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Title: Design & performance of a wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle.
Creator: Rynne, Patrick Forde., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The primary objective of this research is the development a wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle (WASP) for oceanographic measurements. This thesis presents the general design scheme, detailed aerodynamic and hydrodynamic aspects, sailing performance theory, and dynamic performance validation measurements obtained from a series of experiments. The WASP consists of a 4.2 meter long sailboat hull, a low-Reynolds number composite wing, a 2000 Watt-hour battery reservoir, a system of...
Show moreThe primary objective of this research is the development a wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle (WASP) for oceanographic measurements. This thesis presents the general design scheme, detailed aerodynamic and hydrodynamic aspects, sailing performance theory, and dynamic performance validation measurements obtained from a series of experiments. The WASP consists of a 4.2 meter long sailboat hull, a low-Reynolds number composite wing, a 2000 Watt-hour battery reservoir, a system of control actuators, a control system running on an embedded microprocessor, a suite of oceanographic sensors, and power regeneration from solar energy. The vehicle has a maximum speed of five knots and weighs approximately 350 kilograms. Results from four oceanographic missions that were conducted in the Port Everglades Intracoastal Waterway in Dania Beach [sic] Florida are presented. Water temperature, salinity and oxidation-reduction measurements recorded during these missions are also discussed. The combination of a mono-hull and solid wing in an autonomous system is a viable design for a long-range ocean observation platform. The results of four near-shore ocean observation missions illustrate the initial capabilities of the design. Future work aimed to further reduce both the mass of the wing design and the power requirements of the system will increase performance in all operating conditions and should be considered. Furthermore, the progression of the legal framework related to ocean vehicles must be pursued with respect to unmanned autonomous systems.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166455
Subject Headings: Hydrographic surveying, Instruments, Evaluation, Aids to navigation, Equipment and supplies, Testing, Sailboats, Design and construction, Robots, Control systems, Oceanographic instruments, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The relationship between leadership styles of directors of accredited higher education respiratory care programs and faculty satisfaction, willingness to exert extra effort, perceived director effectiveness, and program outcomes.
Creator: Weissman, Nancy L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the leadership characteristics of respiratory care program directors and determine the relationship between the director's leadership style, effectiveness, faculty satisfaction, extra effort, and program outcomes. Differences between the directors' perceived leadership style and faculties' perception of the directors' leadership style were also examined. Directors' leadership styles were measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)....
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the leadership characteristics of respiratory care program directors and determine the relationship between the director's leadership style, effectiveness, faculty satisfaction, extra effort, and program outcomes. Differences between the directors' perceived leadership style and faculties' perception of the directors' leadership style were also examined. Directors' leadership styles were measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Director, faculty and program information was measured with a researcher-designed questionnaire. CoARC accredited program directors (n=321) and their full and part-time faculty (n=172) received an e-mail and a web link to obtain demographic information. All participants received an e-mail from Mind Garden, Inc. with a web link to complete the MLQ. Regression analysis and t tests were used to analyze the data. The results found a significant relationship between faculty satisfaction, extra effort, and perceived director effectiveness and each of the predictors transformational, transactional, and passive/avoidant leadership behaviors. There was no relationship between program director leadership style and program outcomes. This study found no difference between the directors' and the faculty's perception of the directors' transformational and transactional leadership behaviors. However, there was a significant difference between the directors' and the faculties' perception of the directors' passive/avoidant behavior.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186324
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Evaluation, College teaching, Evaluation, Organizational behavior, Medical care, Motivation in education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The relationship between organizational culture and effectiveness in university residence hall associations: a competing values study.
Creator: Faerman, Lawrence B., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study examined organizational member and housing staff perceptions of organizational culture and effectiveness of residence hall associations. Two instruments, the Residence Hall Government (RHA) Effectiveness Instrument designed by Tucker (2001) and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) designed by Cameron and Quinn (1999, 2006) were utilized to gather quantitative data, while individual interviews and focus groups were conducted utilizing selected questions from the...
Show moreThis study examined organizational member and housing staff perceptions of organizational culture and effectiveness of residence hall associations. Two instruments, the Residence Hall Government (RHA) Effectiveness Instrument designed by Tucker (2001) and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) designed by Cameron and Quinn (1999, 2006) were utilized to gather quantitative data, while individual interviews and focus groups were conducted utilizing selected questions from the Interview Questions for Doing a Competing Values Organizational Analysis (Quinn 1988) to collect qualitative data. A mixed methodology was utilized to collect and analyze data from three sites yielding 217 assessments, 27 interviews, and 6 student focus groups with members of residence hall associations during the spring 2008 semester. The study indicated that there is a positive relationship between all ideal culture type scores identified by the OCAI and effectiveness constructs identified by the RHA Effectiveness Instrument. Additionally, there is a difference in the perceptions of Clan and Hierarchy ideal culture type scores and Housing Relationship and RHA Effects effectiveness construct scores based upon housing staff membership or RHA Legislative Body membership. Furthermore, the research indicated that level of student involvement, emphasis on leadership development and training, patterns of communication and teamwork, financial resources, implementation of rules and procedures, roles in program planning, student voice, member evaluation, collaborative partnerships with host housing departments, and relationships with university Student Government were constructs for the development of organizational culture and influenced the organizational effectiveness of RHAs. Recommendations are provided for the organizational development and evaluation of residence hall associations.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186329
Subject Headings: Student housing, College students, Conduct of life, Organizational effectiveness, Evaluation, Organizational behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Traffic congestion detection using VANET.
Creator: Padron, Francisco M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: We propose a distributed, collaborative traffic congestion detection and dissemination system using VANET that makes efficient use of the communication channel, maintains location privacy, and provides drivers with real-time information on traffic congestions over long distances. The system uses vehicles themselves, equipped with simple inexpensive devices, as gatherers and distributors of information without the need for costly road infrastructure such as sensors, cameras or external...
Show moreWe propose a distributed, collaborative traffic congestion detection and dissemination system using VANET that makes efficient use of the communication channel, maintains location privacy, and provides drivers with real-time information on traffic congestions over long distances. The system uses vehicles themselves, equipped with simple inexpensive devices, as gatherers and distributors of information without the need for costly road infrastructure such as sensors, cameras or external communication equipment. Additionally, we present a flexible simulation and visualization framework we designed and developed to validate our system by showing its effectiveness in multiple scenarios and to aid in the research and development of this and future VANET applications.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186684
Subject Headings: Vehicular ad-hoc networks (Computer networks), Traffic congestion, Mathematical models, Mobile communication systems, Evaluation, Traffic congestion, Prevention
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of covert audio coaching on the job performance of supported employees.
Creator: Bennett, Kyle D., College of Education, Department of Exceptional Student Education
Abstract/Description: The importance of employment in our society is unmistakable. The financial outcome of employment allows us to provide for ourselves and others. Furthermore, our employment status, and the work in which we engage, play a part in defining our self-concept. For many people, however, sustained employment remains elusive. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is staggering, and the consequences of being without a job affects those who are unemployed, their families, and our...
Show moreThe importance of employment in our society is unmistakable. The financial outcome of employment allows us to provide for ourselves and others. Furthermore, our employment status, and the work in which we engage, play a part in defining our self-concept. For many people, however, sustained employment remains elusive. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is staggering, and the consequences of being without a job affects those who are unemployed, their families, and our society. There are many issues that directly challenge the employment status of people with disabilities. Some of these include funding for supported employment programs, employer bias, and the outcomes of our country's educational system. Another issue that affects the employment of individuals with disabilities is the manner in which they are prepared prior to employment and coached while on the job. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of performance feedback delivered via covert audio coaching on the job performance of supported employees. A multiple baseline design across participants and work tasks was used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on the participants' work performance (accuracy and speed of task completion). The results demonstrated that the supported employees made substantial improvements on their accuracy and speed of completing the selected work tasks. The results also showed that the improvements maintained for 4-5 weeks following the removal of the intervention.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186688
Subject Headings: People with disabilities, Employment, People with disabilities, Functional assessment, People with disabilities, Training of, Work measurement, Performance standards, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Credibility and the Internet: can credibility levels indicate news medium choice?.
Creator: Herring, Katrina., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Political Science
Abstract/Description: The Internet has revolutionized the way in which people are entertained, communicate and collect information. As people increase their ability to connect with the outside world from inside their homes, they hold the power to become their own gatekeepers filtering information as they see fit. Many question whether this will weaken the power of the traditional media sources that are often seen as elitist and potentially biased. This researcher hypothesized that people who cite high credibility...
Show moreThe Internet has revolutionized the way in which people are entertained, communicate and collect information. As people increase their ability to connect with the outside world from inside their homes, they hold the power to become their own gatekeepers filtering information as they see fit. Many question whether this will weaken the power of the traditional media sources that are often seen as elitist and potentially biased. This researcher hypothesized that people who cite high credibility ratings of news media channels are more likely to use traditional media channels such as television and newspapers and people who cite low credibility ratings of news media channels are more likely to use alternate media channels such as the Internet. While the researcher was unable to reject the null hypothesis, a pattern of general mistrust of traditional news media was revealed when nearly three-fourths of respondents gave traditional media channels a "not-credible" rating.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927304
Subject Headings: Electronic information resources, Evaluation, Information behavior, Mass media, Social aspects, Mass media and technology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Test platform development for measuring surface effect ship response to wave loads.
Creator: Kouvaras, Nicholas, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The goal of this thesis is to develop a test platform for measuring surface effect ship (SES) response to wave loads. The platform is designed and built incorporating a self-propelled vehicle with data acquisition and navigation capabilities. Theoretical analysis is performed, various hardware and electronic parts are designed and built and software applications developed. Wave tank experiments are conducted for test platform evaluation and determination of vehicle response to a range of wave...
Show moreThe goal of this thesis is to develop a test platform for measuring surface effect ship (SES) response to wave loads. The platform is designed and built incorporating a self-propelled vehicle with data acquisition and navigation capabilities. Theoretical analysis is performed, various hardware and electronic parts are designed and built and software applications developed. Wave tank experiments are conducted for test platform evaluation and determination of vehicle response to a range of wave conditions. Furthermore, a three-dimensional model of the AIRCAT scale model SES is created. The theoretical analysis shows that the scale effects in some cases are great, so resonance phenomena cannot be observed. The experimental results clearly show that the heave, pitch and aircushion excess pressure fluctuations increase as the air-blower input level increases. The bow skirt arrangement needs improvements and further experimentation is necessary in order to draw conclusions about the wave loads applied on the skirt.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927307
Subject Headings: Mobile offshore structures, Design and construction, Wave motion, Theory of, Inertial navigation systems, Oceanographic instruments, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Technoeconomic aspects of next-generation telecommunications including the Internet service.
Creator: Tourinho Sardenberg, Renata Cristina., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This research is concerned with the technoeconomic aspects of modern and next-generation telecommunications including the Internet service. The goal of this study thereof is tailored to address the following: (i) Reviewing the technoeconomic considerations prevailing in telecommunication (telco) systems and their implicating futures; (ii) studying relevant considerations by depicting the modern/next-generation telecommunications as a digital ecosystem viewed in terms of underlying complex...
Show moreThis research is concerned with the technoeconomic aspects of modern and next-generation telecommunications including the Internet service. The goal of this study thereof is tailored to address the following: (i) Reviewing the technoeconomic considerations prevailing in telecommunication (telco) systems and their implicating futures; (ii) studying relevant considerations by depicting the modern/next-generation telecommunications as a digital ecosystem viewed in terms of underlying complex system evolution (akin to biological systems); (iii) pursuant to the digital ecosystem concept, co-evolution modeling of competitive business structures in the technoeconomics of telco services using dichotomous (flip-flop) states as seen in prey-predator evolution; (iv) specific to Internet pricing economics, deducing the profile of consumer surplus versus pricing model under DiffServ QoS architecture pertinent to dynamic- , smart- and static-markets; (v) developing and exemplifying decision-making pursuits in telco business under non-competitive and competitive markets (via gametheoretic approach); (vi) and modeling forecasting issues in telco services addressed in terms of a simplified ARIMA-based time-series approach, (which includes seasonal and non-seasonal data plus goodness-fit estimations in time- and frequency-domains). Commensurate with the topics indicated above, necessary analytical derivations/models are proposed and computational exercises are performed (with MatLabTM R2006b and other software as needed). Extensive data gathered from open literature are used thereof and, ad hoc model verifications are performed. Lastly, results are discussed, inferences are made and open-questions for further research are identified.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930492
Subject Headings: Computer networks, Management, Telecommunication, Traffic, Management, Intranets (Computer networks), Evaluation, Network performance (Telecommunication), High performance computing, Engineering economy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Students' preference for online versus face-to-face academic advising based on individual learning styles.
Creator: Tuck, Jess Everet., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine students' preferred methods of academic advising services and whether they related to their individual learning styles. The first objective of the study was to determine each participant's learning style. The second objective of the study was to determine which method of academic advising each participant preferred. The third objective of the study was to determine whether a relationship existed between the participants' learning styles and preferred...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine students' preferred methods of academic advising services and whether they related to their individual learning styles. The first objective of the study was to determine each participant's learning style. The second objective of the study was to determine which method of academic advising each participant preferred. The third objective of the study was to determine whether a relationship existed between the participants' learning styles and preferred methods of academic advising. Additionally, the moderating effect of gender, ethnicity, college major, high school grade point average (GPA), location, and employment on the relationship was considered. Students' learning styles were measured by the Barsch Learning Style Inventory (BLSI). Academic advising preference and demographic information were gathered through a researcher-designed questionnaire. All students (N=1,184) who completed the Online Advising & Registration System (OARS) were cont acted via e-mail and received a web link to the BLSI and student questionnaire. Data from the students (n=172) who completed the BLSI and student questionnaire were analyzed. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the quantitative data. A qualitative analysis of four open-ended survey questions was completed. The results found no relationship between participants' learning styles and their preferred methods of academic advising services. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, college major, high school GPA, location, and employment did not moderate the relationship between participants' learning styles and their preferred methods of academic advising services. The findings suggest that a student's learning style is not associated with his or her preference for type of advising., Furthermore, this lack of relationship did not change as a function of gender, ethnicity, college major, high school GPA, location, and employment.Recommedatations are provided for researchers and practitioners to further contribute to the literature and practice concerning academic advising preference and learning style.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/216409
Subject Headings: Educational change, Education, Higher, Effect of technological innovations on, Counseling in higher education, Computer network resources, Faculty advisors, Computer network resources, Student-administrator relationships, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Predicting hospital readmissions in patients with diabetes: the importance of diabetes education and other factors.
Creator: Asper, Darwin E., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The objective of this study was to determine whether 11 independent variables or combinations of variables help to predict a diabetes-related hospital readmission for patients with diabetes within 60 days from discharge. The variables were categorized into four main groups: (a) patient characteristics, (b) lifestyle, (c) biomarkers, and (d) disease management aspects. A convenience sample of 389 historical medical records of patients who were admitted to a rural hospital in northeastern North...
Show moreThe objective of this study was to determine whether 11 independent variables or combinations of variables help to predict a diabetes-related hospital readmission for patients with diabetes within 60 days from discharge. The variables were categorized into four main groups: (a) patient characteristics, (b) lifestyle, (c) biomarkers, and (d) disease management aspects. A convenience sample of 389 historical medical records of patients who were admitted to a rural hospital in northeastern North Carolina with a diagnosis of, or relating to, diabetes was studied. After comparing predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) and logistic regression (LR), PDA performed better and was chosen to analyze a convenience sample of patients admitted to the hospital for a diabetes-related diagnosis from January, 2004 to December, 2006. The best overall subset accurately classified 27 cases with six predictors that included (a) systolic blood pressure, (b) smoking status, (c) blood glucose range, (d) ethnicity, (e) diabetes education, and (f) diastolic blood pressure. In an effort to simplify the prediction process, the subsets of two predictors were examined. The results of the analysis returned four subsets of 2-predictor variable combinations that correctly classified cases for readmission. Each of the four subsets has two predictors that are statistically and practically significant for predicting readmissions for a diabetes-related problem within fewer than 60 days. These combinations are the predictor subsets of (a) smoking status and being treated by a specialist or non-specialist physician, (b) a religious affiliation or a lack thereof and smoking status, (c) gender and smoking status, and (d) smoking status and ethnicity.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/221947
Subject Headings: Outcome assessment (Medical care), Methodology, Medical care, Evaluation, Health services accessibility, Management, Patient education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The relationship of self-directed learning readiness to knowledge-based and performance-based measures of success in third-year medical students.
Creator: Findley, Brian W., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-directed learning (SDL) readiness of third-year medical students in comparison to previously reported scores for the general population; the relationship between SDL readiness and knowledge-based and performance-based measures of success in a medical school using an integrated medical curriculum; and to determine if knowledge-based and performance-based measures of success are significant in predicting Self-Directed Learning Readiness...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the self-directed learning (SDL) readiness of third-year medical students in comparison to previously reported scores for the general population; the relationship between SDL readiness and knowledge-based and performance-based measures of success in a medical school using an integrated medical curriculum; and to determine if knowledge-based and performance-based measures of success are significant in predicting Self-Directed Learning Readiness Survey/Learner Preference Assessment (SDLRS/LPA) and National Board of Medical Examiners Family Medicine Shelf Examination (NBME-FM) scores. This study analyzed SDLRS/LPA scores, knowledge-based scores (NBME-FM), performance-based scores (Objective Structured Clinical Examination [OSCE] and preceptor rating), and a combination of knowledge-based and performance-based scores (final grade). Analyses of 873 students resulted in mean scores of 229.06 + 23.19 for the SDLRS/LPA. Correlations were significant (p < .05) for SDLRS/LPA scores to NBME-FM scores (r = .073, p < .05). OSCE scores (r = .133, p < .01), and final grade (r = .138, p < .01). Regression analysis revealed that the total model of NBME-FM, OSC AVG, and preceptor rating predicted 2.1% of the variation in SDLRS/LPA, which was significant (p < .01). Regression analysis revealed that SDLRS/LPA, OSC AVG and preceptor ratings predicted 9.7% of the variance in NBME-FM, which was significant (p < .001). The results support previous findings that medical students' levels of SDL readiness are higher than the general population mean of 214.0 + 23.49., While the SDLRS/LPA scores of medical students with knowledge-based and performance-based examinations were modest, they mirror the relationships that have appeared consistently across a number of studies and indicate a tendency for students with higher levels of SDL to perform better in medical preparation programs.The SDLRS/LPA adds an important dimension to the assessment of medical students, addressing the emphasis on ensuring that physician preparation programs produce practitioners who are likely to be continuing, lifelong learners. This investigation of SDL in medical education was unique in that it may be the first to look at the relationships of SDLRS/LPA scores with both knowledge-based and performance-based measures as well as with a combination of knowledge-based and performance-based measures.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/221949
Subject Headings: Learning, Psychology of, Experiential learning, Academic achievement, Psychological aspects, Self-culture, Evaluation, Educational tests and measurements
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A low-cost, high rate motion measurement system for an unmanned surface vehicle with underwater navigation and oceanographic applications.
Creator: Gelin, Chrystel., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Standard GPS receivers are unable to provide the rate or precision required when used on a small vessel such as an Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). To overcome this, the thesis presents a low cost high rate motion measurement system for an USV with underwater and oceanographic purposes. The work integrates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a GPS receiver, a flux-gate compass, a tilt sensor and develops a software package, using real time data fusion methods, for an USV to aid in the...
Show moreStandard GPS receivers are unable to provide the rate or precision required when used on a small vessel such as an Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). To overcome this, the thesis presents a low cost high rate motion measurement system for an USV with underwater and oceanographic purposes. The work integrates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a GPS receiver, a flux-gate compass, a tilt sensor and develops a software package, using real time data fusion methods, for an USV to aid in the navigation and control as well as controlling an onboard Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).While ADCPs non-intrusively measure water flow, they suffer from the inability to discriminate between motions in the water column and self-motion. Thus, the vessel motion contamination needs to be removed to analyze the data and the system developed in this thesis provides the motion measurements and processing to accomplish this task.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2709690
Subject Headings: Oceanographic instruments, Evaluation, Underwater navigation, Adaptive signal processing, Inertial navigation systems, Wave motion, Theory of
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Minimization of overall person delay at light rail transit crossings on congested urban arterials.
Creator: Mitrovic, Nikola, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This study describes analytical model as one innovative way to simulate Light Rail Transit (LRT) operations and calculate vehicular, transit and person delays at LRT crossings through Microsoft Excel. Analytical model emulates LRT trajectories from field and use these trajectories to clearly define train and car phases through Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) logic, which is part of analytical model. Simulation of train trajectories and calculations of delays were done for different LRT...
Show moreThis study describes analytical model as one innovative way to simulate Light Rail Transit (LRT) operations and calculate vehicular, transit and person delays at LRT crossings through Microsoft Excel. Analytical model emulates LRT trajectories from field and use these trajectories to clearly define train and car phases through Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) logic, which is part of analytical model. Simulation of train trajectories and calculations of delays were done for different LRT strategies and estimated roadway condition, Testing and validation of analytical model were performed in one case study in Salt Lake City (UT). Results show that analytical model is capable of emulating LRT trajectories and estimating delay at isolated LRT crossing. However, analytical model is not capable of simulating different train strategies at two or more LRT crossings, at the same time. Finally, extracted strategy provides savings from $100.000 to $200.000 in study area, on annual basis for projected year.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3171724
Subject Headings: Railroads, Local and light, Evaluation, Railroad crossings, Evaluation, Street-railroads, Evaluation, Roads, Interchanges and intersections, Traffic congestion, Causes
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Statistical broadcast protocol design for VANET.
Creator: Slavik, Michael J., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This work presents the development of the Statistical Location-Assisted Broadcast (SLAB) protocol, a multi-hop wireless broadcast protocol designed for vehicular ad-hoc networking (VANET). Vehicular networking is an important emerging application of wireless communications. Data dissemination applications using VANET promote the ability for vehicles to share information with each other and the wide-area network with the goal of improving navigation, fuel consumption, public safety, and...
Show moreThis work presents the development of the Statistical Location-Assisted Broadcast (SLAB) protocol, a multi-hop wireless broadcast protocol designed for vehicular ad-hoc networking (VANET). Vehicular networking is an important emerging application of wireless communications. Data dissemination applications using VANET promote the ability for vehicles to share information with each other and the wide-area network with the goal of improving navigation, fuel consumption, public safety, and entertainment. A critical component of these data dissemination schemes is the multi-hop wireless broadcast protocol. Multi-hop broadcast protocols for these schemes must reliably deliver broadcast packets to vehicles in a geographically bounded region while consuming as little wireless bandwidth as possible. This work contains substantial research results related to development of multi-hop broadcast protocols for VANET, culminating in the design of SLAB. Many preliminary research and development efforts have been required to arrive at SLAB. First, a high-level wireless broadcast simulation tool called WiBDAT is developed. Next, a manual optimization procedure is proposed to create efficient threshold functions for statistical broadcast protocols. This procedure is then employed to design the Distribution-Adaptive Distance with Channel Quality (DADCQ) broadcast protocol, a preliminary cousin of SLAB. DADCQ is highly adaptive to node density, node spatial distribution pattern, and wireless channel quality in realistic VANET scenarios. However, the manual design process used to create DADCQ has a few deficiencies. In response to these problems, an automated design procedure is created that uses a black-box global optimization algorithm to search for efficient threshold functions that are evaluated using WiBDAT. SLAB is finally designed using this procedure., Expansive simulation results are presented comparing the performance of SLAB to two well-published VANET broadcast protocols, p -persistence and Advanced Adaptive Gossip (AAG), and to DADCQ. The four protocols are evaluated under varying node density and speed on five different road topologies with varying wireless channel fading conditions. The results demonstrate that unlike p-persistence and AAG, SLAB performs well across a very broad range of environmental conditions. Compared to its cousin protocol DADCQ, SLAB achieves similar reachability while using around 30% less wireless bandwidth, highlighting the improvement in the automated design methodology over the manual design.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3172947
Subject Headings: Vehicular ad-hoc networks (Computer networks), Design and construction, Vehicular ad-hoc networks (Computer networks), Technological innovations, Wireless communication systems, Technological innovations, Wireless communication systems, Security measures, Mobile communication systems, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative analysis of the success of students placed in the lowest level of remedial coursework taken through CAI versus a traditional remedial education mode of instruction: implications for success, retention and costs.
Creator: Vassiliou, John., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the Computer-Assisted Instructional (CAI) method as an alternative to the Traditional method of instruction for the lowest level of remediation in the content areas of mathematics, reading, and sentence skills, and to specifically determine the comparative effectiveness of these two delivery modes in terms of student success, retention, and costs. The researcher aimed to (a) determine the extent to which ACCUPLACERª mean scores for CAI participants...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the Computer-Assisted Instructional (CAI) method as an alternative to the Traditional method of instruction for the lowest level of remediation in the content areas of mathematics, reading, and sentence skills, and to specifically determine the comparative effectiveness of these two delivery modes in terms of student success, retention, and costs. The researcher aimed to (a) determine the extent to which ACCUPLACERª mean scores for CAI participants increase based on pre and post measures, (b) investigate the pros and cons fiscally of each method of delivery (CAI vs. Traditional), respectively, (c) examine whether CAI participants are more likely to enroll during the immediately following semester compared to students enrolled in a Traditional course, and (d) investigate the extent to which CAI participants are equally or more likely to complete successfully the course taken during the immediately following semester compared to students enroll ed in a Traditional course. The study consisted of a two-group design (CAI and Traditional), and four dependent variables. All CAI participants (N = 129) were self-selected to participate in the study. A dependent t-test found that CAI participants increased their ACCUPLACER mean scores significantly over time by 22.74 points or 72.6%. A frequency count found that retention rates were slightly higher for the Traditional group (82.3%) in comparison to the CAI group (76.6%), however, chi-square tests did not reveal a statistical significance. Chi-squares found significant increase in success rates for the CAI group as 86% passed their initial course, in comparison to 59.8% of students taught in the Traditional format. CAI participants were found to have greater success (74.1%) in subsequent classes than students taught via the Traditional instructional method (51.9%)., In addition, a straightforward comparison of expense totals between the two groups was conducted to estimate the differences in cost between the groups. The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) model used, indicated that CAI is less expensive and more effective than Traditional instruction. The cost per credit analysis projected 54.6% savings if CAI is used as the alternative instructional modality.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3322520
Subject Headings: Computer-assisted instruction, Evaluation, Academic achievement, Educational tests and measurements, School improvement programs, Student assistance programs, Educational accountability
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Technology and fifth grade teaching: a study of teacher reported classroom practice, professional development, access, and support.
Creator: Beaudry, Debbie., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study investigated 5th-grade teachers' reported use of computer technology and variables that have been identified by researchers as affecting teachers' use of technology, including professional development activities, physical access to computer technology, and technical and instructional support provided for teachers. Quantitative data were collected from 80 5th-grade teachers from a Florida public school district through an online survey in which teachers reported how...
Show moreThis mixed methods study investigated 5th-grade teachers' reported use of computer technology and variables that have been identified by researchers as affecting teachers' use of technology, including professional development activities, physical access to computer technology, and technical and instructional support provided for teachers. Quantitative data were collected from 80 5th-grade teachers from a Florida public school district through an online survey in which teachers reported how frequently they used and had their students use computer technology for 27 different purposes. The teachers also reported the amount of emphasis those 27 different topics received during their technology-related professional development experiences, the number of hours they participated in technology-related professional development, the number of months they participating in a technology coaching/mentoring program, the access their students had to computers in the classroom and in a one-to-one co mputing environment, and the frequency that they received technical and instructional support. Information from the school district's technology plan provided a context for the study. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with seven of the survey participants. The findings indicated that for 18 different purposes of technology, there was a significant correlation between how frequently teachers used and had their students use technology and the teacher-reported emphasis those topics received during technology related professional development. Self-reported frequency of support, student-to-computer ratio in the classroom, hours of professional development, and months of mentoring did not moderate the relationship between frequency of technology use and the content of professional development., The relationship between having students use technology to work cooperatively or collaboratively and the reported emphasis that topic received in professional development strengthened if teachers reported that their students had access to a one-to-one computing environment. An additional finding was that the teachers' reported frequency of use of technology and reported emphasis of content of technology-related professional development leaned toward direct instruction and test preparation and leaned less toward innovative uses of technology. Implications and suggestions for future research are offered for technology integration and professional development for teachers at the elementary school level.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3329831
Subject Headings: Classroom management, Internet in education, Education, Elementary, Computer-assisted instruction, Curriculum planning, Teachers, Training of, Evaluation, Active learning, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida's performance accountability system and the effectiveness of workforce education providers.
Creator: Cunningham, Richard G., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study investigated performance based accountability in Florida's system of workforce education in Florida's state colleges and school districts. In Florida, workforce education is governed by Florida State Statute (K-20 Education Code Chapter 1004). The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Florida's performance accountability policy as applied to workforce education. Additionally, it analyzed the impact of performance accountability on performance by the...
Show moreThis study investigated performance based accountability in Florida's system of workforce education in Florida's state colleges and school districts. In Florida, workforce education is governed by Florida State Statute (K-20 Education Code Chapter 1004). The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Florida's performance accountability policy as applied to workforce education. Additionally, it analyzed the impact of performance accountability on performance by the providers of workforce education - state colleges and school districts, and the value for investment achieved by the policy over the time period. The study was guided by three questions: (a) What is the relationship between effectiveness and year? (b) Is the relationship between effectiveness and year moderated by each of the contextual variables? (c) To what extent does each of the contextual variables predict performance and effectiveness? This study utilized a non-experimental quantitative research design and a costeffectiveness analysis framework. The unit of analysis was the providers of workforce education in the State of Florida. This study was framed by the outputs and outcomes the workforce education service providers achieve and the alterable and unalterable variables which might influence the provision of workforce education. Performance was measured through two measures: quantity of outputs, and quality of outcomes. The alterable and unalterable variables included: the type of institution delivering the service, either state college or school district; the delivery model used in each delivery area, either single or dual-delivery; and population characteristics, the percentage of students economically disadvantaged, the percentage of minorities, and the percentage of males. The study used correlation and regression techniques to analyze the longitudinal impact of the performance accountability system.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332176
Subject Headings: Evaluation, Evaluation, School districts, Evaluation, Postsecondary education, Evaluation, Adult education and state, Evaluation, Educational accountability
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: System identification methodology for a wave adaptive modular unmanned surface vehicle.
Creator: Mask, Janine L., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The design, implementation, and testing of an experimental setup intended to evaluate the dynamic maneuvering performance of the Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V) class USV12, a 3.7 meter unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is described. A comprehensive sensor package was designed, fabricated and assembled to record the vehicle's dynamic response to various control inputs. All subsystems were fabricated and installed on a test vehicle, GUSS, and full system, open-loop maneuvering tests were...
Show moreThe design, implementation, and testing of an experimental setup intended to evaluate the dynamic maneuvering performance of the Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V) class USV12, a 3.7 meter unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is described. A comprehensive sensor package was designed, fabricated and assembled to record the vehicle's dynamic response to various control inputs. All subsystems were fabricated and installed on a test vehicle, GUSS, and full system, open-loop maneuvering tests were conducted to show validity of data collection technique. Simulations were performed using model parameters found in the literature to create a "simulated experimental" data set, upon which system identification techniques were used to rediscover a suitable model with similar parameterization. Combined, the sensor package and the method for creating this model support future work in the design of automatic control, navigation, and guidance systems for the WAM-V USV12.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332720
Subject Headings: Oceanographic instruments, Evaluation, Wave motion, Theory of, Inertial navigation systems, Adaptive signal processing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impact of satisfaction with care and empowerment on glycemic control among older African American adults with diabetes.
Creator: Johnson, Bridgette M., Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: atisfaction with diabetes care, perceived feelings of empowerment to participate in self-care management, and glycemic control in a sample of older African American men and women with diabetes. A descriptive correlational quantitative design was used. The participants in this study were 73 men and women of African descent who were at least 50 years, English speaking, and diagnosed with diabetes for at least one year. The participants were asked to complete three survey instruments: the...
Show moreatisfaction with diabetes care, perceived feelings of empowerment to participate in self-care management, and glycemic control in a sample of older African American men and women with diabetes. A descriptive correlational quantitative design was used. The participants in this study were 73 men and women of African descent who were at least 50 years, English speaking, and diagnosed with diabetes for at least one year. The participants were asked to complete three survey instruments: the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18), which measured how satisfied the participants were with their medical care; the Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form (DES-SF), which measured attitudes towards diabetes and self-management of diabetes; and a demographic form, which collected data on the demographics of each participant. The most recent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of each participant was obtained from the medical records. The correlations between HbA1c, DES, and the PSQ-18 subscales were exam ined. The study data indicated all correlations were statistically significant and negative with one exception. There was no correlation between HbA1c and time spent, a satisfaction subscale. Approximately half the participants were high school graduates, married, and reported being born in the Caribbean. Most had primary care physicians, but less than half reported attending a diabetes education program. The average BMI was 33.0. The findings of this study indicated older African adults who reported higher satisfaction with the care provided by their health care provider reported feeling more empowered to participate in diabetes self-care and reported lower HbA1c levels, suggesting better glycemic control (R2 = .39; P=<.001)., The implications of this study are that feeling empowered to participate in diabetes self-care management may result in improved glycemic control. Positive diabetes outcomes have been linked in the literature with persons feeling empowered to participate in diabetes self-care. The significance of the findings from this study is that given the relationship between empowerment and glycemic control, nurses should support the empowerment model of diabetes teaching. Diabetes education should provide written materials that are culturally sensitive for African American elders.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342114
Subject Headings: Outcome assessment (Medical care), Nursing, Quality control, Medical economics, Patient satisfaction, Evaluation, African Americans, Health and hygiene, Sociological aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Experiences and perceptions as expressed by adolescent females at a residential treatment center (RTC).
Creator: Allison, Krista D., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This is a qualitative study examining the experience of students currently enrolled in Steppin' Stone Farm, a residential treatment center in central Florida. In addition to building a more solid foundation of literature in this field, this study investigates at-risk teenage female residents' perceptions of educational experiences within a residential treatment environment. The relationship between formal, informal, and non-informal experiences, preferred learning strategies, and success...
Show moreThis is a qualitative study examining the experience of students currently enrolled in Steppin' Stone Farm, a residential treatment center in central Florida. In addition to building a more solid foundation of literature in this field, this study investigates at-risk teenage female residents' perceptions of educational experiences within a residential treatment environment. The relationship between formal, informal, and non-informal experiences, preferred learning strategies, and success patterns were explored. This phenomenological study utilized a lens of critical theory to understand the meaning of girls' educational experiences at a residential treatment center. The design includes studying 16 girls' formal, non-formal, and informal educational experiences as well as utilizing the Assessing the Learning Strategies of AdultS (ATLAS) tool to assess learning strategy preference. Results of the study determined student preceptions regarding various educational environments and learning strategies at a residential treatment center. Analysis of interviews and data collected led to many significant findings. Additionally, this study enhances knowledge in the field of residential treatment and has implications for those seeking residential treatment, working in residential treatment, and educators. Research in this field often focuses on outcome and effectiveness literature. This study provides insightful information incorporating the voice of students into the research.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358278
Subject Headings: Adolescent psychotherapy, Residential treatment, Residential treatment, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Academic achievement (4)	+ -
Oceanographic instruments (4)	+ -
Computer-assisted instruction (3)	+ -
Design and construction (3)	+ -
Inertial navigation systems (3)	+ -

Wave motion, Theory of (3)	+ -
Adaptive signal processing (2)	+ -
Educational accountability (2)	+ -
Educational tests and measurements (2)	+ -
Internet in education (2)	+ -
Management (2)	+ -
Medical care (2)	+ -
Methodology (2)	+ -
Mobile communication systems (2)	+ -
Organizational behavior (2)	+ -
Outcome assessment (Medical care) (2)	+ -
Social aspects (2)	+ -
Traffic congestion (2)	+ -
Training of (2)	+ -
Vehicular ad-hoc networks (Computer networks) (2)	+ -
Active learning (1)	+ -
Adolescent psychotherapy (1)	+ -
Adult education and state (1)	+ -
African Americans (1)	+ -
Aids to navigation (1)	+ -
Causes (1)	+ -
Charter schools (1)	+ -
Classroom management (1)	+ -
College students (1)	+ -

United States (5)	+ -
Florida (4)	+ -
Broward County (1)	+ -

Case studies (1)	+ -
Cross-cultural studies (1)	+ -

College of Education (12)	+ -
College of Engineering and Computer Science (8)	+ -
Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (8)	+ -
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering (4)	+ -
Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (3)	+ -

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