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- Title
- The Art of the Technical Director.
- Creator
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Oakes, Victoria, Wood, Mary, Listengarten, Julia, Scott, Hubert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The theatrical scenic design process does not end at a picture on paper or with the presentation of a scale model. The design must be translated to the stage. There are a myriad of questions to be answered and decisions regarding construction style, process, material choices, structure, safety, etc. that must be made in order to fully realize the design. In a common, contemporary American production hierarchy, the person that is most often responsible for this translation process is the...
Show moreThe theatrical scenic design process does not end at a picture on paper or with the presentation of a scale model. The design must be translated to the stage. There are a myriad of questions to be answered and decisions regarding construction style, process, material choices, structure, safety, etc. that must be made in order to fully realize the design. In a common, contemporary American production hierarchy, the person that is most often responsible for this translation process is the technical director. Often, the technical director is stereotyped as solely a craftsman or a technician following a set of pre-established directions and not as an artist in his own right. Even I, as a technical director, am guilty of promoting this stereotype for the majority of my theatrical career. However, through reflection on my professional experiences in combination with my education and research over the last two and a half years, I began to recognize the art inherent in the field of technical direction. I have gained a greater appreciation for and understanding of the importance of the artistic contributions made by every participant in a theatrical production. The practice and research based journey chronicled in this document serves to move beyond stereotypes and expose the technical director as a conscientious, collaborative theatre maker and artist.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005223, ucf:50618
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005223
- Title
- THE ANATOMY OF A PRODUCTION: THE ANALYSIS OF THE DIRECTORIAL JOURNEY MOUNTING "STEEL MAGNOLIAS" FOR THE STAGE.
- Creator
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Tiwar, Aradhana, Harris, Lani, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study is based on the Vine Theater Company's production of "Steel Magnolias" performed in March of 2007 at the Garden Theater in Winter Park Florida, directed by Aradhana Tiwari. This document examines the directorial journey from vision to the stage. Specifically it will explore a.) The dynamics of the production process from a directorial lens. b.) Interpreting Harling's text for design and performance c.) The development of an artistic aesthetic through collaboration. In May...
Show moreThis study is based on the Vine Theater Company's production of "Steel Magnolias" performed in March of 2007 at the Garden Theater in Winter Park Florida, directed by Aradhana Tiwari. This document examines the directorial journey from vision to the stage. Specifically it will explore a.) The dynamics of the production process from a directorial lens. b.) Interpreting Harling's text for design and performance c.) The development of an artistic aesthetic through collaboration. In May of 2007, I mounted a production of "Steel Magnolias" for the Orlando International Fringe Festival. The show was performed in the Universal, a thrust space at the Orlando Repertory Theater. Soon after, Producers Stephanie Williams invited me to direct the same production again for her theater company, The Vine. This time the show will be mounted in a proscenium space called the Garden Theater, located in Winter Garden's Historical Preservation District. We will have three to four weeks of rehearsal. Two of those weeks will be in an alternate rehearsal space with one week on set prior to open. The show will run from March 7th through the 22nd with a few days in the dark. We will soon re-audition the show and open it up to professional actors. I am being paid a set sum for directorial responsibilities and an additional sum for sound design of the show. I'll be collaborating with Lighting Designer Erin Minor and Set Designer Tommy Mangieri, and costume designer Kelly VanDyke. We are all advised to stay within the parameters of a set budget. A tech crew will be provided by the Vine Theater Company. Everyone involved with the production is being compensated for their work, specific sums are at the producers discloser. My early vision for this production is romanticized realism. From the set, to lighting, costumes, sound and even blocking. My goal is to execute a "slice of life" in this salon located in a tiny Louisiana parish during the mid 1980's within a slightly romanticized portrait. One of the ways I'll go about doing this is to create a series of character building exercises tailored to the specific story. I aim to craft real characters with honest moments, but frame them inside a slightly romanticized set and proscenium blocking. Some of the challenges I'll be exploring in this study are how to adapt a thrust show to a proscenium, how to integrate old and new cast members into a unified process and progression, how to facilitate a collaborative process and lastly, how to achieve an artistic vision while sustaining the integrity of a small budget. The materials I'll be submitting is a collection of research, a log of technical needs and other printed information, reflections on every aspect of production such as set, sound, lighting, costumes, and a detailed rehearsal journal logging the production progression. These documents will track design ideas and archive any required changes that ensue. Finally, upon completion of the show I'll write a post -production summary. This will examine how close I got to my original goals, evaluate the process I implemented, highlight necessary modifications that were made along the way, and discus what I learned from the experience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002550, ucf:47641
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002550
- Title
- THE ATTIC DOOR: A FEATURE LENGTH MOTION PICTURE.
- Creator
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Daneau, Daniel, Finch, Randy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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THE ATTIC DOOR is the feature-length film co-written and directed by Danny Daneau while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Central Florida. Many challenges had to be met to produce a feature-length motion picture utilizing digital technology on an ultra-low budget as part of a graduate education. Beyond gaining a profound understanding of the physical, financial, and emotional strength it takes to complete a feature-length motion picture, Daneau experienced the creative...
Show moreTHE ATTIC DOOR is the feature-length film co-written and directed by Danny Daneau while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Central Florida. Many challenges had to be met to produce a feature-length motion picture utilizing digital technology on an ultra-low budget as part of a graduate education. Beyond gaining a profound understanding of the physical, financial, and emotional strength it takes to complete a feature-length motion picture, Daneau experienced the creative challenges that all filmmakers must meet when applying the principles of filmmaking theory to an actual work of self-expression. The production process for an original narrative film under the guidelines established by the university has pushed him to make a motion picture that is both a highly personal work of film art and evidence of the educational journey he has taken for the past three years.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002308, ucf:47832
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002308
- Title
- INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES OF DIRECTED FORGETTING.
- Creator
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Alavez, Griselda, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The present study set out to evaluate the relationship between list-method directed forgetting and one's individual differences. Previous research has found personality and emotion as having an influence in how well participants were able to intentionally forget stimuli. Participants were split into a remember group and a forget group of 22 each and tasked to memorize a list of 10 words. They were then given a free recall test and the results for individual differences such as Need for...
Show moreThe present study set out to evaluate the relationship between list-method directed forgetting and one's individual differences. Previous research has found personality and emotion as having an influence in how well participants were able to intentionally forget stimuli. Participants were split into a remember group and a forget group of 22 each and tasked to memorize a list of 10 words. They were then given a free recall test and the results for individual differences such as Need for Cognition, Mini-IPIP personality test, and Beck's Depression Inventory were analyzed. Our first hypothesis presumes that participants in the forget group will have impaired recall of words. The second hypothesis predicts that individual differences have an effect with how many words participants recall. Results in this study indicated that while individual measures proved not significant between both groups, overall recall for the first list was lower than recall for the second list. There were also indications of an interaction between amount recalled from lists and whether they were in the remember group or in the forget group. Analyses showed that remember group had a recall mean similar in lists 1 and list 2, while the forget group had a higher recall mean in list 2 and a lower recall mean in the list 1, indicating that directed forgetting had taken place in the forget group.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000148, ucf:45959
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000148
- Title
- TAKING THE INITIATIVE: EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF CITIZEN LEGISLATING ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE AMERICAN STATES.
- Creator
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Milita, Kerri, Schraufnagel, Scot, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The citizen legislator is both a controversial and recurring phenomenon of interest in political science research. A longstanding concern for the discipline has been whether or not involvement of the public in the lawmaking process is an asset or a liability to quality governance. This study explores the desirability of citizen legislating in the American states. A four dimensional index is created that includes empirical indicators of "substantive" and "procedural" governance. These...
Show moreThe citizen legislator is both a controversial and recurring phenomenon of interest in political science research. A longstanding concern for the discipline has been whether or not involvement of the public in the lawmaking process is an asset or a liability to quality governance. This study explores the desirability of citizen legislating in the American states. A four dimensional index is created that includes empirical indicators of "substantive" and "procedural" governance. These indicators include voter turnout, fiscal health, the ideological distance between government and the citizenry, and the diversity of a state's interest group system. The total number of initiatives and popular referendums that appear biennially within each of the fifty states is employed as the key explanatory variable to capture the degree of citizen legislating that is occurring in the states between 1980 and 2000. A random-effects generalized least squares regression reveals that higher ballot measure counts are statistically and substantively associated with better quality governance, indicating that citizen legislation is a quality input into the political system. Key control variables such as divided government, interparty competition, citizen ideological extremism, state legislative term limits, and legislative professionalism also tell particularly poignant stories about the road to good governance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002519, ucf:47648
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002519
- Title
- CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS OF ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: PATTERNS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ATTENTION OVER TIME.
- Creator
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Timko Jr, Thomas, Rapport, Mark, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Investigated differences in attentional processes between children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their classroom peers. Models of attention gleaned from laboratory experiments provided a theoretical structure for hypothesizing between-group attentional differences. Seventy-five children with ADHD and 36 normal control children were observed in their regular classrooms over a 1-week time interval. Explication of between-group differences revealed that...
Show moreInvestigated differences in attentional processes between children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their classroom peers. Models of attention gleaned from laboratory experiments provided a theoretical structure for hypothesizing between-group attentional differences. Seventy-five children with ADHD and 36 normal control children were observed in their regular classrooms over a 1-week time interval. Explication of between-group differences revealed that children with ADHD were approximately 21% less attentive on average. Both groups exhibited an accelerating-decelerating pattern of attention over time, however, children with ADHD cycled at a rate twice that of same-aged peers. Six variables derived from observed attention were examined for diagnostic utility using logistical regression, odds ratios, total predictive value, and receiver operating characteristics. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000686, ucf:46485
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000686
- Title
- Techniques for boosting the performance in Content-Based Image Retrieval Systems.
- Creator
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Yu, Ning, Hua, Kien, Hughes, Charles, Dutton, Ronald, Wang, Chung-Ching, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Content-Based Image Retrieval has been an active research area for decades. In a CBIR system, one or more images are used as query to search for similar images. The similarity is measured on the low level features, such as color, shape, edge, texture. First, each image is processed and visual features are extracted. Therefore each image becomes a point in the feature space. Then, if two images are close to each other in the feature space, they are considered similar. That is, the k nearest...
Show moreContent-Based Image Retrieval has been an active research area for decades. In a CBIR system, one or more images are used as query to search for similar images. The similarity is measured on the low level features, such as color, shape, edge, texture. First, each image is processed and visual features are extracted. Therefore each image becomes a point in the feature space. Then, if two images are close to each other in the feature space, they are considered similar. That is, the k nearest neighbors are considered the most similar images to the query image. In this K-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) model, semantically similar images are assumed to be clustered together in a single neighborhood in the high-dimensional feature space. Unfortunately semantically similar images with different appearances are often clustered into distinct neighborhoods, which might scatter in the feature space. Hence, confinement of the search results to a single neighborhood is the latent reason of the low recall rate of typical nearest neighbor techniques. In this dissertation, a new image retrieval technique - the Query Decomposition (QD) model is introduced. QD facilitates retrieval of semantically similar images from multiple neighborhoods in the feature space and hence bridges the semantic gap between the images' low-level feature and the high-level semantic meaning. In the QD model, a query may be decomposed into multiple subqueries based on the user's relevance feedback to cover multiple image clusters which contain semantically similar images. The retrieval results are the k most similar images from multiple discontinuous relevant clusters. To apply the benefit from QD study, a mobile client-side relevance feedback study was conducted. With the proliferation of handheld devices, the demand of multimedia information retrieval on mobile devices has attracted more attention. A relevance feedback information retrieval process usually includes several rounds of query refinement. Each round incurs exchange of tens of images between the mobile device and the server. With limited wireless bandwidth, this process can incur substantial delay making the system unfriendly to use. The Relevance Feedback Support (RFS) structure that was designed in QD technique was adopted for Client-side Relevance Feedback (CRF). Since relevance feedback is done on client side, system response is instantaneous significantly enhancing system usability. Furthermore, since the server is not involved in relevance feedback processing, it is able to support thousands more users simultaneously. As the QD technique improves on the accuracy of CBIR systems, another study, which is called In-Memory relevance feedback is studied in this dissertation. In the study, we improved the efficiency of the CBIR systems. Current methods rely on searching the database, stored on disks, in each round of relevance feedback. This strategy incurs long delay making relevance feedback less friendly to the user, especially for very large databases. Thus, scalability is a limitation of existing solutions. The proposed in-memory relevance feedback technique substantially reduce the delay associated with feedback processing, and therefore improve system usability. A data-independent dimensionality-reduction technique is used to compress the metadata to build a small in-memory database to support relevance feedback operations with minimal disk accesses. The performance of this approach is compared with conventional relevance feedback techniques in terms of computation efficiency and retrieval accuracy. The results indicate that the new technique substantially reduces response time for user feedback while maintaining the quality of the retrieval. In the previous studies, the QD technique relies on a pre-defined Relevance SupportSupport structure. As the result and user experience indicated that the structure might confine the search range and affect the result. In this dissertation, a novel Multiple Direction Search framework for semi-automatic annotation propagation is studied. In this system, the user interacts with the system to provide example images and the corresponding annotations during the annotation propagation process. In each iteration, the example images are dynamically clustered and the corresponding annotations are propagated separately to each cluster: images in the local neighborhood are annotated. Furthermore, some of those images are returned to the user for further annotation. As the user marks more images, the annotation process goes into multiple directions in the feature space. The query movements can be treated as multiple path navigation. Each path could be further split based on the user's input. In this manner, the system provides accurate annotation assistance to the user - images with the same semantic meaning but different visual characteristics can be handled effectively. From comprehensive experiments on Corel and U. of Washington image databases, the proposed technique shows accuracy and efficiency on annotating image databases.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004182, ucf:49058
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004182
- Title
- DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL DART™ TOFMS ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF ORGANIC CONTAMINATION ON SPACEFLIGHT-RELATED SUBSTRATES AND AQUEOUS MEDIA.
- Creator
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Loftin, Kathleen, Clausen, Christian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT Organic contamination on spaceflight hardware is an ongoing concern for spaceflight safety. In addition, for the goal of analyzing for possible evidence of extra-terrestrial life, it is necessary to consider the presence of terrestrial contamination. This paper will introduce and evaluate a new method using a direct analysis real time (DART™) ionization source paired with a high resolution time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) for the determination of organic contamination...
Show moreABSTRACT Organic contamination on spaceflight hardware is an ongoing concern for spaceflight safety. In addition, for the goal of analyzing for possible evidence of extra-terrestrial life, it is necessary to consider the presence of terrestrial contamination. This paper will introduce and evaluate a new method using a direct analysis real time (DART™) ionization source paired with a high resolution time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) for the determination of organic contamination involved in spaceflight hardware and ground support materials. This novel analytical technique has significant advantages over current methodologies. Materials analyzed in this study were historically considered as probable contaminants in spaceflight related substrates. A user determined library was generated due to the non-traditional mass spectra generated by the DART™. Continual improvement of analytical methods for the detection of trace levels of contaminants in potential drinking water sources is of extreme importance to both regulatory communities and concerned citizens. This paper will evaluate a novel analytical method using stir bar sorbtive (SBSE) extraction techniques combined with analysis with a DART™TOFMS. Compounds of interest will include several representative pharmaceutical contaminants of emerging concern listed in EPA method 1694. Optimal SBSE and DART™ experimental parameters will be investigated along with accuracy, precision, limits of detection and calibration linearity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002714, ucf:48187
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002714
- Title
- Directing Stop Kiss by Diana Son within a Nontraditional Training Model.
- Creator
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Dilks, Rebecca, Listengarten, Julia, Weaver, Earl, Wood, Vandy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Despite the generally held view that the best way for a stage actor to give a strong theatrical performance is through a traditional training model, I hoped to develop a way for inexperienced actors to perform beyond expectation within the context of one production through a system of mentorship, expectation-setting, and tapping into young peoples' natural desire to identify with people and characters. I directed a production of Stop Kiss by Diana Son with a blend of experienced and...
Show moreDespite the generally held view that the best way for a stage actor to give a strong theatrical performance is through a traditional training model, I hoped to develop a way for inexperienced actors to perform beyond expectation within the context of one production through a system of mentorship, expectation-setting, and tapping into young peoples' natural desire to identify with people and characters. I directed a production of Stop Kiss by Diana Son with a blend of experienced and inexperienced actors to see if I could make this work, with mixed results. This thesis is a reflection on the process of directing Stop Kiss that was filled with multiple discoveries and challenges.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005940, ucf:50824
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005940
- Title
- DIRECTION OF REFLECTION: THE MEANS BY WHICH ONE ESTABLISHES DIRECTORIAL AND CHOREOGRAPHIC PROFICIENCY.
- Creator
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Wood, Nicholas, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Introduction I examined how one may establish directorial and choreographic proficiency in the contemporary society of American musical theatre. I did so by completing an examination of five personal observations in my craft. These observations included: (1) Directorship and choreography of Welcome to Vegas, an original jukebox musical; (2) Mentorship on Theatre UCF's Nine as Assistant Director and Co-Choreographer; (3) Research on the methodologies of various directors and choreographers; (4...
Show moreIntroduction I examined how one may establish directorial and choreographic proficiency in the contemporary society of American musical theatre. I did so by completing an examination of five personal observations in my craft. These observations included: (1) Directorship and choreography of Welcome to Vegas, an original jukebox musical; (2) Mentorship on Theatre UCF's Nine as Assistant Director and Co-Choreographer; (3) Research on the methodologies of various directors and choreographers; (4) Directorship and choreography of Welcome to Broadway, an original jukebox musical; and (5) Assistant to the Program Director of Broadway Theatre Project. I evaluated parallels of my directing and choreography methodologies with those of noted directors and choreographers in the entertainment industry. These industry professionals include famed choreographer Ernest O. Flatt, Ron Field, Hermes Pan, Joe Layton, and Lee Theodore, acclaimed directors Harold Clurman, Dr. Louis E. Catron, and Jon Jory, and prolific director-choreographers Patricia Birch, Donald Saddler, Bob Avian, Bob Fosse, Tommy Tune, and Michael Bennett, as well as Professor Weaver. I have worked for people who believe that experience alone is enough to make one a successful director, choreographer, or director-choreographer. My experience working with and observations of professional directors, choreographers, and director-choreographers, however, has proven that it takes more than experience alone in order to succeed. I predicted the process of establishing my own directorial and choreographic proficiency will stem from a combination of inspiration, mentorship, trial and error, and experience. Background A director coordinates and mounts theatrical productions while unifying the script, design elements, and cast to serve the world of the play. By dictionary definition, a director is, "�a person who supervises the production of a show for stage or screen with responsibility for action and rehearsals" (Webster 414). Underneath the producer, the director serves as the apex of the production. As compared to directors, choreographers fill a more visually aesthetic capacity in musical theatre. A choreographer is "�a person who designs or arranges the movement of a dance" (Webster 259). The choreographer acts in lieu of the director wherever there is music and step sequence. This is the case with exception being given to the director-choreographer. In an interview with Svetlana McLee Grody, Donald Saddler, original member of the American Ballet Theatre, expressed, "...director choreographer really give a musical a whole concept, a patina of style. Their contribution is a good 40 - 50 percent of the success of the show" (Grody and Lister 16). Experiences I will explicitly reflect on four profound career proceedings. Each will be as an effort to learn to become a better director-choreographer. These observations will chronicle an insightful phase of my learning process. Welcome to Vegas Welcome to Vegas is an original jukebox musical I authored, produced, directed, and choreographed. It was intended that the production would be a cathartic experience for the audience, allowing them to escape from the confines of everyday life by entering the humorous, loquacious, and musical world of the play. The story chronicles the triumphs and misadventures of a struggling young man in New York. When this waiter-by-day, singer-by-night becomes the opening act of a famous Vegas lounge singer, he embarks on an outrageous and witty journey across America in his Pontiac GTO. The musical's book was written while I attended my first semester at the University of Central Florida. The absurd vignette-style scenes were inspired by the sketch comedy of The Carol Burnett Show and the staging of Ernest O. Flatt. The production rehearsed four days per week for nine weeks and utilized a cast of 17 performers who ranged in age from 6 to 67. During production numbers, I drew strongly on the choreographic and visual inspiration of Bob Fosse, utilizing knocked-knees, sickled feet, 1960s movement influence, and a significant use of props, white gloves, fishnet tights, and bowler hats. I used this choreographic and visual concept to create a fervent contrast to the set and costumes, which emulated the visual aesthetics of Stan Lee's comic books. Nine With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a script by Arthur Kopit, Nine is a dark musical based on Federico Fellini's 8 1/2 and catalogues "...the last days of a director's once brilliant career" (Kopit 66). As the Assistant Director and Co-Choreographer, I was mentored by and worked directly under Professor Earl Weaver, Artistic Director of Theatre UCF. Upon entering my apprenticeship, I anticipated an authoritarian relationship where I would serve as a supervisory assistant, without exploiting my creative skills. To my pleasant revelation, I served as an intimate and integral component of the production's artistic process, conceptualizing choreography, staging three numbers, and giving notes, in addition to the duties of a managerial assistant. I created a choreographic vision for my work by fusing the styles of the Parisian Folies Bergere with American burlesque, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Golden Age movie musicals, and, of course, Bob Fosse's sensual silkiness. I did this while attempting to blend with and compliment Professor Weaver's choreographic style that resided within his world of the production. Welcome to Broadway Welcome to Broadway is an original jukebox musical I authored, produced, directed, and choreographed. My directorial style was greatly influenced by Professor Weaver, after observing his methodologies on Nine. My choreographic style strongly had been inspired by Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett. The production opened and ran for a nearly sold out engagement. My intention for the show was to encapsulate all the magic of the MGM Golden Age movie musicals into 105 minutes, featuring a cast of 25 entertainers, ranging in skill from first production to Equity veteran. My script was highly inspired by the cliche romanticism of Hollywood hits, such as Casablanca, Royal Wedding, Holiday Inn, The Public Enemy, and White Christmas. The story picks up where Welcome to Vegas left off. Michael, the formerly struggling young artist, has now made a name for himself, has inherited a production company, and is about to open his first show on Broadway when things begin to go awry. A jealous, washed-up producer has concocted an outrageous scheme to get rid of Michael on opening night. Chaos ensues behind the scenes, while the show must go on in front of the curtain. My scenic vision was to capture the auspicious spectacle of Footlight Parade, Mary Poppins, and Singing in the Rain. In post-show reflection, I realized my production displayed some similarities to Susan Stroman's succinct comedic timing and physical humor and Hal Prince's fast, moment-to-moment pace, leading me to believe that, perhaps, I had been subconsciously influenced by their works. Broadway Theatre Project Broadway Theatre Project celebrating its 26th anniversary as a summer intensive that Playbill.com refers to as "...the world's most prestigious musical theatre arts education program for high school and college students" (Broadway Theatre Project web). Entering my third year with the project, I serve as the Assistant to the Program Director and Director of Public Relations. My contribution is both administrative and creative, as I work directly under Program Director/Music Director David Sabella-Mills, Co-Artistic Director Darren Gibson, and President/Co-Artistic Director Debra McWaters. Gibson has established himself as a performer and dance captain working with Broadway veteran Ann Reinking on the national and European tours of Fosse. In addition, he has staged ballets for the Richmond Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and the American Ballet Theatre. He is currently Education Director for TexARTS. Gibson is an excellent mentor because he has a wealth of knowledge he is willing to share with me. For instance, he has taught me that in order to be an outstanding choreographer, one must look deeper than merely studying other musicals; one must study how/by whom the choreographers of those musicals were initially inspired. By heeding his counsel, I will be able to go from modifying and/or re-teaching others' choreography to establishing my own choreography. McWaters has had an enviable career directing and choreographing on stages around the world, including Broadway. For 15 years, she served as Assistant then Associate Choreographer for Reinking on Chicago, Fosse, and The Visit. She is an excellent mentor for me because not only is she a disciple of Fosse's, but she has afforded me the opportunity to serve as her Assistant to the Choreographer for three numbers, including staging the original choreography to "Yellow Shoes." This will allow me to analyze and understand the inner workings of a true artistic genius who is seasoned in the craft I wish to pursue. Industry Professionals Additionally, I will research the styles, methodologies, and philosophies of numerous established industry professionals, including: Ernest O. Flatt Ernest O. Flatt was "a dancer, choreographer and director who won four Emmy Awards for his work in television" (Obituary: Ernest O. Flatt). He made his silver-screen debut as a dancer in Dancing in the Dark and his television debut as choreographer in Your Hit Parade. He danced with Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain, choreographed the movie Anything Goes, and his dancers were fixtures on The Judy Garland Show, The Entertainers, and The Steve Lawrence Show. Flatt's most lasting television work was for The Carol Burnett Show, on which he served as the choreographer for eleven years (Grody and Lister 24). Despite the fact that Flatt is primarily recognized as a television choreographer, I am compelled to study his work because I admire his style. Although it is reminiscent of years gone by, particularly with partnering, his work is still entertaining and holds value for contemporary theatre as classic musicals are being revived. Studying his work in-depth will serve to enhance my style by showing me how to vary my choreography so the dance numbers do not all look similar. In addition, Flatt believed that allowing the ensemble or solo performer to contribute too much was stifling to his creativity (Grody and Lister 32). On previous productions, I have fallen into this pitfall. Further study of his work will enable me to subscribe to his focus and not be so influenced by what dancers are comfortable doing, as opposed to what they can do in order to expand their personal growth and my growth as a choreographer. Harold Clurman One of the three founders of New York City's Group Theatre, Harold Clurman directed more than 40 productions and was nominated for several Tony Awards. In addition, he was a widely-feared theatre critic for over 30 years; he helped to shape American theatre by writing about it. I will specifically study On Directing, one of Clurman's seven published works on the art of directing. Elia Kazan, who is commonly referred to as one of the most honored and influential directors in Broadway and Hollywood history, has called this particular book "the most influential book on direction ever written" (Clurman Preface). I would be compelled to study Clurman based on Kazan's recommendation alone; however, I am even more motivated to do so because I am discovering that I closely practice his stated philosophy on directing, "Direction is a job, a craft, a profession, and at best, an art. The director must be an organizer, a teacher, a politician, a psychic detective, a lay analyst, a technician, a creative being�All of which means he must be a "great lover" of the art" (Clurman 14). By examining the work of a man who is credited with helping to shape American theatre and whose philosophy so closely matches mine, I desire to formally establish my methodology as a director. Jon Jory Jon Jory learned to act first-hand from his parents, who were successful Hollywood actors of the 1940's and 50's, earning his Actors' Equity card as a young child. He grew to prominence as a director in the early 60's and, since then, he has mounted over 1,300 professional productions. I will specifically study Jory's Tips: Ideas for Directors. Jory says that he worked "making the same mistakes for years that a tip or two by a peer or veteran could have shortcutted" (xiii). His goal with this book is to help directors improve their craft more quickly by passing along the tips he has learned over the years. I am compelled to study Jory because of his willingness to share his tips on what has made him a successful director for approximately one-half of a century spanning nine countries. In addition, he headed the Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky, for more than 31 years, which he helped to build into one of America's most respected regional theatre companies, earning him a special Tony Award for Achievement in Regional Theatre (Jory xv). Since one of my professional goals is to become an Artistic Director at a regional theatre, Jory is a perfect selection for my research. Bob Fosse Deeply inspired by Fred Astaire and coping with his own psychological and physical abnormalities, Bob Fosse created the most unique and stylized iconic movements and vocabularies in musical theatre history. His most lasting works included Chicago, Damn Yankees, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, and Pippin. Fosse is an eight-time Tony Award-winning consummate artist. Ben Vereen says, "To have worked with Bob Fosse is to have had your hand directly on the pulse of life. To have applied this world-recognizable style into your repertory is to truly know how to dance forever" (McWaters Foreward). I have had the good fortune of learning his distinct techniques from some of his disciples while studying at Broadway Theatre Project. I am compelled to study Fosse because he was a renowned producer, director, choreographer, playwright, screenwriter, dancer, and actor--all of which are aspirations of mine. According to Vereen, Fosse was often called "demanding," "strenuous," and a "task master," yet he was highly respected by his dancers (McWaters Foreword). Fosse's ability to earn respect while demanding perfection is a quality I hope to learn and emulate with further study of his work. Tommy Tune Tommy Tune, nicknamed Broadway's tallest tapper, is considered one of Broadway's most accomplished director-choreographers. He is a 10-time Tony Award winner. "Tommy is the first person in theatrical history to have won a Tony Award in four different categories: Best Featured Actor, Choreography, Best Actor, and Direction" (Grody and Lister 142). At the June, 2015 Tony Awards ceremony, he received a Lifetime Achievement Honor. I am compelled to study Tune's methodology because he is considered a living legend; he has been a big time showman for over 50 years. In addition, I am compelled to study Tune's philosophy because he speaks to me with respect to security as an artist. Tune says, "There is no such thing as security. You must always be willing to expect the unexpected because the journey is never what you expect it to be. So be prepared to be surprised" (Grody and Lister 149). I must learn to trust this philosophy as I face not only the uncertainty of life beyond graduation from the University of Central Florida, but also as I face each door that opens in my future. Michael Bennett Michael Bennett's fascination with West Side Story was the impetus for Bennett to become a director-choreographer of the standing of Jerome Robbins (Grody and Lister 114). As a director, choreographer, writer, and actor, Michael Bennett is a seven-time Tony Award winner. His choreographic works were highly athletic and engrossed in technique. He is best known for his work on Promises, Promises; Follies; Company; and A Chorus Line, and he was fortunate to have had the opportunity to be inspired by such greats as Bob Fosse, Michael Kidd, Ron Field, Lee Theodore, and Danny Daniels (Grody and Lister 114). I am compelled to study Bennett because our early backgrounds are similar: neither of us had dance lessons until we were in our teens, and neither of us could read music, although we both listened to a great deal of it. I am inspired to learn/practice Bennett's methodologies for overcoming these challenges, such as his recommendations to see every musical possible in order to see how good directors-choreographers work and to prepare for a show as far as possible ahead of time (Grody and Lister 101). In addition, I am compelled to study Bennett's technique of compensation when he could not choreograph a number as conceptualized due to the limited skill of the dancer(s) with whom he was working at the time (Grody and Lister 103). Studying and applying these methods and techniques when faced with challenges will enable me to be a better director-choreographer. Deduction It is essential for me to delve into extensive research of directorial and choreographic concepts and pedagogy because I strongly desire to learn the means by which one establishes proficiency as a Director-Choreographer artist. It will help me to answer such questions as: How does one begin to direct/choreograph a piece? How knowledgeable does one need to be with respect to music? How knowledgeable does one need to be with respect to different forms of dance? What affects one most with respect to choreographing a number? Is there value in working with assistants? Since my study will include not only my own personal experiences and observations, but also those of renowned professionals, it will enable me to formally establish my own unique style of directing and choreographing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004889, ucf:45417
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004889
- Title
- IS PERCEIVED INTENTIONALITY OF A VIRTUAL ROBOT INFLUENCED BY THE KINEMATICS?.
- Creator
-
Sasser, Jordan, McConnell, Daniel S., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Research has shown that in Human-Human Interactions kinematic information reveals that competitive and cooperative intentions are perceivable and suggests the existence of a cooperation bias. The present study invokes the same question in a Human-Robot Interaction by investigating the relationship between the acceleration of a virtual robot within a virtual reality environment and the participants perception of the situation being cooperative or competitive by attempting to identify the...
Show moreResearch has shown that in Human-Human Interactions kinematic information reveals that competitive and cooperative intentions are perceivable and suggests the existence of a cooperation bias. The present study invokes the same question in a Human-Robot Interaction by investigating the relationship between the acceleration of a virtual robot within a virtual reality environment and the participants perception of the situation being cooperative or competitive by attempting to identify the social cues used for those perceptions. Five trials, which are mirrored, faster acceleration, slower acceleration, varied acceleration with a loss, and varied acceleration with a win, were experienced by the participant; randomized within two groups of five totaling in ten events. Results suggest that when the virtual robot's acceleration pattern were faster than the participant's acceleration the situation was perceived as more competitive. Additionally, results suggest that while the slower acceleration was perceived as more cooperative, the condition was not significantly different from mirrored acceleration. These results may indicate that there may be some kinematic information found in the faster accelerations that invoke stronger competitive perceptions whereas slower accelerations and mirrored acceleration may blend together during perception; furthermore, the models used in the slower acceleration conditions and the mirrored acceleration provide no single identifiable contributor towards perceived cooperativeness possibly due to a similar cooperative bias. These findings are used as a baseline for understanding movements that can be utilized in the design of better social robotic movements. These movements would improve the interactions between humans and these robots, ultimately improving the robot's ability to help during situations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000524, ucf:45668
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000524
- Title
- THE DESIGN PROCESS AS ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR FOR THE FILM NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ROBODOC.
- Creator
-
Davis, Cecil, Scott, Hubert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In this thesis, I will detail and analyze the production design processes for National Lampoon's RoboDoc, written by Douglas Gordon M.D., filmed and produced in Orlando, Universal Studios and Ormond Beach, FL, as experienced through the art department. The direction of the thesis will be based on how a background in architecture and theatre guides the design motivation(s) within a production team for film. My documentation will include a process journal written throughout the production...
Show moreIn this thesis, I will detail and analyze the production design processes for National Lampoon's RoboDoc, written by Douglas Gordon M.D., filmed and produced in Orlando, Universal Studios and Ormond Beach, FL, as experienced through the art department. The direction of the thesis will be based on how a background in architecture and theatre guides the design motivation(s) within a production team for film. My documentation will include a process journal written throughout the production of the film to include design meeting topics, research and design inspiration, sketches, budget and location concerns, coordination of scenic elements, crew team coordination, paperwork, and thoughts on working within the art department team as well as working with other teams of production. Photographic records will include pre-production allocation and storage, load-in scenarios, set construction, and final design in set and set dressing. Final comments will be based on a personal evaluation, evidence of my progression throughout the production, and how an advanced focus in design through education and practice affected the project.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001647, ucf:47232
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001647
- Title
- MODELING,DESIGN,AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MONOLITHIC BI-DIRECTIONAL POWER SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCH.
- Creator
-
Fu, Yue, Shen, Z.John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Bidirectional power switching devices are needed in many power management applications, particularly in lithium-ion battery protection circuitry. A monolithic bidirectional power switch fabricated with a simplified CMOS technology is introduced in this dissertation. Throughout the design process, ISE TCAD tool plays an important role. Design variables are carefully analyzed to improve the device performance or yield the best trade off. Optimization is done with the help of TCAD simulation and...
Show moreBidirectional power switching devices are needed in many power management applications, particularly in lithium-ion battery protection circuitry. A monolithic bidirectional power switch fabricated with a simplified CMOS technology is introduced in this dissertation. Throughout the design process, ISE TCAD tool plays an important role. Design variables are carefully analyzed to improve the device performance or yield the best trade off. Optimization is done with the help of TCAD simulation and theoretical calculations. The device has been successfully fabricated using simplified 0.5 micron CMOS process. The experimental result shows a breakdown voltage of 25V. Due to the interdigitated source to source design, the inter-terminal current flowing path is effectively reduced to a few microns. The experimental result shows an ultra low specific on resistance. In comparison with other bi-directional power semiconductor switches by some major semiconductor manufacturers, the proposed BDS device has less than one half of the specific on resistance, thus substantially lower on state power loss of the switch. The proposed BDS device has a unique NPNPN structure, in comparison with NPNP structure, which is the analytical structure for CMOS latch-up, the proposed device inherently exhibits a better latch up immunity than CMOS inverter, thanks to the negative feed back mechanism of the extra NPN parasitic BJT transistor. In order to implement the device into simulators like PSPICE or Cadence IC Design, a compact model named variable resistance model has been built. This simple analytical model fits quite well with experimental data, and can be easily implemented by Verilog-A or other hardware description languages. Also, macro modeling is possible provided that the model parameters can be extracted from experimental curves. Several advanced types of BDS devices have been proposed, they exceed the basic BDS design in terms of breakdown voltage and /or on resistance. These advanced structures may be prominent for further improvement of the basic BDS device to a higher extend. Some cell phone providers such as Nokia is already asking for higher breakdown voltage of BDS device, due to the possibility of incidentally insert the battery pack into the cell phone with wrong pin polarity. Hopefully, the basic BDS design or one of these advanced types may eventually be implemented into the leading brand cell phone battery packs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001605, ucf:47168
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001605
- Title
- STUDY OF LOW SPEED TRANSITIONAL REGIME GAS FLOWS IN MICROCHANNELS USING INFORMATION PRESERVATION (IP) METHOD.
- Creator
-
KURSUN, Umit, Kapat, Jayanta, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Proper design of thermal management solutions for future nano-scale electronics or photonics will require knowledge of flow and transport through micron-scale ducts. As in the macro-scale conventional counterparts, such micron-scale flow systems would require robust simulation tools for early-stage design iterations. It can be envisioned that an ideal Nanoscale thermal management (NSTM) solution will involve two-phase flow, liquid flow and gas flow. This study focuses on numerical simulation...
Show moreProper design of thermal management solutions for future nano-scale electronics or photonics will require knowledge of flow and transport through micron-scale ducts. As in the macro-scale conventional counterparts, such micron-scale flow systems would require robust simulation tools for early-stage design iterations. It can be envisioned that an ideal Nanoscale thermal management (NSTM) solution will involve two-phase flow, liquid flow and gas flow. This study focuses on numerical simulation gas flow in microchannels as a fundamental thermal management technique in any future NSTM solution. A well-known particle-based method, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is selected as the simulation tool. Unlike continuum based equations which would fail at large Kn numbers, the DSMC method is valid in all Knudsen regimes. Due to its conceptual simplicity and flexibility, DSMC has a lot of potential and has already given satisfactory answers to a broad range of macroscopic problems. It has also a lot of potential in handling complex MEMS flow problems with ease. However, the high-level statistical noise in DSMC must be eliminated and pressure boundary conditions must be effectively implemented in order to utilize the DSMC under subsonic flow conditions. The statistical noise of classical DSMC can be eliminated trough the use of IP method. The method saves computational time by several orders of magnitude compared to a similar DSMC simulation. As in the regular DSMC procedures, the molecular velocity is used to determine the molecular positions and compute collisions. Separating the macroscopic velocity from the molecular velocity through the use of the IP method, however, eliminates the high-level of statistical noise as typical in DSMC calculations of low-speed flows. The conventional boundary conditions of the classical DSMC method, such as constant velocity free-stream and vacuum conditions are incorrect in subsonic flow conditions. There should be a substantial amount of backpressure allowing new molecules to enter from the outlet as well as inlet boundaries. Additionally, the application of pressure boundaries will facilitate comparison of numerical and experimental results more readily. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to build the unidirectional, non-isothermal IP algorithm method with periodic boundary conditions on the two dimensional classical DSMC algorithm. The IP algorithm is further modified to implement pressure boundary conditions using the method of characteristics. The applicability of the final algorithm in solving a real flow situation is verified on parallel plate Poiseuille and backward facing step flows in microchannels which are established benchmark problems in computational fluid dynamics studies. The backward facing step geometry is also of practical importance in a variety of engineering applications including Integrated Circuit (IC) design. Such an investigation in microchannels with sufficient accuracy may provide insight into the more complex flow and transport processes in any future Nanoscale thermal management (NSTM) solution. The flow and heat transfer mechanisms at different Knudsen numbers are investigated.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001281, ucf:46910
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001281
- Title
- RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BROAD ASPECTS OF PERSONALITY FUNCTIONING AND GENERALIZED ANXIETY SEVERITY.
- Creator
-
Lee Lum, Ashley A, Bedwell, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study looked at the relationship between personality functioning and generalized anxiety severity with the use of the Level of Personality Functioning - Self-Report Scale (LPFS-SR). This scale looks at the four core functions of personality: Identity, Intimacy, Empathy and Self-Direction. The population consisted of undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida who completed the study online (n = 1335; 63.7% female; mean age = 19.85, SD = 3.64, range = 18-57). Findings...
Show moreThis study looked at the relationship between personality functioning and generalized anxiety severity with the use of the Level of Personality Functioning - Self-Report Scale (LPFS-SR). This scale looks at the four core functions of personality: Identity, Intimacy, Empathy and Self-Direction. The population consisted of undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida who completed the study online (n = 1335; 63.7% female; mean age = 19.85, SD = 3.64, range = 18-57). Findings revealed that generalized anxiety severity related to more identity and empathy problems in both men and women. For both findings, women showed a stronger effect size than men. Future longitudinal research in a psychiatric sample can help clarify causal directions of these relationships. The results of this study can be applied to clinical settings to raise clinicians' awareness to further explore identity and empathy problems in individuals exhibiting generalized anxiety.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000512, ucf:45632
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000512
- Title
- LEADERSHIP ORIENTATIONS OFCOMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENTS AND THE ADMINISTRATORS WHO REPORT TO THEM: A FRAME ANALYSIS.
- Creator
-
McArdle, Michele, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Presidents of Community Colleges and the administrators who reported directly to them were the subjects for this study based on the Four Frame Leadership Theory of Bolman and Deal (1990b). The Leadership Orientation (Self) Survey (LOS) was mailed to 169 community college presidents and administrators in the presidents' direct report teams. The final usable response rate of 69.82% to the survey fell within the acceptable range for education as defined by Boser and Green (1997). In addition...
Show morePresidents of Community Colleges and the administrators who reported directly to them were the subjects for this study based on the Four Frame Leadership Theory of Bolman and Deal (1990b). The Leadership Orientation (Self) Survey (LOS) was mailed to 169 community college presidents and administrators in the presidents' direct report teams. The final usable response rate of 69.82% to the survey fell within the acceptable range for education as defined by Boser and Green (1997). In addition, the subjects were asked to write about the most difficult challenge they had faced in their current position and how they handled that challenge. The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the usage of leadership frames from both groups; presidents and their administrative teams, (b) if gender or years of experience in their current positions were factors in leadership frame usage in each group, and (c) if there was a relationship between a president's frame usage and the frame usage of the members of the direct report team. The major findings were: 1. The presidents and administrators displayed the highest mean scores for the human resource frame with the mean scores of the three remaining frames (structural, political, and symbolic) clustering as a second unit of responses. In the narrative segment of the survey, the most frequently rated central theme among the presidents and the direct reports was the political frame. 2. The results from statistical analysis of the responses from both groups (presidents and the administrators who directly reported to them) did not show any statistically significant difference among frame use based on gender or number of years of experience in their positions. 3. The correlation coefficients did not indicate that there was a relationship in either direction regarding leadership style between the two groups (presidents and administrators). A phenomenological analysis of the scenario statements from these two groups indicated that presidents who used the political frame as a central theme tended to have administrators who also used the political frame as one or as a pair of central themes. Presidents who used the symbolic frame as a central theme tended to have administrators who used all four frames as central themes in their narratives. 4. A fourth finding was the discrepancy in the ability of the leaders to use multiple frames as demonstrated in the results from the quantitative and qualitative findings. The quantitative data suggested that these leaders were practicing the techniques of multi-framing more than one-half of the time. Contrary to this finding, the qualitative data showed that 5 of 30 scenario statements showed paired frames being used as central frames. 5. One additional finding based on the qualitative statements by presidents and their administrators revealed much thought and intentional practice in the leaders' ability to build teams.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002301, ucf:47872
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002301
- Title
- CFD Analysis of a Uni-directional Impulse Turbine for Wave Energy Conversion.
- Creator
-
Velez, Carlos, Ilie, Marcel, Lin, Kuo-Chi, Qu, Zhihua, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Ocean energy research has grown in popularity in the past decade and has producedvarious designs for wave energy extraction. This thesis focuses on the performance analysis of auni-directional impulse turbine for wave energy conversion. Uni-directional impulse turbines canproduce uni-directional rotation in bi-directional flow, which makes it ideal for wave energyextraction as the motion of ocean waves are inherently bi-directional. This impulse turbine iscurrently in use in four of the world...
Show moreOcean energy research has grown in popularity in the past decade and has producedvarious designs for wave energy extraction. This thesis focuses on the performance analysis of auni-directional impulse turbine for wave energy conversion. Uni-directional impulse turbines canproduce uni-directional rotation in bi-directional flow, which makes it ideal for wave energyextraction as the motion of ocean waves are inherently bi-directional. This impulse turbine iscurrently in use in four of the world's Oscillating Wave Columns (OWC). Current research todate has documented the performance of the turbine but little research has been completed tounderstand the flow physics in the turbine channel. An analytical model and computational fluiddynamic simulations are used with reference to experimental results found in the literature todevelop accurate models of the turbine performance. To carry out the numerical computationsvarious turbulence models are employed and compared. The comparisons indicate that a lowReynolds number Yang-shih K-Epsilon turbulence model is the most computationally efficientwhile providing accurate results. Additionally, analyses of the losses in the turbine are isolatedand documented.Results indicate that large separation regions occur on the turbine blades whichdrastically affect the torque created by the turbine, the location of flow separation is documentedand compared among various flow regimes. The model and simulations show good agreementwith the experimental results and the two proposed solutions enhance the performance of theturbine showing an approximate 10% increase in efficiency based on simulation results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004173, ucf:49049
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004173
- Title
- DIRECT, HANDS-ON OR INQUIRY INSTRUCTION: A STUDY OF INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCING AND MOTIVATION IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM.
- Creator
-
Vander Wiede, Jamie, Gill, Michele, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Currently, a debate exists between the strengths and weaknesses of direct and inquiry instruction. Inquiry instruction is related to positive effect on learner motivation whereas supporters of direct instruction point to its ability to adequately support learners' working memories (Hmelo-Silver, Duncan, & Chinn, 2007; Kirschner, Sweller, & Clark, 2006; Kuhn, 2007; Sweller, 1988). This study examined the possibility of combining the best features of both inquiry and direct instruction by...
Show moreCurrently, a debate exists between the strengths and weaknesses of direct and inquiry instruction. Inquiry instruction is related to positive effect on learner motivation whereas supporters of direct instruction point to its ability to adequately support learners' working memories (Hmelo-Silver, Duncan, & Chinn, 2007; Kirschner, Sweller, & Clark, 2006; Kuhn, 2007; Sweller, 1988). This study examined the possibility of combining the best features of both inquiry and direct instruction by sequencing them together. A two-part lesson on electrical circuits was presented in three separate sequences of instruction to middle school students to determine if differences in student motivation and academic achievement emerge depending on whether a guided inquiry lab followed or preceded direct instruction. Results indicated equal levels of perceived competence by students across all instructional sequences and greater interest/enjoyment and perceived autonomy support when the instructional sequence began with a guided inquiry lesson. No significant differences in achievement were reported among the sequences.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003902, ucf:48737
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003902
- Title
- THE RELEVANCE OF TIME-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTERS TO SMALL PLATFORM DIRECTION FINDING SYSTEMS.
- Creator
-
Nelson, Paul, Gong, Xun, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis explores a Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA) approach to radio direction finding, utilizing picosecond-resolution Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs). By measuring the relative time of arrival of a pulsed RF signal impinging on an antenna array, direction of arrival (DOA) can be ascertained. This technology enables versatile DOA calculation on platforms only several meters in length, and offers various size, weight, power, and cost advantages when compared to present DF technologies...
Show moreThis thesis explores a Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA) approach to radio direction finding, utilizing picosecond-resolution Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs). By measuring the relative time of arrival of a pulsed RF signal impinging on an antenna array, direction of arrival (DOA) can be ascertained. This technology enables versatile DOA calculation on platforms only several meters in length, and offers various size, weight, power, and cost advantages when compared to present DF technologies. A short baseline S-band TDOA DF system utilizing TDCs is designed, fabricated, and tested in a laboratory environment. This research suggests that such a DF system based on TDCs provides sufficient accuracy and precision to resolve Angle-of-Arrival (AOA) within several degrees.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003115, ucf:48649
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003115
- Title
- FEDERAL FUNDING AND THE RISE IN UNIVERSITY TUITION COSTS.
- Creator
-
Kizzort, Megan, Hofler, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Access to education is a central part of federal higher education policy, and federal grant and loan programs are in place to make college degrees more attainable for students. However, there is still controversy about whether there are unintended consequences of implementing and maintaining these programs, and whether they are effectively achieving the goal of increased accessibility. In order to answer questions about whether three specific types of federal aid cause higher tuition rates...
Show moreAccess to education is a central part of federal higher education policy, and federal grant and loan programs are in place to make college degrees more attainable for students. However, there is still controversy about whether there are unintended consequences of implementing and maintaining these programs, and whether they are effectively achieving the goal of increased accessibility. In order to answer questions about whether three specific types of federal aid cause higher tuition rates and whether these programs increase graduation rates, four ordinary least squares regression models were estimated. They include changes in both in-state and out-of-state tuition sticker prices, graduation rates, as well as changes in three types of federal aid, and other variables indicative of the value of a degree for four-year public universities in Arizona, California, Georgia, and Florida for years 2001-2011. The regressions indicate a positive effect of Pell Grants on in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees, a positive effect of disbursed subsidized federal loans on the change in number of degrees awarded, and a positive effect of Pell Grants on graduation rates.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004522, ucf:45162
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004522
