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- Title
- ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE WATER AND SANITATION HYGIENE SECTOR: INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY FACTORS INTO THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS.
- Creator
-
Jeanis, Kaitlyn, Reinhart, Debra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The world's poorest people, most of whom reside in under-developed nations, lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, nutritious food, and education (UMP, 2005). These conditions are linked to malnutrition, disease, and low life expectancies (WHO). In an effort to reduce global poverty, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Under Goal 7c the UN denotes that by 2015 the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic...
Show moreThe world's poorest people, most of whom reside in under-developed nations, lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, nutritious food, and education (UMP, 2005). These conditions are linked to malnutrition, disease, and low life expectancies (WHO). In an effort to reduce global poverty, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Under Goal 7c the UN denotes that by 2015 the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation as compared to the proportion who do should be halved. As a response to this objective the international development (ID) sector has implemented projects aimed at increasing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, yet reports of high rate of project failure continue (Ika, 2012). In this thesis factors contributing to project failures are outlined based on the literature. In response to these findings this thesis explores the components of sustainability as it relates to the WASH sector and creates a framework for minimum standards that should be met in order for a WASH project to be considered successful. These standards are adapted based on the World Health Organization (WHO), a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that evaluates WASH projects called WASHCost, as well as the standards proposed by Carter et al (1999). Furthermore, it is argued that if implementing organizations are expected to monitor, evaluate and report on the environmental, social, economic as well as technical components of their implemented project, it will create a level of transparency that promotes organizational accountability that will inherently cause a shift towards more effective WASH projects.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004632, ucf:45258
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004632
- Title
- An approach to improve the failure rate model of a solid state laser by utilizing the Physics of Failure Methodology.
- Creator
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Thompson, Omar, Kincaid, John, Bass, Michael, Clarke, Thomas, Wiegand, Rudolf, Shumaker, Randall, Bass, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The ability to predict the failure rate of any military laser is very critical. In-field laser usage does not support the troubleshooting and repairing of a complex electro optical system. The only published laser failure rate model was last updated by the Department of Defense in 1975. Consequently, the failure rate predicted is inaccurate due to model deficiencies. This dissertatiodatn has developed a laser failure rate model for diode pumped lasers with improved failure rate prediction...
Show moreThe ability to predict the failure rate of any military laser is very critical. In-field laser usage does not support the troubleshooting and repairing of a complex electro optical system. The only published laser failure rate model was last updated by the Department of Defense in 1975. Consequently, the failure rate predicted is inaccurate due to model deficiencies. This dissertatiodatn has developed a laser failure rate model for diode pumped lasers with improved failure rate prediction accuracy. The model has surpassed the capabilities of the Department of Defense model by the inclusion of key performance attributes that are currently not taken into account. The scope of work completed was based on a tailored Physics of Failure methodology. The research approach implemented was: 1. Integration of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis to evaluate deployed laser failure. 2. Beam simulation for alignment tolerance analysis. 3. Thermal and vibration effects analysis on laser performance. 4. Analysis and development of a methodology to represent a resonator failure rate model. A secondary contribution of this research effort is supporting the update of the current laser failure rate model. The success of revising the current model relies on leveraging the work of other organizations in the area of failure rate modeling and reliability predictions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004587, ucf:49214
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004587
- Title
- Home Care Quality Effects of Remote Monitoring.
- Creator
-
Williams, Cynthia, Wan, Thomas, Oetjen, Dawn, Burg, Mary Ann, Zhang, Ning, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Despite concerted efforts to decrease costs and increase public health, the embattled U.S. health care system continues to struggle to alleviate these widespread issues. Because the problem of hospital utilizations among patients with heart failure is posited to increase as the population ages, innovative methodologies need to be explored to mitigate adverse events. Remote monitoring harnesses the strength of advanced information and communication technology to affect positive changes in...
Show moreDespite concerted efforts to decrease costs and increase public health, the embattled U.S. health care system continues to struggle to alleviate these widespread issues. Because the problem of hospital utilizations among patients with heart failure is posited to increase as the population ages, innovative methodologies need to be explored to mitigate adverse events. Remote monitoring harnesses the strength of advanced information and communication technology to affect positive changes in health care quality and cost. By reaching across geographical boundaries, remote monitoring may support increased access to less costly services and improve the quality of home health care.The purpose of the study was to examine the home care quality effects of remote monitoring technology in patients with heart failure and to provide an economic justification for its adoption and diffusion. It compared remote monitoring as a potential intervention strategy to a standard no-intervention group (without remote monitoring). Specifically, it analyzed remote monitoring as a viable strategy to decrease hospital readmissions and emergency department visits. It also compared the cost of remote monitoring against the current standard-of-care. The theoretical framework of Donabedian's Quality Model was used in the evaluation of remote monitoring. A retrospective posttest only, case control study design was used to test the degree which remote monitoring was effective in promoting health care quality (hospital readmissions and decreased emergency department visits). Retrospective chart reviews were performed using electronic medical records (EMR). Analysis of Variance, Path Analysis, Automatic Interaction Detector Analysis (Dtreg), and Cost Outcomes Ratio were used to test the hypotheses and validate the proposed theoretical model.No significant difference was noted in remote monitoring and usual care groups. Results suggested that remote monitoring does not statistically lead to a decrease in heart failure-related hospital readmissions and all-cause emergency department visits. Results of the cost ratio analysis suggested that there was no statistically significant difference in the net income between usual care and remote monitoring; however, data suggest that there were significant increases in cost and intensity of nursing utilization for the remote monitoring intervention. The Automatic Interaction Detector Analysis showed that the unfavorable results in hospital readmissions were due to a decrease in collaborative care and patient education prior to the recommendation for hospitalization. The role of nursing care, whether in hospital or community-based care, in heart failure management is critical to quality outcomes. As the field continues to consider the use of technology in health care, decision makers should think through the process of patient care such that preventable hospital readmissions are decreased and patients received quality care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005442, ucf:50383
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005442
- Title
- FAILURE MODE IDENTIFICATIONS OF RC BEAMS EXTERNALLY STRENGTHENED WITH CARBON FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE.
- Creator
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O'Riordan-Adjah, Chris, Zhao, Lei, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The application of carbon reinforced-fiber polymers (CFRP) to structures is a new development that is still under intense research. However, the rehabilitation or retrofit of damage reinforced concrete members by the external bonding of CFRP is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. The objective of the tests presented in this thesis is to study different CFRP designs on the reinforced concrete beams and compare their failure modes. The main goal is to determine the CFRP...
Show moreThe application of carbon reinforced-fiber polymers (CFRP) to structures is a new development that is still under intense research. However, the rehabilitation or retrofit of damage reinforced concrete members by the external bonding of CFRP is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. The objective of the tests presented in this thesis is to study different CFRP designs on the reinforced concrete beams and compare their failure modes. The main goal is to determine the CFRP design on the reinforced concrete beams that result in a progressive and gradual failure mode with enough warning before final failure. Different CFRP designs are investigated and compared with theoretical predictions. A retrofitting concept is also employed in this research. The retrofitting concept is the idea of strengthening cracked structures. The strengthening of the beams performed in the lab is carried out under sustained loads and on previously cracking the beams to simulate the realistic case that is usually faced in practice on the field. The RC beams are strengthened in flexure to double their flexural capacity by applying the adequate amounts of CFRP to the tension face of the beams. Due to the CFRP strengthening and increasing the strength capacity of the beams, different CFRP anchorage methods are employed to the beams for additional shear reinforcement to ensure flexural failure. The different CFRP anchorage methods will also be observed for their effectiveness during the debonding and propagation mechanism as well as evaluated for their progressive failure mode.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000288, ucf:46226
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000288
- Title
- Business Closure in the North American Theme Park Industry: An Analysis of Causes.
- Creator
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Kaak, Kelly, Milman, Ady, Breiter Terry, Deborah, Mendez, Jesse, Schuckert, Markus, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Prior to this study, no analysis had focused on the 31% failure rate recorded among theme parks opened in North American between the years 1955 and 2009. This study's purpose was to identify the causes of closures among the 23 failed theme parks and inform the industry of what can be learned from these business failures. Business failure analysis typically stresses the impact of financial ratios and the accuracy of certain negative numbers to predict impending failure, but such studies avoid...
Show morePrior to this study, no analysis had focused on the 31% failure rate recorded among theme parks opened in North American between the years 1955 and 2009. This study's purpose was to identify the causes of closures among the 23 failed theme parks and inform the industry of what can be learned from these business failures. Business failure analysis typically stresses the impact of financial ratios and the accuracy of certain negative numbers to predict impending failure, but such studies avoid examining the underlying causes that lead to poor financial performance in the first place. To focus on this question, this study adopted an events approach to discover the actual event causes that preceded failure and business closure. This study tabulated the frequency of event occurrences among two samples: failed/closed theme parks and a comparable sample of surviving theme parks. Event occurrences were more common among the failed/closed sample than among the surviving theme parks sample. A detailed analysis revealed that six of the 21 events measured were more common among the failed/closed theme park sample: declaring bankruptcy; excessive debt or general unprofitability; low customer satisfaction, defined as not offering enough to do in the park and/or inadequate capacity; development pressures; limited space for expansion; and a location in a regional geographic market. Theme parks failed more frequently due to involuntary event causes than due to voluntary closures. And, in contrast to previous studies, the occurrences of internal environmental events associated with business failure were not significantly different from the occurrences of external environmental events associated with failure. These findings identified events that have preceded failure or closure in theme parks and can provide insights to operators and industry decision makers on how best to prevent or better manage such business closures in the future.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007026, ucf:52030
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007026
- Title
- Semiconductor Device Modeling, Simulation, and Failure Prediction for Electrostatic Discharge Conditions.
- Creator
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Li, Hang, Sundaram, Kalpathy, Batarseh, Issa, Fan, Deliang, Gong, Xun, Salcedo, Javier, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) caused failures are major reliability issues in IC industry. Device modeling for ESD conditions is necessary to evaluate ESD robustness in simulation. Although SPICE model is accurate and efficient for circuit simulations in most cases, devices under ESD conditions operate in abnormal status. SPICE model cannot cover the device operating region beyond normal operation.Thermal failure is one of the main reasons to cause device failure under ESD conditions. A...
Show moreElectrostatic Discharge (ESD) caused failures are major reliability issues in IC industry. Device modeling for ESD conditions is necessary to evaluate ESD robustness in simulation. Although SPICE model is accurate and efficient for circuit simulations in most cases, devices under ESD conditions operate in abnormal status. SPICE model cannot cover the device operating region beyond normal operation.Thermal failure is one of the main reasons to cause device failure under ESD conditions. A compact model is developed to predict thermal failure with circuit simulators. Instead of considering the detailed failure mechanisms, a failure temperature is introduced to indicate device failure. The developed model is implemented by a multiple-stage thermal network.P-N junction is the fundamental structure for ESD protection devices. An enhanced diode model is proposed and is used to simulate the device behaviors for ESD events. The model includes all physical effects for ESD conditions, which are voltage overshoot, self-heating effect, velocity saturation and thermal failure. The proposed model not only can fit the I-V and transient characteristics, but also can predict failure for different pulses.Safe Operating Area (SOA) is an important factor to evaluate the LDMOS performance. The transient SOA boundary is considered as power-defined. By placing the failure monitor under certain conditions, the developed modeling methodology can predict the boundary of transient SOA for any short pulse stress conditions. No matter failure happens before or after snapback phenomenon.Weibull distribution is popular to evaluate the dielectric lifetime for CVS. By using the transformative version of power law, the pulsing stresses are converted into CVS, and TDDB under ESD conditions for SiN MIMCAPs is analyzed. The thickness dependency and area independency of capacitor breakdown voltage is observed, which can be explained by the constant ?E model instead of conventional percolation model.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007670, ucf:52512
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007670
- Title
- CORRELATING MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FAILURE MECHANISMS TO PHOTOSTIMULATED LUMINESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY AND ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY IN THERMAL BARRIER COATINGS.
- Creator
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Jayaraj, Balaji, Sohn, Yongho, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used for thermal protection of hot section components in turbines for propulsion and power generation. Applications of TBCs based on a clearer understanding of failure mechanisms can help increase the performance and life-cycle cost of advanced gas turbine engines. Development and refinement of robust non-destructive evaluation techniques can also enhance the reliability, availability and maintainability of hot section components in gas turbines...
Show moreThermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used for thermal protection of hot section components in turbines for propulsion and power generation. Applications of TBCs based on a clearer understanding of failure mechanisms can help increase the performance and life-cycle cost of advanced gas turbine engines. Development and refinement of robust non-destructive evaluation techniques can also enhance the reliability, availability and maintainability of hot section components in gas turbines engines. In this work, degradation of TBCs was non-destructively examined by photostimulated luminescence spectroscopy (PSLS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a function of furnace thermal cycling carried out in air with 10-minute heat-up, 0.67, 9.6 and 49.6 -hour dwell duration at 1121°C (2050°F), and 10-minute forced-air quench. TBCs examined in this study consisted of either electron beam physical vapor deposited and air plasma sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) on a variety of bond coat / superalloy substrates including bond coats of NiCoCrAlY and (Ni,Pt)Al, and superalloys of CMSX-4, Rene'N5, Haynes 230 and MAR-M-509. Detailed microstructural characterization by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy was carried out to document the degradation and failure characteristics of TBC failure, and correlate results of PSLS and EIS. Mechanisms of microstructural damage initiation and progression varied as a function of TBC architecture and thermal cycling dwell time, and included undulation of the interface between the thermally grown oxide (TGO) and bond coats, internal oxidation of the bond coats, and formation of Ni/Co-rich TGO. These microstructural observations were correlated to the evolution in compressive residual stress in the TGO scale determined by PSLS shift. Correlations include stress-relief and corresponding luminescence shift towards stress-free luminescence associated with subcritical cracking of the TGO scale and stress-relaxation associated with gradual shift in the luminescence towards stress-free luminescence is related to the undulation of TGO/bondcoat interface (e.g., rumpling and ratcheting). Microstructural changes in TBCs such as YSZ sintering, TGO growth, and subcritical damages within the YSZ and TGO scale were also correlated to the changes in electrochemical resistance and capacitance of the YSZ and TGO, respectively. With thermal exposure the YSZ/TGO resistance and capacitance increased and decreased as result of sintering and TGO growth. With progressive thermal cycling damages in the TGO was related to the TGO capacitance showing a continuous increase and at failure TGO capacitance abruptly increased with the exposure of bondcoat. Further correlations among the microstructural development, PSLS and EIS are documented and discussed, particularly as a function of dwell time used during furnace thermal cycling test, with due respect for changes in failure characteristics and mechanisms for various types of TBCs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003635, ucf:48882
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003635
- Title
- Propagation Failure in Discrete Inhomogeneous Media Using a Caricature of the Cubic.
- Creator
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Lydon, Elizabeth, Moore, Brian, Choudhury, Sudipto, Kaup, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Spatially discrete Nagumo equations have widespread physical applications, including modeling electrical impulses traveling through a demyelinated axon, an environment typical in multiple scle- rosis. We construct steady-state, single front solutions by employing a piecewise linear reaction term. Using a combination of Jacobi-Operator theory and the Sherman-Morrison formula we de- rive exact solutions in the cases of homogeneous and inhomogeneous diffusion. Solutions exist only under certain...
Show moreSpatially discrete Nagumo equations have widespread physical applications, including modeling electrical impulses traveling through a demyelinated axon, an environment typical in multiple scle- rosis. We construct steady-state, single front solutions by employing a piecewise linear reaction term. Using a combination of Jacobi-Operator theory and the Sherman-Morrison formula we de- rive exact solutions in the cases of homogeneous and inhomogeneous diffusion. Solutions exist only under certain conditions outlined in their construction. The range of parameter values that satisfy these conditions constitutes the interval of propagation failure, determining under what circumstances a front becomes pinned in the media. Our exact solutions represent a very specific solution to the spatially discrete Nagumo equation. For example, we only consider inhomogeneous media with one defect present. We created an original script in MATLAB which algorithmically solves more general cases of the equation, including the case for multiple defects. The algorithmic solutions are then compared to known exact solutions to determine their validity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005831, ucf:50903
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005831
- Title
- Perceived social support and self-care in patients hospitalized with heart failure.
- Creator
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Chamberlain, Lyne, Sole, Mary Lou, Conner, Norma, Neff, Donna, Hofler, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Problem: Heart failure is the most frequent cause for hospital readmissions in Medicare recipients, with an estimated annual cost of $12 billion. Heart failure hospitalizations are also an independent risk factor for increased mortality. Self-care, thought to be enhanced by perceived social support, is key to managing this syndrome, and up to 50% of readmissions are considered the result of inadequate self-care.Purpose: To evaluate perceived social support and self-care characteristics of...
Show moreProblem: Heart failure is the most frequent cause for hospital readmissions in Medicare recipients, with an estimated annual cost of $12 billion. Heart failure hospitalizations are also an independent risk factor for increased mortality. Self-care, thought to be enhanced by perceived social support, is key to managing this syndrome, and up to 50% of readmissions are considered the result of inadequate self-care.Purpose: To evaluate perceived social support and self-care characteristics of patients hospitalized with an exacerbation of heart failure, and to compare these characteristics with a study of ambulatory patients with heart failure. In addition, to assess the relationship between perceived social support and self-care.Methods: This was a multi-site descriptive comparative study. Following informed consent, participants were screened for sufficient cognition to consent. Patients were then administered the Medical Outcome Study-Social Support emotional/informational subscale, and the three Self-Care of Heart Failure Index subscales. Two-sample t tests and multiple regression were utilized to analyze the data. Results were compared with a sample of community-dwelling heart failure patients in another study.Results: Of 161 consented patients 121 passed the cognition screening and were included in the study. Average age was 71 years; gender and type of heart failure was evenly split. Mean Charlson Comorbidity Score was 7.43, and the mean six month number of hospitalizations was 2.43. Approximately 31% of participants were African American. Both perceived social support (t=-4.007, df=211, p(<).001) and self-care maintenance (t=-3.343, df=220, p(<).002) scores were lower in the hospitalized participants than the comparison group of community dwellers. Perceived social support was associated with self-care confidence (?=.210, t=-2.210, p(<).029), but not self-care maintenance or self-care management. Forty-six percent of participants scored higher than the 70% cut point for adequate self-care confidence, which was 1.4 times higher than in the community participants. Self-care confidence was also related to self-care maintenance (?=.388, t=4.676, p(<).001) and self-care management (?=.327, t=3.793, p(<).001).Conclusions: Results have implications for facilitating self-care knowledge and skills in heart failure patients. Patient education during hospitalization may not be the ideal timing to promote understanding and retention. Interventions to enhance self-care confidence may assist patients to develop self-care skills more than current teaching techniques. Because cognitive deficiencies were found in 25% of pre-screened participants for this study, further research is recommended to determine if hospitalized patients have transient cognitive issues or if cognitive impairments are more prevalent in all heart failure patients.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005933, ucf:50844
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005933
- Title
- Consequences of Altered Short-Chain Carbon Metabolism in Heart Failure.
- Creator
-
Horton, Julie, Estevez, Alvaro, Kelly, Daniel, Parthasarathy, Sampath, Crawford, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Cardiovascular disease is currently the foremost cause of death within the United States. Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome defined by the inability of the heart to adequately execute requisite pump function in order to deliver nutrients and oxygen to peripheral tissues, irrespective of etiology. One of the most common causes of HF is chronic pressure overload due to hypertension. Ischemic heart disease is also a common driver of HF, often in conjunction with hypertension. Pressure overload...
Show moreCardiovascular disease is currently the foremost cause of death within the United States. Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome defined by the inability of the heart to adequately execute requisite pump function in order to deliver nutrients and oxygen to peripheral tissues, irrespective of etiology. One of the most common causes of HF is chronic pressure overload due to hypertension. Ischemic heart disease is also a common driver of HF, often in conjunction with hypertension. Pressure overload initially causes compensatory metabolic changes. Structural changes follow shortly thereafter typically resulting in left ventricular hypertrophy. Eventually, the heart loses the ability to compensate for the aberrant hemodynamic load and begins failing. The failing heart is unable to supply adequate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for contractile function as evidenced by falling phosphocreatine (PCr) levels. This energy deficit occurs concurrently with a metabolic re-programming that results in a fuel utilization pattern resembling the fetal heart. Notably, enzymes involved in catabolism of fatty acids, the chief fuel substrate for ATP generation in the normal adult heart, are downregulated in the failing heart. However, the extent to which alternative fuels compensate for decreased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is not well-known. Furthermore, consequences of the fuel substrate switches that occur in heart failure are not well established. In this work, we discover a new paradigm for alternate fuel utilization in the failing heart and define consequences of altered fuel metabolism in HF. We discovered a post-translational modification resultant from an accumulation of acetyl groups (C2) present in a mouse model of early-stage HF and human HF. Mitochondrial proteins were found to be hyperacetylated in the failing heart, and at least some of these alterations result in diminished electron-transport chain (ETC) capacity as shown by mutagenesis studies on succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA). We also found an accumulation of C4-OH carnitine, a by-product of ketone oxidation in HF. This metabolite aggregation occurred alongside an increase in b-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH1) transcript and protein levels. This signature suggested that the failing heart shifted to ketone bodies as a fuel. Subsequent experiments confirmed increased capacity for myocardial ketone oxidation in compensated cardiac hypertrophy and in HF. The consequences of increased ketone oxidation were then assessed using a cardiac-specific BDH1 knockout (BDH1 KO) mouse. Despite not having any apparent defect at baseline, we found BDH1 KO mouse hearts are completely unable to oxidize 3-hydroxybutyrate. The deficit for ketone oxidation capacity became consequential upon subjugation to transverse aortic constriction with a small apical myocardial infarction (TAC/MI). The BDH1 KO mice exhibit altered pathological cardiac remodeling compared to wild-type controls. These latter data suggest the increased reliance on ketone oxidation in HF, mediated by BDH1, is an adaptive response. Together the results of these studies provide important information regarding the consequences of altered fuel metabolism in HF. Recent reports of reduced HF mortality and elevated circulating ketone levels in patients prescribed Empagliflozin make cardiac ketone metabolism research in this dissertation particularly apropos.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006948, ucf:51663
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006948
- Title
- EFFECTS OF BOND COAT SURFACE PREPARATION ON THERMAL CYCLING LIFETIME AND FAILURE CHARACTERISTICS OF THERMAL BARRIER COATINGS.
- Creator
-
Liu, Jing, Sohn, Yong-ho, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been widely used in gas turbine engines to protect the underlying metal from high operating temperature so as to improve the durability of the components and enhance the engine efficiency. However, since the TBCs always operate in a demanding high-temperature environment of aircraft and industrial gas-turbine engines, a better understanding of this complex system is required to improve the durability and reliability.The objective of this study is to...
Show moreThermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been widely used in gas turbine engines to protect the underlying metal from high operating temperature so as to improve the durability of the components and enhance the engine efficiency. However, since the TBCs always operate in a demanding high-temperature environment of aircraft and industrial gas-turbine engines, a better understanding of this complex system is required to improve the durability and reliability.The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of surface modification for the NiCoCrAlY bond coats on the thermal cycling lifetime and failure characteristics of TBCs. Parameters of modification for the bond coats included as-sprayed, barrel-finished, hand-polished and pre-oxidation heat treatment at 1100 C in =10-8 atm up to 4 hours, carried out prior to the electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) of ZrO2-7wt% Y2O3 (7YSZ) ceramic topcoat. The resulting characteristics of the bond coat and the thermally grown oxide (TGO) scale were initially documented by surface roughness, phase constituents of the TGO scale, and residual stress of the TGO scale. The thermal cycling test consisted of 10-minute heat-up to 1121 C, 40-minute hold at 1121 C, and 10-minute forced air-quench. As-coated and thermally-cycled TBCs were characterized by optical profilometry (OPM), photo-stimulated luminescence spectroscopy (PSLS), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning/transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) equipped with high angle annular dark field (HAADF) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS). TBC specimens for TEM/STEM analysis were prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) in-situ lift-out (INLO) technique.Superior thermal cycling lifetime was observed for TBCs with as-sprayed bond coats regardless of pre-oxidation heat treatment, and TBCs with hand-polished bond coats only after pre-oxidation heat treatment. With pre-oxidation heat treatment, relative photostimulated luminescence intensity of the equilibrium ¦Á-Al2O3 increased. Thus, the improvement in TBC lifetime can be correlated with an increase in the amount of ¦Á-Al2O3 in the TGO scale, given a specific surface modification/roughness. The lifetime improvement due to pre-oxidation was particularly significant to TBCs with smooth hand-polished bond coats and negligible for TBCs with rough as-sprayed bond coats.Spallation-fracture paths depended on the lifetime of TBCs. Premature spallation of TBCs occurred at the interface between the YSZ and TGO. Longer durability can be achieved by restricting the fracture paths to the TGO/bond coat interface. Small particulate phase observed through the TGO scale was identified as Y2O3 (cubic) by diffraction analysis on TEM. While small addition of Y in the NiCoCrAlY bond coat helps the adhesion of the TGO scale, excessive alloying can lead to deleterious effects.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000097, ucf:46083
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000097
- Title
- EFFECTS OF BEDDING VOID ON INTERNAL MOMENT INCREASE IN CONCRETE PIPES.
- Creator
-
Kazma, Jad, Kuo, Shiou-San, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Large diameter concrete pipes have been used in many areas of central Florida to carry pressured sewage flow. These pipes have been typically located at six feet below finished roadway elevation, and ranges in diameter from thirty six to sixty inches. The water table is typically located at shallow depth below finished roadway elevation, and generally fluctuates between five to ten feet depending on the relative roadway elevation to mean sea level. These pipes are under pressure when carrying...
Show moreLarge diameter concrete pipes have been used in many areas of central Florida to carry pressured sewage flow. These pipes have been typically located at six feet below finished roadway elevation, and ranges in diameter from thirty six to sixty inches. The water table is typically located at shallow depth below finished roadway elevation, and generally fluctuates between five to ten feet depending on the relative roadway elevation to mean sea level. These pipes are under pressure when carrying the sewage flow, but return to normal atmospheric pressures when the flow stops. Since the water table encases most of the pipe circumference, no leaks is developed from the water table to the pipe when the pipe is under pressure. Once the pressure in the pipes returns to zero, the water starts seeping into the pipe while washing the subgrade with it into the pipe's interior. The subgrade washes into the pipe at the joint inverts between adjacent pieces of the pipe, since the invert is where the most tension exists in the joint under the weight of the soil and traffic loading above the pipe, making it the most probable location where a gap in the joint would form. This would cause the origination of a small void under the pipe, which creates pressure redistribution in the subgrade reaction under the pipe. As the void develops in the middle third of the bedding under the invert, pressure redistribution occurs to the outer two thirds of the bedding. As the stress increases in the outer portions of the bedding, more subgrade material is washed into the pipe when it is not under pressure, making the void larger. As the void becomes large, the moment in the pipe is greatly increased, and therefore the gap in the joint is increased due to the tension increase at the bottom of the pipe. More material is allowed into the pipe, and the void becomes deeper as fewer restrictions are encountered between the water table and the empty pipe. As the pipe becomes pressurized, more subgrade material is disturbed by the leak from the inside of the pipe to the outside, and void is constantly generated. The void then leads to the continuous settlement of the roadway. It is intended by this study to model the stresses in the subgrade around the pipe using a finite element software to determine the effects of void in the pipe's bedding on the stress around the pipe's outer perimeter. The stresses calculated as a result of the void will then be used in determining the increase in internal moment created in the pipe as the void is generated and became larger and deeper. Average stresses on the top and bottom of the pipe were calculated due to the soil profile dead load and live load caused by loading the soil profile with one and two HS-20 trucks. The average stresses were recalculated after the addition of void in the pipe bedding. The void width and depth were varied to come up with the case that would generate the highest unbalanced load on the pipe. The average bottom stress was subtracted from the average top stress to determine the unbalanced load on the pipe that would cause an internal moment in the pipe. At the most critical case, a forty kilo pounds per foot moment was caused by the existence of the void under the sixty inch diameter pipe used in the model. Such a moment is large to be resisted by either the pipe alone or the pipe reinforced by an additional structural support, unless such support is accompanied by void decrease and a mean to stop the subgrade from eroding into the pipe.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000365, ucf:46343
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000365
- Title
- HATCHING ASYNCHRONY OCCURS AS A BYPRODUCT OF MAINTAINING EGG VIABILITY.
- Creator
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Aldredge, Robert, Noss, Reed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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For many organisms, embryonic development begins directly after an egg (ovum) has been fertilized by sperm; however, some organisms delay the onset of embryonic development until conditions are favorable for raising young. This delayed onset of development could occur by delaying implantation of fertilized ovum on the uterine wall, as seen in many mammals. Birds delay embryonic development by laying a set of fertilized ova over a period of consecutive days. These fertilized ova are protected...
Show moreFor many organisms, embryonic development begins directly after an egg (ovum) has been fertilized by sperm; however, some organisms delay the onset of embryonic development until conditions are favorable for raising young. This delayed onset of development could occur by delaying implantation of fertilized ovum on the uterine wall, as seen in many mammals. Birds delay embryonic development by laying a set of fertilized ova over a period of consecutive days. These fertilized ova are protected from the ambient environment by an exterior shell, and it is in this shell outside of the female's body that embryonic development occurs, but only when females initiate incubation. The number of fertilized ova (eggs) that can be laid by a single female in a single clutch varies among and within bird species, and understanding this variation remains a vital, unanswered question in ornithology. A latitudinal gradient in clutch size is widely recognized, but the reason for this pattern is unclear. Some birds lay relatively large clutches over many days, thus we should expect that eggs could withstand fairly long exposure to ambient temperature and remain viable. However, recent evidence suggests that egg viability declines with increased exposure to ambient temperatures. The egg viability hypothesis predicts that eggs will fail to hatch if exposed to warm ambient temperatures for prolonged periods. I conducted a natural experiment to determine whether egg viability can explain site-specific variation in hatching failure. Hatching failure is higher in a suburban population of Florida Scrub-Jays than it is in a wildland population, possibly because suburban scrub-jays lay larger clutches. Scrub-jays, like many bird species, lay one egg per day and begin incubation with the last-laid egg, thus first-laid eggs in the larger suburban clutches should be exposed to the warm ambient temperatures of sub-tropical Florida longer than first-laid eggs in the smaller clutches typical of the wildland population. As predicted, I found hatching failure is higher in first-laid eggs in the suburbs, and these eggs experience increased exposure to warm ambient temperatures. At both sites, females appear to begin incubation earlier in the laying period as ambient temperatures increase seasonally, possibly to minimize exposure to warm ambient temperatures and minimize hatching failure in first-laid eggs. However, early onset of incubation causes eggs to hatch asynchronously (> 24 hours between the first and last-hatched egg), and hatching asynchrony increases within-brood size-asymmetries, which leads to an increased frequency of brood reduction (the nonrandom loss of last-hatched young because of starvation). Thus, a tradeoff may exist between beginning incubation earlier in the laying period to minimize hatching failure in first-laid eggs and delaying the onset of incubation to minimize hatching asynchrony and brood reduction. This tradeoff can have profound effects on avian clutch sizes, and may potentially explain the widely known negative relationship between latitude and clutch size.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002473, ucf:47706
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002473
- Title
- USING THE SIX SIGMA POLICY DEPLOYMENT CYCLE TO MITIGATE PROJECT FAILURES.
- Creator
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Magadi, Archana, Elshennawy, Ahmad, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Many organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and...
Show moreMany organizations are struggling to improve customer-focused quality in today's highly competitive domestic and global markets. At the same time, these organizations have failed to implement the Six Sigma methodology into their daily control and strategic planning processes. Six Sigma deployment failures have been categorized as coming from many sources, both management related and person related. Some of the key management related Six Sigma project failures have been identified and discussed in this research work. For continuous improvement to truly take root, organizations must realize that just successfully applying quality tools on any process will not necessarily provide dramatic results, unless the concepts of policy management and deployment are institutionalized. A model called "Six Sigma Policy Deployment" was developed and has been proposed which may help mitigate Six Sigma project failures that are presently attributed to management and organizational issues. By integrating Policy Deployment, the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem solving approach, and the classic PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) Cycle, the potential for breakthrough improvements in any organization can be enhanced. The model was contrasted against a list of 30 sources of failure in typical Six Sigma projects in order to validate its applicability to mitigate these failures. Furthermore these failures were matched with the work of recent quality theorists in order to validate their occurrence and relevance. A case study section is presented to illustrate FPL's Quality Improvement Program and the Six Sigma Lifecycle, which are bases for the new model. This section also highlights how the use of the proposed Six Sigma Policy Deployment model could help to mitigate potential Six Sigma project failures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000250, ucf:46236
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000250
- Title
- UTILIZING A REAL LIFE DATA WAREHOUSE TO DEVELOP FREEWAY TRAVEL TIME ELIABILITY STOCHASTIC MODELS.
- Creator
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Emam, Emam, Al-Deek, Haitham, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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During the 20th century, transportation programs were focused on the development of the basic infrastructure for the transportation networks. In the 21st century, the focus has shifted to management and operations of these networks. Transportation network reliability measure plays an important role in judging the performance of the transportation system and in evaluating the impact of new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployment. The measurement of transportation network travel...
Show moreDuring the 20th century, transportation programs were focused on the development of the basic infrastructure for the transportation networks. In the 21st century, the focus has shifted to management and operations of these networks. Transportation network reliability measure plays an important role in judging the performance of the transportation system and in evaluating the impact of new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployment. The measurement of transportation network travel time reliability is imperative for providing travelers with accurate route guidance information. It can be applied to generate the shortest path (or alternative paths) connecting the origins and destinations especially under conditions of varying demands and limited capacities. The measurement of transportation network reliability is a complex issue because it involves both the infrastructure and the behavioral responses of the users. Also, this subject is challenging because there is no single agreed-upon reliability measure. This dissertation developed a new method for estimating the effect of travel demand variation and link capacity degradation on the reliability of a roadway network. The method is applied to a hypothetical roadway network and the results show that both travel time reliability and capacity reliability are consistent measures for reliability of the road network, but each may have a different use. The capacity reliability measure is of special interest to transportation network planners and engineers because it addresses the issue of whether the available network capacity relative to the present or forecast demand is sufficient, whereas travel time reliability is especially interesting for network users. The new travel time reliability method is sensitive to the users' perspective since it reflects that an increase in segment travel time should always result in less travel time reliability. And, it is an indicator of the operational consistency of a facility over an extended period of time. This initial theoretical effort and basic research was followed by applying the new method to the I-4 corridor in Orlando, Florida. This dissertation utilized a real life transportation data warehouse to estimate travel time reliability of the I-4 corridor. Four different travel time stochastic models: Weibull, Exponential, Lognormal, and Normal were tested. Lognormal was the best-fit model. Unlike the mechanical equipments, it is unrealistic that any freeway segment can be traversed in zero seconds no matter how fast the vehicles are. So, an adjustment of the developed best-fit statistical model (Lognormal) location parameter was needed to accurately estimate the travel time reliability. The adjusted model can be used to compute and predict travel time reliability of freeway corridors and report this information in real time to the public through traffic management centers. Compared to existing Florida Method and California Buffer Time Method, the new reliability method showed higher sensitivity to geographical locations, which reflects the level of congestion and bottlenecks. The major advantages/benefits of this new method to practitioners and researchers over the existing methods are its ability to estimate travel time reliability as a function of departure time, and that it treats travel time as a continuous variable that captures the variability experienced by individual travelers over an extended period of time. As such, the new method developed in this dissertation could be utilized in transportation planning and freeway operations for estimating the important travel time reliability measure of performance. Then, the segment length impacts on travel time reliability calculations were investigated utilizing the wealth of data available in the I-4 data warehouse. The developed travel time reliability models showed significant evidence of the relationship between the segment length and the results accuracy. The longer the segment, the less accurate were the travel time reliability estimates. Accordingly, long segments (e.g., 25 miles) are more appropriate for planning purposes as a macroscopic performance measure of the freeway corridor. Short segments (e.g., 5 miles) are more appropriate for the evaluation of freeway operations as a microscopic performance measure. Further, this dissertation has explored the impact of relaxing an important assumption in reliability analysis: Link independency. In real life, assuming that link failures on a road network are statistically independent is dubious. The failure of a link in one particular area does not necessarily result in the complete failure of the neighboring link, but may lead to deterioration of its performance. The "Cause-Based Multimode Model" (CBMM) has been used to address link dependency in communication networks. However, the transferability of this model to transportation networks has not been tested and this approach has not been considered before in the calculation of transportation networks' reliability. This dissertation presented the CBMM and applied it to predict transportation networks' travel time reliability that an origin demand can reach a specified destination under multimodal dependency link failure conditions. The new model studied the multi-state system reliability analysis of transportation networks for which one cannot formulate an "all or nothing" type of failure criterion and in which dependent link failures are considered. The results demonstrated that the newly developed method has true potential and can be easily extended to large-scale networks as long as the data is available. More specifically, the analysis of a hypothetical network showed that the dependency assumption is very important to obtain more reasonable travel time reliability estimates of links, paths, and the entire network. The results showed large discrepancy between the dependency and independency analysis scenarios. Realistic scenarios that considered the dependency assumption were on the safe side, this is important for transportation network decision makers. Also, this could aid travelers in making better choices. In contrast, deceptive information caused by the independency assumption could add to the travelers' anxiety associated with the unknown length of delay. This normally reflects negatively on highway agencies and management of taxpayers' resources.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000965, ucf:46709
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000965
- Title
- REIMAGINING DESIRE: QUEER TIME, LIMINAL SPACE, AND NARRATIVE ANXIETY.
- Creator
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Mitchell, Aidan, Jones, Anna Maria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Media shapes and supports certain ideas about how we view ourselves and others. The narratives that we consume train us to desire a particular formula of what critic Lauren Berlant calls "the good life": growing up, becoming a man or a woman, getting married, having children, and retiring. People who fail to fit into these narratives are often punished and excluded from society. However, queer theorist Jack Halberstam asks us to reconsider failure as a means of resistance. The texts that I...
Show moreMedia shapes and supports certain ideas about how we view ourselves and others. The narratives that we consume train us to desire a particular formula of what critic Lauren Berlant calls "the good life": growing up, becoming a man or a woman, getting married, having children, and retiring. People who fail to fit into these narratives are often punished and excluded from society. However, queer theorist Jack Halberstam asks us to reconsider failure as a means of resistance. The texts that I examine fail to conform to narrative expectations or to fit formulae that are easily consumable or defined. They present queer characters and relationships that exceed social norms and generic conventions. These characters and relationships encourage us to reconsider the models of desire given to us, and to embrace a more nebulous state of anxiety found in liminal space. In Chapter 1, I discuss Argentine-Spanish-French film XXY (2007), which follows the story of Alex, an intersex teen who refuses to fit within the binary of male or female. In Chapter 2, I argue that Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958) lays the groundwork for the visual representation of anxiety and desire in the Japanese manga Aku no Hana (Flowers of Evil ), which explores non-monogamous relationships structured around sadistic voyeurism. In the conclusion I turn briefly to children's cartoons Steven Universe and Adventure Time, in which failure has been reimagined as queer utopia. By focusing on media that resist heteronormative conventions we can start to reimagine models for more empathetic and compassionate communities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004847, ucf:45437
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004847
- Title
- TRANSFER AND DEVELOPMENT LENGTH OF STRANDS IN POST-TENSIONED MEMBERS AFTER ANCHOR HEAD FAILURE.
- Creator
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El Zghayar, Elie, Mackie, Kevin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Post-tensioning tendons in segmental bridge construction are often only anchored within the deviator and pier segments. The effectiveness of the post-tensioning (PT) system is therefore dependent on proper functioning of the anchorages. On August 28, 2000 a routine inspection of the Mid-Bay Bridge (Okaloosa County, Florida) revealed corrosion in numerous PT tendons. Moreover, one of the 19-strand tendons was completely slacked, with later inspection revealing a corrosion-induced failure at...
Show morePost-tensioning tendons in segmental bridge construction are often only anchored within the deviator and pier segments. The effectiveness of the post-tensioning (PT) system is therefore dependent on proper functioning of the anchorages. On August 28, 2000 a routine inspection of the Mid-Bay Bridge (Okaloosa County, Florida) revealed corrosion in numerous PT tendons. Moreover, one of the 19-strand tendons was completely slacked, with later inspection revealing a corrosion-induced failure at the pier anchor location. Anchorage failure caused all PT force to transfer to the steel duct located within the pier segment that in turn slipped and caused the tendon to go completely slack. After the application of PT force, the anchorage assembly and steel pipes that house the tendon are filled with grout. These short grouted regions could, in the event of anchorage failure, provide a secondary anchorage mechanism preventing the scenario mentioned above from occurring. This paper presents the results of a full-scale experimental investigation on anchorage tendon pull-out and a finite element model to support the experimental results and interpretation. The study focuses on the length required to develop the in-service PT force within the pier segment grouted steel tube assembly. Seven, twelve, and nineteen 0.6ÂÂ" diameter strand tendons with various development lengths were considered. Recommendations for pier section pipe detailing and design will be discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003363, ucf:48465
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003363
- Title
- Failure Analysis of Impact-Damaged Metallic Poles Repaired With Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites.
- Creator
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Slade, Robert, Mackie, Kevin, Yun, Hae-Bum, Gou, Jihua, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Metallic utility poles, light poles, and mast arms are intermittently damaged by vehicle collision. In many cases the vehicular impact does not cause immediate failure of the structure, but induces localized damage that may result in failure under extreme service loadings or can promote degradation and corrosion within the damaged region. Replacement of these poles is costly and often involves prolonged lane closures, service interruption, and temporary loss of functionality. Therefore, an in...
Show moreMetallic utility poles, light poles, and mast arms are intermittently damaged by vehicle collision. In many cases the vehicular impact does not cause immediate failure of the structure, but induces localized damage that may result in failure under extreme service loadings or can promote degradation and corrosion within the damaged region. Replacement of these poles is costly and often involves prolonged lane closures, service interruption, and temporary loss of functionality. Therefore, an in situ repair of these structures is required.This thesis examines the failure modes of damaged metallic poles reinforced with externally-bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Several FRP repair systems were selected for comparison, and a set of medium and full-scale tests were conducted to identify the critical failure modes. The material properties of each component of the repair were experimentally determined, and then combined into a numerical model capable of predicting global response.Four possible failure modes are discussed: yielding of the unreinforced substrate, tensile rupture of the FRP, compressive buckling of the FRP, and debonding of the FRP from the substrate. It was found that simple linear, bilinear, and trilinear stress-strain relationships accurately describe the response of the composite and substrate components, whereas a more complex bond-slip relationship is required to characterize debonding. These constitutive properties were then incorporated into MSC.Marc, a versatile nonlinear finite element program. The output of the FEM analysis showed good agreement with the results of the experimental bond-slip tests.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004262, ucf:49514
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004262
- Title
- The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Service Recovery Evaluations in Casual Dining Restaurants.
- Creator
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Albus, Heidi, Ro, Hee Jung, Parsa, Haragopal, Kwun, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study examined the effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on service recovery in terms of customer satisfaction, repeat patronage, word of mouth, and consumer trust in casual dining restaurants. More specifically, this study proposed that CSR will have a halo effect on negative service recovery incidents and mitigate the adverse effects of the poor recovery. An experimental study consisting of a 3x2 between subjects factorial design was used. Three CSR conditions (positive,...
Show moreThis study examined the effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on service recovery in terms of customer satisfaction, repeat patronage, word of mouth, and consumer trust in casual dining restaurants. More specifically, this study proposed that CSR will have a halo effect on negative service recovery incidents and mitigate the adverse effects of the poor recovery. An experimental study consisting of a 3x2 between subjects factorial design was used. Three CSR conditions (positive, negative, and no CSR) were matched with two service recovery conditions (positive or negative). Four hundred and eighteen subjects were recruited by a reputed marketing research firm. Results of this study showed that CSR and service recovery have a significant effect on customer satisfaction, repeat patronage, word of mouth, and consumer trust in casual dining restaurants. Furthermore, the results showed that CSR enhances the positive effects of good service recovery.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004348, ucf:49418
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004348
- Title
- INDIVIDUAL REACTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICAL FAILURES AND RECOVERY ATTEMPTS: A RECOVERY PARADOX?.
- Creator
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Caldwell, James, Schminke, Marshall, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT The vast majority of behavioral ethical research focuses on the antecedents of unethical behavior. Consequently, questions involving the consequences of organizational unethical behavior remain largely unanswered. Therefore, extant business ethics research largely neglects the impacts of organizational unethical behavior on individuals. Moreover, questions involving what organizations can do to correct or recover from having engaged in unethical behavior as well as individual...
Show moreABSTRACT The vast majority of behavioral ethical research focuses on the antecedents of unethical behavior. Consequently, questions involving the consequences of organizational unethical behavior remain largely unanswered. Therefore, extant business ethics research largely neglects the impacts of organizational unethical behavior on individuals. Moreover, questions involving what organizations can do to correct or recover from having engaged in unethical behavior as well as individual responses to those efforts are also mostly ignored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of unethical activity on employees and explore organizations that have failed ethically and their attempts at recovery. This study explores two issues. First, how do employees react to organizational unethical behavior (OUB) and to what extent are those reactions dependent on contextual and individual factors? Second, to what extent can organizations recover from the negative impacts of ethical failure? More specifically, is it possible for organizations that fail in their ethical responsibilities to recover such that they are paradoxically "better-off" than their counterparts that never failed in the first place? To explore these issues I review, integrate and draw upon the ethical decision-making and service failure recovery literatures for theoretical support. Empirical testing included two studies. The first was a field study using survey data acquired from the Ethics Resource Center (ERC) in which over 29,000 participants were asked about their perceptions of ethics at work. Second, a supplemental field study was conducted in which 100 employees rated the characteristics of unethical acts (e.g. severity). Results revealed a negative direct effect of severity and controllability of the OUB on perceptions of organizational ethicality and a negative direct effect of controllability of the OUB on organizational satisfaction. Ethical context moderated the relationship between OUB controllability and perceived organizational ethicality. Partial support was found for the moderating effects of ethical context on the relationship between OUB severity and perceived organizational ethicality. Results also supported an ethical failure recovery paradox.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002655, ucf:48243
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002655
