Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Relaxed Assumptions On The State Switching Technique, Stephen Ilardi

HIM 1990-2015

This thesis explores the effects of two assumptions commonly used in mathematical models related to a piezoelectric damping method known as State Switching. The technique relies on changing the stiffness state of a piezoelectric patch through control of the electrical boundary conditions. The transition between stiffness states is assumed to occur instantaneously and in concurrence with the switch event. In actuality, the transition will occur over a finite time and will trail behind the switch event by a finite time. For these assumptions to be valid, the effects of switch duration and delay on the performance of the State Switching …

Modeling Financial Markets Using Concepts From Mechanical Vibrations And Mass-Spring Systems, Michael Gandia

HIM 1990-2015

This thesis describes a method of modeling financial markets by utilizing concepts from mechanical vibration. The models developed represent multi-degree of freedom, mass-spring systems. The economic principles that drive the design are supply and demand, which act as springs, and shareholders, which act as masses. The primary assumption of this research is that events cannot be predicted but the responses to those events can be. In other words, economic stimuli create responses to a stock’s price that is predictable, repeatable and scientific. The approach to determining the behavior of various financial markets encompassed techniques such as Fast Fourier Transform and …

Prototype Of An Educational Video Game For Knowledge Retention In Youth Health Education, Jennifer Vogel

HIM 1990-2015

There is some debate about the most effective and least controversial means of sex education in schools. In several states, state law does not require education about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (STDs and HIV/AIDS.) There is also debate about the effect and pervasiveness of sexual situations in video games and its effect on the healthy sexual development of adolescents. This research therefore aims to try to solve these two problems and answer the following question: Is it possible to represent sex in a more realistic and educational way through a video game while teaching …

The Innovator, Volume 3 Issue 5, Summer 2014, Christa Santos

The Innovator

No abstract provided.

Stars, Diamonds, And Other Shiny Things: The Use Of Expert And Consumer Feedback In The Hotel Industry, Edwin Torres, Howard Adler, Carl Behnke

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Over the past few years, researchers have studied the topic of online consumer feedback. Most of these studies focus on consumer decision making, and managing a hotel's image.Consequently, more research could explore consumer-generated feedback from the viewpoint of hotel operations and service quality improvement. The present research explored the ways in which hotel General Managers use feedback from consumers (namely online), experts, and internal sources to improve service quality. A combination of a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews were utilized. The study targeted General Managers of upscale hotels.Quantitative data was analyzed using multiple and simple regression analysis, correlations, and ANOVA. …

Stem Cell Banking System, Kiminobu Sugaya, Angel Alvarez

UCF Patents

The creation of specialized embryonic stem cell lines is a valuable tool for research and discovery. However, the large cost of production and ethical concerns over ESC lines limits their future development. We propose the creation of specialized cell types from somatic cells.

Flexible Residential Test Facility: Impact Of Infiltration And Ventilation On Measured Cooling Season Energy And Moisture Levels, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Air infiltration and ventilation in residential buildings is a very large part of the heating loads, but empirical data regarding the impact on space cooling has been lacking. Moreover, there has been little data on how building tightness might relate to building interior moisture levels in homes in a hot and humid climate. To address this need, BA-PIRC has conducted research to assess the moisture and cooling load impacts of airtightness and mechanical ventilation in two identical laboratory homes in the hot-humid climate over the cooling season.

Coarse Grained Monte Carlo Simulation Of The Self-Assembly Of The Hiv-1 Capsid Protein, Jeffrey Weber

HIM 1990-2015

In this study, a Monte Carlo simulation was designed to observe the self-assembly of the HIV-1 capsid protein. The simulation allowed a coarse grained model of the capsid protein with defined interaction sites to move freely in three dimensions using the Metropolis criterion. Observations were made as to which parameters affected the assembly the process. The ways in which the assembly were affected were also noted. It was found that proper dimerization of the capsid protein was necessary in order for the lattice to form properly. It was also found that a strong trimeric interface could be responsible for double-layered …

An Overview And Examination Of The Prevention And Punishment Of White Collar Crimes, Tyler Bartels

HIM 1990-2015

White-collar crime is explained from an economist’s perspective. Economic models typically begin by assuming individuals behave rationally. By extension, economic models of crime suggest that white-collar criminals may be acting more rationally than a casual observer may assume. This thesis will identify the benefits and drawbacks of different regulations and laws by exploring several case studies of white-collar events.

The Accompanied Experience And The Aesthetics Of Memory, Allyson Dickerson

HIM 1990-2015

For me, a memory is the thought of a feeling. Feeling, in this case, is the appreciable radiation of sensory emanating from all objects and persons in a given moment of time. “All thought, like all feeling, is a relationship between one human being and another human being or certain objects which form a part of his universe” (Astruc). Be it an instance of attraction to another person, a place, a creation, an object, or purely an aesthetic pleasure, said instance will become ingrained as a part of an aggregation of moment-to-moment experiences that form an individual’s universe and lifetime …

A Model Of Hip Dysplasia Reductions In Infants Using The Pavlik Harness, Wissam Hadri

HIM 1990-2015

Hip dysplasia, also known as congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) or Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), is a mal-alignment of the hip joint. Left untreated within the first nine months, DDH could lead to permanent disability. Luckily however, this condition is diagnosed at an early age and is usually treated without surgery through the use of the Pavlik harness. In this thesis, a 3D computational model and dynamic finite element analysis of the muscles and tissues involved in hip dysplasia and the mechanics of the Pavlik harness, as rendered by Dr. Alain J. Kassab’s research group in the …

A Study On The Perception Of Brain Games And Their Effect On Memory And Cognitive Skills, Sheila Heiman

HIM 1990-2015

In this thesis, a literature review was conducted in order to analyze the numerous sources that investigated the effects memory games may have on participants. Each study covered different scopes and methods in the field of cognitive improvement, which gave way to a variety of results used to create a comprehensive literature review. The experiments included in the literature review gathered evidence to find the effect that “brain” games had on memory and cognitive skills. An explanation and analysis were made on the brain’s deterioration as it ages and the varying amounts of plasticity it contains. The overall perspective gained …

A Survey Of Preservice Teachers In Regards To Their Attitudes And Perceptions Of Science Fiction Literature And Its Use In The Classroom, Amy Kosky

HIM 1990-2015

In 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert that science fiction is the most realistic, the most serious, the most significant, the most sane and healthy and human fiction being published today. (Davenport, 1959). Preservice teachers …

Positive Individualism, Rebecca Perdomo

HIM 1990-2015

I will present and defend the notion of what I call Positive Individualism. Its purpose is to set forth a standard by which people are to treat others and themselves. I consider a common conception of individualism, its flaws, and a process of refining it. I formulate Positive Individualism, an idea in which every individual is valuable and therefore ought to be treated with respect and dignity by others. If this conception and the standards set forth were to be applied, communities would be able to function successfully and without compromising the individual since, as I argue, the individual is …

Gpu Accelerated Approach To Numerical Linear Algebra And Matrix Analysis With Cfd Applications, Adam Phillips

HIM 1990-2015

A GPU accelerated approach to numerical linear algebra and matrix analysis with CFD applications is presented. The works objectives are to (1) develop stable and efficient algorithms utilizing multiple NVIDIA GPUs with CUDA to accelerate common matrix computations, (2) optimize these algorithms through CPU/GPU memory allocation, GPU kernel development, CPU/GPU communication, data transfer and bandwidth control to (3) develop parallel CFD applications for Navier Stokes and Lattice Boltzmann analysis methods. Special consideration will be given to performing the linear algebra algorithms under certain matrix types (banded, dense, diagonal, sparse, symmetric and triangular). Benchmarks are performed for all analyses with baseline …

Periodic Nonlinear Refractive Index Of Carbon Disulfide Vapors, Evelyn Strunk

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the nonlinear refractive index of carbon disulfide vapors as opposed to its liquid form. With CS[sub2] vapors, the vapors are less dense so they will rotate longer than liquid CS[sub2] because there are less intermolecular interactions. The electric field of the beam causes the molecules to align with the electric field and applies a torque to the molecules. After this excitation, the molecules continue rotating. The rotations change the index of refraction of the material. Continuous rotation of the molecules causes the index of refraction to be periodic which means the molecules …

The Tlc Method For Modeling Creep Deformation And Rupture, David May

HIM 1990-2015

This thesis describes a novel new method, termed the Tangent-Line-Chord (TLC) method, that can be used to more efficiently model creep deformation dominated by the tertiary regime. Creep deformation is a widespread mechanical mode of failure found in high-stress and temperature mechanical systems. To accurately simulate creep and its effect on structures, researchers utilize finite element analysis (FEA). General purpose FEA packages require extensive amounts of time and computer resources to simulate creep softening in components because of the large deformation rates that continuously evolve. The goal of this research is to employ multi-regime creep models, such as the Kachanov-Rabotnov …

Organizational Accountability In The W.A.S.H. Sector: Integrating Sustainability Factors Into The Definition Of Success, Kaitlyn Jeanis

HIM 1990-2015

The world's poorest people, most of whom reside in under-developed nations, lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, nutritious food, and education (UMP, 2005). These conditions are linked to malnutrition, disease, and low life expectancies (WHO). In an effort to reduce global poverty, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Under Goal 7c the UN denotes that by 2015 the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation as compared to the proportion who do should be halved. As a response to this objective the international development (ID) sector has implemented projects aimed …

University Of Central Florida Undergraduate Catalog, 2014 - 2015, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2014 - 2015, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Conceptions Of Justice: A Sampling Of Student Perspectives, Matt Landon

HIM 1990-2015

Although the literature in the field of criminal justice and philosophy is full of ideas of what constitutes "justice," little to nothing has been done to see where the average individual's opinion falls in relation to these ideas. This paper analyzes a cross-sectional convenience sample of students at UCF to determine their preference of six models of justice: utilitarianism, contractarianism, fairness, retributivism, moralism, and libertarianism. Correlating demographic factors are also discussed.

Systems And Methods For Identifying Classes Of Substances, Michael Sigman, Mary Williams

UCF Patents

In one embodiment, a system and a method for identifying the class of a component of a mixture includes collecting samples from a sample source, determining a summed ion spectrum for each sample and generating sample data from the summed ion spectra, comparing the sample data with reference summed ion spectra of multiple reference substances to determine correlations between the reference substances and the sample data, and evaluating the correlations of the substances of each substance class to determine which substance class most closely correlates to the sample data.

Semi-Annual Program Progress Performance Report For University Transportation Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, David L. Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Electric Vehicle Transportation Center's (EVTC) vision is to transform the country's transportation network into a fully integrated "smart" electric vehicle deployment system coupled with a "smart" electric grid achieved with maximum efficiency and minimum time and disruption.

To accomplish the EVTC vision, the Center's goals are to serve as the focal point for the U.S. Department of Transportation's strategic goal of planning for near-term integration of alternative fuel vehicles as a means to build a sustainable transportation system. The project will evaluate technologies, standards and policies to ensure seamless integration of EVs into a complex electricity grid and transportation …

Polarization Demultiplexing Using Independent Component Analysis, Guifang Li, Xiaobo Xie, Fatih Yaman

UCF Patents

This invention provides blind demultiplexing capability for multiplexed optical transmission systems. Multiplexing can be done in polarization, fiber modes, multiple cores, or MIMO free space channel. This technique is modulation format independent.

The Next Phase, Matt Borg, Athena Hoeppner

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

The Learning Marketspace, April 2014, Bob Heterick, Carol Twigg

The Learning MarketSpace (4/03 - 4/14)

No abstract provided.

How Many Credit Card Frauds Must We Endure Before Security Improves?, Maritza Martinez

UCF Forum

Yes, it can happen to you…

Rigorous Infidelity: Whole Text Sampling In The Curatorial Work Of Henri Langlois, Dewey Phillips, And Jean-François Lyotard, Barry J. Mauer

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

John Rajchman asks, “In what ways have exhibitions, more than simple displays and confi gurations of objects, helped change ideas about art, intersecting at particular junctions with technical innovations, discursive shift s and larger kinds of philosophical investigations, thus forming part of these larger histories?” This essay attempts to answer his question by discussing curating as whole text sampling.

Comparative Performance Analysis: Hers Index Score Dependencies Related To Home Geometries And Operating Assumptions, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

EnergyGauge USA v.3.1.02 is used examine the impact of geometry and operating conditions on comparative simulation analysis techniques that are used to evaluate home energy performance with respect to a standardized reference case. A cohort of homes is simulated using the HERS Index scoring system in 15 U.S. cities that are representative of the 8 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) climate zones. All of the homes are configured to have the thermal envelope characteristics specified by Table R402.1.1 of the 2012 IECC. All homes are also configured to meet all other mandatory requirements of the 2012 IECC, including 75% high …

Method And System For Hydrogen Sulfide Removal, Cunping Huang, Clovis Linkous, Nazim Muradov, Ali Raissi, Karthikeyan Ramasamy

UCF Patents

Electrochemical redox methods and systems for implementing for continuous removal of hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur species from sour gas mixtures using transitional metal oxide, sulfide, or carbonate compounds which are regenerated. In one embodiment, in the overall reaction hydrogen sulfide is converted into hydrogen and sulfur: H2S(g) = H2(g) + S(s); applied ^E = 0.20 ~ 0.50 V The columbic efficiency of both methods generally exceeds 90%.