Digital Commons Network^™

The Congress Of Berlin Of 1878: Its Origins And Consequences, Kenneth Allen Shafer

Dissertations and Theses

Historians have expressed a variety of opinions concerning the true significance of the Congress of Berlin. While the 1878 meeting did not have to deal with questions as comprehensive as those discussed in Vienna in 1814-1815 or at Paris in 1856, the Congress of Berlin had great impact in its own right. While the Berlin meeting made decisions in order to reorganize the Balkans after years of instability and war, it also created a split in relations between the German Empire and Imperial Russia which would eventually drive the two powers towards conflict in "The Great War" in 1914.

Communication And Socialization Skills Of Three Year Olds With A History Of Language Delay, Pamela Susan Dahm

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare receptive language, expressive language, and socialization skills of preschool children who have a history of expressive language delay (ELD) with age mates who have a history of normal language development.

A Comparison Of The Maladaptive Behaviors Of Normal, Language Delayed, And Late Talking Toddlers, Denise Elaine James

Dissertations and Theses

People use language to communicate their needs and intentions, to express emotions, and to form relationships. It seems likely that a disruption in children's language development would have a negative impact on their social development. There is extensive research that shows that school age children with delayed language are "at risk" for increased maladaptive behaviors (Cantwell and Baker, 1977). Whether this is also true for children in the earliest stages of language development is not yet known.

The questions this study sought to answer were: 1) Is there a significant difference in the severity and frequency of maladaptive behaviors seen …

Enhanced Realism In The Development Of My Painting, Zifen Qian

Dissertations and Theses

It is a basic truth that the artist must have independent experience and personality in order to create art from life. Combining a traditional realistic style with some elements of abstract composition fits my personality. My paintings represent a pursuit of this idea that is the enhanced realism in the development of my painting.

Invariant Pattern Recognition Algorithm Using The Hough Transform, Duwang Li

Dissertations and Theses

A new algorithm is proposed which uses the Hough Transform to recognize two dimensional objects independent of their orientations, sizes and locations. The binary image of an object is represented by a set of straight lines. Features of the straight lines, namely the lengths and the angles of their normals, their lengths and the end point positions are extracted using the Hough Transform. A data structure for the extracted lines is constructed so that it is efficient to match the features of the lines of one object to those of another object, and determine if one object is a rotated …

The Effect Of A Video Presentation And Reference Guide Manual Of Helicopter Safety Instruction On The Knowledge Base Of Medical Transport Nurses, K. Linda Stickney

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of trained transport nurses being oriented to a new helicopter by a video presentation and reference guide manual educational program when compared with trained transport nurses being trained by actual hands-on demonstration. Using a posttest-only design and the t test for independent samples, it was found that the two groups of nurses did not differ statistically (t (9) = 0.318, p < .051).

Maternal Linguistic Input To Normal And Expressive Language Delayed Toddlers, Terril Joy Elwood

Dissertations and Theses

Research suggests that the linguistic environment of the expressive language delayed child is different from that of his peers. Does this difference actually exist and if so, what are its characteristics? The purpose of this study was to describe the linguistic characteristics of mothers' input to children with normal language acquisition and those of mothers of expressively delayed toddlers; and to identify any differences between these groups. Though considerable research exists in this area, few studies have dealt specifically with large groups of expressively delayed toddlers.

Integrating Psychological And Economic Perspectives On Energy Consumption: The Determinants Of Thermostat Setting Behavior, Jane Stromme Peters

Dissertations and Theses

Data obtained from two surveys of 283 residents of recently built homes in the Pacific Northwest were used to examine winter thermostat setting behavior. Attitude scales along with demographic, economic and dwelling structure data were used to estimate models of daytime, nighttime and average temperature setting choices. Two series of models were estimated: a partial model using demographic, dwelling structure characteristics and economic data; and an integrated model including the attitude scales.

The results of these analyses demonstrated that the inclusion of data on respondent attitudes toward comfort, conservation, health and cost control significantly improved the explanatory power of the …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Expressive Acquisition Of Locative And Directional Prepositions Between Severely-To-Profoundly Hearing Impaired Children Utilizing Total Communication And The Oral/Aural Approach, Cathleen Pew Edwards

Dissertations and Theses

Prepositions are not only important in functional syntax; they also relate meanings associated with the concepts of place and time. Furthermore, prepositions are critical in such everyday activities as producing and comprehending directions, using maps and diagrams, and in the fields of mathematics and music. Inefficient use or misuse of prepositional spatial terms may hinder a child's progress in many areas. Expressive acquisition of function words, which include prepositions, has been described as significantly delayed in the hearing impaired populations.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative preposition analysis between hearing impaired children using two different modes …

A Comparison Of The Time Taken To Administer And Analyze Phonologic And Phonetic Tests, Beverly Alexander

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the time it takes to complete a phonological test was significantly different than the time it takes to complete a phonetic test. It was hoped this study would identify an instrument that the public school speech-language pathologist could use more effectively and efficiently to analyze phonologically-impaired children.

Dudelsacks: Sculptural Extensions In Blown Glass, Cristine C. Corcoran

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis project consists of 19 sculptures. The medium is hot blown glass. The work interprets and extends the visual and metaphorical qualities of bagpipes. The utilization of the German dudelsack references the playful improvisational nature of these international and culturally diverse forms.

Chinese Voices: Towards An Ethnography Of English As A Second Language, Diane Niblack Fox

Dissertations and Theses

This study draws on ethnographic methods to provide background information for the English as a Second Language teacher who looks out at the classroom and asks, "Who are these Chinese students?" The goal is to let Chinese students describe for themselves their experiences learning English, both in China and in the United States.

Frequency Responses Of Hearing Aids Coupled With Fm Auditory Trainers, Robert Bruce Morrison

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the frequency response characteristics of three behind-the-ear hearing aids alone and in combination with three FM auditory trainers. The hearing aids and FM auditory trainers were coupled using two different methods: direct audio input and personal mini-loop. Also, two different gain control settings were used. Frequency responses were evaluated using a template method specified in ANSI S3.22 1982 standards. A larger percentage of the personal mini-loop combinations failed to meet this ANSI standard as compared to the direct audio input combinations (72.3% vs. 50%). The frequency response curves for various combinations of hearing aids and FM auditory …

Awareness Of Biculturalism In Families Of Intercultural Marriage, Eleesabeth Carol-Therese Vieira

Dissertations and Theses

The overall purpose of this preliminary study is to generate more information in the area of intercultural marriage. The specific objectives of the study are to explore the extent to which families of intercultural marriage are aware of the issues of biculturalism that are discussed as significant in the literature; the extent to which partners of intercultural marriage discuss these issues with one another or with their children; the extent to which the family members' subjective reports of "awareness" are consistent.

The Application Of The Ordered List Method And The Dynamic Programming To The Unit Commitment, Hoang Uong

Dissertations and Theses

The thesis presents a method of committing generating units in a hydro-thermal power system within practical computer resources such as computer time and data storage.

Caregiving For Parents And Caregiving For Children: The Differential Effects On Job Stress And Absenteeism, Linda Boise

Dissertations and Theses

An important area of contemporary research is the impact of family responsibilities on the workplace. Historically, caregiving responsibilities have been predominantly for minor children. Increasingly, caregiving involves caring for parents or other elderly or disabled adults.

The study reported in this dissertation compares the effects of caregiving on job stress and absenteeism for two groups of employees, one caring for parents and the other caring for children. It utilizes data from the "Work and Elder Care Project" conducted by the Regional Research Institute for Human Services and the Institute on Aging at Portland State University. Of the 9,573 employees who …

The Interaction Of Stimulus Rate And Polarity Effects On The Auditory Brainstem Response, Michelle Ann Nielsen Ziegler

Dissertations and Theses

Research on the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) has been dominated by attempts to develop techniques to enhance the clarity of the ABR waveform and to define the parameters that separate normal from abnormal responses. While the effects of stimulus rate are clearly documented, the effects of stimulus polarity on the ABR are not. There may be an interaction of polarity and rate which accounts for the inconsistent results reported in the literature.

This study examined the effect of stimulus rate and polarity for waves I, III, and V, on the ABR latency, amplitude, and amplitude ratio. Rarefaction and condensation clicks …

Designing An Instructor's Manual For Introducing Cultural Concepts In The Medical School Curriculum, Barbara C. Nicodemus

Dissertations and Theses

Medical educators recognize the need for including cultural insights into the training of future physicians. This instructor's manual suggests selected journal articles and guidelines for their use in each of the clinical courses to illustrate the relevance of culture, inter- and intraethnic differences, an attitude of cultural relativity, and the importance of language use and communications skills for medical practice. The articles are found in journals typically available to medical students. This manual provides a baseline integrative approach applicable to other specialized training programs. A recommendation is made for evaluation and revision of history-taking interview forms to elicit additional culture-specific …

An Estimation Of Relatedness Within Two Oregon Populations Using Isonymy Analysis, Maria Michalczyk

Dissertations and Theses

The study of human relatedness has long interested the population geneticist. One technique for the estimation of population relatedness is the use of isonymy analysis. The isonymy inbreeding coefficient is analogous to Wright's inbreeding coefficient F. Isonomy analysis can yield comparable results to population studies done by other means such as pedigree analysis, serological studies, and anthropometric analysis.

The data used for this study was obtained from marriage records and telephone directories. Same last name marriages were observed for legitimacy and recorded when verified. A pool of last names were drawn from the marriage records. This list was used to …

The European Neutrals In World War Ii, Jerrold Michael Packard

Dissertations and Theses

The thesis begins with a short section on the nature of neutrality in Europe in the 1930s, and briefly introduces the political circumstances of the six nations that remained neutral throughout the war. The primary subject of the paper deals with the relationship between the belligerents and the neutral states, especially the extent to which military strength and preparedness was responsible for the latter maintaining their neutrality.

Faculty Senate Monthly Packet May 1989, Portland State University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Monthly Packets

The May 1989 Monthly packet includes the May agenda and appendices and the Faculty Senate minutes and attachments from the meeting held April 1989.

Portland State Magazine, Portland State University. Office Of University Communications

Portland State Magazine

PSU’s alumni magazine, published quarterly. In this issue: New decisions in Portland’s higher education scene could lead to significant changes for the University; engineers and scientists are learning management insight and skills in a new master’s program; a PSU conference brings distinguished Soviet and Chinese scholars together to discuss their countries’ historic reform movements; retiring Professor Charlie White will be fondly remembered by students, colleagues and international scholars; and more.

Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Restriction Fragment Patterns In Killer Whales, Orcinus Orca, Tracy Alison Stevens

Dissertations and Theses

The mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment patterns of killer whales (Orcinus orca) were investigated in order to determine the level of genetic differentiation that exists between killer whales from various geographic locations. Twenty one killer whales were examined, seventeen of which were captive killer whales that originated from the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific Oceans. Two were captive-born animals and two were killer whales that stranded along the Northeast Pacific coast.

DNA was extracted from blood and/or tissue samples, cleaved with a variety of restriction endonucleases and the DNA fragments were separated by horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA …

Disfluencies In Normal Four-Year-Old Alaska Native And Caucasian Children, Annette Cameron O'Connell

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of occurrence of specific speech disfluencies in 4-year-old Alaska Native children to those of 4-year-old Caucasian children. Specifically, eight disfluency types were investigated: part-word repetition, word repetition, phrase repetition, interjection, revision-incomplete phrase, disrhythmic phonation, tense pause, and intrusive schwa. The questions addressed in the study were:

1. Do 4-year-old Alaska Native children exhibit a higher frequency of disfluencies than 4-year-old Caucasian children?
2. Do 4-year-old Alaska Native children exhibit a greater frequency of specific disfluencies, in terms of part-word repetition, word repetition, phrase repetition, interjection, revision-incomplete phrase, disrhythmic phonation, tense pause, or …

Development Of Morphological Forms In Four-Year-Old Children, Catherine Anderson Thompson

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate morphological development in 4-year-old children. Two tests were utilized and compared to see if there was a significant difference between the expression of meaningful and nonmeaningful words. The first test, a modified version of the Test for Examining Expressive Morphology (TEEM), used meaningful words to assess allomorphic variations of six bound morphemes. The second test, a modified version of Berko's Test of English Morphology (BTEM), assessed the same allomorphic variations, but it used nonmeaningful words.

A Longitudinal Study Of The Disfluencies Of Four And Six Year Old Children, Mary B. Cox

Dissertations and Theses

Investigations into the speech of normal children have indicated that disfluencies are common. It is important for the Speech Language Pathologist to have knowledge of normal disfluencies for differential diagnosis, parent counseling, and in order to plan strategies for intervention.

The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of disfluencies in 4 year old and 6 year old normal male children to the frequency of disfluencies when they were 3 years old and 5 years old, respectively.

One year later, eighteen of the twenty normal male children study used in a previous study were reevaluated in this. At …

A Longitudinal Study Of Disfluencies In The Speech Of Normal Preschool Children, Susan Marto Crowell

Dissertations and Theses

The process of differentially diagnosing a child who is experiencing temporary normal disfluency from one who is beginning to stutter could be made objective by the establishment of normative data on fluency development. To date, there are no standardized norms on the development of fluency in children. Current investigations have contributed greatly to expectations of certain types and amounts of disfluencies in preschool-age children. Most of the research, however, has focused on observing children at discrete age levels from 2- to 7-years-of-age. Only one longitudinal study to date has been reported. Additional longitudinal data of preschool-aged children would benefit the …

Exploratory Study: Preparation By Japanese Parents In The U.S. For Their Children's Reentry To Japan From An Intercultural Communication Perspective, Noriko Nakagawa

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to discover whether or not the Japanese parents who are temporarily staying in the U.S. with their children are anticipating the possibility of psychological and communicative problems their children may face as returnees, and to what extent the Japanese parents discuss these potential problems with their husbands and/or with their children. The question also asked whether or not the Japanese parents are doing anything to prepare themselves and/or their children to cope with the potential problems which their children may face as returnees.

A Finite State Machine Synthesizer, Jiuling Liu

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis presents a Finite State Machine (FSM) Synthesizer developed at Portland State University. The synthesizer starts from a high level behavioral description, in which no states are specified, and generates the lower level FSM descriptions for simulation and physical layout generation.

Attitudes Of Control And Weight Management, Carolyn Lee Edwards Wright

Dissertations and Theses

Applications of locus of control theory to weight loss programs have yielded inconsistent results. This study attempts to clarify "control" by looking at two different factors. Maximum control is the degree of perceived control inherent in the event itself, and personal control is the degree to which the event is perceived controllable by the individual. These two factors were also examined in two types of situations to determine whether individuals have one global outlook on control, or if they make a distinction between control in some situations as opposed to control in other situations. Seventy-four female subjects completed a 16 …