University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida (UCF): STARS (Showcase of Text, Archives, Research & Scholarship)Not a member yet
166656 research outputs found
Sort by
Integrated Performance-based Framework for Evaluating Alternative Containment Systems in Subtitle D Landfills Managing Coal Combustion Products
No full textDesigning landfill containment systems that remain effective over decades to centuries poses significant challenges in geoenvironmental engineering, especially for landfills managing coal combustion products (CCPs) with complex hydraulic and chemical behaviors. This dissertation aims to develop an integrated, performance-based framework for evaluating landfill barrier systems by combining numerical modeling, experimental leaching tests, and machine learning prediction. The first component assesses the equivalency of the Florida double liner system relative to the Subtitle D composite liner mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Using field leakage observations and COMSOL Multiphysics-based numerical simulations, results demonstrate that the Florida system, when properly constructed, can provide comparable or superior containment. The second component employs SEEP/W simulations to quantify long-term leachate generation in CCP landfills under varying climates, cover designs, and waste properties, which are then coupled with EPA Method 1314 column leaching data to estimate time-dependent release of trace elements such as arsenic, selenium, boron, and molybdenum. The third component evaluates the performance of evapotranspiration-based water balance covers in arid environments using the Teapot Dome landfill as a reference site. Simulations show that vegetated covers with woody shrubs and suitable soil profiles can maintain percolation below regulatory thresholds. Finally, a random forest regression model is developed to predict van Genuchten parameters (α and n) based on compacted soil index properties, providing an efficient and cost-effective alternative to laboratory testing for hydraulic input calibration. Overall, the study offers a comprehensive framework for assessing landfill containment system performance over time and under diverse field conditions. The findings support improved design, regulatory compliance, and post-closure care planning, while highlighting the value of integrating numerical tools, experimental data, and data-driven methods in advancing sustainable waste containment engineering
Investigating The Influence Of Culture On A Shopping Site’s Perceived Usefulness And Trustworthiness Through Design
No full textThis thesis investigates the influence of culture on a shopping site\u27s perceived usability and trustworthiness through its visual design. In the context of increasing globalization, user interface (UI) design plays a significant role in shaping consumer behavior across diverse cultural backgrounds. Drawing from theories of cross-cultural human-computer interaction and country-of-origin (COO) bias, this study examines whether cultural cues, specifically color schemes and symbolic imagery embedded in UI design, influence perceptions of trust, usability, and purchase likelihood (Brand & Baier, 2022; Cheng, Wu, & Leiner, 2019; Coffey & Kabadayi, 2019).
Participants from the University of Central Florida were randomly assigned to view one of two shopping websites that were identical in content but differed in visual design to reflect either Asian or Western cultural aesthetics. Each participant was exposed to only one version of the website. After viewing the static site image, participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS; Brooke, 1996), along with additional attitude measures to assess usability, trust, and likelihood of purchase.
Results revealed a significant difference in perceived usability, with participants rating the Western-style website as more usable than the Asian-style website. However, differences in perceived trustworthiness and purchase likelihood were not statistically significant. These findings emphasize the role of cultural representation in interface design and its implications for global e-commerce strategies. This research contributes to a growing understanding of how culturally informed visual design can enhance usability and promote effective user engagement in digital marketplaces (Chakraborty, 2009; Reinecke & Bernstein, 2013)
Reframing Recovery: Comparing Music Interventions And Traditional Rehabilitation Methods For Cognitive Function In Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
No full textTraumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions annually, often resulting in long-term cognitive deficits that hinder independence and quality of life. While traditional rehabilitation methods address many physical and functional limitations, cognitive impairments—such as deficits in attention, memory, and executive function—often persist. Emerging evidence highlights music-based interventions as a promising complement to standard therapies, yet comparative research remains limited. This integrative literature review examined the effects of music interventions versus traditional rehabilitation methods on cognitive function in adults with TBI. Using a systematic search of databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL Ultimate, APA PsycInfo, and Music Index, eight peer-reviewed studies were selected for review. Findings show that music interventions significantly improve attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. Some studies also show that music can stimulate changes in brain structure and activity, as observed through brain scans. These results suggest that music is a valuable, evidence-based addition to TBI rehabilitation. Nurses can play a vital role in integrating music interventions into care plans and advocating for their broader use in neurorehabilitation settings
Cultural Competence In Pre-Medical Education: Examining Preparedness For Cross-Cultural Care
No full textAs the U.S. population continues to grow more diverse, there is an urgent need for future healthcare providers to develop strong cultural competence. This study investigates undergraduate pre-medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and comfort levels toward caring for diverse patient populations, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals from varied cultural backgrounds. The goal was to assess how well students are prepared to provide culturally responsive care before entering medical school. Recognizing that the foundation for medical training begins at the undergraduate level, this study aims to identify specific gaps in readiness that may hinder equitable patient care in the future.
A modified version of the Harvard Cross-Cultural Care Survey was distributed to premedical undergraduates at the University of Central Florida. The survey assessed students’ selfreported knowledge, comfort, and perceptions of importance regarding cross-cultural clinical situations. A total of 25 complete responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Preliminary findings revealed that although most students recognize the importance of cultural competence, many lack the confidence and formal training needed to navigate key challenges, particularly those involving language barriers and understanding cultural or religious beliefs that may affect care.
The study uncovered a significant gap in undergraduate preparation to address the complex needs of diverse patient populations. This research emphasized the importance of earlier intervention in medical education. The findings of this study propose that colleges, including the University of Central Florida’s College of Health Professions and Sciences, integrate a formal curriculum focused on cultural competence for pre-health students. By doing so, future providers can be better prepared to deliver equitable, empathetic, and effective care to all patient populations. This study offers critical insight into the evolving needs of medical education and calls for proactive change at the undergraduate level.
Keywords: Cultural Competence, Pre-Medical Education, Health Disparities, Cross-Cultural Care, Cultural Humility, Social Determinants of Healt
Human-Machine Communication: Complete Volume. Volume 10
No full textThis is the complete volume of HMC Volume 10
The Path of Peace: Non-Violent Methods of Play in Indie Video Game History
No full textThis research project investigates the cultural and historical significance of independently published Japanese bullet-hell/danmaku games from the 2000s and 2010s. This project highlights gaps in current game histories, particularly surrounding the influence of these games on heralded contemporary titles like Undertale (2015). The significance of independently published “doujin” Japanese digital media, notably the Touhou Project series, is often overlooked in American game studies contexts. Examining these underexplored games aims to enrich the understanding of cultural-historical games research, particularly in positioning lesser-known and lower-budget games, and contribute to the broader discourse on cross-cultural interactions within the gaming community. Comparative analyses of non-violent gameplay mechanics across different titles, with this cultural context at the forefront, allow us to build a deeper understanding of player and developer engagement with violence and pacifism. Ultimately, this work aims to bridge the American and Japanese cultural representations of non-violent play to better understand the history of this genre better
Examining The Influence of Multiple Mental Health Trainings on the Andragogical Practices of Secondary English Language Arts Teachers: A Case Study
No full textThe increasing prevalence of adolescent mental health issues has underscored the importance of examining how mental health training programs for teachers are implemented. This multiple-case, embedded study explored the impact of mental health trainings under states’ laws and Project AWARE on secondary English language arts (ELA) teachers’ andragogical and hebegogical instructional practices. The research was guided by two key questions: (1) How are mental health trainings under Project AWARE and state laws implemented in two southeastern states? and (2) How do high school English language arts (ELA) teachers in two southeastern states incorporate mental health trainings within their andragogical practices and hebegogical instructional practices? This study applied the theoretical frameworks of andragogy, hebegogy, and social constructivism to analyze how mental health knowledge is socially constructed within school systems and how training influenced teachers’ understanding of adolescent mental health needs. Data were gathered from four 9th and 10th-grade ELA teachers in two southeastern states through publicly available documents, semi-structured interviews, and participant-provided materials. Qualitative analysis employed thematic analysis for interviews and Bowen’s (2009) document analysis for document data sets. Findings revealed that mental health trainings were implemented through shared (1) the goals, policies, guidelines, and resources provided under state laws, (2) in various online and in person formats, and (3) in teachers learning and skills to address students’ mental health situations and make connections between mental health topics and subject area content. Training increased teachers\u27 awareness, understanding, and empathy toward students’ mental health needs, leading to more supportive instructional practices
Integrating Education for Sustainable Development Into Elementary Curriculum Through Transdisciplinary Learning: A Case Study of Teachers at Designated Green Schools
No full textThe rising number of sustainability-focused jobs in the United States has underscored the need for greater exposure to Education for Sustainable Development in early education. While higher education and secondary schools offer courses on sustainability and the environment, elementary students have limited opportunities to engage with these topics. This embedded multiple-case study examined the role of Education for Sustainable Development in elementary classrooms, specifically through transdisciplinary lessons. The research was guided by the question: How do elementary teachers in county-designated Green Schools in a Florida district use transdisciplinary lessons to teach sustainability within their existing curriculum?
Using the theoretical framework of integrated education (Frick, 2018), this study analyzed how sustainability is incorporated into core subjects while adhering to state-mandated standards. Data were collected from six experienced elementary teachers at Green Schools in Florida through interviews, non-participatory observations, county-provided documents, and one publicly available document. The qualitative analysis applied Yin’s (2015) thematic analysis for interviews and observations and Bowen’s (2009) document analysis for textual data sets. Findings revealed eight themes from interviews, four themes from observations, and ten themes from documents, with three themes intersecting all data sets: environmental stewardship, student ownership, and student engagement.
Results revealed that while implementing Education for Sustainable Development in a transdisciplinary manner was challenging, Green Schools integrated sustainability through extracurricular programs, thematic units, and school-wide initiatives. Additionally, administration, community partnerships, and student ownership were key in fostering a school culture of sustainability. This study reinforces the need for early exposure to environmental education, shaping young learners’ appreciation for the planet and its resources
Computational Approaches for RNA Structural Motif Analysis: Similarities, Variations, and Spatial Relationships
No full textThe three-dimensional structures of RNA play a critical role in understanding their functions. One way to study the RNA 3D structure is by analyzing recurrent segments within the loop regions of RNAs, known as RNA structural motifs. These motifs can be grouped into families based on their structural features. However, the inherent structural diversity presents challenges in characterizing the similarities, variations, and spatial relationships within RNA motif families. This dissertation presents three computational methods that together provide a comprehensive framework for RNA structural motif analysis. First, RNAMotifComp establishes and visualizes relational networks among structural motif families. By analyzing instances of well-known families, it identifies those that are visually similar or share base interactions despite structural differences. This analysis reveals functional analogies among divergent families and highlights cases where motifs from distinct families are predicted to belong to the same one. Second, RNAMotifProfile introduces a graph-based approach to model internal diversity within motif families. Using a profile-to-profile alignment algorithm, it captures base interactions and associated nucleotides at each position, generating profiles that reflect both conserved and variable features. These profiles enable more accurate motif searches and enhance our understanding of structural plasticity. Finally, RNAMotifModule shifts the focus from individual motifs to their collective spatial behavior. While individual motifs contribute to specific biological functions, the impact of their co-occurrence in close spatial proximity remains underexplored. RNAMotifModule analyzes RNA structures using optimized atom-atom distance calculations to identify functional motif modules. These modules are statistically validated and biologically interpreted using high-throughput CLIP-seq data, revealing potential roles in coordinated RNA functions. Together, these methods advance the computational analysis of RNA 3D structures and offer novel insights into RNA architecture, with applications in RNA therapeutics and synthetic biology
Enhancing Intelligent Transportation Systems: Scalability, Emulation, and Applications of V2X Communication for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
No full textThe integration of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is a key advancement for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), enhancing the safety, efficiency, and intelligence of modern Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). While Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) rely heavily on onboard sensor data for situational awareness, they remain limited in non-line-of-sight scenarios, which can lead to critical driver errors and accidents. V2X communication extends this awareness by enabling real-time exchange of information beyond sensor range, improving decision-making and reducing collisions.
Two primary V2X technologies are Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) and Cellular-V2X (C-V2X). While DSRC, based on IEEE 802.11p, was initially prominent in research, C-V2X, standardized by 3GPP Release 14, has gained increased attention due to its scalability, reliability, and support for high-speed vehicular communication. However, challenges persist in deploying V2X systems, especially in dense urban environments. Communication loss remains a significant issue, and large-scale testing with real vehicles is impractical. Existing simulators like NS-3 and OMNET++ suffer from long run-times, limiting their effectiveness in large-scale evaluations. Furthermore, the application, scalability, and robustness of both basic and advanced Cooperative Vehicle Safety (CVS) applications present significant challenges due to strict requirements of low latency, high reliability, and limited bandwidth.
This dissertation addresses these challenges by proposing a set of scalable, efficient solutions for improving V2X communication under congestion. It investigates C-V2X performance over the PC5 sidelink interface under variable traffic conditions and presents techniques to mitigate congestion and reduce packet loss. A Remote Vehicle Emulator (RVE) is introduced for high-fidelity, near-real-time simulation of DSRC and C-V2X. A Driver Messenger System (DMS) is also proposed, which transmits Over-the-Air (OTA) Driver Intent Messages (DIMs) in scenarios like Lane Change and Stop-Controlled Intersections (SC-I), enhancing driver awareness and safety. Additionally, Collaborative Perception and Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) are explored, using spatial sparsification and infrastructure communication for coordinated CAV movement, respectively