Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Organization Type On Job Satisfaction: Private And Public Sector Employees In Saudi Arabia, Saeid Al-Hajri

Masters Theses

This study was designed to explore job satisfaction facets, similarities, differences, and associations among 324 public and private sector employees in Saudi Arabia. Results indicated that subjects from the private sector were satisfied with eight job satisfaction factors (responsibility, recognition and relationship with peers and subordinates, working conditions, opportunity for advancement, personal development and opportunity to make own decision, time demands and requirements of the job, organizational policies and personal recognition, social status, and security and salary) and dissatisfied with one factor (supervisory techniques), while subjects from the public sector were satisfied with four job satisfaction factors (responsibility, recognition and …

The Effects Of A Reinforcer On Behavior Maintained By A Second External Reinforcer, Jeanne Marie Lamere

Masters Theses

A number of studies has shown that providing extrinsic rewards for performing an "intrinsically interesting" task decreases an individual's subsequent interest in that task when the rewards are no longer available (e.g., Deci, 1971, 1972; Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett, 1973). Based on these results, many have argued that extrinsic rewards decrease an individual's "intrinsic motivation." A fundamental premise of this argument is that "extrinsic" and "intrinsic motivation" are functionally different, a distinction that is not supported by a behavioral analysis. This study examined whether similar subsequent decrements in task performance would be observed when a behavior is maintained by one …

Effect Of Therapist-Initiated Versus Self-Initiated Vestibular Stimulation On Vocalization In Children With Autism, Carol L. Maddox

Masters Theses

Therapist-initiated vestibular stimulation was compared to self-initiated stimulation to determine their relative effects on vocalization in children with autism. Vocalizations produced during table-top activities were also compared to those produced during vestibular stimulation. Two children with autism participated in the study. Vestibular stimulation was provided by a hammock swing. All vocalizations were recorded during a total of thirteen 15-minute test sessions.

Results indicated that in this study: (a) There was no significant difference in quantity of vocalizations produced during self-initiated versus therapist-initiated vestibular stimulation, and (b) there was a significant increase in vocalizations during vestibular stimulation as compared to during …

How Work Experience Affects Personnel Selection, Donna T. Klein

Masters Theses

The literature concerning how work experience affects personnel selection for recent college graduates is reviewed and found to be unimpressive. This present study was designed to analyze employers' perceptions of work experience when considering recent college graduates for employment. A survey consisting of three resumes was reviewed by 56 small businesses (employing 100 or fewer people). The three resumes differed with respect to one of the part-time jobs: an internship, work related to field of study, or non-related work experience. The results showed that an internship was consistently rated better at the 0.05 level over related/nonintern and non-related work experiences. …

Digital Signal Processing Schemes For Fiber Optic Rotation Rate Sensor Scale Factor Linearization, David T. Dembinski

Masters Theses

This study examined and evaluated several scale factor linearization techniques for a fiber optic rotation rate sensor (FORS). The process of scale factor linearization retrieves rotation rate from an FORS signal. Open and closed loop digital signal processing schemes are evaluated on dynamic range, accuracy, and cost.

The results of these experiments show that open loop schemes require few components but have an inherently low dynamic range of operation. Extending the dynamic range of an open loop system is expensive in additional components. Closed loop systems require more initial components, but have a considerably superior dynamic range. It was concluded …

Cambrian-Early Ordovician Sequence Stratigraphy And Mount Simon Sandstone Petrology-Michigan Basin, Jeffrey T. Cottingham

Masters Theses

Michigan subsurface correlation is complicated in the Cambrian-Early Ordovician section due to limited availability of rock data. Core and cuttings examination demonstrate that similar stratigraphic sequences exist between the Michigan Basin and surrounding regions. Lithofacies in Wisconsin outcrop are similar to their basinal counterparts, and are correlated on the basis of sediment types, sedimentary structures, and the sequence stratigraphic concept.

The Mount Simon Sandstone in Michigan correlates with that observed in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Isopach data throughout the Midwest indicate a single depocenter in Northeastern Illinois. Sedimentary structures and lithology indicate a subtidal environment that may be a progradational …

A Comparison Of A Topography-Based Language System And A Selection-Based Language System, Carl Sundberg

Masters Theses

This study examined whether it was easier for developmentally disabled individuals to acquire a topography-based or a selection-based language system. Four moderately and mildly mentally retarded adults served as subjects. Each of the subjects was taught to tact an object by either pointing to its corresponding symbol (with the selection-based paradigm) or making the corresponding sign (with the topography-based system). They were then taught an intraverbal relation by either selecting the symbol, or making the sign which corresponded to an auditory stimulus. Finally, the subjects were tested for the emergence of stimulus equivalence classes. Each subject was trained and tested …

Oil Absorption Capacity, Oil Absorption Selectivity, And Microstructural Characteristics Of Calendered Meltblown Polyester, Calendered Meltblown Polypropylene, And Paper Towels, Daniel W. Phifer

Masters Theses

Calendered meltblown polypropylene and polyester and paper towels were examined for oil absorption capacity by a weight difference method. Six different oils, coconut, corn, cottonseed, olive, safflower, and sunflower oils, were used to yield a range of fatty acid compositions. The oil remaining in the pool in which the material was dipped was analyzed by gas chromatography to note fatty acid composition. The materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy to note physical characteristics that relate to absorption, i.e. surface detail and surface area. Pore size was measured to note inter-fiber spaces and oil viscosity measurements were made to determine …

Quantifying The Effects Of Soil Erosion On Crop Productivity, Jan Recia Jones

Masters Theses

The effects of soil erosion on yield and root development were determined for soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) (1984) and corn (Zea mays L.) (1985) grown on Grenada silt loam (Glossic Fragiudalfs) in West Tennessee. Seven sites were selected in a cropped field where depth to the fragipan ranged from 0 to 107 cm below the soil surface. To verify the deep sites were relatively uneroded, selected physical and chemical properties of the 107 and 15 cm sites were compared to an area of Grenada silt loam in Crockett County, Tennessee with no history of cultivation. Across-the-site comparisons involving bulk …

Grass And Legume Cover Crop Decomposition Rates In No-Tillage, John Frederick Bowen

Masters Theses

Legume cover crops used as no-tillage mulches can reduce soil erosion and potentially contribute supplemental nitrogen to a subsequent crop. The decomposition rate of a chemically-killed legume may affect the availability of this additional nitrogen. Three legumes: hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were compared as winter cover crops with no-tillage corn receiving 0, 56, 112, 168, or 224 kg N ha^-1. Nylon bags containing each cover type were placed on the soil surface and decomposition rates determined from weight, carbon, and nitrogen loss from the bags …

Development Of Financial Management Competencies For Entry-Level Dietitians: A Survey Of Dietetic Educators, Melinda Anderson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the financial management competencies needed by the entry-level dietitian and to determine how well current Plan IV/V Programs are preparing students in this area. The study determined the importance of financial management competencies to the effective performance of the entry-level dietitian's job as perceived by Plan IV/V, Approved Preprofessional Practice Program (AP4), and Dietetic Internship (DI) educators. To identify academic preparation related to these competencies, the study determined a) extent to which Plan IV/V programs were preparing students in these competencies as perceived by the directors, and b) perceptions which were held …

Effect Of Using And Reusing Melt-Blown, Microwavable Materials To Heat Frozen Fish Filets: Objective And Sensory Perspectives, Patricia J. Cochrane

Masters Theses

Frozen fish filets were heated in the microwave oven on polyester and polypropylene melt-blown materials. Paper towels were used as the control. After heating, all filets were analyzed for fat and moisture retention. Materials were stored under refrigeration temperatures (18^oC) or freezing temperatures (0^oC) and reused. Polypropylene melt-blown materials used once absorbed significantly more fat than polyester melt-blown materials used once. Neither absorbed more fat than paper towels. Total cooking losses, evaporative losses, and moisture retention of fish filets were not significantly different among the melt-blown materials or paper towels. Reused melt-blown materials absorbed significantly more …

Generalization Of Promise-Do Correspondence Training With Respect To The Individual To Whom The Promise Is Made, Robert J. Latka

Masters Theses

This study used 3 subjects of normal (non-impaired) intelligence, 1 female and 2 males, between the ages of 10 and 13 years to study generalization of promise-do correspondence training effects. In a replicated AE design, contingent monetary reinforcers were used to establish promise-do correspondence in playing nonpreferred computer games. This study demonstrated that the effects of correspondence training procedures could be generalized to an alternative listener or individual to whom the promise was made. Generalization was less evident when there was no listener present. This study also provided some evidence that effects of promise-do correspondence training may not generalize to …

Differences In Values And Goals Of Occupational Therapy Students, Margaret A. Danka

Masters Theses

This study compared professional values and goals of three levels of occupational therapy students: (1) seniors in baccalaureate programs (n = 337), (2) students in professional master's programs (n = 95), and (3) students in post-professional master's programs (n = 62). Demographic characteristics and factors influencing career choice were also examined.

Significant differences were found among the three student groups for three professional goals: (1) contributing to theory, (2) doing research, and (3) educating occupational therapy students, and four professional values: (1) intellectual stimulation, (2) exciting life, (3) comfortable life, and (4) helpfulness. The demographic differences among the three student …

Reservoir Geology Of The Dundee Limestone, West Branch Field, Michigan, Brendan Ciaran Curran

Masters Theses

West Branch field is a low-relief, NW-SE-trending anticline near the center o f the Michigan basin. Since 1934, the Dundee Limestone (Middle Devonian) has produced over 12 million barrels of oil from this field. From core studies, six depositional facies types were recognized in the Dundee. These are dominated by bioclastic carbonate sand facies deposited in normal-marine shelf settings. Although burial cements have occluded some porosity, carbonate sand facies have retained significant primary interparticle porosity and are the most important reservoir rocks. Micritic facies with restricted faunal assemblages are present at the top of the Dundee. The top 10 to …

Slight Stress Does Not Lower Critical Thermal Maximums In Hatchery-Reared Rainbow Trout, Roger B. Petrie

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the physiological response of rainbow trout to various initial stressors, either confinement or electroshock, followed by a heat challenge in order to determine how the critical thermal maximum of the fish was affected by the intensity of the initial stressor. Plasma cortisol and glucose levels were determined following the initial stressor and the challenge stressor. The initial stressor induced a typical, but mild, response by increasing cortisol levels to 68 ng/mL for the electroshocked group and 112 ng/mL for the 60-minute confinement group. Although these increases are significantly different (P<.05) from the baseline group (9 ng/mL) they are lower than values observed in the literature for similar stressors. The challenge stressor did not induce any further cortisol increase in fish receiving an initial stress, and in fact decreased significantly (P<.05). The electroshock-challenged group had a significantly higher critical thermal maximum (30 C), but this was only 0.9 C higher than the lowest critical thermal maximum.

The Effects Of Uniconazole, A Gibberellin Biosynthesis Inhibitor, On Potted 'Smoothee'/Mm.106 Apple Trees, Lowell F. Fowler

Masters Theses

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of uniconazole, a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, on the morphology and physiology of potted 'Smoothee'/MM. 106 apple trees. Increasing rates of uniconazole tended to reduce leader elongation and dry weight accumulation, shoot elongation and dry weight accumulation, and enlargement of leaves. Increasing rates of uniconazole resulted in increased specific leaf weight of new leaves and wider crotch angles of limbs. Stomatal conductance of the new leaf (newest, fully expanded leaf) tended to be increased at three weeks after treatment with increasing rates of uniconazole. The stomatal conductance of both the old and new leaf …

The Effects Of Composting Period And Mineral Amendments On A 50:50 Blend Of Pine And Hardwood Bark, John Andrew Watkins

Masters Theses

This research was designed to refine a composting process for a 50:50 blend of pine and hardwood bark to be used as a container growing medium. The first experiment studied the effects of composting period and mineral amendments on the preparation of blended pine and hardwood bark media, and the succeeding experiments studied plant growth in the media prepared in the first experiment.

Equal volumes of pine bark and hardwood bark were composted in partitioned windrows. Daily heat production during composting was monitored and used to determine targeted endpoint temperatures. Targeted endpoint temperatures were 50°C and 40°C. Mineral amendments tested …

The Effects Of Problem-Solving Skills Training With Chronic Schizophrenic Patients, Asiah Mayang

Masters Theses

Problem-solving skills were taught to aggressive and frequently secluded chronic schizophrenic inpatients of a psychiatric hospital. A pre-intervention/post-intervention experimental-control group design was utilized. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to three groups: six were assigned to the “treatment group” and received problem-solving skills training involving instructions, modeling, feedback, role-playing and social reinforcement; six were assigned to the “interaction” group, involving social interactions with the trainer only; and six were assigned to the “control” group, involving no treatment or interaction with the trainer. Improved problem-solving skills on both familiar and novel video-taped skits were observed for the treatment group, but not for …

A Hydrogeological And Hydrogeochemical Investigation Of Groundwater At A Landfill For Sludge From The Kalamazoo Wastewater Treatment Plant, Richard Howard Christensen

Masters Theses

Major cations and anions were analyzed to determine groundwater chemistry at a site used for the disposal of municipal sludge in the late 1960s and contaminated Portage Creek sedimem dredged in the late 1970s. The disposal site consists of five unlined basins constructed over 50 to 100 feet of stratified sand and gravel outwash underlain by silt and clay. Groundwater in the outwash is unconfined and flows from east to west. A groundwater divide in the center of the site produces local divergent flow to the northwest and southwest. Measurements of chemical constituents indicate that three factors influence groundwater chemistry …

An Ergonomic Study Of Meat Processing Operations, Edgar Delgado

Masters Theses

In this study, physical stresses imposed on the different parts of the musculoskeletal system were assessed using a subjective ratings of perceived discomfort (RPD) scale in the meat industry. The effects of a microbreak system on the perceived discomfort of employees were studied. In addition, a comparison of human physical capacities (i.e., anthropometric, strength, and endurance measures) for Caucasian-American and Hispanic-Mexican employees in the meat industry was performed. These measures were also compared against those of employees engaged in manual material handling tasks. Twenty-eight employees participated in the study.

Based on this study, it can be concluded that: (a) RPD …

The Development Of A Self-Help Psychoeducational Booklet Of Rational-Emotive Problem Solving, Alan D. Baldon

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Rational-Emotive Problem Solving workbook (REPS), developed by the researcher, which employs programmed learning principles to teach Rational-Emotive problem-solving techniques.

Fifteen undergraduate psychology students participated. Subjects were provided with the 69-page booklet. The subjects were guided through the Education, Self-Test, and Application components of the workbook.

Two hypotheses were tested. It was predicted that subjects would demonstrate mastery by achieving a score of 80% or better on the Self-Test section. It was further predicted that subjects would demonstrate generalization of the Rational-Emotive principles to a personal problem, achieving a score of 80 or higher …

An Examination Of The Irrelevance Of The Term Neoconservative As Used In American Ideological Debates, Mark C. Stanczak

Masters Theses

This study compared, by analysis of their publications, various people who are considered to be part of the neoconservative movement in the United States. A definition was developed, and a sample of neoconservatives was examined to see if they adhered to the definition. The examination centered around these people's individual views, as published, on economics and the Welfare State; the scope of government in a society; the Cold War and its effect on community; religion; and stability, the state and social justice.

The analysis of their publications leads to the conclusion that there is no cohesive movement that can be …

Applying The Matching Law In A Sheltered Workshop, Kristin Elizabeth Skousgard

Masters Theses

This study assessed the validity of the matching law in an applied setting. It manipulated extraneous reinforcement and measured the rate of rocking in a 24-year-old developmentally disabled man. The resulting data were compared to that predicted by the matching law.

The results were important in three ways: (1) extraneous reinforcement systematically affected rocking in an applied setting in the manner predicted by the matching law, (2) a clinically undesirable behavior decreased in frequency, and (3) this decrease occurred in the absence of direct intervention on the target behavior. Thus, to a slight degree, scientific, practical and humanitarian goals were …

An Examination Of The Effectiveness Of Teaching Nonverbal Sensitivity To Students In An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Darla Kathleen Schurmeier

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of teaching nonverbal communication skills to undergraduate students in an occupational therapy curriculum at Western Michigan University was explored by testing students just entering the program and students leaving the campus for their fieldwork experiences. A control group was made up of undergraduate students from curricula that did not purposely teach sensitivity to nonverbal cues. The 50 subjects were tested using the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity (PONS; Rosenthal, Hall, DiMatteo, Rogers, & Archer, 1979). Comparisons were made between PONS scores and the subject's area of study, length of time in the program, gender and age. Results showed that …

Effect Of Refining On The Brightness Of Softwood Ctmp And Tmp Pulps, Ashok Kumar Mishra

Masters Theses

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of refining on the brightness of softwood chemithermomechanical (CTMP) and thermomechanical (TMP) pulps. Seven different pulps were refined using a laboratory Valley beater. Brightness, opacity, tensile index, TEA, and fines content of these pulps were determined at four different freeness levels. Scattering (s) and absorption (k) coefficients of these pulps were calculated. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were applied to determine the significance of change in brightness.

Changes in s-values were significantly affected by fiber morphology of different wood species. Refining increased the k-values of the pulps. When the …

Spatial And Temporal Variations Of Synthetic Organic Compounds In The Contaminant Plume Emanating From The Kl Landfill, Lynn Diane Broede

Masters Theses

Thirty-one synthetic organic compounds have been detected in samples collected from the KL Landfill contaminant plume from March, 1980 to March, 1986. Two groups of organic compounds have been delineated based on their occurrence, concentrations, and persistence throughout the 7-year monitoring period.

Changes in plume geometry and concentration have been studied relative to time, and concentration variations have been related to selected inorganic plume parameters, distance from the landfill, and precipitation. The spatial and temporal distribution of the organic compounds are attributed to biodegradation, three biotransformation sequences, physical properties of the organics and other factors. Three abbreviated anaerobic biotransformation sequences …

Solitary Aerobic Exercise As A Treatment Of Unipolar Depressive Disorders In Women, Lisa Ann Romano-Neal

Masters Theses

The effects of solitary aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms were tested on four women diagnosed with unipolar depressive disorders. A multiple baseline design was employed. The subjects individually participated in uniform one hour aerobic workouts three times a week for five to eight weeks. Heart rate measures were monitored through the utilization of the physical working capacity test with the Monark 818E Professional Ergometer. Predicted volume oxygen uptake (VO2 max) measures at post-treatment did not increase in two of the four subjects when compared to pre-treatment VO2 max measures. The mean percentage of depressed adjectives endorsed showed minimal reductions on …

Effect Of Modified Instructions On Test Performance Of First Graders, Lisa J. Nuss

Masters Theses

This study uses a simple experimental design to examine the effect of standardized and adapted instructions on first graders' performance on selected subtests of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (Bruininks, 1G78). The mean age of the 20 female and 24 male subjects was 6.77 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to the two experimental conditions. Although the findings for both subtests are not statistically significant at the p<.05 level, they do indicate that motor performance of some populations may not be compromised by altering the wording of the standardized assessment directions. The implications of this study and the need for future research in this area are discussed.

Evaluation Of Nitrate Distribution In Long-Term No Tillage Corn Production Under Three Cover Situations And Three Rates Of Nitrogen, Wickson Temwa Kawonga

Masters Theses

Nitrate-nitrogen distribution to a depth of 274 cm was evaluated in long term no-tillage corn plots subjected to three nitrogen rates and three cover situations. The soil on the experimental area was mapped Memphis silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, thermic, Typic Halpudalfs). The design of the experiment was randomized block with split-plot arrangement of treatments. The treatments were five levels of nitrogen and five cover situations. Main plots consisted of nitrogen rates and cover crops formed sub-plots. Soil samples were collected at 15 cm depth intervals down to 90 cm and at 30 cm intervals from 91 to 274 cm. Soil …