Food availability and food waste are signi cant global problems which can be mitigated through the use of sensor networks. Current methods of monitoring food waste require manual data collection and are implemented infrequently, providing imprecise information. The use of sensors to automate food waste measurement allows constant monitoring, provides a better dataset for analysis, and enables real- time feedback, which can be used to affect behavioral change in consumers. The data from such networks can be used to drive ambient displays designed to educate a target audience, and ultimately reduce the amount of waste generated. We present WASTE REDUCE, a system for automating the measurement of food waste and affecting behavioral change. The challenges and results of deploying such a system are presented. To assess the bene ts of using WASTE REDUCE, two case studies are conducted. The rst study evaluates three different displays, and the second reevaluates one of these displays in a separate location. These studies con rm that the combination of automated monitoring and ambient feedback can reduce food waste for targeted groups. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Research has demonstrated that higher levels of parent language use is correlated with later language use and intellectual development of their children. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display deficits in social and communication skills. They also demonstrate repetitive and restrictive behaviors or interests. These behavioral deficits and excesses may contribute negatively to language development, as well as parent and child social interactions, and communication exchanges. The current study used a nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design to evaluate the effectiveness of behavior skills training (BST) and on-going graphical and verbal feedback on increasing parent language use and child words and utterances. Results of this study demonstrated that BST with on-going feedback was effective in increasing parent language use and child words and utterances above baseline levels for all four parent-child dyads. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for future research. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection