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Pages
- Title
- THE GREAT ESCAPE: MAKING THE CHOICE FOR UPWARD SOCIAL MOBILITY.
- Creator
-
Gilliam, Trina, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In 2004, Bill Crosby delivered a speech during which he explicated his theory that blacks continuation of negative attitudes and behaviors is the reason for inability to achieve upper socioeconomic mobility. This theory is not a new concept. Oscar Lewis published the Culture of Poverty in 1959 which indicated characteristics much like Crosby, his theory was people in poverty had common characterizes. To test Cosby's theory, I have examined individuals with higher upper mobility aspirations ...
Show moreIn 2004, Bill Crosby delivered a speech during which he explicated his theory that blacks continuation of negative attitudes and behaviors is the reason for inability to achieve upper socioeconomic mobility. This theory is not a new concept. Oscar Lewis published the Culture of Poverty in 1959 which indicated characteristics much like Crosby, his theory was people in poverty had common characterizes. To test Cosby's theory, I have examined individuals with higher upper mobility aspirations (HUMA) and those individuals with lower upper mobility aspirations (LUMA) to provide some salient factors contributing to the desire for upward mobility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004799, ucf:45328
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004799
- Title
- An Analysis of the Effect of Involuntary Mobility on Student Achievement as Measured by the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
- Creator
-
Mullins, Mark, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Schafer, Karen, Carter, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined the impact of involuntary mobility on the academic achievement of tenth grade students in a Central Florida school district. Students of involuntary mobility were selected as the result of new attendance boundaries due to new high school construction. Students were compared against non-mobile peers at schools of like demographics (i.e. poverty level and ethnicity). Mobility status (involuntary or no mobility) was the independent variable. The dependent variable, academic...
Show moreThis study examined the impact of involuntary mobility on the academic achievement of tenth grade students in a Central Florida school district. Students of involuntary mobility were selected as the result of new attendance boundaries due to new high school construction. Students were compared against non-mobile peers at schools of like demographics (i.e. poverty level and ethnicity). Mobility status (involuntary or no mobility) was the independent variable. The dependent variable, academic achievement, was measured by students’ tenth grade developmental scale scores in reading and mathematics on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Students’ ninth grade test scores were used as a covariate to control for students’ prior achievement and isolate the impact of mobility. Additional subgroups (minority and poverty) were compared to determine if involuntary mobility had a more significant impact on these groups. Finally, a hierarchical linear regression was used to determine if a model for reading and mathematics could be used to predict future academic performance for students of involuntary mobility. Findings showed consistently there was no statistically significant difference in the achievement performance among groups or subgroups and the subject tests of reading and/or mathematics with one exception. There was a statistically significant difference in mathematics achievement in the all students group when comparing those students of involuntary mobility with students of stability. Students of mobility actually indicated a modest level of higher achievement than non-mobile peers. The hierarchical linear model was found to be marginally significant for predicting achievement among involuntary mobility students in the area of mathematics, but not necessarily in reading. Future research recommendations include broadening the research to additional grade-levels. This research only considered the impact of achievement on high school students. Future research should consider similar impact on students at both the elementary and/or middle school levels. Qualitative measures would provide additional information, particularly the perceptions and experiences that stakeholders have throughout the involuntary mobility process. Other at-risk subgroups, particularly those of residential mobility and/or previous retention, provide additional considerations that would add to this body of research. Finally, involuntary mobility as the result of school closings would provide additional insight as this factor often has public negative perceptions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004144, ucf:49055
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004144
- Title
- The Examination of a Mobile Application for the Reduction of Posttraumatic Stress Related Symptoms in Emergency Dispatchers.
- Creator
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Willis, Emy, Beidel, Deborah, Bowers, Clint, Neer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Emergency dispatchers report that their jobs are stressful, yet there are few controlled investigations examining their specific psychological complaints. Additionally, research examining the use of interventions directed at alleviating their work-related stress is limited. This study aims to examine the efficacy and feasibility of a mobile application (PTSD Coach) on various indicators of psychosocial well-being among emergency telecommunicator dispatchers. A sample of 117 emergency...
Show moreEmergency dispatchers report that their jobs are stressful, yet there are few controlled investigations examining their specific psychological complaints. Additionally, research examining the use of interventions directed at alleviating their work-related stress is limited. This study aims to examine the efficacy and feasibility of a mobile application (PTSD Coach) on various indicators of psychosocial well-being among emergency telecommunicator dispatchers. A sample of 117 emergency dispatchers completed self-report psychological mood assessments at baseline, weekly for five weeks during PTSD Coach use and post-treatment. Participant report of psychological symptoms showed statistically significant decreases in mood severity over the period of one month.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007556, ucf:52595
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007556
- Title
- Young Children's Fine Motor iPad Gestures When Performed Alone and in Dyads.
- Creator
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Nguyen, Lap, Culp, Anne, Szente, Judit, Hughes-Brand, Nicola Shea, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since the release of the first iPad in 2010, over 200 million have been sold worldwide. In the short time since the iPad's release, the devices have become popular in classrooms. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to document the fine motor iPad gestures of 2 , 3-, and 4-year-old children who used iPads by themselves and in dyads and 2) to conduct international comparisons regarding such observed fine motor iPad gestures. In this study, I examined seven iPad gestures: (a) tap, (b) drag...
Show moreSince the release of the first iPad in 2010, over 200 million have been sold worldwide. In the short time since the iPad's release, the devices have become popular in classrooms. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to document the fine motor iPad gestures of 2 , 3-, and 4-year-old children who used iPads by themselves and in dyads and 2) to conduct international comparisons regarding such observed fine motor iPad gestures. In this study, I examined seven iPad gestures: (a) tap, (b) drag/slide, (c) free rotate, (d) drag and drop, (e) pinch, (f) spread, and (g) flick. This study had five components. The first component involved observations of the iPad gestures of a sample of Orlando, Florida, children operating iPads by themselves. The first component was a partial replication of the 2013 and 2014 studies conducted by Aziz et al. The second component of this study involved observations of the iPad gestures of the Orlando children operating iPads in dyads. In the third component of this study, I compared the iPad gestures of the Orlando children with the gestures of a sample of 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old children from London. In the fourth component of this study, I compared the iPad gestures of the Orlando children with the gestures of a sample of 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old children from Malaysia. In the fifth component, I compared the iPad gestures of the Orlando sample when the children were paired with classmates and asked to play with the iPads in dyads, rather than operating iPads by themselves. Biographical information was collected, including (a) child's age, (b) household income, (c) child's gender, (d) child's ethnic origin, (e) types of mobile devices in the household, (f) daily usage of mobile devices, (g) people with whom the child used mobile devices, (h) earliest age of device usage, and (i) the primary language spoken at home.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006541, ucf:51352
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006541
- Title
- Playing with Usability: Why Technical Communicators Should Examine Mobile Games.
- Creator
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Cata, Alexandra, Jones, Dan, Applen, John, Salter, Anastasia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis examines how technical communicators can look to free, successful mobile games for mobile User Interface (UI) and User Assistance (UA) inspiration and design techniques. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an overview of major game studies theories and situate them within technical communication theory and practices. Technical communicators can leverage game studies theories to augment existing technical communication theories and practices. Specifically, I examine cognitive...
Show moreThis thesis examines how technical communicators can look to free, successful mobile games for mobile User Interface (UI) and User Assistance (UA) inspiration and design techniques. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an overview of major game studies theories and situate them within technical communication theory and practices. Technical communicators can leverage game studies theories to augment existing technical communication theories and practices. Specifically, I examine cognitive learning theory in game design, game usability, playability, and user-centered design, and how these theories relate to technical communication, rhetorical, mobile UI/UA, and general usability theories and methods. Additionally, I also note technical communicators can provide depth and fill in existing gaps in game design theory relating to language and textual presentation within games. I demonstrate this value by synthesizing and applying these methods to two successful free mobile games: Supercell's Clash of Clans and Blizzard Entertainment's Hearthstone. In a highly competitive and lucrative environment, top free mobile games provide effective user experiences to engage and retain users. Examining mobile game design provides a creative way for technical communicators to improve their own approaches for user engagement and mobile design.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006573, ucf:51316
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006573
- Title
- PHYSICAL ERGONOMIC AND MENTAL WORKLOAD FACTORS OF MOBILE LEARNING AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF ADULT DISTANCE LEARNERS: STUDENT PERSPECTIVE.
- Creator
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Jones, Rochelle, McCauley-Bush, Pamela, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Distance education is the fastest growing educational modality because of advances information technology has made over the past 25 years. Adult learners have become the fastest growing population in distance education. Adult learners, through technical tools and devices they use on the job, have become more digitally literate and mobile, making the ability to access class work on the go a necessity. Mobile learning or m-learning (learning that uses wireless, portable, mobile computing, and...
Show moreDistance education is the fastest growing educational modality because of advances information technology has made over the past 25 years. Adult learners have become the fastest growing population in distance education. Adult learners, through technical tools and devices they use on the job, have become more digitally literate and mobile, making the ability to access class work on the go a necessity. Mobile learning or m-learning (learning that uses wireless, portable, mobile computing, and communication devices) is becoming an extension of distance learning, providing a channel for students to learn, communicate, and access educational material outside the traditional classroom environment. For adult learners, this modality allows them to take advantage of accessing material using mobile devices they use for job related activities. Despite the portability and readiness to information mobile devices provide its users, cognitive and physical ergonomic issues may impact learner performance. These issues may stem from information overload and physical discomfort from extended use of the mobile device which may negatively affect the overall success and satisfaction of m-learning environments. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical ergonomic discomfort, subjective workload, physiological response, and the impact on student performance while using mobile technology to read course material. Activity Theory was used as the theoretical foundation that guided the study. Eighty-four research participants, all over the age of 25, read a passage using one of two distance education modalities: desktop computer or mobile device. While reading the passage, one of three task load levels was imposed on participants: none, low or high. Each participant endured three trials, repeating the same task for each trial. After each trial, participants completed an achievement test and the NASA-TLX assessment. The results from this study provided evidence that mobile learning technologies with increased levels of task load introduced physical ergonomic discomfort and affected perceptions of mental workload in participants. The study also provided evidence that mobile learning technologies with increased levels of task load affected the performance (reading and learning) of participants. Study results provided insight into capabilities and limitations of students in their use of mobile devices for educational purposes. The limitations identified need to be further examined to aid in building successful m-learning environments with the goal of mobile device usage not affecting student performance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002658, ucf:48212
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002658
- Title
- POPULATION CHURN: THE MIGRATION FLOW OF FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Cashen, Marguerite, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Recent research has focused attention on the concerns of migration in and out of Florida and within the counties themselves. In 1949, Cape Canaveral was established and the boom was on. The character of the state dramatically transformed after 1965, when plans were announced to convert twenty-seven thousand acres of swampland into Walt Disney World. Since then, Orlando's evolution is divided into two eras: before and after Walt Disney World. Orlando has changed from a quiet town whose...
Show moreRecent research has focused attention on the concerns of migration in and out of Florida and within the counties themselves. In 1949, Cape Canaveral was established and the boom was on. The character of the state dramatically transformed after 1965, when plans were announced to convert twenty-seven thousand acres of swampland into Walt Disney World. Since then, Orlando's evolution is divided into two eras: before and after Walt Disney World. Orlando has changed from a quiet town whose function was to service the surrounding citrus growing regions in a sparsely populated Orange County to a booming metropolis. Has the growth been for the best? While geographical mobility is frequently analyzed in terms of in-migration, out-migration, and net migration, this thesis will examine the population churn, the sum of in- and out-migration divided by population size. The simple descriptive questions in this thesis are, first, how do Orange County and the Orlando metro area "stack up" against other Florida cities, counties, and metro areas such as: Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami. Secondly, across 67 Florida counties, what county level characteristics predict the rate of churn? The sample will consist of intra-migration and intermigration movers from a dataset drawn from the 2000 U. S. Census, IRS data, and local data by county, such as, F Cat, Index Crime Rate, and Domestic Violence Rate. The U.S. Census data are compiled from the Census of 2000; most estimates come from data collected by the CPS (Current Population Survey), which the U.S. Census conducts. The Internal Revenue Service migration flow data shows migration patterns by county based on changes in the addresses entered on individual tax returns. Correlation analysis is used to show the strength of association between population churn and the other variables.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000294, ucf:46214
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000294
- Title
- SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON THE PARTY AFFILIATION OF HISPANIC VOTERS.
- Creator
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Montagner, Angelo, Vieux, Andrea, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Voting analysts in the United States have attempted to predict political orientation based on race, gender, occupation, educational achievement, and economic background. Yet, the substantial amount of research available on these factors has been directed toward the understanding of the white-majority vote. Now, as a result of the overwhelming growth of ethnic minority populations scholars are beginning to look at the potential decisive role of ethnic minority voters. Part of this newly formed...
Show moreVoting analysts in the United States have attempted to predict political orientation based on race, gender, occupation, educational achievement, and economic background. Yet, the substantial amount of research available on these factors has been directed toward the understanding of the white-majority vote. Now, as a result of the overwhelming growth of ethnic minority populations scholars are beginning to look at the potential decisive role of ethnic minority voters. Part of this newly formed voting bloc consists of Hispanics which are now one of the fastest and largest racial minority groups in the United States. This thesis aims to understand the Hispanic electorate by addressing their social mobility. Furthermore, this research will shed light into the socio-economic factors affecting the political affiliation of Hispanic voters.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004361, ucf:44998
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004361
- Title
- PREVENTING NEUROMUSCULAR DECONDITIONING IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS.
- Creator
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Lakhani, Shahzia, Amidei, Christina, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Critically ill patients can be prescribed bed rest as a therapeutic intervention. Immobility from bed rest can cause neuromuscular deconditioning and weakness. Preventing immobility by implementing mobilization activities may prevent these complications from occurring. Currently, mobility protocols are lacking. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the evidence related to mobilizing patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In the future, a standard mobility protocol should be...
Show moreCritically ill patients can be prescribed bed rest as a therapeutic intervention. Immobility from bed rest can cause neuromuscular deconditioning and weakness. Preventing immobility by implementing mobilization activities may prevent these complications from occurring. Currently, mobility protocols are lacking. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the evidence related to mobilizing patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In the future, a standard mobility protocol should be instituted for critically ill patients indicating when and how to begin mobilization. The efficacy of mobility protocols relies on an interdisciplinary team for positive outcomes to prevent complications of inactivity and promote patient safety. Future implementation of mobilization can decrease patients' lengths of stay and extensive rehabilitation from inactivity. Nursing education, practice and research should focus on interventions to prevent complications of immobility by identifying mobilization techniques, safety approaches and the use of protocols.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003847, ucf:44704
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003847
- Title
- Modeling Crowd Mobility and Communication in Wireless Networks.
- Creator
-
Solmaz, Gurkan, Turgut, Damla, Bassiouni, Mostafa, Guha, Ratan, Goldiez, Brian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation presents contributions to the fields of mobility modeling, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with mobile sinks, and opportunistic communication in theme parks. The two main directions of our contributions are human mobility models and strategies for the mobile sink positioning and communication in wireless networks.The first direction of the dissertation is related to human mobility modeling. Modeling the movement of human subjects is important to improve the performance of...
Show moreThis dissertation presents contributions to the fields of mobility modeling, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with mobile sinks, and opportunistic communication in theme parks. The two main directions of our contributions are human mobility models and strategies for the mobile sink positioning and communication in wireless networks.The first direction of the dissertation is related to human mobility modeling. Modeling the movement of human subjects is important to improve the performance of wireless networks with human participants and the validation of such networks through simulations. The movements in areas such as theme parks follow specific patterns that are not taken into consideration by the general purpose mobility models. We develop two types of mobility models of theme park visitors. The first model represents the typical movement of visitors as they are visiting various attractions and landmarks of the park. The second model represents the movement of the visitors as they aim to evacuate the park after a natural or man-made disaster.The second direction focuses on the movement patterns of mobile sinks and their communication in responding to various events and incidents within the theme park. When an event occurs, the system needs to determine which mobile sink will respond to the event and its trajectory. The overall objective is to optimize the event coverage by minimizing the time needed for the chosen mobile sink to reach the incident area. We extend this work by considering the positioning problem of mobile sinks and preservation of the connected topology. We propose a new variant of p-center problem for optimal placement and communication of the mobile sinks. We provide a solution to this problem through collaborative event coverage of the WSNs with mobile sinks. Finally, we develop a network model with opportunistic communication for tracking the evacuation of theme park visitors during disasters. This model involves people with smartphones that store and carry messages. The mobile sinks are responsible for communicating with the smartphones and reaching out to the regions of the emergent events.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006005, ucf:51024
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006005
- Title
- CAMERA SYSTEM SUPPORT FOR HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION USING MOBILE DEVICES.
- Creator
-
Minh, Le, Hua, Kien A., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With the very fast growing technology in wireless, advancement in hardware and the dramatically falling cost of mobile computing devices such as PDA, handheld device, People nowadays can have a personal device that fits in their hand but has computing power as a desktop did few years ago. The same device now is able to communicate over a wireless network and view office document at the same time. The combination of size, power and flexibility makes the personal devices increasingly appear in...
Show moreWith the very fast growing technology in wireless, advancement in hardware and the dramatically falling cost of mobile computing devices such as PDA, handheld device, People nowadays can have a personal device that fits in their hand but has computing power as a desktop did few years ago. The same device now is able to communicate over a wireless network and view office document at the same time. The combination of size, power and flexibility makes the personal devices increasingly appear in many aspects of life.In this proposal, we focus on a simple yet useful application of mobile devices and wireless capabilities. The application can help commuters in traffic system to find an optimal route based on video camera surveillance information. This surveillance information is made available to the user through his/her handheld devices. As an example, suppose we have installed several cameras along the expressway. If commuters can access to these cameras, they can observe the situation currently happening along the way, and decide which path would be the most effective to avoid the traffic congestion. This application will eventually improve the effectiveness of current traffic system since it will help to reduce traffic congestions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000094, ucf:46090
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000094
- Title
- DYNAMIC TASK ALLOCATION IN MOBILE ROBOT SYSTEMS USING UTILITY FUNTIONS.
- Creator
-
Vander Weide, Scott, Bölöni, Ladislau, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
We define a novel algorithm based on utility functions for dynamically allocating tasks to mobile robots in a multi-robot system. The algorithm attempts to maximize the performance of the mobile robot while minimizing inter-robot communications. The algorithm takes into consideration the proximity of the mobile robot to the task, the priority of the task, the capability required by the task, the capabilities of the mobile robot, and the rarity of the capability within the population of mobile...
Show moreWe define a novel algorithm based on utility functions for dynamically allocating tasks to mobile robots in a multi-robot system. The algorithm attempts to maximize the performance of the mobile robot while minimizing inter-robot communications. The algorithm takes into consideration the proximity of the mobile robot to the task, the priority of the task, the capability required by the task, the capabilities of the mobile robot, and the rarity of the capability within the population of mobile robots. We evaluate the proposed algorithm in a simulation study and compare it to alternative approaches, including the contract net protocol, an approach based on the knapsack problem, and random task selection. We find that our algorithm outperforms the alternatives in most metrics measured including percent of tasks complete, distance traveled per completed task, fairness of execution, number of communications, and utility achieved.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002274, ucf:47871
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002274
- Title
- Examining Users' Application Permissions On Android Mobile Devices.
- Creator
-
Safi, Muhammad, Wisniewski, Pamela, Leavens, Gary, Hughes, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Mobile devices have become one of the most important computing platforms. The platform's portability and highly customized nature raises several privacy concerns. Therefore, understanding and predicting user privacy behavior has become very important if one is to design software which respects the privacy concerns of users. Various studies have been carried out to quantify user perceptions and concerns [23,36] and user characteristics which may predict privacy behavior [21,22,25]. Even though...
Show moreMobile devices have become one of the most important computing platforms. The platform's portability and highly customized nature raises several privacy concerns. Therefore, understanding and predicting user privacy behavior has become very important if one is to design software which respects the privacy concerns of users. Various studies have been carried out to quantify user perceptions and concerns [23,36] and user characteristics which may predict privacy behavior [21,22,25]. Even though significant research exists regarding factors which affect user privacy behavior, there is gap in the literature when it comes to correlating these factors to objectively collected data from user devices. We designed an Android application which administered surveys to collect various perceived measures, and to scrape past behavioral data from the phone. Our goal was to discover variables which help in predicting user location sharing decisions by correlating what we collected from surveys with the user's decision to share their location with our study application. We carried out logistic regression analysis with multiple measured variables and found that perceived measures and past behavioral data alone were poor predictors of user location sharing decisions. Instead, we discovered that perceived measures in the context of past behavior helped strengthen prediction models. Asking users to reflect on whether they were comfortable sharing their location with apps that were already installed on their mobile device was a stronger predictor of location sharing behavior than general measures regarding privacy concern or past behavioral data scraped from their phones. This work contributes to the field by correlating existing privacy measures with objective data, and uncovering a new predictor of location sharing decisions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007363, ucf:52085
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007363
- Title
- An Exploratory Study of Physiologic Responses to a Passive Exercise Intervention in Mechanically-ventilated Critically Ill Adults.
- Creator
-
Amidei, Christina, Sole, Mary, Byers, Jacqueline, Covelli, Maureen, Smith, Gerald, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Muscle weakness is the most common and persistent problem after a critical illness. Early mobilization of the critically ill patient, beginning with passive exercise and progressing to ambulation, may mitigate muscle effects of the critical illness. However, mobilization may produce adverse effects, especially early in the illness when risk for physiologic deterioration is common. If safe, introducing a mobility intervention early in the illness may facilitate ventilator weaning, shorten...
Show moreMuscle weakness is the most common and persistent problem after a critical illness. Early mobilization of the critically ill patient, beginning with passive exercise and progressing to ambulation, may mitigate muscle effects of the critical illness. However, mobilization may produce adverse effects, especially early in the illness when risk for physiologic deterioration is common. If safe, introducing a mobility intervention early in the illness may facilitate ventilator weaning, shorten intensive care unit and hospitals stays, and improve functional status and quality of life for mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. The aim of this study was assess the cardiopulmonary and inflammatory responses to an early standardized passive exercise protocol (PEP) in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Using a quasi-experimental within-subjects repeated measures design, mechanically ventilated critically ill adults who were physiologically stable received a single standardized PEP within 72 hours of intubation. The PEP consisted of 20 minutes of bilateral passive leg movement delivered by continuous passive motion machines at a rate of 20 repetitions per minute, from 5-75 degrees, to simulate very slow walking. Physiologic parameters evaluated included heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP), oxygen saturation, and cytokine levels (IL-6 and IL-10), obtained before, during, and after the intervention. The Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS), administered before, during and after the intervention was used as a measure of participant comfort. The study sample was comprised of 18 (60%) males and 12 (40%) females, with a mean age of 56.5 years (SD 16.9 years), who were primarily Caucasian (N=18, 64%). Mean APACHE II scores for the sample were 23.8 (SD 6.2) with a mean predicted death rate of 48.8 (SD 19.8), indicating moderate mortality risk related to illness severity. Number of comorbidities ranged from 1-10 (X=4). All participants completed the intervention with no adverse events. Using repeated measures analysis of variance (rmANOVA), no significant differences were found in HR, MBP, or oxygen saturation at any of the four time points in comparison to baseline. BPS scores were significantly reduced (F(2.43, 70.42)=4.08, p=.02) at 5 and 10 minutes after the PEP was started, and were sustained at 20 minutes and for one hour after the PEP was completed. IL-6 was significantly reduced (F(1.60, 43.1)=4.351, p=.03) at the end of the intervention but not at the end of the final rest period. IL-10 values were not significantly different at any of the three time points, but IL-6 to IL-10 ratios did decrease significantly (F(1.61, 43.38)=3.42, p=.05) at the end of the PEP and again after a 60 minute rest period. Passive leg exercise was well tolerated by study participants. HR, MBP, and oxygen saturation were maintained within order set-specified ranges during and for one hour after activity, and patient comfort improved during and after the intervention. A downward trend in HR was noted in participants, which is contrary to usual HR response during exercise, and may represent clinical improvement in this population related to reduction in pain. Reduction of mean IL-6 values at the end of the PEP, but not after the rest period, suggests that the PEP was responsible for the initial IL-6 improvement. Improvement of IL-6 to IL-10 ratios from the end of the PEP to the end of the final rest period suggests that IL-10, although non-significant, may have had some effect, indicating that IL-10 increases may occur later than the time period of study.Passive exercise can be used as an approach to facilitating mobilization in mechanically ventilated critically ill adults until they are ready to participate in more active exercise. It could be that more frequent and aggressive exercise, such as passive cycling at faster rates, four times daily, will be tolerated in this population. While the understanding of clinical significance of cytokine profiles in critically ill patients is still evolving, cytokine levels may be useful in explaining benefits of mobilization in this population. Further study is required to replicate the impact of passive exercise on pain, and it may represent a novel approach to pain management in critically ill patients.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004350, ucf:49424
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004350
- Title
- Energy efficient routing towards a mobile sink using virtual coordinates in a wireless sensor network.
- Creator
-
Rahmatizadeh, Rouhollah, Boloni, Ladislau, Turgut, Damla, Jha, Sumit, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The existence of a coordinate system can often improve the routing in a wireless sensor network. While most coordinate systems correspond to the geometrical or geographical coordinates, in recent years researchers had proposed the use of virtual coordinates. Virtual coordinates depend only on the topology of the network as defined by the connectivity of the nodes, without requiring geographical information. The work in this thesis extends the use of virtual coordinates to scenarios where the...
Show moreThe existence of a coordinate system can often improve the routing in a wireless sensor network. While most coordinate systems correspond to the geometrical or geographical coordinates, in recent years researchers had proposed the use of virtual coordinates. Virtual coordinates depend only on the topology of the network as defined by the connectivity of the nodes, without requiring geographical information. The work in this thesis extends the use of virtual coordinates to scenarios where the wireless sensor network has a mobile sink. One reason to use a mobile sink is to distribute the energy consumption more evenly among the sensor nodes and thus extend the life-time of the network. We developed two algorithms, MS-DVCR and CU-DVCR which perform routing towards a mobile sink using virtual coordinates. In contrast to the baseline virtual coordinate routing MS-DVCR limits routing updates triggered by the sink movement to a local area around the sink. In contrast, CU-DVCR limits the route updates to a circular area on the boundary of the local area. We describe the design justification and the implementation of these algorithms. Using a set of experimental studies, we show that MS-DVCR and CU-DVCR achieve a lower energy consumption compared to the baseline virtual coordinate routing without any noticeable impact on routing performance. In addition, CU-DVCR provides a lower energy consumption than MS-DVCR for the case of a fast moving sink.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005402, ucf:50422
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005402
- Title
- THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN PREVENTIVE CARE AND HEALTH-RELATED CONDITIONS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
-
Ringer, Naomi, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this review of literature was to understand the role of mobile device applications in health related conditions and to analyze their effects on health outcomes related to the management of chronic illnesses. Implications for future use of applications in client-centered care and interpretation of the data by health care providers was also explored. Peer-reviewed, English-language research articles published from 2008 to present were included for synthesis. Study results...
Show moreThe purpose of this review of literature was to understand the role of mobile device applications in health related conditions and to analyze their effects on health outcomes related to the management of chronic illnesses. Implications for future use of applications in client-centered care and interpretation of the data by health care providers was also explored. Peer-reviewed, English-language research articles published from 2008 to present were included for synthesis. Study results revealed positive outcomes when health-related mobile applications were used in practice and support clinicians' use of mobile applications as a tool for monitoring symptoms and communicating with individuals. The literature indicated nurses play a significant role in providing feedback, which reinforces self-care strategies and adherence, with the potential for improving outcomes. Additional research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of applications on patient outcomes, nurses' perspectives, and feasibility of implementation into practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004660, ucf:45280
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004660
- Title
- A Model-Based Approach to Mobile Learning and Digital Literacy.
- Creator
-
Ramsey, Zena, Gunter, Glenda, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Hartshorne, Richard, Coggins, Patrick, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research study was to 1) explore models of technology implementation programs and professional development interventions that promote the successful integration of mobile devices (iPads) in a small elementary school in a large Central Florida school district, and 2) identify the needs of the instructional staff to design a professional development intervention to meet these needs. This school will be referred to as School A.In the U.S., the ownership of mobile devices,...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to 1) explore models of technology implementation programs and professional development interventions that promote the successful integration of mobile devices (iPads) in a small elementary school in a large Central Florida school district, and 2) identify the needs of the instructional staff to design a professional development intervention to meet these needs. This school will be referred to as School A.In the U.S., the ownership of mobile devices, such as iPads is on the rise. For example, 88% of American teenagers between ages 13 and 17 have access to a mobile phone, and 73% of teenagers have a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2015). This has increased from 2013, when 78% of teenagers ages 12-17 had a cell phone, 47% of which were smartphones (Pew Research Center, 2013). Also, 58% of teens in this age group have a tablet (Pew Research Center, 2015). These devices, over other devices such as desktop computers, are becoming more commonly used to access the Internet (Pew Research Internet Project, 2014). This rise in mobile device ownership and usage by students and young adults in their daily lives has prompted educators to look toward mobile devices as potential educational tools to engage students (Herro, Kiger, (&) Owens, 2013). Developments in mobile technology have made these devices more accessible and versatile with Wi-Fi capabilities and a variety of applications (Wu et al., 2012).In this research study, a case study design using mixed methods was used to identify problems that exist in teachers' using and integrating iPads and to suggest solutions. The mixed-method data collection incorporated elements of qualitative research through a case study and elements of quantitative analysis through the use of descriptive statistics. An iPad survey was developed by the researcher and used to gather qualitative data at School A regarding teacher perceptions and experiences related to integrating iPads into classroom instruction. The sample population (n = 15) consisted of classroom teachers, support teachers, and academic coaches. The total population of teachers at School A was 34. Teacher responses were analyzed for common emergent themes as well as through the use of descriptive statistics consistent with data analysis methods for case study research (Cresswell, 2006). Additional qualitative data was gathered through the review of documents related to School A's iPad initiative and observational data regarding teacher training, and the applications loaded and used on the iPads were gathered via the researcher's role as the Apple Program Facilitator. Demographic data was also collected via the iPad survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics.The results revealed that 23% percent of teacher respondents were not currently integrating iPads into their classroom instruction, whereas 73% of teacher respondents reported that they were. Common instructional activities and strategies implemented via iPads included small group instruction, assessment, research, and projects. Additionally, it was found that 53% of the teacher respondents expressed interest in face-to-face (F2F) or Web-based professional development (PD) sessions, which included both users and non-users of the iPads. Further research should be conducted regarding how to best maximize teacher involvement in PD designed to train them how to effectively integrate iPads into their classroom instruction, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile device PD program, once in place, with respect to how classroom instruction is enhanced through the integration of the iPads and the impact on student learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006700, ucf:51910
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006700
- Title
- A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Adolescent Mobile Online Safety.
- Creator
-
Ghosh, Arup Kumar, ,, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With the rise of adolescent smartphone use, concerns about teen online safety are also on the rise. A number of parental control apps are available for mobile devices, but adoption of these apps has been markedly low. To better understand these apps, their users, and design opportunities in the space of mobile online safety for adolescents, we have conducted four studies informed by the principles of Value Sensitive Design (VSD). In Study 1 (Chapter 2), we conducted a web-based survey of 215...
Show moreWith the rise of adolescent smartphone use, concerns about teen online safety are also on the rise. A number of parental control apps are available for mobile devices, but adoption of these apps has been markedly low. To better understand these apps, their users, and design opportunities in the space of mobile online safety for adolescents, we have conducted four studies informed by the principles of Value Sensitive Design (VSD). In Study 1 (Chapter 2), we conducted a web-based survey of 215 parents and their teens (ages 13-17) using two separate logistic regression models (parent and teen) to examine the factors that predicted parental use of technical monitoring apps on their teens' mobile devices. Both parent and teen models confirmed that low autonomy granting (e.g., authoritarian) parents were the most likely to use parental control apps. The teen model revealed additional nuances, indicating that teens who were victimized online and had peer problems were more likely to be monitored by their parents. Overall, increased parental control was associated with more (not fewer) online risks. In Study 2 (Chapter 3), we conducted a structured, qualitative feature analysis of 75 Android mobile apps designed for promoting adolescent online safety. We found that the available apps overwhelmingly supported parental control through restriction and monitoring over teen self-regulation or parental active mediation. In Study 3 (Chapter 4), we conducted a qualitative analysis of 736 reviews of 37 mobile online safety apps from Google Play that were publicly posted and written by teens. Our results indicate that teen ratings were significantly lower than that of parents with 76% of the teen reviews giving apps a single star. Teens felt that the apps were overly restrictive and invasive of their personal privacy, negatively impacting their relationships with their parents. For our final study (Chapter 5), we developed a mobile app prototype suggesting alternative designs for keeping teens safe online and conducted a user study which showed that parents and children (ages 10-17) both significantly preferred our new app design over existing parental control apps. Both parents and children reported that our VSD informed design is less privacy-invasive for children and would improve communication and trust relationship between them. Yet, more work needs to be done to improve approaches for risk detection and mediation that support online safety. In summary, this research will enable researchers and designers to create more effective solutions for teen online safety that will help promote more positive parent-teen relationships.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007181, ucf:52256
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007181
- Title
- REVIEWING THE EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS, AVERAGE SPEED AND IDLING TIME ON EMISSIONS FROM ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BUS FLEET.
- Creator
-
Bayat, Ali, Cooper, C. David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Orange County, FL has been experiencing ozone concentrations in the past several years which in some cases exceeded the national and state standards. The high concentration of ground level ozone can cause a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion or it can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Other effects include reduction of agricultural crop and commercial forest yields, lower growth and survivability of tree seedlings, and higher...
Show moreOrange County, FL has been experiencing ozone concentrations in the past several years which in some cases exceeded the national and state standards. The high concentration of ground level ozone can cause a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion or it can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Other effects include reduction of agricultural crop and commercial forest yields, lower growth and survivability of tree seedlings, and higher susceptibility of plant to diseases, pests and other stresses such as harsh weather. The ozone generation rate is directly related to the ambient concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic carbons (VOCs). These two air pollutants, mostly produced from combustion of fossil fuels, react with oxygen to form ozone in presence of sunlight. In urban areas, ozone generation rate can be decreased by reduction of ozone precursors, NOx and VOCs. The Air Quality Research group of University of Central Florida proposed that one of the emission reduction strategies be for school bus fleets in the area. School buses were chosen because of their important impact on ambient air quality in general and on student health in particular. There were about 473,000 school buses in the 2004-05 school year nationwide which traveled for a total mileage of about 4 billion miles in that year. Orange County Public School (OCPS) system owns about 1400 school buses which traveled about 17 million miles in 2005-06 school year, serving 71000 students. The use of diesel fuels, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD, diesel fuel containing 15ppm sulfur) and Biodiesel (B20, a mixture of 20% biodiesel and 80% ULSD), were chosen as the first proposed action to be studied. Also the effects of transportation parameters, average speed and idling time on fleet emissions were selected to be reviewed. This report reviews the fuel option and transportation parameters, effects on school bus fleet emissions and it does a comparison analysis in order to show advantages and disadvantages of each fuel. The Conventional Diesel (CD) and ULSD emissions were estimated by using MOBILE6.2 model, and effects of B20 on emissions were derived from published studies. It was found that using B20 or ULSD can reduce the emissions significantly for the most of major pollutants but in the case of NOx, the percentage changes is not certain yet and more investigation is required. Emissions vary for different average speeds and 27 miles per hour can be defined as the optimum average speed. Also reduction of idling time is an excellent control option for decreasing emissions, and should be considered for OCPS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001726, ucf:47308
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001726
- Title
- BLUETOOTH-BASE WORM MODELING AND SIMULATION.
- Creator
-
Xiang, Haiou, Zou, Cliff, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Bluetooth is one of the most popular technologies in the world in the new century. Meanwhile it attracts attackers to develop new worm and malicious code attacking Bluetooth wireless network. So far the growth of mobile malicious code is very fast and they have become a great potential threat to our society. In this thesis, we study Bluetooth worm in Mobile Wireless Network. Firstly we investigate the Bluetooth technology and several previously appeared Bluetooth worms, e.g. "Caribe","Comwar"...
Show moreBluetooth is one of the most popular technologies in the world in the new century. Meanwhile it attracts attackers to develop new worm and malicious code attacking Bluetooth wireless network. So far the growth of mobile malicious code is very fast and they have become a great potential threat to our society. In this thesis, we study Bluetooth worm in Mobile Wireless Network. Firstly we investigate the Bluetooth technology and several previously appeared Bluetooth worms, e.g. "Caribe","Comwar", and we find the infection cycle of a Bluetooth worm. Next, we develop a new simulator, Bluetooth Worm simulator (BTWS), which simulates Bluetooth worm' behaviors in Mobile wireless networks. Through analyzing the result, we find i) In ideal environment the mobility of Bluetooth device can improve the worm's propagation speed, but combining mobility and inquiry time issue would cause a Bluetooth worm to slow down its propagation under certain situation. ii) The number of initially infected Bluetooth devices mostly affects the beginning propagation speed of a worm, and energy issue can be ignored because the new technology can let Bluetooth device keeping work for a long time. iii) Co-channel interference and setting up monitoring system in public place can improve the security of Bluetooth wireless network.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001740, ucf:47313
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001740
