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WHAT DO PHYSICIANS WANT? INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE AND USAGE BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
Title
WHAT DO PHYSICIANS WANT? INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE AND USAGE BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
Creator
ILIE, Virginia, Courtney, Jim, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study builds on the theory of planned behavior, institutional and innovation diffusion theories to investigate physicians' responses to introduction of electronic medical records (EMR) in large healthcare organizations. Using a case study methodology, we show that physicians' attitudes towards using EMR are influenced by their perceptions of EMR complexity, relative advantage, compatibility with professional beliefs and individual predisposition to change. Specifically, we found that EMR...
Show moreThis study builds on the theory of planned behavior, institutional and innovation diffusion theories to investigate physicians' responses to introduction of electronic medical records (EMR) in large healthcare organizations. Using a case study methodology, we show that physicians' attitudes towards using EMR are influenced by their perceptions of EMR complexity, relative advantage, compatibility with professional beliefs and individual predisposition to change. Specifically, we found that EMR usability characteristics such as system interface, "navigation," "search" and "speed" are major dimensions underlying physicians' perceptions of EMR complexity. To the extent that navigating and searching for clinical results are seen as difficult, physicians' perceptions of the complexity of using EMR are enhanced, with the result of physicians forming more negative attitudes towards EMR and using EMR less. Accessibility to EMR (i.e. logging in) and availability of hardware are two emergent constructs. These factors are immediate barriers for physicians not using EMR or using EMR minimally. At the same time, these barriers contribute to impacting physicians' perceptions that EMR is difficult to use and disadvantageous (i.e. time inefficient) compared to the paper chart. Results also show that most EMR usage at Alpha is rather "shallow." Physicians tend to use data-retrieval EMR minimally, mainly to supplement the paper chart. The availability of this "competing artifact," that is much easier to use and conveniently located near a patient's room limits the extent to which physicians use EMR at Alpha. Use of an imaging EMR system (EMR3) is more committed. EMR3 is used to replace the "old way" of accessing films. Lack of accessibility and hardware barriers, the relative advantage of EMR3 and other system usability considerations contribute to physicians using this system more faithfully. As regards the question "what do physicians want?" it seems that physicians want a system that that is easy to access and simple to use but most importantly, a system that they can directly identify with, an EMR that is personally relevant. In order to promote a "deeper" level of EMR usage, the benefits of EMR need to be emphasized to physicians while any potential costs or barriers reduced or eliminated.
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Date Issued
2005
Identifier
CFE0000880, ucf:46635
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000880
VALUE MAPPING FRAMEWORK INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN IMPROVEMENT WHEN IMPLEMENTING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS
Title
VALUE MAPPING FRAMEWORK INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN IMPROVEMENT WHEN IMPLEMENTING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS.
Creator
Moore, Karla, Rabelo, Luis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Successful Supply Chain Management (SCM) depends on how well an organization performs internal and external communications with trading partners, executes the logistics component, and understands/monitors related costs of conducting its business. The use of information technology (IT) is considered a prerequisite for the effective control of today's complex supply chains. Increased communication technology has redefined how businesses work together, raised customer expectations, and...
Show moreSuccessful Supply Chain Management (SCM) depends on how well an organization performs internal and external communications with trading partners, executes the logistics component, and understands/monitors related costs of conducting its business. The use of information technology (IT) is considered a prerequisite for the effective control of today's complex supply chains. Increased communication technology has redefined how businesses work together, raised customer expectations, and placed new demands on supply chain performance. IT components with proven and rapid return-on-investment are favored to support critical supply chain processes such as leaner manufacturing processes, consumer-driven supply chains, and customer responsiveness. The use of IT in the digital era has become critical and it is treated as a major competitive tool for success. Complex and comprehensive IT infrastructures support the firm's communications network, databases, and operating systems. Information technology facilitates the creation of value. However, the creation of value is defined by the different groups of stakeholders. Therefore, stakeholders must be integrated into this process of change management that uses IT as the enabler. Supply chains are due to change when higher levels of performance and/or adaptation are required as mandated by changes in the business structure and/or benchmarking and/or regulations. One of the major problems for any supply chain executive is to understand and manage these changes. These changes usually require the implementation of an IT project. Therefore, the successful design, execution, and completion of these IT projects are important for the supply chain. SCM is now a strategic function addressed at the highest levels of the organization in concert with multiple stakeholders on both the supplier and customer side of the table. The aim of this dissertation is to develop a value mapping framework involving stakeholders to improve supply chain performance when implementing IT projects. The framework has components that help define the supply chain, measure the size of the issues, identify necessary changes in the metrics to improve performance, measure the organizational consequences of these changes, and develop and follow a plan to implement IT projects to achieve the new goals of performance. Through this new framework, these IT projects will be able to bring the supply chain from a current state "As is" to a future state "To be"; capturing the existing and desired states of the proposed changes which are aligned with the objectives and goals of the organization. Therefore, the IT project can be designed, executed, and completed. One unique component of this framework is the inclusion of the stakeholders at different stages. This framework identifies the group of stakeholders to be taken into consideration in order to define the future "To be" state. In addition, the framework identifies the value creation of the "To be" system as seen by the stakeholders.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002108, ucf:47541
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002108
EFFECTS OF IT GOVERNANCE ON INFORMATION SECURITY
Title
EFFECTS OF IT GOVERNANCE ON INFORMATION SECURITY.
Creator
Wu, Yu, Saunders, Carol, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This dissertation is composed by three essays that explore the relationship between good IT governance and effective information security services. Governance steers and verifies performance of fiduciary duties, through the implementation of proper governance mechanisms. With a focus on information security, this essay presents three categories of governance mechanisms – process-based, structural, and relational. When properly instituted, they work together to ensure that IT understands...
Show moreThis dissertation is composed by three essays that explore the relationship between good IT governance and effective information security services. Governance steers and verifies performance of fiduciary duties, through the implementation of proper governance mechanisms. With a focus on information security, this essay presents three categories of governance mechanisms – process-based, structural, and relational. When properly instituted, they work together to ensure that IT understands business requirements for information security and strives to fulfill them. An explanation is offered about the efficacy of those mechanisms, based on an agency theory perspective that views IT as an agent for business. The two underlying causes for agency problems are goal incongruence and information asymmetry between the agent and the principal. Governance mechanisms help to reduce both goal incongruence and information asymmetry. Hence, they lead to desired outcomes. A theoretical framework is presented and empirical tested.
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Date Issued
2007
Identifier
CFE0001965, ucf:47435
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001965
PRIMOGENITURE MADE ME DO IT: FINDING THE MOTIVATION BEHIND OLIVER'S TRAGIC ACTIONS IN AS YOU LIKE IT
Title
PRIMOGENITURE MADE ME DO IT: FINDING THE MOTIVATION BEHIND OLIVER'S TRAGIC ACTIONS IN AS YOU LIKE IT.
Creator
Kemper, Joseph, Boyd, Be, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
As an actor, it is absolutely imperative to resist the urge to pass judgment on the characters we portray. True, that as people, we sometimes judge ourselves, and deem our conduct as right or wrong, but usually after finding the justification in the action first. We understand why we do the things we do. Therefore, it is as important to find our character's point-of-view as well. When I was cast as Oliver de Boys in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater's mainstage production of William...
Show moreAs an actor, it is absolutely imperative to resist the urge to pass judgment on the characters we portray. True, that as people, we sometimes judge ourselves, and deem our conduct as right or wrong, but usually after finding the justification in the action first. We understand why we do the things we do. Therefore, it is as important to find our character's point-of-view as well. When I was cast as Oliver de Boys in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater's mainstage production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It, I knew the biggest challenge before me was to avoid playing him as "the villain." I had to discover the reasoning and the humanity behind his heinous actions. Most importantly, I had to try to understand why he would attempt to murder his brother Orlando. Growing up with three sisters whom I considered my best friends, I had no personal frame of reference for this extreme action. This thesis will examine the research and creation of Oliver de Boys. A thorough historical analysis will present the life of William Shakespeare, with specific focus on the relationship with his own siblings. Also included will be the production history of the As You Like It and the times in which it was written. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Elizabethan's preoccupation with primogeniture, the system of inheritance or succession by the firstborn, traditionally the eldest son ("Primogeniture" 1). Finally, this section will contain a look at two literary figures that greatly influenced the evolution of Oliver: Saladyne, the eldest brother in Sir Thomas Lodge's Rosalynde, of which As You Like It is largely based on and Cain, the archetype of fratricide. The next chapter will explore Oliver's journey in As You Like It, from villain to lover to brother; ultimately, his "conversion" from evil to good. It will also document the director's concept for the production and his vision for the portrayal of Oliver. A comprehensive character analysis or character autobiography will examine the psychological motivations behind Oliver's actions, such as sibling rivalry, jealousy, resentment and greed. This thesis will culminate in a comprehensive rehearsal journal, which will document and address challenges, discoveries, failures and victories during the production process.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002462, ucf:47699
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002462
EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS OF ITS INFORMATION STRATEGIES ON I-4 CORRIDOR
Title
EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS OF ITS INFORMATION STRATEGIES ON I-4 CORRIDOR.
Creator
Zuo, Yueliang, Al-Deek, Haitham M., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study evaluated the impacts of ITS information strategies under incident conditions in Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor of Orlando. The analysis was performed using DYNASMART-P software package. The ITS information strategies range from pre-trip information, en-route information, and variable message signs. Simulation covered one hour during the morning peak period. The impacts of ITS information strategies on mobility were evaluated by simulating the performance of various ITS information...
Show moreThis study evaluated the impacts of ITS information strategies under incident conditions in Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor of Orlando. The analysis was performed using DYNASMART-P software package. The ITS information strategies range from pre-trip information, en-route information, and variable message signs. Simulation covered one hour during the morning peak period. The impacts of ITS information strategies on mobility were evaluated by simulating the performance of various ITS information components (pre-trip information, en-route information, and variable message signs) under incident conditions for the I-4 corridor and comparing the results with the corresponding scenarios in the absence of these components. The traffic flow relations were calibrated against the flow measurements along freeway to determine model parameters. An effort was made to validate estimated traffic volumes against measured link counts. The archived I-4 data at the Center for Advanced Transportation Systems Simulation (CATSS) at the University of Central Florida was used for both calibration and validation. The analysis indicated that DYNASMART-P was able to adequately reproduce the observed morning peak hourly flows over suitably selected locations.Ten scenarios were designed to evaluate the benefits of ITS information strategies under incident conditions. The results indicated that these ITS traveler information technologies can result in great travel time saving. It was found that commuters who use traveler information via the pre-trip information or en-route information to switch their routes benefit significantly in terms of delay reduction when incidents occur. It was found that there exists an optimal value for the fraction users with information at which the network performs best. This optimal fraction may be different for different source of information. Also this may vary with different incidents. This study demonstrates how one can realistically simulate the network under various scenarios without actually conducting the high cost operational tests. DYNASMART-P can produce useful variables such as speeds, travel time, queue lengths, and stop time to better assess the impacts of ITS components. It can be applied in ITS equipped networks.
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Date Issued
2004
Identifier
CFE0000107, ucf:46199
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000107
Evaluating Travelers Experience with Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) And Citizens Band Radio Advisory System (CBRAS) On Florida's Turnpike Enterprise Toll Roadways And Florida Interstate Highways
Title
Evaluating Travelers Experience with Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) And Citizens Band Radio Advisory System (CBRAS) On Florida's Turnpike Enterprise Toll Roadways And Florida Interstate Highways.
Creator
Muhaisen, Nabil, Al-Deek, Haitham, Eluru, Naveen, Tatari, Omer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The goal of this thesis is to evaluate travelers' experience with Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) and Citizens' Band Radio Advisory System (CBRAS) technologies on both Florida Interstate Highway system (FIH) and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) toll roads. To achieve this goal, two different survey tools were used. The first tool is a random digit dialing phone survey known as CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing). The second tool is a field survey that intercepts travelers at the...
Show moreThe goal of this thesis is to evaluate travelers' experience with Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) and Citizens' Band Radio Advisory System (CBRAS) technologies on both Florida Interstate Highway system (FIH) and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) toll roads. To achieve this goal, two different survey tools were used. The first tool is a random digit dialing phone survey known as CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing). The second tool is a field survey that intercepts travelers at the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) service plazas and the Florida Interstate Highway (FIH) rest areas.HAR and CBRAS are traditional components of the Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS). This thesis pays special attention to the effectiveness of HAR and CBRAS in improving travelers' experience. Feedback to analyze these two technologies was collected via a telephonic survey and a field survey. Two different field surveys (one for HAR and one for CBRAS) were designed and implemented to obtain feedback on these technologies. The field survey for CBRAS is unique and has never been done before for this purpose.A sample size of 1000 HAR surveys was collected through the CATI phone survey. Field surveys were collected at five locations across the state, including central, southeast, and southwest regions of Florida. The HAR field survey sample size was 1610 and the CBRAS field survey sample size was 613. All field surveys were conducted by UCF students at each of the five locations, over a 13-week data collection period. The HAR messages were designed to alert drivers of any adverse roadway traffic or weather conditions. The CBRAS is limited to truck drivers with the closed system radio pre-installed in their vehicles. However, truck drivers were also asked some questions on HAR if they do not use CBRAS.Basic statistical analysis was used to determine a number of performance indicators which include system's use and awareness, usability of provided information, route diversion, and travelers' demographics. In addition, the two HAR phone and field samples were combined together and examined using a decision tree model. Target questions were selected from the survey to build the tree network. The tree model aimed at identifying trends between categorical differences of travelers with respect to specific questions. Understanding travelers' satisfaction with HAR is critical to knowing its benefits. The ending results indicated that both basic statistical analysis and the decision tree model are in agreement. A comparison between HAR phone and field surveys indicates the following. Travelers interviewed for the HAR field survey were more aware of the HAR than travelers surveyed by phone. A small portion of the surveyed samples used HAR (22% and this was consistent between the phone and the field surveys). Also, 80% or more were satisfied with HAR for both phone and field samples and the majority (85% or more) supported its continuation as an indication of willingness to use it in the future, especially in emergency conditions. In terms of the types of messages they want to hear from HAR, traffic congestion was the most common. Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) were the most preferred source of travel information and were the alternative for HAR, if HAR gets terminated. This was followed by smartphone applications which received twice as much support from field surveyed travelers (28%) when compared to phone surveyed travelers (15%).The CATI Phone Survey was biased towards elderly people (60% of the sample) and mainly females (58%) that use the FTE roadway system. Users satisfied with the system are those who only use these roadways once per week or less. The survey ultimately shows that travelers rely on modern modes of obtaining traffic information than traditional ones, such as HAR. DMS, and smart phone applications are leading communication tools among all type of travelers. The HAR field survey was less biased with respect to age and gender distribution (56% were under 50 and 62% were males). Both surveys indicate that the sample is well educated (about 60% have an associate degree or higher). CBRAS serves a small segment of commercial truck drivers (only 12% out of 613 used CBRAS). However, this small segment used it heavily (84% used it sometimes, often, or always). And 92% of CBRAS users were satisfied or strongly satisfied with it. CBRAS was used mostly for route divergence, with 72% of the drivers relying on it for this purpose. Truck drivers who never used CBRAS (88% of the sample) were asked questions about HAR. Only 27% of them used HAR and 57% of these used it sometimes, often, or always with 72% of the truck users being satisfied with HAR compared to the 92% satisfied with CBRAS. The most common complaint about HAR by truck drivers was that it is not easy to access or understand. Based on responses of truck drivers for both HAR and CBRAS field surveys above, it seems that GPS navigation was the most preferred source of travel information (28%). In addition to the basic statistics, a decision tree model, using SAS Enterprise Miner was performed. The statistical analysis results indicated satisfaction of travelers. The decision tree model was used to predict and profile responses to all answered questions that each survey shared. Training data was included in the model and the model was able to leverage the questions. Results of the decision tree model predicted high user satisfaction rates.Analyses of the three implemented surveys show that HAR and CBRAS technologies are not used by a large proportion of travelers, but their users are typically satisfied with these technologies. A small portion of the surveyed sample of truck drivers uses CBRAS but they use it heavily and were very satisfied with it. The travelers' satisfaction level with HAR was high. The HAR and CBRAS systems are in the middle of a heated competition lead by digital communication, it may be a sign of the time to create HAR/CBRAS smart phone applications for the longevity of these traditional technologies.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
CFE0006045, ucf:50983
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006045
EXAMINING DYNAMIC VARIABLE SPEED LIMIT STRATEGIES FOR THE REDUCTION OF REAL-TIME CRASH RISK ON FREEWAYS
Title
EXAMINING DYNAMIC VARIABLE SPEED LIMIT STRATEGIES FOR THE REDUCTION OF REAL-TIME CRASH RISK ON FREEWAYS.
Creator
Cunningham, Ryan, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Recent research at the University of Central Florida involving crashes on Interstate-4 in Orlando, Florida has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of determining the crash risk on the freeway (Abdel-Aty et al., 2004; 2005, Pande and Abdel-Aty, 2006). These models are able to calculate the rear-end and lane-change crash risks along the freeway in real-time through the use of static information at various locations along the freeway as well as the real-time traffic data...
Show moreRecent research at the University of Central Florida involving crashes on Interstate-4 in Orlando, Florida has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of determining the crash risk on the freeway (Abdel-Aty et al., 2004; 2005, Pande and Abdel-Aty, 2006). These models are able to calculate the rear-end and lane-change crash risks along the freeway in real-time through the use of static information at various locations along the freeway as well as the real-time traffic data obtained by loop detectors. Since these models use real-time traffic data, they are capable of calculating rear-end and lane-change crash risk values as the traffic flow conditions are changing on the freeway. The objective of this study is to examine the potential benefits of variable speed limit implementation techniques for reducing the crash risk along the freeway. Variable speed limits is an ITS strategy that is typically used upstream of a queue in order to reduce the effects of congestion. By lowering the speeds of the vehicles approaching a queue, more time is given for the queue to dissipate from the front before it continues to grow from the back. This study uses variable speed limit strategies in a corridor-wide attempt to reduce rear-end and lane-change crash risks where speed differences between upstream and downstream vehicles are high. The idea of homogeneous speed zones was also introduced in this study to determine the distance over which variable speed limits should be implemented from a station of interest. This is unique since it is the first time a dynamic distance has been considered for variable speed limit implementation. Several VSL strategies were found to successfully reduce the rear-end and lane-change crash risks at low-volume traffic conditions (60% and 80% loading conditions). In every case, the most successful treatments involved the lowering of upstream speed limits by 5 mph and the raising of downstream speed limits by 5 mph. In the free-flow condition (60% loading), the best treatments involved the more liberal threshold for defining homogeneous speed zones (5 mph) and the more liberal implementation distance (entire speed zone), as well as a minimum time period of 10 minutes. This treatment was actually shown to significantly reduce the network travel time by 0.8%. It was also shown that this particular implementation strategy (lowering upstream, raising downstream) is wholly resistant to the effects of crash migration in the 60% loading scenario. In the condition approaching congestion (80% loading), the best treatment again involved the more liberal threshold for homogeneous speed zones (5 mph), yet the more conservative implementation distance (half the speed zone), along with a minimum time period of 5 minutes. This particular treatment arose as the best due to its unique capability to resist the increasing effects of crash migration in the 80% loading scenario. It was shown that the treatments implementing over half the speed zone were more robust against crash migration than other treatments. The best treatment exemplified the greatest benefit in reduced sections and the greatest resistance to crash migration in other sections. In the 80% loading scenario, the best treatment increased the network travel time by less than 0.4%, which is deemed acceptable. No treatment was found to successfully reduce the rear-end and lane-change crash risks in the congested traffic condition (90% loading). This is attributed to the fact that, in the congested state, the speed of vehicles is subject to the surrounding traffic conditions and not to the posted speed limit. Therefore, changing the posted speed limit does not affect the speed of vehicles in a desirable manner. These conclusions agree with Dilmore (2005).
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Date Issued
2007
Identifier
CFE0001723, ucf:47309
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001723
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE WATER RESOURCES FOR CAPE COAST AND ITS ENVIRONS IN GHANA
Title
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE WATER RESOURCES FOR CAPE COAST AND ITS ENVIRONS IN GHANA.
Creator
Kumah, Alex, Nnadi, Ola, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Cape Coast once a national capital of Ghana and its environs in recent years have constantly suffered perennial acute water shortage. The Brimsu dam which takes its supplies from the Kakum River with current production capacity of 1.4 × 104 m3/day cannot meet the water needs of the study area. The operating levels of the dam during crisis have reduced from 7.3 meters to 4.7 meters over the years with subsequent reduction in water production by 35%. Recently, the operating level has...
Show moreCape Coast once a national capital of Ghana and its environs in recent years have constantly suffered perennial acute water shortage. The Brimsu dam which takes its supplies from the Kakum River with current production capacity of 1.4 × 104 m3/day cannot meet the water needs of the study area. The operating levels of the dam during crisis have reduced from 7.3 meters to 4.7 meters over the years with subsequent reduction in water production by 35%. Recently, the operating level has reduced further to about 3.5 meters with 60% reduction in water supply. This study evaluated alternative water resources to augment water supply and mitigate the impact of perennial water shortage. Among the alternatives considered are surface water from Twifo Prasso on the Pra River, groundwater supplies, and the desalination technology. Mean annual streamflow of Pra River at Twifo Prasso was used to evaluate the continuous availability and reliance on surface water. Hydrogeological assessment of geology underlying the study area vis-à-vis the existing borehole and their yields was used to evaluate groundwater potential. Desalination technology which is not currently in existence in the study area was considered based on available literature. Since the implementation of projects of this magnitude are the responsibilities of the central government through grants and loans, the study focuses on the cost implications of water from these alternatives to the final consumer in terms of affordability. In considering the cost of water from the various alternatives to per capita per day consumption in rural and urban settlements within the study area for a household of five, the cost of surface water remains the most affordable means of water supply, followed by groundwater. Borehole yields indicate that intensive exploitation of groundwater even though more expensive than surface water sources could minimize the effect of perennial water shortage and over dependence on surface water. The cost comparison analyses have shown that the cost of desalination using reverse osmosis is still expensive and could not compare favorably with the existing water supply alternatives. The analyses have thus confirmed the long held perception that "desalination is expensive and cannot be used in study area".
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001300, ucf:47018
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001300
Promoting Recovery in Trauma Affected Children: Developing a School-Based Professional DevelopmentTool for Teacher Awareness and Intervention
Title
Promoting Recovery in Trauma Affected Children: Developing a School-Based Professional DevelopmentTool for Teacher Awareness and Intervention.
Creator
Ioannides Sperber, Ellen, Hewitt, Randall, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Van Horn, Stacy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
ABSTRACT The problem of practice addressed in this paper is the need for professional development training in the educational setting on the social, emotional, academic, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students who have experienced a traumatic event. The need identified exists due to the lack of knowledge, interest, and opportunity to partake in professional development training in an effort to understand the impact trauma has on academic achievement and the toll that is placed on the...
Show moreABSTRACT The problem of practice addressed in this paper is the need for professional development training in the educational setting on the social, emotional, academic, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students who have experienced a traumatic event. The need identified exists due to the lack of knowledge, interest, and opportunity to partake in professional development training in an effort to understand the impact trauma has on academic achievement and the toll that is placed on the school environment. The purpose of this paper is to review research on childhood trauma, examine the psychological impact on student academic achievement, foster child resiliency, and develop a foundation for effectuating change through a school-based intervention program that concentrates on promoting recovery in affected children. Traumatic events are a very real part of life that becomes a societal problem when a very young mind has to cope with the aftermath of the event. A survey and two interviews were administered to inform the professional development framework of the needs of students and teachers along with research on social-emotional learning, psychological resilience, and recovery methods offering an informative vehicle for change that will significantly impact the child's life. Cultivating Resilience Through The Arms of Academics is a school-based professional development framework designed to educate teaching professionals on the psycho-social needs of trauma affected children while providing systematic interventions designed to help these children with the factors necessary for healing to the extent allowable by the public school system. Schools are targeted to provide the interventions necessary for healing due to their extensive influence on the children they serve. This program will provide children with an emotionally safe environment thus establishing a school climate that is conducive for learning. The interventions in the program promote healing for trauma victims, assist teachers by providing strategies to engage the trauma affected students, and addresses the psycho-social competence and educational performance of all children in the educational population.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFE0006689, ucf:52874
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006689
SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSES FOR PREDICTION OF TRAFFIC FLOW, SPEED AND OCCUPANCY ON I-4
Title
SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSES FOR PREDICTION OF TRAFFIC FLOW, SPEED AND OCCUPANCY ON I-4.
Creator
Chilakamarri Venkata, Srinivasa Ravi Chandra, Al-Deek, Haitham, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Traffic data prediction is a critical aspect of Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). The utility of the traffic data is in providing information on the evolution of traffic process that can be passed on to the various users (commuters, Regional Traffic Management Centers (RTMCs), Department of Transportation (DoT),Â…etc) for user-specific objectives. This information can be extracted from the data collected by various traffic sensors. Loop detectors collect traffic data in the form of...
Show moreTraffic data prediction is a critical aspect of Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). The utility of the traffic data is in providing information on the evolution of traffic process that can be passed on to the various users (commuters, Regional Traffic Management Centers (RTMCs), Department of Transportation (DoT),…etc) for user-specific objectives. This information can be extracted from the data collected by various traffic sensors. Loop detectors collect traffic data in the form of flow, occupancy, and speed throughout the nation. Freeway traffic data from I-4 loop detectors has been collected and stored in a data warehouse called the Central Florida Data Warehouse (CFDWTM) by the University of Central Florida for the periods between 1993 – 1994 and 2000 - 2003. This data is raw, in the form of time stamped 30-second aggregated data collected from about 69 stations over a 36 mile stretch on I-4 from Lake Mary in the east to Disney-World in the west. This data has to be processed to extract information that can be disseminated to various users. Usually, most statistical procedures assume that each individual data point in the sample is independent of other data points. This is not true to traffic data as they are correlated across space and time. Therefore, the concept of time sequence and the layout of data collection devices in space, introduces autocorrelations in a single variable and cross correlations across multiple variables. Significant autocorrelations prove that past values of a variable can be used to predict future values of the same variable. Furthermore, significant cross-correlations between variables prove that past values of one variable can be used to predict future values of another variable. The traditional techniques in traffic prediction use univariate time series models that account for autocorrelations but not cross-correlations. These models have neglected the cross correlations between variables that are present in freeway traffic data, due to the way the data are collected. There is a need for statistical techniques that incorporate the effect of these multivariate cross-correlations to predict future values of traffic data. The emphasis in this dissertation is on the multivariate prediction of traffic variables. Unlike traditional statistical techniques that have relied on univariate models, this dissertation explored the cross-correlation between multivariate traffic variables and variables collected across adjoining spatial locations (such as loop detector stations). The analysis in this dissertation proved that there were significant cross correlations among different traffic variables collected across very close locations at different time scales. The nature of cross-correlations showed that there was feedback among the variables, and therefore past values can be used to predict future values. Multivariate time series analysis is appropriate for modeling the effect of different variables on each other. In the past, upstream data has been accounted for in time series analysis. However, these did not account for feedback effects. Vector Auto Regressive (VAR) models are more appropriate for such data. Although VAR models have been applied to forecast economic time series models, they have not been used to model freeway data. Vector Auto Regressive models were estimated for speeds and volumes at a sample of two locations, using 5-minute data. Different specifications were fit – estimation of speeds from surrounding speeds; estimation of volumes from surrounding volumes; estimation of speeds from volumes and occupancies from the same location; estimation of speeds from volumes from surrounding locations (and vice versa). These specifications were compared to univariate models for the respective variables at three levels of data aggregation (5-minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes) in this dissertation. For data aggregation levels of <15 minutes, the VAR models outperform the univariate models. At data aggregation level of 15 minutes, VAR models did not outperform univariate models. Since VAR models were used for all traffic variables reported by the loop detectors, this made the application of VAR a true multivariate procedure for dynamic prediction of the multivariate traffic variables – flow, speed and occupancy. Also, VAR models are generally deemed more complex than univariate models due to the estimation of multiple covariance matrices. However, a VAR model for k variables must be compared to k univariate models and VAR models compare well with AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models. The added complexity helps model the effect of upstream and downstream variables on the future values of the response variable. This could be useful for ATMS situations, where the effect of traffic redistribution and redirection is not known beforehand with prediction models. The VAR models were tested against more traditional models and their performances were compared against each other under different traffic conditions. These models significantly enhance the understanding of the freeway traffic processes and phenomena as well as identifying potential knowledge relating to traffic prediction. Further refinements in the models can result in better improvements for forecasts under multiple conditions.
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Date Issued
2009
Identifier
CFE0002593, ucf:48276
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002593
Determinants of hospital efficiency and patient safety in the United States
Title
Determinants of hospital efficiency and patient safety in the United States.
Creator
Shettian, Kruparaj, Wan, Thomas, Noblin, Alice, Gurupur, Varadraj, Cobb, Enesha, Anderson, Kim, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Hospitals engage in undertakings on a continual basis to enhance IT capabilities, diffusion of innovations, hospital-physician integration, and standardization to improve their performance. This empirical study explored the interdependence of three macro-level structural factors and their independent impact on the hospital performance measures efficiency and patient safety, with standardization as an important mediator. The researcher conducted a cross-sectional analysis of multiple data sets...
Show moreHospitals engage in undertakings on a continual basis to enhance IT capabilities, diffusion of innovations, hospital-physician integration, and standardization to improve their performance. This empirical study explored the interdependence of three macro-level structural factors and their independent impact on the hospital performance measures efficiency and patient safety, with standardization as an important mediator. The researcher conducted a cross-sectional analysis of multiple data sets from public user files on the acute care hospital industry. The theoretical underpinnings of the study included the structure-process-outcome theory and institutional isomorphism theory. The statistical analysis comprised confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and covariance structural equation modeling (SEM). The study comprised data for 2,352 acute care hospitals in the United States, which represented more than half of the hospital population. As expected by the hypotheses, the study demonstrated that IT capability, hospital-physician integration, and innovativeness directly affect the variability in standardization, but they did not directly influence the variation in hospital efficiency and patient safety. This revealed that hospitals should focus on standardization because it is the mediating process between structural variables and performance variables. The results indicated a strong negative influence of standardization on hospital efficiency and a weak positive influence on patient safety. The study confirmed the triadic model that (")structure(") influences the process, which in turn influences organizational outcomes. As standardization through coercive, mimetic, and normative pressure mechanisms becomes more common through system integration and increased collaborative governance, more research on how the implementation of standards may perpetuate isomorphism or uniformity is imperative. The researcher recommends future studies to employ a longitudinal study design to explore the determinants of a variety of performance and outcome indicators, such as patient satisfaction, timeliness of care, the effectiveness of care, and equity/financial performance in addition to patient safety and hospital efficiency.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006794, ucf:51810
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006794
Implementation Strategies for Real-time Traffic Safety Improvements on Urban Freeways
Title
Implementation Strategies for Real-time Traffic Safety Improvements on Urban Freeways.
Creator
Dilmore, Jeremy, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This research evaluates Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) implementation strategies to improve the safety of a freeway once a potential of a crash is detected. Among these strategies are Variable Speed Limit (VSL) and ramp metering. VSL are ITS devices that are commonly used to calm traffic in an attempt to relieve congestion and enhance throughput. With proper use, VSL can be more cost effective than adding more lanes. In addition to maximizing the capacity of a roadway, a different...
Show moreThis research evaluates Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) implementation strategies to improve the safety of a freeway once a potential of a crash is detected. Among these strategies are Variable Speed Limit (VSL) and ramp metering. VSL are ITS devices that are commonly used to calm traffic in an attempt to relieve congestion and enhance throughput. With proper use, VSL can be more cost effective than adding more lanes. In addition to maximizing the capacity of a roadway, a different aspect of VSL can be realized by the potential of improving traffic safety. Through the use of multiple microscopic traffic simulations, best practices can be determined, and a final recommendation can be made. Ramp metering is a method to control the amount of traffic flow entering from on-ramps to achieve a better efficiency of the freeway. It can also have a potential benefit in improving the safety of the freeway. This thesis pursues the goal of a best-case implementation of VSL. Two loading scenarios, a fully loaded case (90% of ramp maximums) and an off-peak loading case (60% of ramp maximums), at multiple stations with multiple implementation methods are strategically attempted until a best-case implementation is found. The final recommendation for the off-peak loading is a 15 mph speed reduction for 2 miles upstream and a 15 mph increase in speed for the 2 miles downstream of the detector that shows a high crash potential. The speed change is to be implemented in 5 mph increments every 10 minutes. The recommended case is found to reduce relative crash potential from .065 to -.292, as measured by a high-speed crash prediction algorithm (Abdel-Aty et al. 2005). A possibility of crash migration to downstream and upstream locations was observed, however, the safety and efficiency benefits far outweigh the crash migration potential. No final recommendation is made for the use of VSL in the fully loaded case (low-speed case); however, ramp metering indicated a promising potential for safety improvement.
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Date Issued
2005
Identifier
CFE0000339, ucf:46287
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000339
SIMPLIFIED LOW COPY NUMBER DNA ANALYSIS BY POST PCR PURIFICATION
Title
SIMPLIFIED LOW COPY NUMBER DNA ANALYSIS BY POST PCR PURIFICATION.
Creator
Smith, Pamela, Ballantyne, Jack, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Frequently evidentiary items contain an insufficient quantity of DNA to obtain complete or even partial DNA profiles using standard forensic gentotyping techniques. Here, various methods of post PCR purification were evaluated for their effects on the sensitivity of fluophore-based allelic detection. A method of post PCR purification is described which increases the sensitivity of standard 28 cycle PCR such that low copy number DNA templates (
Show moreFrequently evidentiary items contain an insufficient quantity of DNA to obtain complete or even partial DNA profiles using standard forensic gentotyping techniques. Here, various methods of post PCR purification were evaluated for their effects on the sensitivity of fluophore-based allelic detection. A method of post PCR purification is described which increases the sensitivity of standard 28 cycle PCR such that low copy number DNA templates (<100 pg DNA) can be analyzed. Full profiles were consistently obtained with as little as 20 pg template DNA without increased cycle number. In mock case type samples with dermal ridge fingerprints, genetic profiles were obtained by amplification with 28 cycles followed by post-PCR purification whereas no profiles were obtained without purification of the PCR product. Allele drop-out, increased stutter, and contamination (allele drop-in) typical of LCN analysis were observed. A single incident of contamination was observed in a reagent blank (not duplicated upon re-amplification) however, no contamination was observed in negative amplification controls.
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001003, ucf:46841
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001003
Leveraging Help Requests in POMDP Intelligent Tutors
Title
Leveraging Help Requests in POMDP Intelligent Tutors.
Creator
Folsom-Kovarik, Jeremiah, Sukthankar, Gita, Schatz, Sarah, Gonzalez, Avelino, Shumaker, Randall, Schatz, Sarah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) are computer programs that model individual learners and adapt instruction to help each learner differently. One way ITSs differ from human tutors is that few ITSs give learners a way to ask questions. When learners can ask for help, their questions have the potential to improve learning directly and also act as a new source of model data to help the ITS personalize instruction. Inquiry modeling gives ITSs the ability to answer learner questions and refine...
Show moreIntelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) are computer programs that model individual learners and adapt instruction to help each learner differently. One way ITSs differ from human tutors is that few ITSs give learners a way to ask questions. When learners can ask for help, their questions have the potential to improve learning directly and also act as a new source of model data to help the ITS personalize instruction. Inquiry modeling gives ITSs the ability to answer learner questions and refine their learner models with an inexpensive new input channel.In order to support inquiry modeling, an advanced planning formalism is applied to ITS learner modeling. Partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) differ from more widely used ITS architectures because they can plan complex action sequences in uncertain situations with machine learning. Tractability issues have previously precluded POMDP use in ITS models. This dissertation introduces two improvements, priority queues and observation chains, to make POMDPs scale well and encompass the large problem sizes that real-world ITSs must confront. A new ITS was created to support trainees practicing a military task in a virtual environment. The development of the Inquiry Modeling POMDP Adaptive Trainer (IMP) began with multiple formative studies on human and simulated learners that explored inquiry modeling and POMDPs in intelligent tutoring. The studies suggest the new POMDP representations will be effective in ITS domains having certain common characteristics.Finally, a summative study evaluated IMP's ability to train volunteers in specific practice scenarios. IMP users achieved post-training scores averaging up to 4.5 times higher than users who practiced without support and up to twice as high as trainees who used an ablated version of IMP with no inquiry modeling. IMP's implementation and evaluation helped explore questions about how inquiry modeling and POMDP ITSs work, while empirically demonstrating their efficacy.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004506, ucf:49262
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004506
THE KIOSK CULTURE: RECONCILING THE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT PARADOX IN THE POSTMODERN AGE OF MACHINES
Title
THE KIOSK CULTURE: RECONCILING THE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT PARADOX IN THE POSTMODERN AGE OF MACHINES.
Creator
Cavanagh, Thomas, Kitalong, Karla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Do you remember the first time you used an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)? Or a pay-at-the-pump gas station? Or an airline e-ticket kiosk? How did you know what to do? Although you never received any formal instruction in how to interact with the self-service technology, you were likely able to accomplish your task (e.g., withdrawing or depositing money) as successfully as an experienced user. However, not so long ago, to accomplish that same task, you needed the direct mediation of a service...
Show moreDo you remember the first time you used an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)? Or a pay-at-the-pump gas station? Or an airline e-ticket kiosk? How did you know what to do? Although you never received any formal instruction in how to interact with the self-service technology, you were likely able to accomplish your task (e.g., withdrawing or depositing money) as successfully as an experienced user. However, not so long ago, to accomplish that same task, you needed the direct mediation of a service professional who had been trained how to use the required complex technology. What has changed? In short, the technology is now able to compensate for the average consumer's lack of experience with the transactional system. The technology itself bridges the performance gap, allowing a novice to accomplish the same task as an experienced professional. This shift to a self-service paradigm is completely changing the dynamics of the consumer relationship with the capitalist enterprise, resulting in what is rapidly becoming the default consumer interface of the postmodern era. The recognition that the entire performance support apparatus now revolves around the end user/consumer rather than the employee represents a tectonic shift in the workforce training industry. What emerges is a homogenized consumer culture enabled by self-service technologies--a kiosk culture. No longer is the ability to interact with complex technology confined to a privileged workforce minority who has access to expensive and time-consuming training. The growth of the kiosk culture is being driven equally by business financial pressures, consumer demand for more efficient transactions, and the improved sophistication of compensatory technology that allows a novice to perform a task with the same competence as an expert. "The Kiosk Culture" examines all aspects of self-service technology and its ascendancy. Beyond the milieu of business, the kiosk culture is also infiltrating all corners of society, including medicine, athletics, and the arts, forcing us to re-examine our definitions of knowledge, skills, performance, and even humanity. The current ubiquity of self-service technology has already impacted our society and will continue to do so as we ride the rising tide of the kiosk culture.
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001348, ucf:46989
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001348
PAUL VERHOEVEN, MEDIA MANIPULATION, AND HYPER-REALITY
Title
PAUL VERHOEVEN, MEDIA MANIPULATION, AND HYPER-REALITY.
Creator
Malchiodi, Emmanuel, Janz, Bruce, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Dutch director Paul Verhoeven is a polarizing figure. Although many of his American made films have received considerable praise and financial success, he has been lambasted on countless occasions for his gratuitous use of sex, violence, and contentious symbolism - 1995s Showgirls was overwhelmingly dubbed the worst film of all time and 1997s Starship Troopers earned him a reputation as a fascist. Regardless of the controversy surrounding him, his science fiction films are a move beyond the...
Show moreDutch director Paul Verhoeven is a polarizing figure. Although many of his American made films have received considerable praise and financial success, he has been lambasted on countless occasions for his gratuitous use of sex, violence, and contentious symbolism - 1995s Showgirls was overwhelmingly dubbed the worst film of all time and 1997s Starship Troopers earned him a reputation as a fascist. Regardless of the controversy surrounding him, his science fiction films are a move beyond the conventions of the big blockbuster science fiction films of the 1980s (E.T. and the Star Wars trilogy are prime examples), revealing a deeper exploration of both sociopolitical issues and the human condition. Much like the novels of Philip K. Dick (and Verhoeven's 1990 film Total Recall - an adaptation of a Dick short story), Verhoeven's science fiction work explores worlds where paranoia is a constant and determining whether an individual maintains any liberty is regularly questionable. In this thesis I am basically exploring issues regarding power. Although I barely bring up the term power in it, I feel it is central. Power is an ambiguous term; are we discussing physical power, state power, objective power, subjective power, or any of the other possible manifestations of the word? The original Anglo-French version of power means to be able,asking whether it is possible for one to do something. In relation to Verhoeven's science fiction work each demonstrates the limitations placed upon an individual's autonomy, asking are the protagonists capable of independent agency or rather just environmental constructs reflecting the myriad influences surrounding them. Does the individual really matter in the post-modern world, brimming with countless signs and signifiers? My main objective in this writing is to demonstrate how this happens in Verhoeven's films, exploring his central themes and subtext and doing what science fiction does: hold a mirror up to the contemporary world and critique it, asking whether our species' current trajectory is beneficial or hazardous.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFH0003844, ucf:44697
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003844