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Pages
- Title
- An analysis of communication anxiety and reading comprehension in sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.
- Creator
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Davis, Tami, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Butler, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The goal of this research was to determine whether communication apprehension impacted reading comprehension in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and to examine the impact of family socio-economic status. Many studies have demonstrated the negative relationship between communication apprehension and academic achievement, however, studies of elementary and middle school students have been conspicuously missing from this research.Findings of this study indicated that the levels of...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to determine whether communication apprehension impacted reading comprehension in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and to examine the impact of family socio-economic status. Many studies have demonstrated the negative relationship between communication apprehension and academic achievement, however, studies of elementary and middle school students have been conspicuously missing from this research.Findings of this study indicated that the levels of communication apprehension rose slightly as grade level increased. Results showed that females in the study had higher levels of communication apprehension than males. The study also found that those students receiving free and reduced lunch had slightly higher levels of communication apprehension. Finally, nonminority status students had higher levels of communication apprehension than minority students.A review of previous studies found that children, exposed to high language input from their parents, know more words than those who are exposed to lower levels of input. Researchers have found that students who do not talk much in the classroom are evaluated less positively by their teachers, achieve less on teacher-made and standardized tests, and develop less positive affect toward school in general. Results of this study suggest that effort should be made to identify communication anxiety in children. The development of an age and grade appropriate instrument is warranted for early identification.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004368, ucf:49421
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004368
- Title
- Digital communication systems technical control.
- Creator
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Horrell, Joel L., McCarter, E.R., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This is a study of the methods of control of an advanced military communication system. The Tactical Communication Control System has been conceived t o meet the demands of military users which are currently both analog and digital but steadily evolving to all - digital . It is a study of the design and application of multiplexers, modems, processors, switches, and other nodal equipment to accommodate communications among...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; This is a study of the methods of control of an advanced military communication system. The Tactical Communication Control System has been conceived t o meet the demands of military users which are currently both analog and digital but steadily evolving to all - digital . It is a study of the design and application of multiplexers, modems, processors, switches, and other nodal equipment to accommodate communications among telephone and data users in a tactical environment. The main points of interest are the communication node and the control techniques used to carry out system objectives.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1975
- Identifier
- CFR0003517, ucf:53007
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0003517
- Title
- MINORITY PHYSICIAN JOB SATISFACTION: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF WRITTEN RESPONSES TO OPEN-ENDED SURVEY QUESTIONS ABOUT PROFESSIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DISSATISFACTION.
- Creator
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Daniels-Kranz, Devorah, Barfield, Rufus, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Few interpersonal and organizational communication studies examine the professional and organizational aspects of career satisfaction among minority physicians. Due to the underrepresenation of minority physicians, most studies resort to comparing aggregate groups of minority physicians in juxtaposition to non-minority physicians. These studies fail to uncover possible communication differences, which originate from cultural dissimilarities between disaggregate racial/ethnic groups. Even...
Show moreFew interpersonal and organizational communication studies examine the professional and organizational aspects of career satisfaction among minority physicians. Due to the underrepresenation of minority physicians, most studies resort to comparing aggregate groups of minority physicians in juxtaposition to non-minority physicians. These studies fail to uncover possible communication differences, which originate from cultural dissimilarities between disaggregate racial/ethnic groups. Even fewer studies examine physicians' written communication to open-ended survey questions about career satisfaction/dissatisfaction between disaggregate racial/ethnic minority groups and non-minorities. This study specifically examines written responses to two open-ended survey questions about professional and organizational dissatisfaction and compares responses from disaggregate minority physician and non-minority physicians. Participants were divided into five response-driven categories of race/ethnicity as follows: Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Indian/Pakistani, Hispanic, and White/Non-Hispanic. The population consists of 1849 members of the medical staff roster of a Southeastern, U.S., not-for-profit hospital group. Primary findings indicate the presence of recurrent themes among disaggregate minority physician racial/ethnic groups' responses. Significant variation exists between responses from disaggregate minority physician racial/ethnic groups and non-minority physicians. Results imply that open-ended methods of data collection are essential to gaining knowledge about ways cultural dissimilarities between disaggregate minority racial/ethnic groups affect communication and satisfaction. Understanding more about cultural dissimilarities is necessary for: improving data collection quality; recruiting and retaining minority physicians; and reducing healthcare disparities among minorities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001488, ucf:47090
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001488
- Title
- BECOMING TRANSCULTURAL: FILLING THE CULTURAL AND COMMUNICATION GAP WITHIN THE BLACK AMERICAN COMMUNITY.
- Creator
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Boldin, Le Quanda, Towers Scott, Andrea, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study is to define transculturalism by exploring the Black experience through collectivism/individualism, Black identity and the ability to be transcultural. The study included 83 male and female Black American, college students, graduate students and college graduates. The participants answered a 4-part survey that measured collectivism/individualism, Black identity, the ability to be transcultural and minority hardships. Results revealed that the Pre-encounter, Immersion...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to define transculturalism by exploring the Black experience through collectivism/individualism, Black identity and the ability to be transcultural. The study included 83 male and female Black American, college students, graduate students and college graduates. The participants answered a 4-part survey that measured collectivism/individualism, Black identity, the ability to be transcultural and minority hardships. Results revealed that the Pre-encounter, Immersion, Emersion and Internalization phases of Black identity are predictors of minority hardships. There were also significant results for the Internalization phase of Black identity and the ability to be transcultural. In conclusion, Black Americans that are secure with their identity have the ability to become transcultural.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000719, ucf:46623
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000719
- Title
- Communication Apprehension vs. Social Phobia and Related Conditions: A Correlational Study.
- Creator
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Donaldson, Christine, Katt, James, Weger, Harry, Miller, Ann, Graham, Rita, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT Of all social situations, public speaking is the most prevalent fear in both the general population and among social phobic individuals (Mannuzza, Schneier, Chapman, (&) Liebowitz, 1995; Stein, Walker, (&) Forde, 1996). The fear of public speaking is referred to as communication apprehension (CA) by members of the communication field; in other programs of study, this condition has been categorized and conceptualized in a wide variety of ways ranging from stage fright to reticence....
Show moreABSTRACT Of all social situations, public speaking is the most prevalent fear in both the general population and among social phobic individuals (Mannuzza, Schneier, Chapman, (&) Liebowitz, 1995; Stein, Walker, (&) Forde, 1996). The fear of public speaking is referred to as communication apprehension (CA) by members of the communication field; in other programs of study, this condition has been categorized and conceptualized in a wide variety of ways ranging from stage fright to reticence. Several scholarly fields including communication, social psychology, the health sciences and the social sciences, seek to find an explanation and effective intervention for this prevalent condition. This study sought to examine relationships between several constructs, each associated with well-established and tested measurement instruments: The first construct, communication apprehension, was thought by communication scholars to be a generalized personality trait and was measured by the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24). The second communication instrument employed was the Self-Perceived Communication Competence Scale (SPCC). Generalized social anxiety pertaining to public speaking was measured by the Self-Statements during Public Speaking (SSPS) scale developed within the field of social psychology. Finally, a popular tool within social psychology was utilized, the Brief Version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE). An analysis of data utilizing Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation illustrated that there was a moderate relationship between the constructs being tested through the SPSS and the BFNE and the PRCA-24 and the SPCC.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004102, ucf:49117
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004102
- Title
- MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS) AND AGILE LENSING-BASED MODULES FOR COMMUNICATIONS, SENSING AND SIGNAL PROCESSING.
- Creator
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Reza, Syed, Riza, Nabeel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation proposes the use of the emerging Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and agile lensing optical device technologies to design novel and powerful signal conditioning and sensing modules for advanced applications in optical communications, physical parameter sensing and RF/optical signal processing. For example, these new module designs have experimentally demonstrated exceptional features such as stable loss broadband operations and high > 60 dB optical dynamic range...
Show moreThis dissertation proposes the use of the emerging Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and agile lensing optical device technologies to design novel and powerful signal conditioning and sensing modules for advanced applications in optical communications, physical parameter sensing and RF/optical signal processing. For example, these new module designs have experimentally demonstrated exceptional features such as stable loss broadband operations and high > 60 dB optical dynamic range signal filtering capabilities. The first part of the dissertation describes the design and demonstration of digital MEMS-based signal processing modules for communication systems and sensor networks using the TI DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology. Examples of such modules include optical power splitters, narrowband and broadband variable fiber optical attenuators, spectral shapers and filters. Compared to prior works, these all-digital designs have advantages of repeatability, accuracy, and reliability that are essential for advanced communications and sensor applications. The next part of the dissertation proposes, analyzes and demonstrates the use of analog opto-fluidic agile lensing technology for sensor networks and test and measurement systems. Novel optical module designs for distance sensing, liquid level sensing, three-dimensional object shape sensing and variable photonic delay lines are presented and experimentally demonstrated. Compared to prior art module designs, the proposed analog-mode modules have exceptional performances, particularly for extreme environments (e.g., caustic liquids) where the free-space agile beam-based sensor provide remote non-contact access for physical sensing operations. The dissertation also presents novel modules involving hybrid analog-digital photonic designs that make use of the different optical device technologies to deliver the best features of both analog and digital optical device operations and controls. Digital controls are achieved through the use of the digital MEMS technology and analog controls are realized by employing opto-fluidic agile lensing technology and acousto-optic technology. For example, variable fiber-optic attenuators and spectral filters are proposed using the hybrid design. Compared to prior art module designs, these hybrid designs provide a higher module dynamic range and increased resolution that are critical in various advanced system applications. In summary, the dissertation shows the added power of hybrid optical designs using both the digital and analog photonic signal processing versus just all-digital or all-analog module designs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003143, ucf:48644
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003143
- Title
- THE ROLE OF THE INTERNET AS A TOOL TO AID IN U.S. ADULT CONSUMERS' WEIGHT LOSS.
- Creator
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Kirby, Jaclyn, Matusitz, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis focuses on ways the Internet can positively influence and educate U.S. Americans to become healthier and eventually lose weight. Throughout the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight and obese adults in the U.S. has increased immensely, resulting in a nationwide epidemic (American Association for Public Opinion Research, 2006; Center for Disease Control, 2006; Goodman, 2005; The Obesity Society, 2008). The research question for this thesis is the following: What are the...
Show moreThis thesis focuses on ways the Internet can positively influence and educate U.S. Americans to become healthier and eventually lose weight. Throughout the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight and obese adults in the U.S. has increased immensely, resulting in a nationwide epidemic (American Association for Public Opinion Research, 2006; Center for Disease Control, 2006; Goodman, 2005; The Obesity Society, 2008). The research question for this thesis is the following: What are the perceptions of U.S. adult consumers regarding the positive influence the Internet has on weight loss? In order to determine the influence of the Internet on U.S. adults, a qualitative method of interviewing was conducted with fifteen U.S. adults. Upon completion of listening to the audiotapes and transcribing the health narratives, six key themes emerged as the most relevant to the author's research question: (1) Weight Loss Support Rooted in Social Networking, (2) Internet as an Exercise Motivator, (3) Lack of Trust in Internet Sources for Health Information, (4) Meaningfulness of Health Seeking, (5) Internet as a Teaching Tool, and (6) Uses and Gratifications of Online Health Seeking. Overall, based on this small sample, the researcher concluded that U.S. adults have often turned to the Internet as an aid in their weight loss journey. U.S. adults have a positive perception of the Internet and feel that most adults would benefit from using it to find health information.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002567, ucf:48262
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002567
- Title
- INTEGRATION OF COMMUNICATION CONSTRAINTS INTO PHYSIOCOMIMETICSWARMS VIA PLACEMENT OF LOCATION BASED VIRTUAL PARTICLES.
- Creator
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Haley, Joshua, Wiegand, R. Paul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis describes a change to the Physiocomimetics Robotic Swarm Control framework that implements communication constraints into swarm behavior. These constraints are necessary to successfully implement theoretical applications in the real world. We describe the basic background of swarm robotics, the Physiocomimetics framework and methods that have attempted to implement communications constraints into robotic swarms. The Framework is changed by the inclusion of different virtual...
Show moreThis thesis describes a change to the Physiocomimetics Robotic Swarm Control framework that implements communication constraints into swarm behavior. These constraints are necessary to successfully implement theoretical applications in the real world. We describe the basic background of swarm robotics, the Physiocomimetics framework and methods that have attempted to implement communications constraints into robotic swarms. The Framework is changed by the inclusion of different virtual particles at a global and local scale that only cause a force on swarm elements if those elements are disconnected from a swarm network. The global particles introduced are a point of known connectivity and a global centroid of the swarm. The local particles introduced are the point of last connectivity and a local centroid. These particles are tested in various simulations and the results are discussed. The global particles are very effective at insuring the communication constraints of the swarm, but the local particles only have partial success. Additionally, some observations are made about swarm formations and the effect of the communication range used during swarm formation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003812, ucf:44747
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003812
- Title
- IMPLEMENTING PLAIN LANGUAGE INTO LEGAL DOCUMENTS: THE TECHNICAL COMMUNICATOR'S ROLE.
- Creator
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Bivins, Peggy, Flammia, Madelyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis discusses the benefits of using plain language in legal documents and the role technical communicators can play to help implement plain language. Although many definitions for plain language exist, it is best described as reader-focused communication that presents information in a manner that makes it easy for a reader to find, understand, and use the information. Plain language facilitates comprehension by using shorter, less complex sentences; active voice; and common words. All...
Show moreThis thesis discusses the benefits of using plain language in legal documents and the role technical communicators can play to help implement plain language. Although many definitions for plain language exist, it is best described as reader-focused communication that presents information in a manner that makes it easy for a reader to find, understand, and use the information. Plain language facilitates comprehension by using shorter, less complex sentences; active voice; and common words. All these elements aid in processing and understanding information, especially unfamiliar concepts. Laypeople, unversed in the law, frequently have difficulty understanding traditional legal writing. The complex sentences, wordiness, and redundancy that characterize traditional legal writing often inhibit comprehension and become barriers to understanding. To demonstrate how plain language can improve legal writing, this thesis reviews before-and-after versions of documents that were revised to incorporate plain language as well as common documents that laypeople might encounter. The studies and research discussed in this thesis demonstrate that readers achieve greater comprehension with plain language documents. Technical communicators, the language experts, can work with legal professionals, the content experts, to help encourage plain language use in legal writing. By emphasizing plain language use in legal formbooks, law school courses, and continuing legal education courses, plain language will become more dominant. Technical communicators can work with governments and law firms to develop and run in-house writing programs. When organizations realize how plain language can benefit them, both economically as well as in improved consumer relations, they will be motivated to adopt plain language into their legal writing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002022, ucf:47608
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002022
- Title
- IMPLICATIONS OF TRUTHERS ON POST CRISIS COMMUNICATION AND RESOLUTION.
- Creator
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Semenas, Lauren, Sellnow, Timothy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The intent of this thesis is to better comprehend the strategies used in crisis denial videos from the perspective of kategoria. Benoit and Dorries taxonomy of kategoria was applied to crisis denial claims using the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting as a case study. The claims of prominent truther and YouTuber, Alex Jones, were coded and analyzed based on this taxonomy. The categories of the taxonomy include: accused committed the act before, accused planned the act, accused knew likely...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to better comprehend the strategies used in crisis denial videos from the perspective of kategoria. Benoit and Dorries taxonomy of kategoria was applied to crisis denial claims using the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting as a case study. The claims of prominent truther and YouTuber, Alex Jones, were coded and analyzed based on this taxonomy. The categories of the taxonomy include: accused committed the act before, accused planned the act, accused knew likely consequences of the act, accused benefitted from the act, and other. Two coders trained in identifying these criteria coded three transcribed YouTube videos focused on Sandy Hook with a combined total of over 1.5 million views. Accused planned the act and accused committed the act before were the most used taxonomy, with a 4 to 1 and 2 to 1 margin respectively, showing a consistent preference on how Jones likes to construct his claims. These tactics put the victims of Sandy Hook in an uncomfortable position because they are forced to deny the denial, a process that quickly becomes cyclical. The responses either transcend to an issue of free speech versus defamation or attack the accuser through litigation and public organizations dropping him. Claims that the accused has done it before denies closure to multiple crises while claims that it was planned seem endless and also contribute to denying closure. This denial puts victims in a chronic stage where they are forced to constantly and endlessly re-evaluate the crisis without resolution, disrupting current stage theory in crisis recovery. Truthers have changed how we define hoax. Previously, a hoax was the crisis, but now claims are made post-crisis depicting the crisis as hoax. Further research should focus on the formulation of a response to crisis denial that can break the cyclical pattern.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000440, ucf:45820
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000440
- Title
- E:Portfolios and Digital Identities: Using E-portfolios to examine issues in technical communication.
- Creator
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Moody, Jane, Wallace, David, Marinara, Martha, Bowdon, Melody, Dziuban, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Technical writing teachers have always struggled with understanding how to best deal with pedagogical issues including rapidly changing technology, audience construction, and transposing an academic ethos into a professional one. The expanding online world complicates these issues by increasing the pace of digital change, making the potential audience both more diffuse and more remote, and creating a more complex online rhetorical situation.E-portfolios provide a vivid way to examine this...
Show moreTechnical writing teachers have always struggled with understanding how to best deal with pedagogical issues including rapidly changing technology, audience construction, and transposing an academic ethos into a professional one. The expanding online world complicates these issues by increasing the pace of digital change, making the potential audience both more diffuse and more remote, and creating a more complex online rhetorical situation.E-portfolios provide a vivid way to examine this complex technological situation, and in this study, the author examines four cases of students creating online portfolios in a technical communication classroom. The author looks at both their e-portfolio process as well as their product, interviewing them to get a sense of how they used rhetoric, identity, and technology in an attempt to form a coherent professional presentation through a technological medium. In addition, the author looks at some issues inherent in e-portfolios themselves that may be applicable to a technical communication classroom, as this medium becomes ever more popular as a way of assessing both programs and the students themselves.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004141, ucf:49062
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004141
- Title
- TREE CALLS OF THREE TREEFROGS (HYLA FEMORALIS, H. GRATIOSA, AND H. SQUIRELLA): ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS.
- Creator
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Schad, Kristine, Fauth, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Male frogs typically call near water at dusk to attract females for breeding. During the breeding season, male treefrogs also emit diurnal "tree calls" or "rain calls" from the tops of trees. Very little is known about tree calls, although many treefrogs use them. Tree calls may be used to attract females, deter males or be triggered by weather conditions favorable for breeding: high temperature and relative humidity, and a drop in barometric pressure. As dusk approaches, male treefrogs...
Show moreMale frogs typically call near water at dusk to attract females for breeding. During the breeding season, male treefrogs also emit diurnal "tree calls" or "rain calls" from the tops of trees. Very little is known about tree calls, although many treefrogs use them. Tree calls may be used to attract females, deter males or be triggered by weather conditions favorable for breeding: high temperature and relative humidity, and a drop in barometric pressure. As dusk approaches, male treefrogs continue tree calls from lower in the trees, and if conditions are favorable, jump to the ground and travel to a nearby breeding pond where they begin their repetitive nocturnal mating calls. The scant published information is mostly descriptive and does not address the fitness benefit of calling from treetops far from breeding ponds. My goal was to determine the function of tree calls based on their environmental, behavioral, and acoustic characteristics. My data indicate tree calls are not rain calls. Each treefrog species that I studied (Hyla femoralis, H. gratiosa, and H. squirella) called most frequently at different combinations of mean environmental characteristics (temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure). Hyla femoralis and H. gratiosa gave tree calls at ambient air temperatures that differed significantly from the distributions recorded when no treefrogs called. Temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure distributions of calling activity differed significantly among all three species and from the distributions recorded when no treefrogs called. Hyla squirella called most often at a significantly different mean relative humidity of 1015 mbar; whereas H. gratiosa and H. femoralis called at a median1017 mbar. Means and fluctuations (summarized as SD) of the three weather parameters explained significant variation in tree calling activity (32-60%). Tree calling activity for all three treefrog species were also not significantly affected by subsequent rain. These results indicate that tree calls were not given at random with respect to environmental conditions. My data suggest tree calls are advertisement calls that deter males from an area, as evidenced by partitioning of tree calls among species during the day. In a playback experiment conducted at Chuluota Wilderness Area, Florida (28o38.31'N 81o07.24'W) no significant effect on mating behavior was found for either call indicating that neither tree calls alone or in conjunction with mating calls are necessary for mating . However, due to habitat differences between treatments and a limited number of experimental replicates, further research is needed. Preliminary results indicate an additional four natural ponds should be sampled to determine a possible effect for tree calls. Acoustic analysis showed that tree calls had fewer pulses per call, more time between pulses within a single call, and a higher minimum call frequency than mating calls. Call duration and maximum call frequency of tree and mating calls did not differ significantly. My research has greatly increased the information known about tree calls. My results indicate tree calls are not only "rain calls," a common misperception about daytime tree calls. However, more research is needed to fully understand the function of tree calls.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001658, ucf:47223
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001658
- Title
- DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF ADAPTIVE AND RECONFIGURABLE ANTENNAS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION.
- Creator
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Ali, Maha Abdelmoneim, Wahid, Parveen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Modern radar and communication systems have experienced a tremendous increase in the number of antennas onboard, on the ground, and in orbital space. This places a burden due to the confined volume and limited weight requirements especially in space applications. The reconfigurable antenna is a promising and exciting new type of antenna, where through the use of appropriate switches the antenna can be structurally reconfigured, to maintain the elements near their resonant dimensions for...
Show moreModern radar and communication systems have experienced a tremendous increase in the number of antennas onboard, on the ground, and in orbital space. This places a burden due to the confined volume and limited weight requirements especially in space applications. The reconfigurable antenna is a promising and exciting new type of antenna, where through the use of appropriate switches the antenna can be structurally reconfigured, to maintain the elements near their resonant dimensions for several frequency bands. This increases the bandwidth of the antenna dramatically, which enables the use of one antenna for several applications. Four novel reconfigurable antenna elements were designed to work at 2.45 GHz and at 5.78 GHz, to cover the transition period when wireless communication will shift to the 5.78 GHz band. The four elements designed are: the reconfigurable Yagi, the reconfigurable corner-fed triangular loop antenna, the reconfigurable center-fed equilateral triangular loop antenna and the reconfigurable rectangular-spiral antenna. None of these antennas have been reported in the literature. Simulation results for all four antennas were obtained using IE3D. Fabrication and measurements for the Yagi antenna was done and the measured results agree with simulations. All four antennas have very good performance with respect to the 3dB beamwidth and directivity. However the reconfigurable rectangular-spiral antenna is the most compact in size among all four antennas. It is (20 mm x 20 mm) in size. At 2.45 GHz it has a 3dB beamwidth of 870 and directivity of 6.47dB. As for the 5.78GHz frequency the 3dB beamwidth is 82.50 and the directivity is 7.16dB. This dissertation also introduces the use of reconfigurable antenna elements in adaptive arrays. An adaptive array that can null interference and direct its main lobe to the desired signal while being reconfigurable to maintain functionality at several frequency bands has the potential to revolutionize wireless communications in the future. Through several examples, at both the design frequencies, it is shown that the reconfigurable and adaptive antenna arrays are successful in nulling noises incident on the array. These examples illustrate how reconfigurable elements and adaptive arrays can be combined very beneficially for use in wireless communication systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000003, ucf:46147
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000003
- Title
- BROTHERS & SISTERS: A NEW IMPETUS FOR SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION ANALYSIS.
- Creator
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Elmore, Scott, Kenney, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Scholars recognize television's ability to influence culture. According to Gerbner, television creates socially constructed realities through the cultivation of its viewers. Television is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of large audiences. The mainstream messages conveyed via television have power to alter perceptions and change culture. Gerbner's theory was constructed from the analysis of crime dramas with single plot lines. Using the ABC television program Brothers & Sisters,...
Show moreScholars recognize television's ability to influence culture. According to Gerbner, television creates socially constructed realities through the cultivation of its viewers. Television is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of large audiences. The mainstream messages conveyed via television have power to alter perceptions and change culture. Gerbner's theory was constructed from the analysis of crime dramas with single plot lines. Using the ABC television program Brothers & Sisters, this thesis explores the theoretical implications dramas with multiple plot lines have on traditional notions of cultivation theory. Through a content analysis and focus groups, evidence was acquired to suggest that cultivation theory, with the added consideration of involvement, is still able to explain television's influence on the social creation of reality.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002137, ucf:47506
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002137
- Title
- Examining Gender in Pharmaceutical Rhetoric Through a Cultural Studies Lens: A Case Study on the Gardasil Vaccine.
- Creator
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Fickley, Jennifer, Bowdon, Melody, Scott, John, Bell, Kathleen, Delorme, Denise, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
On June 8, 2006, Merck announced the debut of Gardasil, the world's first vaccine found successful in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, a sexually transmitted infection that is one of the main causes of certain cancers in men and women, including cervical, vulvar, penile and anal cancers. To promote the vaccine's release, Merck launched Gardasil's (")One Less(") advertising campaign that included television commercials, print ads and a consumer-focused website (www.Gardasil...
Show moreOn June 8, 2006, Merck announced the debut of Gardasil, the world's first vaccine found successful in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, a sexually transmitted infection that is one of the main causes of certain cancers in men and women, including cervical, vulvar, penile and anal cancers. To promote the vaccine's release, Merck launched Gardasil's (")One Less(") advertising campaign that included television commercials, print ads and a consumer-focused website (www.Gardasil.com), each promoting the message that (")you(") could now be (")one less woman(") affected by cervical cancer ((")One Less(") campaign). The vaccine, tested and approved only for females age 9-26, was advertised to this age group, as well as parents or guardians responsible for making medical decisions for female minors. As the campaign launched, commercials depicted females laughing and enjoying hobbies while mentioning the positive decision they made to receive the Gardasil vaccine. Many commercials also included portrayals of mothers talking happily about their decision to get their young daughters vaccinated. Interestingly, male figures were completely left out of Gardasil's (")One Less(") campaign ads, despite the fact that in reality, males administer the vaccine as medical professionals, transmit the infection as sexual partners, and suffer cancers as HPV-infected patients. Males were even left out of the ads as parents, who were always portrayed by women in the ad campaign. Informed consumers may have expected all this to change on Oct. 16, 2009 (-) three years after Gardasil's debut (-) when the Food (&) Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for use in males age 9-26 to protect against HPV-caused genital warts. Though Merck's vaccine was now accessible to more consumers than ever, the advertising that surrounded this medical breakthrough changed very little. Television commercials for the vaccine still promoted Gardasil primarily to women for the purpose of preventing HPV-related cervical cancer. Again, men were not featured in commercials as medical professionals, parents, guardians, romantic partners, or even as patients able to get the vaccine. Males did begin appearing on the vaccine's official website, however these depictions were limited to showing only young boys, who appeared standing with a mother's protective arm around them. Males that represent the older age range (up to age 26) were never shown. What effect does the lack of male representation have on the verbal and nonverbal message these ads are sending consumers about who fits in the target consumer group, as well as who is at risk for an HPV infection? On a broader level, how does gender representation as a whole affect pharmaceutical advertisements and the adoption of the potentially life-saving products they promote? How does a pharmaceutical technology become (")gendered(")? How do specific gender portrayals impact the educational aspects of pharmaceutical ads, which may shape a consumer's opinion of who is at risk for an illness, and who is responsible for its treatment or prevention? And how do these gender portrayals connect with, reflect or reinforce dominant cultural beliefs about the roles males and females play in protecting themselves and others from disease? In this study, I investigate these questions using a blended cultural studies/social sciences research perspective, first looking at the controversial history of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising and the gender stereotypes that traditionally exist in this form of rhetoric. I then test the affect Merck's gender portrayals has on its ad message in a blind study done with a small sample population, which provides evidence that Merck's ads are confusing and exclusive of certain populations, particularly men. I then investigate how Merck's existing gender portrayals, and strong focus on women, reflect larger historical beliefs on the roles that males and females play in health care and in the family. I show how, through advertising, Gardasil has become (")gendered(") as a pharmaceutical technology for female children. From here, I will show how pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck, have both reflected and reinforced the belief that women are the primary caregivers to children, how this stereotype is both damaging and statistically incorrect, and how using it targets Gardasil ads to a very narrow population of consumers, miscommunicating the message of who is at risk for illness contraction and perhaps even damaging sales in addition to prevention. I later provide evidence that Merck's current Gardasil ad series and other actions in the marketplace are dangerously misleading certain populations regarding the nature of the HPV virus, the protective abilities of the vaccine, and the populations responsible for accessing Gardasil. I then provide the argument that gendering Gardasil as a (")women's technology(") is done intentionally by Merck, which has a history of making profits a priority over responsibly treating patient health. I conclude by providing detailed suggestions on how Merck can augment their current ad series to de-gender Gardasil to become more medically responsible, and break out of the cycle of portraying men and women using damaging and outdated stereotypes. Instead, my suggestions for changes to Gardasil's advertising approach would make the vaccine's messages appeal to all audiences at risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004304, ucf:49486
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004304
- Title
- A Management Training Game for Police Command Control Officer Training.
- Creator
-
Custer, Charles R., Bauer, Christian, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis
- Date Issued
- 1972
- Identifier
- CFR0012142, ucf:53127
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0012142
- Title
- Female Bias in Technical Communication and an Exploration of Pedagogical Strategies for Reversing the Bias.
- Creator
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Beeson, Rebecca, Applen, John, Jones, Daniel, Bowdon, Melody, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis explores technical communication and seeks to establish that females outnumber males in the field while also holder more high-level positions. It further seeks to show why a field does not benefit from having one sex outnumber the other. The benefits of having an equal number of females and males contributing to the growth and expansion of the field are discussed. Finally, this thesis discusses potential pedagogical strategies which could be employed at the college level as a...
Show moreThis thesis explores technical communication and seeks to establish that females outnumber males in the field while also holder more high-level positions. It further seeks to show why a field does not benefit from having one sex outnumber the other. The benefits of having an equal number of females and males contributing to the growth and expansion of the field are discussed. Finally, this thesis discusses potential pedagogical strategies which could be employed at the college level as a means of attracting more young men to the field and allowing for maximum growth of technical communication as a field of study and work. The thesis begins by exploring the history of technical communication as a means of understanding how it came to be a field where women outnumber men. It then briefly explores the differences between the learning styles of females and males as a means of demonstrating the importance of including both sexes equally. Lastly, using research from other, related fields pedagogical strategies are suggested for drawing more young males into the study and practice of technical communication.The conclusions drawn in this thesis are as follows: 1.) Women currently outnumber men in both the study and practice of technical communication. 2.) Research indicates that any field will benefit the most from including the skills and experiences of both sexes. 3.) Pedagogy may be effectively used as a means to help attract more young males into the field, thus increasing the growth and development of technical communication.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005131, ucf:50680
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005131
- Title
- An Exploration of Communication Perceptions Between Elementary School Staff and the Parents of the Children They Serve.
- Creator
-
Gardner, Cynthia, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Taylor, Rosemarye, Pawlas, George, Hastings, Sally, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore the perceived school communication between elementary school staff and the parents of the children they serve. Staff members and parents, from a central Florida public school district, in both Title I and Non-Title I schools completed an online survey regarding (1) timely school communication, (2) school's website being informative and easy to use, and (3) staff members knowing what is going on in schools. Researchers have long...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore the perceived school communication between elementary school staff and the parents of the children they serve. Staff members and parents, from a central Florida public school district, in both Title I and Non-Title I schools completed an online survey regarding (1) timely school communication, (2) school's website being informative and easy to use, and (3) staff members knowing what is going on in schools. Researchers have long explored the importance of family involvement in children's academic success, communication between home and school is an important link in the process. The exploration of possible relationships were addressed using the chi-square test of association. It was anticipated that there would be a difference between the responses of staff and parents of children from Title I and those from Non-Title I schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005335, ucf:50516
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005335
- Title
- INFORMATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND THE REACTION TO TERRORISM: A FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE.
- Creator
-
Roland, Nicholas, Sturm, Ray, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study is to measure the message terror organizations hope to convey using the financial markets as a proxy of measurement to determine patterns within the marketplace and the effects on the terrorists' ability to deliver a desired message due to the increased use of digital devices and access to instantaneous news, seen over the past decade. Using death count, geographic location, and event type, this study identified 109 attacks between 1985 and 2015 to be analyzed...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to measure the message terror organizations hope to convey using the financial markets as a proxy of measurement to determine patterns within the marketplace and the effects on the terrorists' ability to deliver a desired message due to the increased use of digital devices and access to instantaneous news, seen over the past decade. Using death count, geographic location, and event type, this study identified 109 attacks between 1985 and 2015 to be analyzed against 5 market indices and 5 securities. Measuring the effects within a 10-day sample window from the time of the attack (+ or - 5 days) using average abnormal returns, standard deviation, Sharpe Ratio and the initial reactions in the market place as a percentage of total attacks, the effects on average abnormal returns on the market proxies were measured on three levels; The entire sample period from 1985 to 2015; the first half of the sample period 1985-1999; and the second half of the sample period 2000-2015. Analyzing trends in abnormal returns and standard deviation, the results of the study were inconclusive.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH0000232, ucf:44672
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000232
- Title
- EFFECTIVE METHODS OF PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
- Creator
-
Alfonzo-Reyes, Luzeana, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Families from all over the world come to the United States for a new beginning. More often than not, these families speak little or no English. A challenge that teachers face every day is trying to communicate with children and their families who speak little or no English. Following a review of the various forms of communication and types of parental involvement, a survey was created. This survey was completed by elementary teachers in a local lower socioeconomic area elementary school with...
Show moreFamilies from all over the world come to the United States for a new beginning. More often than not, these families speak little or no English. A challenge that teachers face every day is trying to communicate with children and their families who speak little or no English. Following a review of the various forms of communication and types of parental involvement, a survey was created. This survey was completed by elementary teachers in a local lower socioeconomic area elementary school with a high mobility rates and high levels of English Language Learner (ELL) students. The results of this study will offer the most effective ways teachers can openly communicate with families who speak little or no English. The results suggest that although vital, communication between the parents of ELL students and the teacher varies from teacher to teacher. Additionally, having resources available to teachers at the school and using the resources available allows parents and teachers to communicate effectively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004190, ucf:44833
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004190
