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Title: VETERANS' PERCEPTIONS OF REINTEGRATION CHALLENGES AND THEIR MOST VALUABLE SOCIAL SUPPORTS.
Creator: Briggle, Leslie, Molina, Olga, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With an increasing number of veterans returning to civilian life after deployment in combat, it is important to analyze what challenges they face during reintegration, what resources assist them with coping with these challenges, and which of these resources they perceive as the most helpful. The literature indicates that the most common challenges faced by returning veterans are employment difficulties, family readjustment problems and mental health issues which are shown to be positively...
Show moreWith an increasing number of veterans returning to civilian life after deployment in combat, it is important to analyze what challenges they face during reintegration, what resources assist them with coping with these challenges, and which of these resources they perceive as the most helpful. The literature indicates that the most common challenges faced by returning veterans are employment difficulties, family readjustment problems and mental health issues which are shown to be positively affected by the presence of social support networks (Burnell, Coleman, & Hunt, 2009). There exists a gap, however in the research regarding the extent to which each particular social support network affects veterans' reintegration. This qualitative study explored veterans' perceptions of the challenges faced during reintegration, and the social supports which assisted the most during the reintegration process in order to try to bridge the gap in the research. The findings indicate that veterans struggle the most with reconnecting emotionally with family and friends, managing strong emotions (such as anxiety and alienation), missing the military after discharge, and dealing with the negative effects of deployment on daily life (such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and difficulty finding employment). Unit support was overwhelmingly expressed as the most helpful social support, while family and friends were seen more as a challenge than a help. Many veterans went on to surround themselves with fellow veterans and/or join the reserves after their active duty was up.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004449, ucf:45130
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004449

Title: THE EFFECTS OF AN ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES UNIT ON THE GRADE POINT AVERAGE FOR STUDENTS ADMITTED ON PROBATION.
Creator: Branham, Keith, Magann, Douglas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this research was to examine the effects, if any, the programs available from an Academic Support Services unit of a small, private, liberal arts college might have on the grade point averages of students admitted on probation over two major semesters. The assumption was that the students who utilized the services of the Academic Center for Excellence would demonstrate more increases in GPA than students who did not utilize the services. The literature review of this study found...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to examine the effects, if any, the programs available from an Academic Support Services unit of a small, private, liberal arts college might have on the grade point averages of students admitted on probation over two major semesters. The assumption was that the students who utilized the services of the Academic Center for Excellence would demonstrate more increases in GPA than students who did not utilize the services. The literature review of this study found that, although there were many factors and student characteristics that could predict and explain student achievement in course work, GPA was a good predictor and the only real measure of a student's performance. The programs designed to offer support are demonstrated to aid students in improving their academic achievement. The results of this study suggest that GPA is a good predictor of a student's academic achievement and a primary method of assessing student academic achievement. However, there was no apparent impact of the support services unit on the grade point averages of the students admitted on probation. Suggested uses for the study included the development of freshman orientation programs that integrate the student into academic life and a retooling of counseling and advising programs.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000388, ucf:46341
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000388

Title: The Relationship Between Practicing School Counselors' Perceived Organizational Support And Their Service Delivery.
Creator: Geigel, Vincent, Lambie, Glenn, Van Horn, Stacy, Hopp, Carolyn, Blank, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Role ambiguity in school counseling is common; therefore, school counselors deal with issues of role conflict, lack of advocacy, and the assignment of inappropriate duties. The American School Counselor Association (2012) National Model was developed to provide school counselors with a framework for the delivery of appropriate school counseling services to students; however, the National Model is not implemented in all school districts. School counselors' perceived organizational support (POS...
Show moreRole ambiguity in school counseling is common; therefore, school counselors deal with issues of role conflict, lack of advocacy, and the assignment of inappropriate duties. The American School Counselor Association (2012) National Model was developed to provide school counselors with a framework for the delivery of appropriate school counseling services to students; however, the National Model is not implemented in all school districts. School counselors' perceived organizational support (POS) was hypothesizes as possible variable mitigating the adoption of the ASCA National Model. This study examined the relationship between school counselors' in Central Florida perceived organizational support (as measured by the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support [SPOS]) and their school counseling service delivery (as measured by the School Counselor Activity Rating Scale [SCARS]). Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression (MLR), and Pearson product-moment correlation (two-tailed) analysis were employed to investigate correlations. MLR analysis was applied to the outcome/dependent variable of POS (total mean SPOS score) and predictor/independent variables of school counseling services delivery (five mean SCARS subscale scores). Overall, the five mean SCARS subscale score predicted only 6.1% of the variance in the school counselors' mean SPOS scores. In addition, none of the five mean SCARS subscale scores had a statistically significant beta coefficient.Moreover, the results identified that school counselors at the elementary school level had higher POS, SCARS consultation, SCARS curriculum, and SCARS other scores than middle and high school counselors. Furthermore, the school counselors with more experience and not working at Title I schools had lower SCARS counseling scores. The school counselors reporting an older age and with a larger counselor-to-student ratio also had higher SCARS curriculum scores.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004999, ucf:49557
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004999

Title: Provider Perceptions of Ableism and Social Support Networks in the Healthcare Setting.
Creator: McCampbell, Darcey, Matusitz, Jonathan, Sandoval, Jennifer, Neuberger, Lindsay, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The objective of this study is to investigate ableism and social support networks in the healthcare setting. Social support networks play an important role in combating emotional distress in healthcare. They provide disabled patients a method for defending against the negative effects of ableism among other stressors. By definition, ableism refers to perceptions that disability is abnormal and undesirable. Ten healthcare providers in central Florida (i.e., in nursing homes, rehabilitation...
Show moreThe objective of this study is to investigate ableism and social support networks in the healthcare setting. Social support networks play an important role in combating emotional distress in healthcare. They provide disabled patients a method for defending against the negative effects of ableism among other stressors. By definition, ableism refers to perceptions that disability is abnormal and undesirable. Ten healthcare providers in central Florida (i.e., in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and primary care offices) were interviewed, using in-depth face-to-face qualitative interviewing. Participants were asked questions relating to the effects of ableist language on patients with disabilities as well as the role of social support networks in combating related stress. Throughout the process of data analysis, five major themes arose as most relevant to the research questions proposed: (1) Traditional Social Support, (2) Online Networks as a Source of Informational Support, (3) Concerns about Ableist Language, (4) External Sources of Patient Social Support, and (5) Accommodation and Accessibility.Results indicated a strong preference for traditional social support, as opposed to online support. Traditional social support is offered through accommodation of caregivers, availability of social workers, and creation of support groups. Benefits of online support networks are viewed mainly in terms of fulfilling the informational needs of patients with disabilities. Additionally, while some accommodations for patients with disabilities were described, these dealt primarily with alterations to the physical environment. Results showed a lack of attention paid to ableism in the healthcare field, particularly instances occurring in communication practices. Overall, there is room for improvement in the healthcare field concerning accommodations for patients with disabilities.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004715, ucf:49839
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004715

Title: AN INVESTIGATION INTO PROVIDING FEEDBACK TO USERS OF DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR FAULT MANAGEMENT.
Creator: Pharmer, James, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research in several domains has shown that the implementation of computerized decision support aids is often associated with issues of human-automation interaction, which can have disastrous consequences. One often-cited reason for these issues is the poor quality of the feedback that is provided to the operators through these tools. The objective of the proposed investigation is to examine how providing feedback through a decision support tool affects operator knowledge and performance in...
Show moreResearch in several domains has shown that the implementation of computerized decision support aids is often associated with issues of human-automation interaction, which can have disastrous consequences. One often-cited reason for these issues is the poor quality of the feedback that is provided to the operators through these tools. The objective of the proposed investigation is to examine how providing feedback through a decision support tool affects operator knowledge and performance in the context of a fault management task for naval gunfire support. A one-way between-groups comparison was made to investigate differences between providing decision support feedback (logic trace, mission impact, both, no feedback) in a fault management task. Logic trace feedback was posited to provide users with a representation of the logic that the decision support tool used in reaching a conclusion about the best course of action to perform and is posited to support better diagnostic performance. Mission impact feedback was posited to provide the operator with a description of the potential effects that a taking a course of action will have on the pre-planned mission and is expected to support better prognoses of the outcome of a particular fault. Finally, providing both feedback types was posited to support better compensatory actions for fault situations. Results indicated that decision support feedback has potential improve diagnosis and decrease errors of commission in these tasks.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000234, ucf:46249
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000234

Title: PERCEIVED STRESS, COPING, AND ADEQUACY OF SOCIAL SUPPORT: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Asberg, Kia, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Stress is a widespread concept commonly associated with psychological and medical problems that may impair an individual's functioning and incur costs on society. Alarming rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other stress-related problems have been found among college students. This study (N = 241)argues that reducing emotional and financial stress-related costs may be possible through increasing public and professional awareness of moderating variables, such as social support...
Show moreStress is a widespread concept commonly associated with psychological and medical problems that may impair an individual's functioning and incur costs on society. Alarming rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other stress-related problems have been found among college students. This study (N = 241)argues that reducing emotional and financial stress-related costs may be possible through increasing public and professional awareness of moderating variables, such as social support and coping resources. Results indicated that stress, inadequate social support, and escape-avoidance coping were related to higher levels of depression and lower life satisfaction in both males and females. Social support functioned as a moderator of stress in determining negative outcomes, primarily during high stress. Specifically, the interaction between stress and social support predicted depression in the combined sample, anxiety in males, and life satisfaction in females. In addition, the present study highlights the importance of accounting for gender in research concerning stress, social support, coping, and psychological adjustment. Finally, limitations and suggestions for future research will be discussed.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000882, ucf:46634
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000882

Title: ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP FOR CHINESE WOMEN WITH OVARIAN OR CERVICAL CANCER.
Creator: Xing, Yuan, Loerzel, Victoria, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Women with gynecological (GYN) cancer experience a wide spectrum of physical, emotional and social effects after diagnosis and treatment of their cancer. The insufficient availability of local support groups, limited transportation for the rural Chinese population and a shortage of oncologists make it difficult to have face-to-face support groups for Chinese GYN cancer patients. However, the wide access of Internet has provided an opportunity for people to have online support groups. The...
Show moreWomen with gynecological (GYN) cancer experience a wide spectrum of physical, emotional and social effects after diagnosis and treatment of their cancer. The insufficient availability of local support groups, limited transportation for the rural Chinese population and a shortage of oncologists make it difficult to have face-to-face support groups for Chinese GYN cancer patients. However, the wide access of Internet has provided an opportunity for people to have online support groups. The purpose of this study was to observe and describe the types of support given to and by Chinese GYN cancer survivors in a QQ chat group. This was a qualitative study that used the directed content analysis approach. A QQ group was observed for two weeks between March 10th (12:01am) and March 24st (11:59pm) 2018 Beijing time. Observed online posts were copied and pasted into a WORD ™ document for analysis. There were 4 themes observed: sharing experience, information exchange, emotional support and Guardian Against Cancer group member benefits. The results of the study suggested that women supported each other but little evidence-based support was observed. Healthcare providers should be monitoring and engaging in conversations with group members. Well-planed and organized information sessions should also be beneficial for members. Further research on understanding members' needs on online support groups and the effectiveness of intervention should be conducted.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000382, ucf:45808
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000382

Title: Simulations for Financial Literacy.
Creator: Hamilton, Angela, Jones, Daniel, Flammia, Madelyn, Metcalf, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Financially literate consumers are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions that ensure their long-term economic well-being. Within the context of the range of cognitive, psychological, and social factors that influence consumer behavior, simulations enhance financial literacy by developing consumers' mental models for decision-making. Technical communicators leverage plain language and visual language techniques to communicate complex financial...
Show moreFinancially literate consumers are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions that ensure their long-term economic well-being. Within the context of the range of cognitive, psychological, and social factors that influence consumer behavior, simulations enhance financial literacy by developing consumers' mental models for decision-making. Technical communicators leverage plain language and visual language techniques to communicate complex financial concepts in ways that consumers can relate to and understand.Simulations for financial education and decision support illustrate abstract financial concepts, provide a means of safe experimentation, and allow consumers to make informed choices based on a longitudinal comparison of decision outcomes. Technical communicators develop content based on best practices and conduct evaluations to ensure that simulations present information that is accessible, usable, and focused on the end-user. Potential simulation formats range from low- to high-fidelity. Low-fidelity simulations present static data in print or digital formats. Mid-fidelity simulations provide digital interactive decision support tools with dynamic user inputs. More complex high-fidelity simulations use narrative and dramatic elements to situate learning in applied contexts.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004318, ucf:49489
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004318

Title: EXAMINATION OF THE FIDELITY OF SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES IN FLORIDA.
Creator: LaFrance, Jason, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this quantitative research was to examine the level of implementation of School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) in the State of Florida. The relationship between the fidelity of implementation of SWPBS as measured by the Benchmarks of Quality tool to academic and behavioral outcomes for middle and elementary schools was then analyzed. The academic outcomes for this study included FCAT Reading and Mathematics subtest scores. The behavioral outcomes were measured using the...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative research was to examine the level of implementation of School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) in the State of Florida. The relationship between the fidelity of implementation of SWPBS as measured by the Benchmarks of Quality tool to academic and behavioral outcomes for middle and elementary schools was then analyzed. The academic outcomes for this study included FCAT Reading and Mathematics subtest scores. The behavioral outcomes were measured using the number of Office Discipline Referrals per 100 students and the number of days for Out of School Suspensions per 100 students. The literature review suggests that many outcomes have been associated with implementation of SWPBS. These include a reduction in ODRs and OSS days, increased academic achievement, increased instructional time, decreased administrative time addressing discipline, increased teacher satisfaction, improved peer relationships, and an increase in perceived school safety (Muscott, Mann,& LeBrun, 2008; Lassen, 2006; Landers, 2006; Lassen, Steele, & Sailor,2006; & Luiselli, Putnam, Handler, & Feinberg, 2005). The results of this study found that SWPBS is being implemented with fidelity in the majority of schools in one year and that these schools maintain or increase fidelity over time. Findings also suggest that there may be a relationship between greater implementation and lower ODR and OSS rates and to a lesser extent, academic outcomes. This research adds to the knowledge base regarding SWPBS implementation fidelity and its relationship to academic and behavioral outcomes and may be of use to policy makers, practitioners, and future researchers.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002713, ucf:48185
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002713

Title: PREDICTING CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONING: AN EXAMINATION OF COPARENTING AND PARENTAL SATISFACTION.
Creator: Scott, Samantha, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: To examine the interplay among shared parenting, coparent support, parental satisfaction, and child behavior problems, the current study examines the responses of mothers and fathers who have children between the ages of 3- and 6-years. As part of this study, 107 parents (i.e., 80 mothers and 27 fathers) completed a questionnaire packet including measures of coparenting, parental satisfaction, and child behavior problems. Results are examined using correlational and hierarchical regression...
Show moreTo examine the interplay among shared parenting, coparent support, parental satisfaction, and child behavior problems, the current study examines the responses of mothers and fathers who have children between the ages of 3- and 6-years. As part of this study, 107 parents (i.e., 80 mothers and 27 fathers) completed a questionnaire packet including measures of coparenting, parental satisfaction, and child behavior problems. Results are examined using correlational and hierarchical regression analyses. Correlational analyses suggest that coparent support and parental satisfaction are related positively and that coparent support and parental satisfaction are related negatively with children's behavior problems. Unique relationships are found in this study when examining overt supportive behaviors versus perceptions of coparent support, suggesting the importance of examining these constructs separately in relation to parental satisfaction and children's behavior. Hierarchical regression analyses reveal that, when coparent support measures are examined as different constructs, coparent support and parental satisfaction contribute uniquely to the prediction of children's emotional and behavioral functioning. These findings highlight the connection between coparent support and parental satisfaction as well as the importance of each in predicting outcomes for children, regardless of how evenly two parents divide childcare responsibilities. These findings also contribute to the literature by suggesting the importance of examining perceptions of support and overt supportive behavior separately. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide valuable information for potential targets of parenting interventions provided to mothers and fathers in mental health facilities.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002784, ucf:48129
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002784

Title: Size, Shape, Composition and Chemical state effects in nanocatalysis.
Creator: Ahmadi, Mahdi, Roldan Cuenya, Beatriz, Rahman, Talat, Kara, Abdelkader, Coffey, Kevin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The field of nanocatalysis has gained significant attention in the last decades due to the numerous industrial applications of nanosized catalysts. Size, shape, structure, and composition of the nanoparticles (NPs) are the parameters that can affect the reactivity, selectivity and stability of nanocatalysts. Therefore, understanding how these parameters affect the catalytic properties of these systems is required in order to engineer them with a given desired performance. It is also important...
Show moreThe field of nanocatalysis has gained significant attention in the last decades due to the numerous industrial applications of nanosized catalysts. Size, shape, structure, and composition of the nanoparticles (NPs) are the parameters that can affect the reactivity, selectivity and stability of nanocatalysts. Therefore, understanding how these parameters affect the catalytic properties of these systems is required in order to engineer them with a given desired performance. It is also important to gain insight into the structural evolution of the NP catalysts under different reaction conditions to design catalysts with long durability under reaction condition. In this dissertation a synergistic combination of in situ, ex situ and operando state-of-the art techniques have allowed me to explore a variety of parameters and phenomena relevant to nanocatalysts by systematically tuning the NP size, chemical state, composition and chemical environment.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006243, ucf:51084
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006243

Title: Students Who Are Gifted and Public School Enrollment Choices Their Parents Make.
Creator: Austin, Leigh, Martin, Suzanne, Little, Mary, Baldwin, Lee, Brooks, Bridget, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTGiven the many school choices available to parents, there is a need to understand the reasons parents of a child who is gifted choose to keep their child in his/her current school. Parents' satisfaction with their child's school and their academic growth is essential to continued enrollment of the child in that school (Abdulkadiroglu, Angrist, (&) Pathak, 2011; Van Tassel-Baska, 2006). The parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school may be...
Show moreABSTRACTGiven the many school choices available to parents, there is a need to understand the reasons parents of a child who is gifted choose to keep their child in his/her current school. Parents' satisfaction with their child's school and their academic growth is essential to continued enrollment of the child in that school (Abdulkadiroglu, Angrist, (&) Pathak, 2011; Van Tassel-Baska, 2006). The parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school may be influenced by factors within the school as well as those factors outside of the school. The purpose of this study was to research factors that may influence the parents' decision to keep their child who is gifted enrolled in their current school. The research studied parental perceptions of academic support, social and emotional support, and principal support for gifted education for their child who is gifted and the parents' willingness to keep their child who is gifted enrolled at their current school. The target group in the study was parents of children who are gifted and enrolled in a very large urban school district but did not include parents of children who are gifted and also have a disability.The research included the analysis of a survey and follow-up interview questions with parents of a child who is gifted and enrolled in the very large urban school district. There were 683 survey responses out of 4,401 total parents surveyed with a return rate of 16%. The low return rate is considered a limitation of the study and it is recommended to conduct additional research on the majority of parents who did not participate in the survey. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 randomly selected parents of children who are gifted and enrolled in the very large urban school district. The survey and interview data was coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. There were two research questions that guided the development of the research process and the analysis of data. The first question focused on indicators of parent satisfaction that included academic needs met, social and emotional needs met, and principal support for gifted education. The survey and interview data yielded mixed results with parents split between the belief that their child's academic needs were met, social and emotional needs were met, and that their child's principal was supportive of gifted education. The second research question considered the relationship between the three indicators of parent satisfaction and the parents' willingness to consider enrolling their child in a school solely for students who are gifted. The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the parents' belief that their child's academic needs were met and the parents' consideration to send their child to a school solely for students who are gifted. However, there was a lack of evidence to establish a relationship between parent's belief about their child's social and emotional needs or the parents belief that their child's principal was supportive of gifted education. The implications of the study are numerous. There are enough parents willing to consider sending their child to a school solely for students who are gifted to support opening the school. The majority of the survey participants had elementary school children; therefore, consideration should be focused on opening an elementary school for students who are gifted. Long range planning is needed to determine how to support the school for students who are gifted as well as the impact of transferring the students from one school zone to the school for students who are gifted. The literature reflected the diverse nature of the parents' satisfaction with academic support, social and emotional support, and principal support for gifted education and revealed that when the parents' are satisfied it does not guarantee that the parent will keep their child enrolled in their current school. The need for on-going communication between the school and the parents are critical to keeping the student enrolled in their current school.Further research is needed to determine the beliefs of parents with children who are gifted and identify themselves as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or another race since the majority of the survey participants were White. More research is also needed to determine the reasons why large numbers of parents would consider sending their child to a school solely for students who are gifted regardless of their satisfaction levels with school support. In addition, further research needs to be conducted to determine why parents would choose to keep their child enrolled in their current school when the parents believed their academic or social and emotional needs were not met or their principal was not supportive of gifted education.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005759, ucf:50092
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005759

Title: Predictors of an Effective Performance Measurement System: Evidence from Municipal Governments in Turkey.
Creator: Eliuz, Sedat, Kapucu, Naim, Hu, Qian, Martin, Lawrence, Wang, Xiaohu, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The aim of this study is to examine the predictors of effective performance measurement in the context of Turkish municipalities. In the study, mainly the theoretical guidance of context-design-performance model has been utilized to examine the contextual and design factors which have influenced the effective use of performance measurement systems in Turkish municipalities. The following research questions were examined in this study: To what extent do Turkish municipalities implement...
Show moreThe aim of this study is to examine the predictors of effective performance measurement in the context of Turkish municipalities. In the study, mainly the theoretical guidance of context-design-performance model has been utilized to examine the contextual and design factors which have influenced the effective use of performance measurement systems in Turkish municipalities. The following research questions were examined in this study: To what extent do Turkish municipalities implement performance measurement systems effectively?, What are the predictors of effective performance measurement in Turkish municipalities?, and whether or to what extent do quality of performance measures, technical capacity of the municipality for performance measurement, organizational support, and external support for the use of performance measurement have influence on the effectiveness level of performance measurement systems in Turkish municipalities? In the study, the data were collected from Turkish municipalities by a self-administered online survey and were analyzed by using the structural equation modeling (SEM). It is hypothesized in the study that external support and organizational support for the use performance measurement, and technical capacity for the performance measurement are associated with quality of performance measures and effectiveness of performance measurement systems in general. The results of the study supported the hypotheses of the study regarding the relationships among organizational support, technical capacity, quality of performance measures, and effectiveness of performance measurement. Although the results confirmed that external support has an indirect effect on effectiveness of performance measurement via technical capacity and quality of performance measures, the hypothesis regarding the direct effect of it on effectiveness of performance measurement was not supported. Moreover, the study found that support of employees and citizens for the use of performance measurement in Turkish municipalities are relatively low, the municipalities have deficiencies both in the quantity and the quality of staff that are responsible for performance measurement activities, and the level of employee involvement in the development of performance measures is low.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005487, ucf:50364
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005487

Title: Mahalanobis kernel-based support vector data description for detection of large shifts in mean vector.
Creator: Nguyen, Vu, Maboudou, Edgard, Nickerson, David, Schott, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Statistical process control (SPC) applies the science of statistics to various process control in order to provide higher-quality products and better services. The K chart is one among the many important tools that SPC offers. Creation of the K chart is based on Support Vector Data Description (SVDD), a popular data classifier method inspired by Support Vector Machine (SVM). As any methods associated with SVM, SVDD benefits from a wide variety of choices of kernel, which determines the...
Show moreStatistical process control (SPC) applies the science of statistics to various process control in order to provide higher-quality products and better services. The K chart is one among the many important tools that SPC offers. Creation of the K chart is based on Support Vector Data Description (SVDD), a popular data classifier method inspired by Support Vector Machine (SVM). As any methods associated with SVM, SVDD benefits from a wide variety of choices of kernel, which determines the effectiveness of the whole model. Among the most popular choices is the Euclidean distance-based Gaussian kernel, which enables SVDD to obtain a flexible data description, thus enhances its overall predictive capability. This thesis explores an even more robust approach by incorporating the Mahalanobis distance-based kernel (hereinafter referred to as Mahalanobis kernel) to SVDD and compare it with SVDD using the traditional Gaussian kernel. Method's sensitivity is benchmarked by Average Run Lengths obtained from multiple Monte Carlo simulations. Data of such simulations are generated from multivariate normal, multivariate Student's (t), and multivariate gamma populations using R, a popular software environment for statistical computing. One case study is also discussed using a real data set received from Halberg Chronobiology Center. Compared to Gaussian kernel, Mahalanobis kernel makes SVDD and thus the K chart significantly more sensitive to shifts in mean vector, and also in covariance matrix.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005676, ucf:50170
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005676

Title: STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES WITHIN THE 28 FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
Creator: Godbey, Alice, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research study was to investigate perceptions and activities of disability support program administrators in Florida community colleges regarding program administration and evaluation. The study further sought to document if any relationships existed between selected organizational and staffing characteristics and the program's ability to follow an established set of standards for program administration and evaluation. A total of 25 disability support administrators ...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to investigate perceptions and activities of disability support program administrators in Florida community colleges regarding program administration and evaluation. The study further sought to document if any relationships existed between selected organizational and staffing characteristics and the program's ability to follow an established set of standards for program administration and evaluation. A total of 25 disability support administrators (89.3% response rate) completed a phone survey designed for this study. The study revealed that there were many inconsistencies among the higher education disability support programs in regard to programming, staffing and data collecting activities. The common denominator for determining the extent of data collection being performed within the responding community colleges appeared to be the Florida Department of Education, specifically the criteria requested annually by the Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education. At all of the institutions surveyed, data collection activities were concentrated on numerical student data and did not consistently include program evaluation information. Finally, administrator training in program evaluation was positively associated with the responding disability support program's ability to participate in program evaluation activities. This study concluded with discussion of proposed recommendations for disability support administrators in the Florida community colleges.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001479, ucf:47100
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001479

Title: EVOLUTIONARY OPTIMIZATION OF SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES.
Creator: Gruber, Fred, Rabelo, Luis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Support vector machines are a relatively new approach for creating classifiers that have become increasingly popular in the machine learning community. They present several advantages over other methods like neural networks in areas like training speed, convergence, complexity control of the classifier, as well as a stronger mathematical background based on optimization and statistical learning theory. This thesis deals with the problem of model selection with support vector machines, that is...
Show moreSupport vector machines are a relatively new approach for creating classifiers that have become increasingly popular in the machine learning community. They present several advantages over other methods like neural networks in areas like training speed, convergence, complexity control of the classifier, as well as a stronger mathematical background based on optimization and statistical learning theory. This thesis deals with the problem of model selection with support vector machines, that is, the problem of finding the optimal parameters that will improve the performance of the algorithm. It is shown that genetic algorithms provide an effective way to find the optimal parameters for support vector machines. The proposed algorithm is compared with a backpropagation Neural Network in a dataset that represents individual models for electronic commerce.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000244, ucf:46251
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000244

Title: FAMILY SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE QUALITY IN NURSING HOMES SERVING RESIDENTS WITH A MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY.
Creator: Frahm, Kathryn, Gammonley, Denise, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The prevalence of mental health disorders among the nursing home population is well recognized. However, providing adequate mental health services for nursing home residents who need them remains a challenging endeavor. The social support of family has long been recognized as a key resource for older adults with a mental health history and older adults residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of mental health care provided for nursing home residents with...
Show moreThe prevalence of mental health disorders among the nursing home population is well recognized. However, providing adequate mental health services for nursing home residents who need them remains a challenging endeavor. The social support of family has long been recognized as a key resource for older adults with a mental health history and older adults residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of mental health care provided for nursing home residents with a mental health history and to determine if family support influences the quality of their mental health care accounting for other facility resident and facility organizational characteristics. The study utilized a retrospective, cross-sectional design with 2003 national Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) facility data merged with the resident-level Minimum Data Set (MDS) resulting in N=2,499 nursing homes. Guided by the convoy model of social support and socioemotional selectivity theory, descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis were used to create a profile of facility level data of nursing home residents with a mental health history, explore the role of family support, and determine if items within the OSCAR and MDS databases could respectively be used to measure mental health care quality and family support. Overall, it was found that families have a positive relationship with their relatives and are involved in their lives. Additionally, items within the OSCAR and MDS databases could be used to measure mental health care quality and family support. Finally, facility organizational characteristics explained more variation in the quality of mental health care than did facility resident, family support, or market characteristics. In sum, to enhance the quality of mental health care in nursing homes, partnering with families may be an important tool to meet resident needs.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002529, ucf:47670
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002529

Title: A DIALECTICAL METHODOLOGY FOR DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS DESIGN.
Creator: Elgarah, Wafa, Courtney, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As organizations continue to grow in size, reaching global proportions, they have ever increasing impacts on their environments. Some believe that a much broader array of concerns should be brought into organizational decision-making processes, including greater consideration of social, political, ethical and aesthetic factors (Mitroff and Linstone, 1993; Courtney, 2001). Decision environments such as these are decidedly "wicked" (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Designing decision support systems...
Show moreAs organizations continue to grow in size, reaching global proportions, they have ever increasing impacts on their environments. Some believe that a much broader array of concerns should be brought into organizational decision-making processes, including greater consideration of social, political, ethical and aesthetic factors (Mitroff and Linstone, 1993; Courtney, 2001). Decision environments such as these are decidedly "wicked" (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Designing decision support systems in such environments where there is a high level of interconnectedness, issues are overlapping and a multiplicity of stakeholders is involved, is a very complex task. In this dissertation a methodology for the development of a DSS for wicked situations is proposed using the design theory building process suggested by Walls et al. (1992). This proposed theory is based on dialectic theory and the multiple perspective approach suggested by Linstone and Mitroff (1993). The design process consists of identifying relevant stakeholders, their respective worldviews, and conflicts in these worldviews. A design (thesis) and "counter design" (antithesis) are created, and a prototype systems based on these designs are developed. These prototypes are then presented to the different stakeholder groups who engage in a dialogue which leads to the development of a synthesized design. The process is repeated until all conflicts are resolved or resources are exhausted, and a final system is produced. Using action research and system development research methodologies, the proposed design theory was applied to zoning decision process in Orange County, Florida. The results of this study led to the following: 1. It is feasible to implement the MPDP methodology proposed in this dissertation. 2. The MPDP methodology resulted in a synthesized design that accommodates the different views of the stakeholders. 3. The MPDP methodology is suitable for contentious situations and may not be feasible for structured decisions. 4. Most of the subjects did achieve a more understanding of the decision process. These results suggest that the MPDP design theory can be effective in developing decision support systems in contentious situations.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000883, ucf:46637
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000883

Title: IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND MOTHERHOOD.
Creator: Rosado, Dayanara, Berman, Steven L., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Adolescent pregnancy creates challenges for this minority population in balancing their motherhood identity with continuing to develop their identity at the adolescent stage, which presents a social problem today. The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between identity, adjustment, and social support among college students who were adolescent mothers. The following surveys: Personal Network Matrix (PNM), The Identity Distress Scale (IDS), and The Dimension of Identity...
Show moreAdolescent pregnancy creates challenges for this minority population in balancing their motherhood identity with continuing to develop their identity at the adolescent stage, which presents a social problem today. The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between identity, adjustment, and social support among college students who were adolescent mothers. The following surveys: Personal Network Matrix (PNM), The Identity Distress Scale (IDS), and The Dimension of Identity Development Scale (DIDS), were administered through the UCF SONA system. Participants were divided into three groups: mothers who had their first child as a teenager (teen mothers; n = 6), mothers who had their first child at 20 years or older (older mothers; n = 12), and women who have never had children (non-mothers; n = 182). Overall, the results of the study indicated that non-mothers tended to ruminate more than older mothers and the more social support mothers received as an adolescent, the less likely they were to ruminate at the adolescent stage. Moreover, older mothers displayed less identity exploration in breadth than non-mothers and adolescent mothers. Future researchers is needed to further investigate the relationship between social support, adjustment, and identity distress, in order to start building intervention research in assisting adolescent mothers in their struggle with identity development, emotional support, and for the well-being of their offspring.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000096, ucf:45560
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000096

Title: TRULY ACCOMPLISHED: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF MOTIVATION AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE.
Creator: Tucker, Carly, Fritzsche, Barbara, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the motivation of individuals to use Truly Accomplished (TA) as a fitness intervention, with or without a social support component. All participants utilized the TA Software as a fitness intervention and received weekly feedback on their progress. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either participate in the regular TA process or a modified TA process with the addition of a social support component in the form of a social media group....
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the motivation of individuals to use Truly Accomplished (TA) as a fitness intervention, with or without a social support component. All participants utilized the TA Software as a fitness intervention and received weekly feedback on their progress. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either participate in the regular TA process or a modified TA process with the addition of a social support component in the form of a social media group. Participants in the modified condition posted weekly to a Facebook group page about successes and obstacles they faced and gave feedback to their peers. It was hypothesized that participants, regardless of condition, would show fitness gains in the 6-week study. Also, with the added social support component to TA, participants were expected to have higher levels of self-determination in relation to the three psychological needs (i.e. autonomy, relatedness, and competence) and higher levels of perceived social support. A between-subjects deign was used to measure overall effectiveness, changes in fitness performance (plank, push-ups, wall-sit, step-test) and body composition (BMI, percent body fat), perceived social support, levels of psychological needs satisfaction as it relates to the three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and satisfaction with TA. No significant differences were found between conditions for satisfaction with TA, levels of perceived social support, or levels of psychological needs satisfaction post-intervention. However, a significant increase was found regardless of condition in terms of autonomy and guidance. A significant increase was shown in both the plank and modified push-up post-intervention measure, regardless of condition. Finally, the condition with the added social support had a significantly higher overall effectiveness gain than the condition with no added social support. The practical and theoretical implications of the results are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004782, ucf:45389
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004782

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Response to Intervention (3)	+ -
intervention (3)	+ -
stress (3)	+ -
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University of Central Florida (91)	+ -
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