Digital Commons Network^™

Matching Training Time To Training Need: A Procedure For Revising An Existing Supervisory Training Program, Eugene K. Cuccarese

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Measuring training need and in turn revising training content to reflect that need is a process that continues to plague the training practitioner. This study examines the application of Ford and Wroten's (1984) Matching Technique to a supervisory training program. Subjects were 13 non-supervisors and 13 recently promoted supervisors that were divided equally between the control and experimental conditions. A nonequivalent control group design was employed, and the data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Self-perception training need data were collected via a need survey. Both the need data and the training program content were classified in terms of management skill dimensions. …

Epsilon Precedence Grammars And Languages, Masoud T. Milani

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The classes of simple and weak precedence grammars are generalized to include ε-rules (productions with the empty right parts). The descriptive power of epsilon simple precedence (ESP) grammars increases directly with the number of ε-rules permitted; the class of ESP grammars with no ε-rules, ESP₀, is identical to the class of simple precedence grammars; ESP grammars with at most one ε-rule, ESP₁, define a class of languages which properly includes the class of ESP₀ languages, but is itself properly included in the class of deterministic, context-free languages. In general, ESP grammars having at most i …

Direct Digital Control Of A Liquid Level/Temperature Control Unit, Pedro J. Claudio

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A direct digital control algorithm was implemented on a liquid level and temperature control unit. Two control schemes were implemented on the system and the results were compared against a fourth order Runge-Kutta solution.

Both control schemes involved proportional feedback with dynamic adjustment of the operating point. It was found that the control scheme that contained a feedforward component which dealt with the inlet water temperature had a superior dynamic response to setpoint changes. Steady state offsets in both control schemes were attributable to model parameter estimation errors. Differences between the actual and predicted system dynamic response were also attributable …

A Peripheral Subsystem Optimized For Computer Image Generation Applications, John J. Bloomer

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Requirements for ever increasing realism in real time computer image generation for military mission and commercial training, have generated the need for a higher performance, more cost effective front-end processor. Current computer image generators front-end general purpose computers are reaching their performance limits in current architectures.

The tasks of this processor include: realtime computations, magnetic disk control, data transfer and direct memory access to and from the balance of the image generator. A new front-end processor system is under development. This multiple-bus, multiprocessor architecture in and of itself does not address disk and external data transfer. A peripheral subsystem is …

Transient Critical Heat Flux, Kemal O. Pasamehmetoglu

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The term Critical Heat Flux (CHF) is used in boiling heat transfer to describe the local value of the heat flux at which a characteristic reduction in heat transfer coefficient first occurs. In today’s technology, the CHF is a phenomenon related to the design and safety of various important devices.

A major limitation on the thermal design of a light-water reactor (LWR) is the necessity to maintain an adequate safety margin between the CHF and the local heat flux. Extended operations at local power levels in excess of the CHF can lead to high temperature oxidation and embrittlement or melting …

A Task Manager For A Multiprocessor Computer System, Peter J. Ingraham

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The advent of the 32-bit microprocessor has sparked the manufacture of a number of 32-bit single-board computers (SBCs). These SBCs rival [performance of minicomputers for a fraction of the cost, and a number of them conform to standard 32-bit bus structures. A 32-bit multiprocessor computer system can be created by connecting two or more SBCs on a 32-bit bus. This computer system has the potential of providing many times the power as a single-processor computer system as well as a significant reduction in cost.

The Multiprocessor Task Manager is designed to efficiently distribute software tasks, schedule their execution, and manage …

Design Considerations In The Development Of An Automated Cartographic System, Robert L. Holden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Cartography, the art of producing maps, is an extremely tedious job which is prone to human error and requires many hours for the completion of maps and their digital data bases. Cartography is a classic example of a job that needs to be automated. Through the new advances in image processing and pattern recognition, the automation of this task is made possible with the cartographer acting as a supervisor. This paper reviews current cartographic techniques, and examines design considerations for a fully automated cartographic system. The benefits of such a system would be improvements in speed, flexibility, and accuracy. The …

Design Of A Two-Layer, Capacitively Coupled, Microstrip Patch Antenna Element For Broadband Applications, Robert T. Cock

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A broadband, contiguous stacked, two-layer, square microstrip patch antenna element design is described which can be used for a linear or circular polarization. Single layer microstrip patch theory for the rectangular patch radiator is presented and used as a basis for understanding the two-layer patch configuration. The theory is modified to predict radiation patters and resonant frequencies of the two-layer microstrip patch antenna element. Experimental results include the radiation patterns, dominant resonant frequencies (TM₁₀ mode), return loss (S₁₁), and bandwidth for X band elements as a function of dielectric constants, dielectric thicknesses, and patch sizes.

Computer Aided Supplement For Calculus Review, Gholam A. Shaykhian

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Several years ago an experimental re-entry program for women was initiated at the University of Central Florida. Women with B.S. degrees in Math or Science dating back 10 and 20 years ago were given a review course in Mathematics, primarily calculus, preparatory to subsequent courses in their M.S. programs of study. The complete course is available on tape and many students have viewed it since the course’s inception.

This project involved generation of software for testing the manipulative skills presented in the Calculus review. A skeleton format is presented which demonstrates all the features of the different programming modules being …

Automated Q-Factor Measurement Via A Network Analyzer, Fadi E. Ayoub

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An algorithm is developed for the HP automated network analyzer that can determine the three basic parameters of microwave cavity resonators: the unloaded resonant frequency fo, the unloaded Q-factor Q_o, and the coupling coefficient β. The input reflection coefficient of the resonator is measured via the network analyzer, which is driven by an HP desk computer. The graphical techniques (Smith Chart) are replaced by the much faster calculations on the computer using numerical techniques. Stirling and Bessel’s formulas, in conjunction with the central difference interpolation method, are used to interpolate between sampled points to enhance the accuracy …

Synchronized On-Line Microprocessor Control Of Optical Disk Recorders And Players Using Realtime Interface Hardware/Software, William C. Reese

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research report is to describe clearly the development of an operational software program which utilizes a realtime interface hardware unit to synchronously control an optical disc player and optical disc recorder via an external microprocessor. The previous UCF Engineering College’s optical disc hardware configuration consisted of a Panasonic optical disc player and recorder, color monitor, video camera, and PRO-350 to control only one device (player or recorder) at a time as the microprocessor has only one serial input/output (I/O) port. The Digital Equipment Corporation’s realtime interface device provides two serial I/O ports and therefore allows the …

Snap, A Contract Pricing Tool For The Micro-Computer, Kris Luella Hoffman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The amount of time required during the contracting process from the solicitation of bids through contract award can be significant. Two of the main problem areas are evaluating the contractor’s proposal and completing the negotiation process. The SNAP system was developed to simplify Negotiations with Automated Pricing using the microcomputer. SNAP can track three separate positions during negotiations and provide hour/dollar summaries for each of these positions by cost account, lot, department, and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Evaluation worksheets and department summaries can be produced to provide the evaluators with different perspectives of the same work effort. SNAP will also …

Editor Design In The Context Of Control System Simulation, Leon Fadden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Advances in microcomputer display devices and support software during the past decade have made the microcomputer an increasingly popular vehicle for technical education. This is especially apparent in the area of simulation. The pedagog can provide the student of control theory not merely with the block diagrams and differential algebra but with high resolution color graphic animations supported by mathematical models whose parameters are easily changed by some editor facility. This mode of control system design and behavior study is both faster and more enjoyable for the student, providing greater continuity, concentration, and learning efficiency.

This paper describes the simulation …

Personality And Life Crisis Factors In Nurse Drug Users, Donna A. Roberts

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform Image Compression Applied To Visual Flight Simulators, Nancy A. Burrell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A visual flight simulator requires a huge amount of image data to be stored in the database. To make a photo-based system feasible an image compression scheme must be devised to compress the data.

An adaptive discrete cosine transform (DCT) technique is used to compress 24 bit color images to an average of 3 bits per pixel. The bits for the image are distributed based on the relative activity in different parts of the scene. Results and error analysis are presented.

Intra Region Routing, Robert Alan Eustace

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The custom integrated circuit routing problem normally requires partitioning into rectangular routing regions. Natural partitions usually result in regions that form both "channels" and "areas". This dissertation introduces several new channel and area routing algorithms and measures their performance.

A formal description of the channel routing problem is presented and a relationship is established between the selection of intervals for each track and the number of tracks in the completed channel. This relationship is used as an analysis tool that leads to the development of two new and highly effective channel routing algorithms: the Revised and LCP algorithms. The performance …

Behavioral Intention As A Function Of Value Attitude Inconsistency And Environmental Salience, Andrew Gamson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Job Satisfaction As Perceived By The Certified Staff In Florida Public Elementary Schools, George A. Taylor

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to survey the subject certified staff of Florida public elementary schools to determine how elements of Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory were perceived as being met in their current school employment. The descriptive study utilized an instrument that listed each of the 16 job factors in Herzberg’s theory. The instrument was designed to allow subjects to mark each job factor as contributing to their job satisfaction, neutral, or contributing to their job dissatisfaction. The instrument also had areas to record various biographical data regarding the subjects. The survey was conducted on a randomly selected subject group …

A Taxonomic Study Of Hawaiian Marchantia, Terri L. Roberts

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The genus Marchantia occurs world-wide. The greatest diversity of described species occurs in the tropical Pacific. Fourteen species of Marchantia have been reported at different times from the Hawaiian Islands but when this study began seven species were recognized. A new technique for clearing thallus material enabled me to see and compare ambiguous characters. From studies of types and numerous additional collections from the islands, I determined that the seven species accepted actually belong to three taxa and one previously undescribed species was discovered. Comparison of Hawaiian plants with specimens, drawings and descriptions of extra-Hawaiian Marchantiae showed clearly that the …

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Acquisition Design, John C. Fakatselis

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Spread spectrum communication techniques are utilized to provide transmission of signals which have anti-jamming properties, a low probability of being intercepted, and can support a multiple-access system by servicing simultaneously a number of channels. This thesis concentrates on the receiver acquisition problem of a transmitted signal which is the output of a spread spectrum communication system. The acquisition requirements of a spread spectrum system and also the general approaches to the problem of “active and passive correlation” are discussed. A unique general purpose all-digital acquisition hardware design is developed and described to the schematic level of detail, where specific parts …

Speech Communication As Seen From The Top: University Presidents Look At The Discipline, Donald N. Dedmon

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This essay presents a university president’s reflection on the state and identity of speech communication as an academic field. The author observes that despite decades of growth, the discipline still lacks consensus on its core definition and intellectual boundaries. Journals demonstrate increasing sophistication, yet the author questions whether specialized language risks insularity and diminished public relevance. Drawing analogies to sociology and computer science, the essay warns against excessive internal focus and argues that communication must cultivate clearer relevance to contemporary social questions and professional practice. The author notes that subfields once housed within communication, such as communication disorders and theatre, …

Professional Development For The Two-Year College Instructor, Emilie-Marie Rausch

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article examines the evolving importance of professional development for two year college communication faculty in light of significant shifts in higher education during the previous two decades. It argues that growth in the two year sector, diversification of student populations, and heightened demands for accountability require instructors to pursue ongoing professional learning to ensure instructional quality and responsiveness to non traditional students. The discussion identifies misconceptions, structural constraints, and cultural assumptions that hinder faculty development, including narrow definitions of scholarship, heavy teaching and service loads, limited sabbatical opportunities, constrained funding, and extensive reliance on part time instructors. The article …

Technology And Communication Careers: Analysis And Conclusions From Case Studies, Ralph R. Behnke, Chris R. Sawyer

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article analyzes how technological competence influences employment outcomes for communication graduates and synthesizes conclusions from multiple case studies. The discussion argues that employers increasingly value supplemental technology skills even when a position is not explicitly technical, since such skills signal adaptability and support advancement within firms. Communication curricula are presented as well positioned to integrate both general communication training and exposure to media production, computer assisted writing, and research applications. Interviews with students and advisors suggest that technological familiarity raises the probability and scope of employment by enabling contributions in survey research, telemarketing, training and development, media production, security …

Communication In The Health Professions: A Survey, Richard N. Armstrong, Gordon R. Owen, Phillip Mcfarland

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article reports findings from a national survey examining communication training among nurses, dentists, and physicians. A ten item questionnaire was mailed to 1800 members of three major professional associations, yielding 513 usable responses. Over half of respondents had received formal communication instruction, most commonly nurses, followed by dentists and physicians. Training formats included dedicated courses, communication units within other courses, and in service workshops. Listening, interviewing, and nonverbal communication emerged as the most frequently taught and most valued skills. Notably, most training was delivered by instructors outside the communication discipline, raising questions about curricular coordination and disciplinary visibility. A …

The Beginning Course As A Recruiting Vehicle For Speech Majors, Willard C. Booth

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article argues that the introductory speech communication course functions as a critical site for attracting majors to the discipline yet often fails to achieve this potential due to student misconceptions and ineffective instructional approaches. It identifies negative pre college speech experiences and departmental image challenges as barriers to student engagement and recruitment. The essay reviews motivational factors that influence student interest in speech communication, including career preparation, affiliation with a supportive academic community, and opportunities for personal growth. It contrasts student expectations for overcoming shyness and achieving correct speaking with faculty emphasis on logic, persuasion, organization, and delivery. The …

Who's Mr. Staff: Cheap Labor Or Valued Resource?, Rhonda Kekke

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article examines the expanding reliance on part time faculty in community colleges and evaluates its implications for instructional quality, institutional priorities, and the academic profession. It situates the rise of adjunct employment within the economic pressures and enrollment growth of the 1970s, noting a shift from hiring specialized community experts to employing academically credentialed instructors who sought full time positions but entered contingent roles due to limited full time hiring. While acknowledging benefits of adjunct specialization, the discussion highlights concerns about diminished instructional resources, reduced faculty availability, and weakened institutional integration among part time instructors. A review of national …

The Practical Issues, Vincent L. Angotti

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This essay examines the practical consequences of locating theatre programs within liberal arts or fine arts academic structures. It argues that institutional placement is often determined by historical and administrative convenience rather than coherent philosophy, yet this placement significantly shapes power, resource allocation, and evaluation standards. The discussion contrasts liberal arts environments, where theatre is justified as part of broader humanistic education and cost pressures are diffused across large colleges, with fine arts settings, where vocational preparation dominates and theatre units face intensified budget scrutiny. Faculty evaluation challenges emerge in both contexts, particularly in balancing scholarly and creative work and …

The Ritz Bar Or Abd: In Defense Of The Mfa, Peter Garvie

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This essay argues that the Master of Fine Arts is an appropriate terminal degree for university theatre faculty and challenges the claim that the Doctor of Philosophy represents a superior credential. The author emphasizes the realities of limited employment opportunities in both academic and professional theatre and contends that neither degree guarantees entry into those markets. The essay distinguishes the MFA as an advanced practice degree grounded in performance and production, whereas the PhD certifies research competence and does not necessarily attest to teaching or creative skill. Conservatory style training within a liberal arts setting is presented as legitimate and …

Ideas In Education, Volume 3 Number 1, Winter 1986, University Of Central Florida. College Of Education

Research Activities & Annual Reports

Volume 3 Number 1, Winter 1986 issue of Ideas in Education. It covers articles and abstracts of dissertations by faculty members and graduate students of the UCF College of Education.

Research & Scholarly Achievements, July 1, 1985 - June 30, 1986, University Of Central Florida

Research Activities & Annual Reports

Annual summary of scholarly activities at UCF for the period from July 1, 1985 to June 30, 1986. This report highlights the contributions to scholarship by the Faculty during this period, including books and monographs, articles, creative works, presentations, grants and contracts.