Digital Commons Network^™

Laser-Induced Damage And The Role Of Self-Focusing, M. J. Soileau, William E. Williams, Nastaran Mansour, Eric W. Van Stryland

Faculty Bibliography 1980s

We review the influence of self-focusing on the measurement of bulk laser-induced-damage (LID) thresholds in normally transparent optical mate-rials. This role is experimentally determined by measuring the spot size and polarization dependence of LID and by observing beam distortion in the far field. Utilizing these techniques, we find that by using a tight focusing geometry in which the breakdown power is below P2, the effects of self-focusing can be practically eliminated in an LID experiment. P2 is the so-called second critical power for self-focusing, and P2 = 3.77P1, where P1 = cX2/327r2n2, where c is the speed of light in …

Reconstruction Of Transform-Coded Images By Entropy Methods, Nicolaos S. Tzannes, Michael A. Tzannes, John Bodenschatz Ii

Faculty Bibliography 1980s

A new, universal approach to reconstructing transform-coded images is proposed. The method views the images as a probability mass function (pmf), allowing the retained coefficients of a transform (Karhunen-Loeve, discrete cosine, slant, etc.) to be thought of as averages of the basis functions over the pmf. This sets the stage for reconstructing the original images by using the maximum entropy principle (MEP) and the minimum relative entropy principle (MREP) with the retained coefficients as constraints in the extremizations. A formulation combining the two methods is also proposed, resulting in a reconstruction algorithm that is fast, proceeding in an iterative way …

Design Of Nonpolarizing Achromatic Beam-Splitters With Dielectric Multilayer Coatings, Muamer Zukic, Karl H. Guenther

Faculty Bibliography 1980s

Optical beamsplitters often consist of repeated pairs of high and low index quarter-wave layers. At oblique angles of incidence, such coatings typically have a fairly high polarization ratio. Reflectance, transmittance, and phase for the two orthogonal planes of polarization, s and p, are different in general. Here, we present the results of the design of all-dielectric beamsplitter coatings with very low polarization ratios. An initial sinusoidal refractive index profile, optimized with a refining computer program, yields a 50±1% beamsplitter in the 450 to 650 nm wavelength range, with less than 0.5% (abs.) difference between the s and p reflectance in …

Edge Contours, Donna J. Williams

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The accuracy with which a computer vision system is able to identify objects in an image is heavily dependent upon the accuracy of the low level processes that identify which points lie on the edges of an object. In order to remove noise and fine texture from an image, it is usually smoothed before edge detection is performed. This smoothing causes edges to be displaced from their actual location in the image. Knowledge about the changes that occur with different degrees of smoothing (scales) and the physical conditions that cause these changes is essential to proper interpretation of the results …

The Relationship Of Corporate Fitness To Absenteeism And Health Care Cost, Shawn J. Mcgahey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Interest in corporate fitness is increasing. In this study, absenteeism rates and health care costs were measured for 12 months before and 12 months after implementation of a corporate fitness class. It was hypothesized that those who participate in the fitness program would have lower absenteeism rates and health care costs. It was also hypothesized that lifestyle factors would be significantly related to the decision to participate in the fitness program and to absenteeism.

Results showed no significant relationship between program participation and absenteeism. Also, it was found that average health care costs were lower before the program intervention and …

A Rating Of Doctoral Programs In Selected Areas Of Theatre: 1987--1988, Renee Edwards, Kittie Watson, Larry L. Barker

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article reports the results of a national survey evaluating perceived quality of doctoral programs in theatre. Members of two professional associations were asked to rate programs in areas including history and criticism, performance theory, production and performance, theatre for young audiences, dramatic literature, playwriting, and overall quality. The study also collected rankings of top programs and examined the bases of evaluation such as familiarity with faculty, graduates, administrators, publications, and hearsay. Results show that familiarity with faculty and graduates was the most frequently cited basis for ratings, and confidence in evaluations was linked to direct knowledge rather than hearsay. …

Research Grants And Their Role In Promotion And Tenure, Bert E. Bradley

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article investigates faculty attitudes toward the role of research grants in promotion and tenure decisions. A survey of tenured professors in a liberal arts college was conducted to assess whether grants should substitute for, supplement, or carry equal weight with publications. Results show that most faculty opposed substituting grants for publications or basing promotion solely on grants. Respondents emphasized that grants are a means to enable research rather than an end in themselves, and that scholarly publications remain the primary indicator of academic contribution. Some faculty supported partial credit for grants when they resulted in publications or significant research …

Aca News

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This news update announces leadership changes and organizational developments within the Association for Communication Administration. Highlights include the installation of a new president and president-elect, election of three new members to the Executive Committee, and appointment of a replacement member due to a resignation. The bulletin also provides information on recent manuscript submissions, lists referees for the previous year, and outlines upcoming ACA-sponsored programs at regional conventions. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership, expand professional engagement, and maintain active participation across affiliated associations.

A Rating Of Doctoral Programs In Selected Areas Of Mass Communication: 1987--1988, Kittie W. Watson, Renee Edwards, Larry L. Barker

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article reports findings from a national survey evaluating perceptions of doctoral program quality in mass communication. The study employed peer ratings from members of two professional associations to assess programs across ten areas, including research methodology, media effects, broadcasting, journalism, public relations, advertising, and overall quality. Results provide comparative rankings of programs, offering insight into how doctoral training in mass communication is perceived by academic peers. The analysis considers bases for evaluation such as familiarity with faculty, graduates, and publications, as well as the role of hearsay in shaping judgments. While noting limitations related to sample size and the …

Top Published Authors In Communication Studies 1915--1985, Nancy F. Burroughs, Diane Christophel, J. Cole Ady, Elizabeth A. Mcgreal

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article presents a historical analysis of publication productivity in communication studies between 1915 and 1985. Using the Index to Journals in Communication Studies Through 1985, the study identifies the top published authors in the field and examines patterns of scholarly output across seventy-one years. Results reveal that fewer than one percent of authors produced a disproportionately large share of publications, with the top group contributing nearly fourteen percent of all articles. The analysis highlights gender disparities, noting only a small number of women among the most prolific authors, while also documenting shifts in doctoral training institutions over time. The …

Evaluating Grant In The Promotion And Tenure Process: The Perspective Of A Faculty Member, David Appleby

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article critiques the growing emphasis on grant funding as a measure of faculty productivity in promotion and tenure evaluations. It describes how increasing administrative pressure to pursue grants risks narrowing definitions of scholarship, privileging fundable projects, and undervaluing significant research that may not attract external support. The discussion highlights tensions between academic values and financial imperatives, noting how reliance on funding can distort research priorities, create inequities across disciplines, and reduce attention to teaching and intellectual development. Examples illustrate the consequences of equating grantsmanship with research excellence, including a shift toward projects designed primarily for fundability. The article argues …

Report From The President, Robert M. Smith

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This report marks the Association’s transition from an emerging to a mature national organization in communication arts and sciences. It reflects on the leadership that guided the Association’s development, highlights the appointment of a new Executive Director, and acknowledges the relocation of the National Office. Emphasis is placed on continuity, service to members, and the collective commitment of officers and membership to support future growth and success.

The Department Chair As Responsible Academic Leader: A Competency--Based Perspective, Randy Y. Hirokawa, J. Kevin Barge, Samuel L. Becker, Judith L. Sutherland

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article presents a competency-based perspective on academic leadership, focusing on the role of department chairs in higher education. It critiques traditional trait, style, and functional approaches to leadership for their limitations in explaining how chairs contribute to departmental effectiveness. The study reports faculty perceptions of nineteen competencies necessary for effective leadership, which cluster into four categories: resource management, climate management, image management, and faculty development. Findings indicate that these competencies are generalizable across different academic units and strongly predict perceptions of leadership effectiveness. The discussion emphasizes the chair’s role as a mediator between faculty and administration, requiring skills that …

Twenty Years Of Research By And About Women In Major Communication Journals: 1967--1986, Pamela J. Cooper, Lea P. Stewart, Sheryl A. Friedley

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article analyzes the presence of women and gender-related topics in major communication journals over a twenty-year period from 1967 to 1986. The study examines authorship patterns, the proportion of articles focusing on communication and gender, and the participation of men and women in gender-related scholarship. Findings show that while men authored the majority of articles during this period, the proportion of female authorship steadily increased, along with co-authorship between men and women. Approximately four percent of published articles addressed communication and gender, with contributions from both male and female scholars. The analysis suggests that blind review policies and broader …

Evaluating Grants In The Promotion And Tenure Process: Perspectives Of A Chief Academic Officer, Elisabeth A. Zinser

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article considers the role of extramural funding in faculty evaluation and its implications for promotion and tenure. It reviews the growing diversity of funding sources, including government, corporate, and foundation support, and identifies economic, technological, and institutional pressures that have increased emphasis on external grants. The discussion acknowledges the benefits of additional resources but cautions against risks such as external influence over research agendas, restrictions on publication, and erosion of academic values. It argues that funding should not substitute for achievements in teaching or scholarship, but rather serve as evidence of professional recognition and academic citizenship. Recommendations emphasize balancing …

Grantsmanship And Tenure, Robert R. Smith

Association for Communication Administration Bulletin

This article examines the relationship between grant activity and faculty evaluation, focusing on its role in promotion and tenure. It situates grant-seeking within the historical adaptability of universities, noting that institutions have long balanced financial necessity with the preservation of academic values. The discussion emphasizes that while universities increasingly pursue external support, traditional measures of achievement such as publications and creative work remain central to long-term advancement. Grants are portrayed as useful when they facilitate research, teaching, or creative activity, but limited in value if disconnected from scholarly outcomes. Disciplinary differences are highlighted, with sciences relying heavily on funding to …

College Of Health And Public Affairs Annual Report, 1989, University Of Central Florida. College Of Health And Public Affairs

Research Activities & Annual Reports

University of Central Florida College of Health and Public Affairs Annual Report, 1998. It covers research and creative activity, research publications, sponsored research, unsponsored research, professional activities and grants

University Of Central Florida Libraries, Annual Report 1988-1989, Ucf Libraries

Libraries' Documents

No abstract provided.

Wet N' Wild Marketing Study, Dick Pope Sr. Institute For Tourism Studies

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The primary objective of this proposed study is to analyze the existing and potential market of the Wet N' Wild. This will be achieved through the study of visitors and non-visitors perception of the park, and the identification of the socio demographic and travel characteristics of those who visited We N' Wild versus those who did not. In addition, the study will be to analyze the various features of the park and identify the visitors' opinions and satisfaction with each feature. Finally, the impact of media advertising on Wet N' Wild attendance will also be explored. The study will investigate …

Church Street Station's Train Ride To Mount Dora: Focus Groups Of Central Florida Residents, Tourists, And Convention Delegates, Ady Milman

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The purpose of the focus group sessions was to identify major areas of concern among Central Florida residents, tourists, and convention delegates with regard to a new train ride attraction between Orlando and Moutn Dora. In particular, the discussion focused on the appeal of the new attraction to these three groups and their suggestions for features to present on this unique ride.

Church Street Station Train Excursion Market Study, Ady Milman

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The following are the main findings of this study: 1. All respondents expressed a relativitly high interest in taking the new train attraction when it opens. Eighty eight percent of the local residents, ninety one percent of convention delegates and ninety five percent of tourists, said that they will probably or definitely take the ride. 2. Respondents were willing to pay an admission fee of $15.00 (local residents) to pay $23.00 (tourists) for the round trip. 3. The train ride was perceived to appeal to all market segments: young and old, with our without children, tourists and locals, males and …

The Ucf Report, Vol. 11 No. 12, December 14, 1988, University Of Central Florida

The UCF Report

Swiss seek cooperation with UCF lab; Hospital nears day for opening; Commencement Friday ---- some program changes; Cabinet okays private funding concept for campus housing; New director; New chief; Search begins.

Photovoltaic-Powered Lighting System For Overhead Highway Guide Signs, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The problem: A safety hazard affected motorists traveling through a remote area in Brevard County near the St. Johns River on the eastbound Bee Line Expressway (S.R. 528). At that point the Bee Line splits, sending Titusville- bound motorists to the north, and Central Brevard- bound travelers to the south. Because of the high cost of extending utility service several miles from the nearest distribution point, the overhead guide signs were not illuminated, and at such a critical juncture on the 65-mph highway, it was difficult, if not impossible, to read them at night. The problem-solvers: Since 2.5 million vehicles …

Consumer Facts About Radiant Barriers, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Radiant barriers are becoming popular for use in Florida attics. Some marketing companies are now selling them with inflated claims of energy savings and questionable installation recommendations. Understandably confused consumers have called the FSEC Public Information Office for answers.

Economic Benefits Of Various Energy Conservation Options, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An energy conservation investment for your home can be a significantly better investment than putting your money in the bank. While safe investments in the financial markets may yield about 8 percent return on investment, many energy investments can yield a considerably greater return when analyzed over their expected service life.

Build Your Own Solar Batch Water Heater, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The solar batch water heater is a fun project for the do-it yourselfer and provides an inexpensive hot water source for the back yard workshop or weekend cabin, It is easy to construct, costs only about $70 to build and produces water temperatures as high as 150 degrees F.

Remember, the batch heater is not designed to operate with pressurized water system and should not be connected to a city water supply. If you are looking for such a system, consider manufactured solar systems, which have been designed to meet strict standards and aesthetic considerations.

Central Florida Future, Vol. 21 No. 30, December 6, 1988

Central Florida Future

Battle waged over fee increase; Students protest fee in the form of petitions; Special Report The Athletic Fee Increase; McDowell defends per credit hour proposal; Phone poll: majority against fee; Florida state lottery cuts the university a cool million; History department chair to step down.

Central Florida Future, Vol. 21 No. 29, December 1, 1988

Central Florida Future

CEBA II benefits all, especially deans; New proposal wants to raise athletic fee; New dorm may soon be here; Funds for Pell Grants decrease.

The Ucf Report, Vol. 11 No. 11, November 30, 1988, University Of Central Florida

The UCF Report

European speakers, honorees, slated for record-sized fall commencement; Committees ready to find a new president for UCF: Joan Ruffier to chair Selection; Scott to lead Search group.

Central Florida Future, Vol. 21 No. 28, November 29, 1988

Central Florida Future

Many at UCF must take drug tests; Fine arts to grow with new facility; Vending machine proceeds fund what Florida won't; Spring registration to be made easier.