Digital Commons Network^™

K+- Induced Dilation Of Cremasteric Arterioles Involves Na+/K+Atpase And Inward Rectifier K+ Channels, Wendy Burns

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in cremasteric arteriolar dilation as a result of increased concentrations of ([K⁺]_o) extracellular potassium. Many other studies suggested that Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase or K_IR channels are responsible for potassium-induced vasodilation in other systems (2, 12, 22, 40, 46, 52, 16, 17, 25, 33, 34, 85, 99, 151). However, these studies show only partial inhibition of dilation as a result of independent blockageof each mechanism. The hypothesis of this study was that both mechanisms contribute to potassium-induced dilation seen in cremasteric arterioles. …

A Robust Two-Sample Procedure To Estimate A Shift Parameter, Feridun Tasdan

Dissertations

This study estimates the location shift parameter in the two-sample problem. The classical method, Least Square(LS), obtains the shift parameter estimate under the normality assumption. A departure from normality assumption makes the estimate inefficient and unreliable. One alternative to the least square estimate is Hodges-Lehmann (HL) estimate which uses Wilcoxon ranks to estimate the shift parameter. This estimate is robust against contaminations and large outliers. The proposed method in this study combines two samples and uses convolution technique to find a density function for the combined sample. This new density function is later used in the construction of the log …

Load Sharing Strategies In Distributed Environments, Laurentiu Cucos

Dissertations

We investigate load sharing strategies in distributed systems based on work properties, environment and process organization. For various classes of problems we characterize the paradigms corresponding to applicable communication strategies. We develop suitable structure for the work, and work assignment techniques in order to maximize the efficiency. This research is based in part on work conducted on distributed numerical integration.

Psychophysically Derived Work Frequencies Associated With Roof Shingling Operations Involving Change In Grade, Sang Dae Choi

Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of roof slope on psychophysical roof shingling frequency. Twelve healthy males (21-30 years old) were used as participants. Experiment one was designed to determine Maximum Acceptable Roof Shingling Frequency (MARSF) for a workday period using psychophysical methodology. Results indicate that 198 shingles/hr is an acceptable roof shingling frequency for a workday. Furthermore, 2 hours is an acceptable testing period (equivalent to the workday). Postural sway and physiological variables support these findings. Experiment two was designed to study the effect of slope (18°, 26°, and 34°) on MARSF. Experiment two indicates …

Three Essays On Financial Intermediation, Capital Formation, And Economic Growth And Development, Md. Habibur Rahman

Dissertations

This dissertation contains three essays on financial intermediation, capital formation, and economic growth and development. The first essay presents a theoretical model explaining the role of financial intermediation in capital formation and economic growth. It outlines a model of search and matching equilibrium in financial economies where a lender owns capital and an entrepreneur owns entrepreneurial skill and output is produced when search generates a meeting between a lender and an entrepreneur. It is shown that investment in capital and skill is inefficient in autarky due to search frictions and an externality. We examine the autarkic equilibrium under bargaining-without-search and …

How Secondary School Mathematics Teachers Construct An Understanding Of "Appropriate Use" Of Graphing Calculators In The Context Of Collegial Inquiry, Marcia L. Weller Weinhold

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Spatial Strata For Environmental Regulatory Purposes, John Edward Daniels

Dissertations

This dissertation introduces spatial strata modelling, a methodology that combines spatial statistics, cluster analysis, and geographic information system theories to analyze the background level of naturally occurring contaminants of concern (COCs). The objective of spatial strata modelling is to divide a geographic area of interest into mutually exclusive geographic zones (spatial strata): with each stratum representing a different level of COC concentration. An estimate of each stratum's COC concentration level, representing an upper regulatory limit, will also be provided. Data provided by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality describing the spatial location and arsenic concentrations of 211 Michigan sites (arsenic …

An Investigation On The Impact Of The Structure Of Summative Student Evaluation On Self-Regulated Learning, John Charles Ritzier

Dissertations

Many hypotheses have been offered regarding the impact on learning caused by the most traditional practice of summative student evaluation, namely that of assigning marks to students. Sufficient evidence exists to suggest this practice often has detrimental effects. This study was designed to investigate the following three questions: (1) How does the method of summative student evaluation impact self-regulated learning in low-achieving high school mathematics students? (2) How does the cognitive level of the task mediate the relationship between method of summative student evaluation and self-regulated learning? (3) How does the length of time students are exposed to a method …

Taylor-Based Monetary Policy Rules: Are They Forward-Looking, Data Congruent, And Asset Price Responsive?, Rajeev Sooreea

Dissertations

This dissertation presents three essays to analyze a class of Taylor-based monetary policy rules that forms the basis of contemporary monetary policy decisions. The first essay examines whether policy rules are forward-looking. It proposes the methodology that, if the parameters of the Taylor rule change when the mechanism generating inflation changes, that is the Lucas critique applies, then inflation is not superexogenous for the parameters of the rule. In this case where superexogeneity fails, the rule is forward-looking. However, the results indicate that, although there is structural break in the inflation volatility process as evidenced by a model of heteroskedastic …

Geochemical And Isotopic Characterization Of Shallow Basinal Brines From The Makgadikgadi Pans Complex, Northeastern Botswana: Determination Of The Sources Of Salinity, Loago N. Molwalefhe

Dissertations

Isotopes and chemical tracers have been used to constrain the sources and causes of salinity in shallow groundwater brine from the Makgadikgadi Basin, northeastern Botswana. The brine is massively rich in chloride and sodium, and moderately rich in carbonates, sulphate and potassium, and is distinctively poor in divalent cationic species. Various models that have been advanced to explain the origin of the brines include evaporative enrichment at the surface and density-induced infiltration, dissolution of evaporites, and trapped connate water.

This study presents the compositional variability and behaviors of ·the stable isotopes of carbon (S¹³C) and oxygen (S^{18 …}

Social Disorganization, Disorder, Social Cohesion, Informal Controls, And Crime: A Reformulation And Test Of Systemic Social Disorganization Theory, Gayle M. Rhineberger

Dissertations

The primary purpose of this dissertation is to modify and test the systemic social disorganization models of crime proposed by Bursik and Grasmick (1993) and Sampson, Raudenbush, and Earls (1997), and offer an empirical test of my hypothesized model. Specifically, the model includes traditional indicators of social disorganization (racial/ethnic heterogeneity, socioeconomic status, family disruption, residential stability) as exogenous variables; social and physical disorder, social cohesion, and three levels of informal social control (private, parochial, and public) as intervening mechanisms; and official crime counts and crime victimization as dependent variables.

The data used in this study come from the Project on …

Preparing Teachers To Use Technology: The Webquest In The Secondary English Language Arts Methods Classroom, Melinda C. Dobson

Dissertations

This study focuses on why and how English language arts methods instructors can integrate WebQuest development into their courses. Behavioral, cognitive, and constructive learning theory are established as a theoretical basis for introducing the WebQuest into the English language arts methods curriculum. Practicing teachers are surveyed about their WebQuest-use to identify positive and negative outcomes of the activity. National and international standards the WebQuest fulfills are identified. This study focuses on how to integrate technology in general into the methods course and then documents the development of the researcher's WebQuest and that of three different secondary English language arts methods …

Student Satisfaction With Michigan Community College Distance Education Courses, Eugene H. Mckay Iii

Dissertations

Distance education courses offered by community colleges and other higher education institutions are becoming popular options for students who seek a more convenient method to obtain a college education. Community colleges are actively expanding their offerings of distance education courses, both nationally and in Michigan. Yet minimal research has been conducted on a large scale to discover the factors which contribute to satisfaction with distance education courses at community colleges.

This study consists of a cross-sectional survey of over 6000 Michigan community college students in Michigan, who completed a distance education courseduring the fall semester of 2002. Sixteen of Michigan's …

Irradiation Induced Order-Dis Order Transformations In Ni-Mo Alloys, Ovidiu F. Toader

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Culture And The Effectiveness Of Supplier Diversity Programs: A Test Of Predictors, Gwendolyn Whitfield

Dissertations

Increased globalization and diversity has brought with it unique interdependencies. As we experience demographical shifts unlike any other in U.S. history, the growth rate of minority-owned businesses may represent unprecedented opportunity for corporate buyers to partner with minority suppliers. According to the Minority Business Development Agency, the minority population will represent 37.4 percent of the total U.S. population by the year 2020, and will yield purchasing power of $3 trillion. Moreover, it is estimated that between the years 2000 and 2050 the majority of new business starts will originate in the minority business community (U.S. Small Business Administration 1994). Minority-owned …

Essays On Monetary Policy In Bangladesh, Sayera Younus

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Identifying Behavioral Risk Factors For Acquaintance Rape In College Females, Sherrie Maher

Dissertations

In the current study, a videotaped scenario was used to assess sexual communication skills among a sample of undergraduate women. The study was designed to identify specific communication strategies that may serve as risk or protective factors in acquaintance rape situations. Given that women with a prior sexual victimization history are at increased risk for subsequent sexual assault, the study examined whether these women exhibit particular communication skills deficits in dating situations. Using a validated videotaped vignette, 47 undergraduate women without a history of victimization (NVP) were compared to 28 women with a history of sexual assault (SVP) (assault occurring …

A Socio-Historical Analysis Of The Benton Harbor, Michigan Desegregation Case Between 1967 And 1981, Tiffany Anne Loftus Butzbaugh

Dissertations

This study focuses on the socio-history of the Benton Harbor Area School District's ("BHASD") desegregation froth 1967 when Berry v School District of TheCity of Benton Harbor , C.A. 9 W.D. Mich. (1967) ("Berry ") was filed until 1981, when the court-ordered busing took effect. The purpose is to write a socio-historical analysis of BHASC Board of Education (BHASC Board) decisions regarding racial balance and imbalance in BHASC schools. Specifically, I study theBHASD Board, the administration, and the community concerning the following socio-historically relevant decisions: (1) the transfer of students from theSodus attendance district in the BHASD to the …

Foreign Direct Investment In Developing Countries: Uncertainty, Trade And Welfare, Adugna Lemi

Dissertations

The objectives of this three-essay thesis are first, to analyze the role of economic and political uncertainty in affecting FDI flows; second, to test competing hypotheses that explain the determinants of sales of affiliates of U.S. multinational firms to alternative destinations; and third, to investigate the welfare impact of FDI flow on local firms in a host country. These issues are interrelated, as uncertainty is one of the main impediments in developing countries to attract foreign direct investment, and uncertainty in turn affects business practices of foreign affiliates in a host country. The combined effects of uncertainty and business practices …

Spearman Rank Regression, Jason C. Parcon

Dissertations

The main purpose of this dissertation is to obtain an estimate of the slope parameter in a regression model that is robust to outlying values in both the x - and Y-spaces. The least squares method, though known to be optimal for normal errors, can yield estimates with infinitely large MSE's if the error distribution is thick-tailed. Regular rank-based methods like the Wilcoxon method are known to be robust to outlying values in the Y -space, but it is still grossly affected by outlying values in x -space.

This dissertation derives an estimate of the slope from an estimating …

Examination Of The Skills And Dispositions Needed For Assistant Principals To Be Effective Disciplinarians, Sherie Lynn Williams

Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to identify the set of key skills and dispositions needed by secondary school assistant principals to function as effective disciplinarians. A secondary purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of males and females concerning this topic. This was accomplished by exploring the perceptions of experts and practitioners, both male and female, concerning their ideas on the skills and dispositions needed by assistant principals at the secondary level to be successful disciplinarians.

This study used two methods of data collection, the Delphi Method of collecting information and focus groups. A panel of …

Reliability Of The Educational Technology Profiler Survey As A Method Of Gathering Information In Teacher Preparation Programs, Carmen A. Cornieles

Dissertations

Education is an important factor in the introduction of technology as tools to be used in the teaching process. Teacher preparation programs for general education and special education are working to ensure that technology is a common denominator method of instruction following standards from teaching accrediting agencies. Institutions in charge of teacher preparation programs are aware of the need to prepare their students effectively and efficiently in the use of technology to support teaching and learning. Students in teacher preparation programs should become knowledgeable on using educational technology in their everyday instruction when placed in a school. For this reason, …

The Effect Of Alcohol On Women’S Detection Of Risk In A Date Rape Analogue, Marci Marroquin Loiselle

Dissertations

Research strongly suggests that alcohol is a risk factor for date rape for both victims and perpetrators (Abbey, 1991, Fritner & Rubinson, 1994; Miller & Marshall, 1987; Muehlenhard & Linton, 1987; Norris & Cubbins, 1992; Marx, Van Wie, & Gross, 1996). Many victims of sexual assault consume alcohol prior to being raped (Marx, et al., 1999), and "early recognition of when a social situation with a male acquaintance or intimate partner has become threatening can aida woman in preventing a serious incident of sexual aggression" (Norris, et al, 1999, p. 230). This study's purpose was to experimentally address the link …

Treatment Of Specific Animal Phobias And The Relationship Of An Opiate Antagonist To Outcome, Andrea T. Kozak

Dissertations

Previous research with non-humans, and humans to a lesser degree, suggest the endogenous opiate system is at work to assist an organism in times of pain or stress. One-session exposure treatment is an effective treatment for specific animal phobia and entails modest degrees of stress during implementation. At the present time, the mechanisms at work that facilitate the success of this intervention have been incompletely investigated. The focus of the present study was to determine whether the endogenous opiate system is activated during the treatment of persons with specific animal phobias. In a double-blind investigation, 15 individuals with specific animal …

New Graphical Approach On The Analysis Of Experimental Data, Suha Sari

Dissertations

This study presents a new graphical method to identify significant effects in factorial experiments. The proposed methods are obtained for the different cases in which the design can be of full factorial or fractional factorial and the factor levels can be pure or mixed.

We focus on the different decomposition methods, for example orthogonal components system and orthogonal contrast method, to make use of the chisquare plot which requires that the sums of squares are of the same degrees of freedom. Examples and simulations illustrating the different cases of the procedure are presented.

A Behavior Systems Analysis Approach To Designing A Hlgh-Impact Knowledge Management System, Jacalyn S. Smeltzer

Dissertations

Behavior systems analysis is an approach to designing and managing systems that incorporates the human-performance-technology model of systems analysis and considers the basic principles of behavior when analyzing causes of performance deficiencies and in selecting interventions to address those deficiencies. Behavior systems analysis focuses on three major conditions that influence behavior: (1) the motivation of the individual, (2) the immediate environmental cues, and (3) the consequences of behavior (Malott & Garcia, 1987; Suarez, 2001). The present study used behavior systems analysis to design a knowledge management system (independent variable) for a small business, a consulting firm in the employer-provided training …

Understanding On Concepts Of Force Of Thai Freshmen, Chokchai Usawinchai

Dissertations

The central concept of Newtonian mechanics is force. Without this concept, the students would find the rest of mechanics very difficult to master. Based on this hypothesis, the understandings and misconceptions of Newtonian mechanics were investigated.

Three hundred eighteen Thai freshmen participated in this study. The freshmen were divided into two groups according to their high school locations, Bangkok and other cities of Thailand. The Force Concept Inventory was used to probe the freshmen's understandings and misconceptions. The SPSS and EXCEL programs were used to analyze the data. The translation of the FCI into Thai and its subsequent validation is …

Effects Of Writing Therapy Across Ptsd And Chronic Stress, Jennifer E. Lewis

Dissertations

Research supports the effectiveness of writing therapy in reducing physical health problems and increasing positive feelings (Pennebaker & Beall, 1986). More recently, research indicates that writing about traumatic experiences is as effective as EMDR in reducing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Largo-Marsh & Spates, 1997). The current study assessed the treatment efficacy of writing therapy for individuals with varying degrees of stress related symptoms. Specifically, this study examined writing treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and work-related chronic stress or "burnout."

The study utilized a pretest-posttest comparison group design. Repeated measurements !)n primary dependent variables were collected at pretest through …

Interspecies Encounters: An Ethnography Of A Veterinary Hospital, Dana Atwood-Harvey

Dissertations

There were three broad reasons for this research. The larger goal was to continue to advance the incorporation of 'other' animals and the rest of nature in general in sociological theory and research. The second was to suggest to those who have incorporated 'other' animals into their research, to include them as participants. The third was to redirect the focus of those who have incorporated 'other' animals as participants, to the impact that ideological structures and other social factors have on human-'other' animal encounters. Toward this end, I directed the focus of my study to examine human-'other' animal encounters ina …

Using Journal Writing To Promote Reflective Practice In The Counseling Practicum: A Multiple-Case, Narrative Study Of Counselor Development, Jean Mauriello Germain

Dissertations

The present study investigates the development of reflective practice for beginning counselors. A review of the literature provides support for the benefits of counselors developing reflective practice, and for the use of tools such as portfolios and written journals in order to assist counselors in the development of reflection. However, because these tools have not been systematically implemented and investigated, little is known about the nature of counselors' development of reflective practice. A narrative, multiple-case methodology is used in order to examine the process of development in depth. Methods were employed to achieve trustworthiness of the data. Four participants took …