is required to fully utilize the semantic information encoded in it. A news dataset involving images and news articles is an example of this scenario. We devise frameworks for automatic news image description generation based on the semantic relations of images, as well as semantic understanding of linguistic features of the news articles.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006507, ucf:51401
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006507
A RELATIONAL DIFFUSION NETWORK STUDY OF SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS INTERNET-BASED FACULTY'S PERSONAL NETWORK EXPOSURE MODELS RELATED TO DISCUSSIONS ABOUT TEACHING ONLINE
Title
A RELATIONAL DIFFUSION NETWORK STUDY OF SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS INTERNET-BASED FACULTY'S PERSONAL NETWORK EXPOSURE MODELS RELATED TO DISCUSSIONS ABOUT TEACHING ONLINE.
Creator
Pick, Dorothy, Orwig, Gary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
For many faculty, teaching online represents a new instructional delivery method, requiring the development of new teaching skills. This exploratory investigation builds upon Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory and communication channels to describe the influence of faculty discussions on their perceptions and decisions about teaching and learning. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design, using both sociometric and phenomenological methodologies, guided the...
Show moreFor many faculty, teaching online represents a new instructional delivery method, requiring the development of new teaching skills. This exploratory investigation builds upon Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory and communication channels to describe the influence of faculty discussions on their perceptions and decisions about teaching and learning. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design, using both sociometric and phenomenological methodologies, guided the exploration of faculty personal network exposure models and social learning opportunities. The study utilized online survey and open-ended interview instruments for the investigation. Faculty from several colleges at the University of Central Florida voluntarily completed the survey instrument identifying with whom, how, and why they discuss teaching online, including the influence of these discussions. In-depth interviews offered internal descriptions of their personal networks. Survey results established baseline data for demographic and future comparisons and identified concerns, issues, and trends unique to synchronous and asynchronous Internet-based faculty development and support needs. Phenomenological data produced the emergent categories and themes used to investigate and explain faculty's communication channel usage and social learning experiences. Similarities between diffusion and knowledge research findings and participants reflected more conformity than anticipated. Differences in communication channel and learning style preferences and usage and faculty's 24/7 work life needs, present challenges to administrators and educators responsible for providing development and support systems.
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0000967, ucf:46712
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000967
ORGANIZATIONAL SOCIAL CAPITAL AND PERCEIVED PERFORMANCE OF DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS: A CASE STUDY IN TURKEY
Title
ORGANIZATIONAL SOCIAL CAPITAL AND PERCEIVED PERFORMANCE OF DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS: A CASE STUDY IN TURKEY.
Creator
Sahin, Ismail, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Supply reduction efforts by drug law enforcement departments are a significant factor in improving the effectiveness of drug control policies. As with other public organizations, the performance of drug law enforcement departments is one of the most important concerns for policy makers. Therefore, improving the performance of these departments is crucial in order for governments to constrict illegal drug markets and prevent illegal drug distribution. The literature suggests that social...
Show moreSupply reduction efforts by drug law enforcement departments are a significant factor in improving the effectiveness of drug control policies. As with other public organizations, the performance of drug law enforcement departments is one of the most important concerns for policy makers. Therefore, improving the performance of these departments is crucial in order for governments to constrict illegal drug markets and prevent illegal drug distribution. The literature suggests that social capital may have significant implications for policy makers and practitioners in terms of enhancing organizational performance.Social capital has recently been examined at the organizational level. It may contribute to organizational effectiveness by increasing motivation, solving coordination problems, facilitating information flow between individuals and organizations, and developing knowledge within organizations. Because of the nature of the work, drug law enforcement departments or agencies require information sharing, cooperation, and motivation, all possible derivatives of social capital.Using a measurement model of organizational social capital, this study examines relationships among three dimensions of organizational social capital. The influence of social capital on the perceived performance of drug law enforcement departments is investigated using structural equation modeling. Possible correlations among these dimensions or domains of organizational social capital are also empirically tested.Using survey data from 12 city law enforcement departments in Turkey, this study examines three social capital dimensions: (1) the structural dimension, concerning the extent to which officers within a department informally interact with each other; (2) the relational dimension, referring to the normative qualities of relationships among officers, such as trust and reciprocity; and (3) the cognitive dimension, reflected by shared language, shared interpretation, and shared vision.Four research hypotheses were tested and supported by the statistical results. The studyÂÂ's findings indicate that the relational and cognitive social capital variables have a direct and positive relationship with the perceived performance of drug law enforcement departments. Relational and cognitive social capital, as latent constructs, were shown to have a strong relationship with organizational performance. Structural social capital, however, does not have a direct relationship with but may indirectly influence performance. This result indicates that structural social capital may influence organizational performance only indirectly, through its joint influence with two other social capital domains. On the other hand, strong and positive intercorrelations were found among the three dimensions. The results suggest that social capital is essential for drug law enforcement departments because police officers who know, understand, and trust each other are more likely to work together efficiently and effectively towards achieving organizational performance.According to the findings, informal structures shaped by informal relations among officers within the departments may also be an important factor for organizational performance. Investing in the development of social interactions and networks and building trust within organizations is important in order for administrators to improve organizational performance. The results of this conceptually grounded and empirical study suggest that drug law enforcement departments or agencies should pay close attention to promoting social capital among officers in order to fight effectively against drug trafficking.
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Date Issued
2010
Identifier
CFE0003182, ucf:48601
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003182
SINBAD AUTOMATION OF SCIENTIFIC PROCESS: FROM HIDDEN FACTOR ANALYSIS TO THEORY SYNTHESIS
Title
SINBAD AUTOMATION OF SCIENTIFIC PROCESS: FROM HIDDEN FACTOR ANALYSIS TO THEORY SYNTHESIS.
Creator
KURSUN, OLCAY, Favorov, Oleg V., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Modern science is turning to progressively more complex and data-rich subjects, which challenges the existing methods of data analysis and interpretation. Consequently, there is a pressing need for development of ever more powerful methods of extracting order from complex data and for automation of all steps of the scientific process. Virtual Scientist is a set of computational procedures that automate the method of inductive inference to derive a theory from observational data dominated by...
Show moreModern science is turning to progressively more complex and data-rich subjects, which challenges the existing methods of data analysis and interpretation. Consequently, there is a pressing need for development of ever more powerful methods of extracting order from complex data and for automation of all steps of the scientific process. Virtual Scientist is a set of computational procedures that automate the method of inductive inference to derive a theory from observational data dominated by nonlinear regularities. The procedures utilize SINBAD – a novel computational method of nonlinear factor analysis that is based on the principle of maximization of mutual information among non-overlapping sources (Imax), yielding higher-order features of the data that reveal hidden causal factors controlling the observed phenomena. One major advantage of this approach is that it is not dependent on a particular choice of learning algorithm to use for the computations. The procedures build a theory of the studied subject by finding inferentially useful hidden factors, learning interdependencies among its variables, reconstructing its functional organization, and describing it by a concise graph of inferential relations among its variables. The graph is a quantitative model of the studied subject, capable of performing elaborate deductive inferences and explaining behaviors of the observed variables by behaviors of other such variables and discovered hidden factors. The set of Virtual Scientist procedures is a powerful analytical and theory-building tool designed to be used in research of complex scientific problems characterized by multivariate and nonlinear relations.
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Date Issued
2004
Identifier
CFE0000043, ucf:46124
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000043
IRANIAN FEMINISM: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ITS IMPACT AND FUTURE
Title
IRANIAN FEMINISM: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ITS IMPACT AND FUTURE.
Creator
Eskamani, Anna, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
For the casual observer, the term "Iranian feminist" is often considered to be an oxymoron. However, what seems to be an ironic juxtaposition actually holds a great length of truth: for over a century now, Iranian women have been marching, screaming, and fighting for equal gender rights - all the while embracing feminist ideals. In fact, "feminity" is a political symbol that has been influencing Iranian politics for over 150 years. From the very beginning of modern Iranian history, women have...
Show moreFor the casual observer, the term "Iranian feminist" is often considered to be an oxymoron. However, what seems to be an ironic juxtaposition actually holds a great length of truth: for over a century now, Iranian women have been marching, screaming, and fighting for equal gender rights - all the while embracing feminist ideals. In fact, "feminity" is a political symbol that has been influencing Iranian politics for over 150 years. From the very beginning of modern Iranian history, women have always played a pivotal role within Iranian history, constantly connecting the personal to the political. This research aims to explore this phenomenon as an independent movement and as one comparable to American feminism. Three main topics are explored: theocratic restrictions, culture, and globalization. There are three methods of research that I have utilized as resources for this study: previous studies, statistical data, and interviews. The purpose of this study is to understand why and how feminism is increasing within the anti-feminist regime of the IRI. This study holds both theoretical and political significance and is designed to predict the future status of Iranian feminism through examining the conditions of the past and present.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0003701, ucf:44737
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003701