Digital Commons Network^™

Origin Of Human Trisomy 21 Mosaicism, Diane Dusenbery Waggoner

Dissertations and Theses

Down Syndrome is a human condition caused by an extra copy of a #21 chromosome. At least one to two percent of free (not translocated) trisomy 21 cases are mosaics, i.e., they have two or more distinct cell lines. Usually, one cell line is 47 ,XX or XY ,+21 while the other cell line is normal 46,XX or 46,XY.

The purpose of the study was to establish the etiologies of the separate cell lines by determining whether the zygote was trisomic or normal. Meiotic non-disjunction in the formation of a gamete could lead to a trisomic zygote; loss of a …

The Paleolimnology Of Bull Run Lake: Disruption And Stability In A Natural System, Richard Brian Raymond

Dissertations and Theses

Detailed analysis of the physical, chemical, pollen and diatom stratigraphy of sediment cores from Bull Run Lake, Oregon reveals that the lake has been subject to repeated episodes of disruption by volcanic ash fall, fire and other disturbance over the past 4300 years. With the exception of fire, these disruptions have not resulted in long term changes in the watershed or in the characteristics of Bull Run Lake. A major fire in the watershed about 750 years ago altered the vegetation. Since that time the forest has been returning to its former condition.

An Analysis Of Women's Jobs In The Middle East, 610 A.D.-1982, Malakeh Taleghani

Dissertations and Theses

In this survey, women's roles (jobs) and their participation in the workforce in the Muslim Middle-Eastern countries will be discussed generally; moreover, some of the Middle-Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Iran, will be studied a little more specifically as a sample. The status of women, their education, skills, and profession, will be explained historically from the date of the Islamic period until today. The problems and factors that prohibited women from having outside jobs, social life, and equal rights in past and present times (from 610 A.D. to 1982) will be analyzed. On the other hand, the attempt is …

Effect Of Copper On Cell Division, Nitrogen Metabolism, Morphology, And Sexual Reproduction In The Life Cycle Of Closterium Moniliferum (Chlorophyceae), Erleen Svihovec Christenson

Dissertations and Theses

Additions of copper were shown to affect cell morphology, growth rates and nutrient uptake in Closterium moniliferum. These parameters are interrelated in the total life cycle of the organism. It was found that the timing of events in the life cycle, including sexual reproduction, could be changed when copper was added. When increasing concentrations of copper were added to the growth medium, Closterium moniliferurn exhibited a stimulatory, inhibitory, or toxic dose-response typical of organisms to trace metals. The stimulatory effect, occurring at pCu* 14.4, was demonstrated by an early increase in cell number, increased nitrate uptake, and early onset of …

A Study Of The Modification Of Teachers' Attitudes Toward The Hearing-Impaired Using Two Different Types Of Treatment Workshops, Anita Bell Mcclain

Dissertations and Theses

This experimental study grew out of the ideas gleaned from a review of literature which indicated that the attitudinal role of the classroom teacher serves as a model for students. A justification of the need to modify behaviors toward the hearing-impaired became apparent. The significance of effective workshop procedures could result in notable implications for school district planning and implementation of an in-service education plan. An experimental study was conducted to determine if teacher attitudes toward the hearing-impaired can be modified using two types of in-service workshops, passive versus active participation. Three groups of randomly selected regular classroom teachers at …

Causes And Consequences Of Divorce In Late Life, Keren Brown Wilson

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework in which the effect of divorce in late life could be examined. Statistics indicate a growing number of persons who occupy the divorce status in late life. Many of these persons enter late life in the divorced status, others are divorced after age 60. This study focuses upon those who divorce after age 60. Although previous work does not shed much light upon late life divorce, it yields a clear picture of the characteristics, process and consequences of divorce for younger persons. Assumptions derived from work with younger divorcing populations …

An Investigation Of The Reliability, Subscale Intercorrelations, And Validity Of The Administrator Role Perception Inventory, Anne Skirven Wax

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability, subscale intercorrelations, and validity of the Administrator Role Perception Inventory (ARPI), an instrument developed by the investigator and a co-author in the year preceding the study. The ARPI is a 50 item, Likert-type scale which reflects variables thought to be associated with burn-out: expectation, motivation, accomplishment, psycho-physical state, and relationships. Another variable, previously unresearched, was also included; it is the variable of "time" and reflects a negative time orientation, a longing for the "good old days." The inventory was mailed to all of the 2,113 active members of the Confederation …

A Mechanistic Study Of The Electrochemical Formation Of Cds Cdse Semiconducting Films, Mario Aparicio-Razo

Dissertations and Theses

Cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide are important materials for applications such as photoconductive cells, photovoltaic cells and other electrooptical devices. Generally, these devices use single crystals. However, reasonable efficiencies have been observed by using polycrystalline films on conducting substrates, which are easier to make and provide considerable savings on materials and energy. Polycrystalline CdS/CdSe films have been made by sputtering and solution spraying, compound evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, and many others. A recent technique involves the electrochemical deposition of CdS and CdSe from nonaqueous solvents. Preparation of these films is based upon the cathodic deposition from a nonaqueous solution of …

A Descriptive Predictive Model For The Employment Of Computer-Based Management Information Systems For The Government Of A Developing Country: Case, Iran, Hossein Bidgoli

Dissertations and Theses

This study was undertaken to identify the most decisive variables in the successful employment of a Computer-Based Management Information System (CBMIS) in a developing country such as Iran. A descriptive model was designed. Using a series of predictive models, several dimensions of successful CBMIS employment were investigated. Data were collected via a questionnaire sent to 79 Iranian governmental computer installations. Questions posed by the study are: (1) Under what conditions should a developing country continue to operate manually? (2) If computerization is feasible, what should the acquisition criteria be? (3) What are the most important variables for optimum utilization of …

The Distribution Of The Trade Effects Of The Arab Common Market, Rami Khalaf

Dissertations and Theses

How much of the Arab Common Market provisions are actually implemented? And which member country benefits relatively more than the others from the Common Market arrangement? These are the two major questions that this research attempts to provide answers for. At present, the Arab Common Market is comprised of six member countries: Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Mauritania, and Democratic Yemen. Egypt was also a member until 1979 when its membership was suspended because of the Camp David Agreements. The first three are considered to be more advanced and were among the first to ratify the Common Market resolution as soon …

Institutional Environments As Perceived By The Faculty And Administrators At Six Small Liberal Arts Christian Colleges, Jeffrey Thomas Fouts

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the small liberal arts Christian colleges provide a distinctive environment apart from the traditional classifications of colleges and universities. The environments of the six sample colleges were assessed by administering the Institutional Functioning Inventory (IFI) to faculty and administrators. Statistically significant differences were found among the colleges on eight of the 11 environmental dimensions. However, it was concluded that the colleges constituted a relatively homogeneous group on all dimensions measured except Self-Study and Planning. Total sample means on the 11 scales of the IFI allowed for a generic description of 11 …

Enrollment Decline: The Uses And Disposition Of Excess Space In 106 Oregon Public School Districts, Marjorie Brothers

Dissertations and Theses

A survey was made of the status of public school districts in Oregon with regard to growth or decline in enrollment and the uses or disposition of excess space resulting from a decline. A questionnaire was mailed to superintendents in each of the 126 districts which had declined in enrollment during the years between 1970 and 1983. Of the 106 districts which returned the questionnaire, 53.7% had experienced a decline of sufficient magnitude to require some adjustment in the ways in which building space is used. This excess space was used for classrooms, curriculum centers, office space, community programs, and …

A Computer Decision Support System To Assist In Providing Equality Of Educational Opportunity, Porter Sexton

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation presented research by the author in the development of a computer Decision Support System (DSS) for assisting in providing equal educational opportunity in a public school district. The research process consisted of five major phases: (1) The support of a local school district was obtained, and, with the assistance of the superintendent, a task group of concerned administrators was assembled to assist in defining the needs and goals for the DSS. (2) A list of key variables was developed for inclusion in the support system. Data were gathered and stored for a preliminary version of the DSS. (3) …

Teacher Attitude Toward Composition Instruction At The Postsecondary Level: Identification And Formation, Jane B. Braunger

Dissertations and Theses

This study had two objectives: (1) to test the appropriateness of an existing instrument for attitude measurement with Oregon postsecondary writing teachers, and (2) to discover formative influences thus identified. Data were obtained by a questionnaire composed of the Scales for Measuring Teacher Attitudes toward Instruction in Written Composition (Schuessler et al., 1981), and additional original questions on training, demographics, and experience. The questionnaire was mailed to 122 composition teachers at 3 Oregon universities and 2 Oregon community colleges. Response rate was 80%. Additional information was provided by 6 respondents who participated in follow-up interviews. Factor analysis of scale item …

Global Awareness Of Administrators In Higher Education In The State Of Oregon, Elizabeth Marsh O'Malley

Dissertations and Theses

The development of worldmindedness is an educational objective endorsed by many prominent educators. How worldmindedness can be created and developed is a question acknowledged in much of the literature and needs to be answered if the world is to move toward a future of peace and understanding. Authorities agree that to prepare Americans for an interdependent world, the United States must incorporate global education into the nation's existing educational system. This task will require strong leadership on America's college campuses. Consequently, before an effective worldmindedness program can be established in institutions of higher learning, administrators' attitudes toward such a program …

Metropolitan School Administrators: Work Values, Role Perceptions And Burnout, Jacqueline Conner Waggoner

Dissertations and Theses

Data were collected from 388 administrators from ten urban and suburban school districts in Oregon and Washington to identify the work values of public school administrators, (as measured by the Ohio Work Values Inventory, OWVI), and determine the relationship between public school administrator role perceptions associated with burnout, (as measured by the Administrator Role Perception Inventory, ARPI), and their work values. The data were analyzed by levels of administration, background data and specific scales on the instruments. Cluster sampling by district was used; i.e. all administrators within each of ten school districts in Oregon and Washington comprised the initial sample …

Short-Term Wellness Program For A School Staff Comparing Levels Of Support, Wynferd Ray Chilton

Dissertations and Theses

This study conducted an experiment with 139 staff volunteers from a suburban school district (K-12) who participated in an eight-week program of exercise, nutritional practices, and stress control measures. All participants were pretested and posttested for mental well-being and physical fitness. Two treatment groups set goals, wrote contracts, and met weekly to hear speakers and share experiences, and made weekly reports to a director of the project. One treatment group was provided with leaders who organized supporting activities; the other treatment group was divided into support groups without leaders. A third group was composed of individuals who did not participate …

The Utility Of Alternate Theoretical Conceptualizations Of "Urban Environment" In Explaining Variation In Attitudes And Behaviors, John Conrad Allen Iii

Dissertations and Theses

The debate over what factors actually influence behaviors and attitudes of urban residents is the impetus which generated the idea behind this study. Urban literature suggests several explanations for attitudes including for example, alienation and anemia. These same explanations are assumed to influence behaviors such as: 1) smaller number of children, 2) involvement in voluntary organizations, 3) specialized voting behavior and 4) less kinship contact.

Rating Life Events : The Effect Of Experience And Point Of Reference, Richard John Alden

Dissertations and Theses

Life events inventories have been extensively used to investigate the relationship between stressful life events and the etiology of disease. In order to elucidate conceptual and methodological issues surrounding the use of these instruments, a Life Events Questionnaire was constructed and administered to 100 university students. Subjects indicated which of 40 events they had experienced and rated all events on a 20 point scale based on the amount of readjustment judged to be required by each event, both for themselves and for a hypothetical average person. Results of a three-way ANOVA indicated that in the majority of cases, neither the …

A Rhetoric Of Movements: A Dramatistic Analysis Of The Open Convention Movement, Gunnar Neil Farevaag

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the rhetorical strategies of the Open Convention Movement, a conglomerate of political mavericks who arose during the Democratic Presidential primary campaign of 1980. It consisted of both supporters and antagonists of incumbent President Jimmy Carter, primarily because of opposition to a proposed rule which would have required delegates to the Democratic National Convention to vote, on the first ballot, for the presidential candidate whom they represented in their state-wide primaries.

Toward A Behavioral Analysis Of Attentiveness As A Style Of Communication, Ray Alan Coker

Dissertations and Theses

Attentiveness, a variable of communication, primarily serves a stylistic function in the communicative process by providing behavioral evidence that an individual is actively involved in message reception. Past research suggests that while both verbal and nonverbal behaviors signal attentiveness, nonverbal cues are more closely associated with this construct. Among the many nonverbal behaviors of individuals in interactions, postural positions have been deemed highly indicative of attentiveness. At present however, most of the empirical evidence attesting to this notion has been established through the use of self-report measures. As a result of the felt need by this author to improve upon …

The Sovereign People, Minority Rights And State Judiciaries : An Historical Study Of Tocqueville's Majoritarian Thesis, Erica Goodwin

Dissertations and Theses

In the decade of the 1830's, Alexis de Tocqueville published a perceptive analysis of America in the Jacksonian era, which focused upon the customs, manners and intellectual habits of its citizens, and their social condition as seen through its political institutions. He advanced the proposition--a paradox of democracy--that equality of condition was as compatible with tyranny as with freedom. The social consensus, which stemmed from the wide acceptance of doctrine of equality and common wants and interests, when brought to bear upon legislator and judge, public official, juryman, and the non-conforming individual, he termed the "tyranny of the majority."

Secondary Stresses In Bowstring Timber Trusses, John F. Bradford

Dissertations and Theses

This study was undertaken in order to determine analytically the magnitude of the secondary (i.e., joint deflection induced) moments in the continuous glued-laminated chords of bowstring timber trusses. Traditionally, these moments have been assumed to be small and therefore neglected. The American Institute of Timber Construction makes no mention of these moments in their recommended design procedure.

A Translation Into English Of The German Novel Jakob Der LüGner By Jurek Becker, Harriet Passell

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis is a translation of the German novel Jakob der Lugner by Jurek Becker. In my commentary I have tried to explain why I undertook the project of translating this novel from German into English, when that had already been done by Melvin Kornfeld. Kornfeld's translation, which is no longer in print, fails to do justice to Jurek Becker's style and changes a story of heartwarming simplicity, humor and psychological insight into a somewhat tedious account of the life in a ghetto during World War II.

The Work Values Of Secondary Teachers : A Comparative Study By Teaching Assignment, Charlotte Marie Klampe

Dissertations and Theses

The focus of this study was on the work values of secondary school teachers. Values have been defined in many ways. The common agreement is that values are standards, beliefs, or principles that do guide and direct a person's behavior. The values a teacher holds will influence a student due to the natural role-modeling effect in the classroom. With the advent of career education and exploration of the world of work, the values held toward work become a timely topic. The discussion of values and value clarification in all aspects of a person's life is one that is becoming very …

Pragmatic Conversational Skills Of Young Adults In Normal, Emr, And Tmr Classrooms, Jane Nicholson

Dissertations and Theses

Current language theory focuses on how a person communicates within a context (Bates, 1976a). A person's communicative competence depends on how effectively she translates her cognitive and social knowledge into linguistic forms to interact in the specific situation, following pragmatic rules (Prutting, 1982b). Thus, in order to assess a person's language ability accurately, the clinician needs to assess pragmatic skills as well as cognitive, social, and linguistic skills. A person's pragmatic development culminates in the ability to participate in a conversation (Rees, 1978).

Preliminary Study : The Effects Of Instrumentation On The Air Intake Times Of The Esophageal Speaker, Sandra I. Pasak Neuburger

Dissertations and Theses

This research examined the use of visual feedback provided by electronic instrumentation to reduce air intake times of esophageal speakers during speech management. The subjects were six esophageal speakers from the Portland Metropolitan area. Three subjects made up the experimental group and three were placed in the control group. Prototype instrumentation was used to measure air intake times and give visual feedback to the experimental group during twelve sessions of speech management. The control group participated in traditional speech management procedures to reduce air intake times without benefit of instrumentation. Rate of improvement was measured using the prototype instrumentation without …

Adult Oral Diadochokinesis Rates : Preliminary Normative Data, Carol Kafton-Minkel

Dissertations and Theses

In the clinical evaluation and management of speech disorders, a speech-language pathologist may observe disturbances in a client's motor abilities that suggest possible neurological dysfunction. One possible disturbance is in oral diadochokinesis (DIO), an individual's ability to start and stop the movement of the articulators rapidly and execute repetitive, alternating, sequential movements typically associated with speech articulation. It is often recommended that a speech-language pathologist test DIO speed and compare the performance to available norms. There is, however, a lack of normative DIO data spanning all ages of adulthood. The purpose of this study was to develop preliminary normative data …

Pragmatic Deficits In Normal, Articulation Disordered, And Language Delayed Samples, Karen Jean Lucas

Dissertations and Theses

The purposes of this investigation were to identify, via the Pragmatic Protocol, the incidence of pragmatic disorders within public school articulation and language caseloads and a control group of normal students and to specify the pragmatic areas, i.e., utterance propositional, and/or illocutionary/perlocutionary act categories in which deficits occur.

The Absence Of Extrachromosomal Dna In Methanogenic Bacteria, Nancy Ann Kurkinen

Dissertations and Theses

Five species of methanogenic bacteria were analyzed for the presence of plasmid DNA. Several procedures for the detection and isolation of covalently closed circular plasmid DNA were modified for use with the methanogens.