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An Analysis Of Saudi Arabian Employee Performance In Selected Public Sector Service Organizations, Yousif Mohamad Saad Al-Hendy

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Acceptance Of Computers By Administrative Leadership At Baker College, William Mccormick Luczyk

Dissertations

Procedures for recording information, capturing data for distribution to faculty, students, and other campuses was often being done manually by administrators at Baker College. Because of either a lack of access, or a lack of knowledge and training, simple computer data searches, spreadsheets, and telecommunications were difficult to accomplish and in some cases could not be done by Baker College administrators.

The sample population for this research consisted of forty-six males and forty-seven females for a total of ninety-three existing Baker College administrators, from nine campuses of varying size, throughout the State of Michigan. Data in the areas of computer …

Attitudes Of Black Secondary School Teachers Toward School Guidance In The Potchefstroom Area, South Africa, Elias H. Masibi

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Intermodal Commuter Network Planning, Maria P. Boile

Dissertations

An intermodal commuter network is an integration of passenger transportation systems, or modes, to a single comprehensive system that provides connections among the various modes, and improved travel choices to users. In the system examined in this dissertation, commuters access their final destination via auto, rail, and intermodal auto-to-rail modes. There are numerous highway paths by which a commuter can reach the final destination. Once on the highway, the commuter can switch to rail at stations along the rail route. The commuter may also choose to walk to the rail station closest to the trip's origin.

The main focus of …

Removal Of Vocs From Air By Absorption And Stripping In Hollow Fiber Devices, Tarun K. Poddar

Dissertations

Large volumes of exhaust air streams contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, xylene, acetone etc. are discharged into the atmosphere by various industrial facilities. Common technologies for VOC emission abatement e.g., activated carbon adsorption, absorption in a liquid, incineration and catalytic oxidation, have many strengths as well as considerable limitations. In this study, a regenerative absorption-based removal of VOCs from N₂ in an inert, nonvolatile, organic liquid flowing in compact hollow fiber devices has been developed. The process eliminates flooding, loading and entrainment encountered in conventional absorption devices.

Contaminated air/N₂ stream was fed through the …

Computer-Aided Process Design For Waste Minimization, Konstadinos Abeliotis

Dissertations

Problems related to process design with environmental considerations have been studied in this dissertation. A new heuristic design methodology has been formulated with the objective of minimizing the adverse environmental impact of chemical processes.

This hierarchical methodology starts with the definition and analysis of a process flowsheet followed by quantification of the process environmental loads. The quantification of environmental loads is an essential aspect of this methodology, because it serves as the comparative measure for environmental performance.

If the calculated environmental loads do not satisfy the environmental constraints (e.g., regulatory limits), waste minimization is investigated in the following order:

• Pollution …

A Theoretical Analysis Of Volatile Contaminant Removal By The Pneumatic Fracturing Process, Yuan Ding

Dissertations

A mathematical model that simulates the process of contaminant removal from a pneumatically induced fracture within a porous medium is presented. It includes: (1) model development; (2) parameter evaluation; (3) statistical sensitivity analysis; and (4) model validation.

Based on the dual porosity approach, a mathematical model for a fractured porous formation is developed for both two dimensional and axial symmetrical cases. This model constitutes a pair of coupled partial differential equations for the porous medium and discrete fracture, respectively. The initial and boundary conditions have been determined based on field considerations of a soil vapor extraction system. By means of …

Automatic Visual Recognition Using Parallel Machines, Yui-Liang Chen

Dissertations

Invariant features and quick matching algorithms are two major concerns in the area of automatic visual recognition. The former reduces the size of an established model database, and the latter shortens the computation time. This dissertation, will discussed both line invariants under perspective projection and parallel implementation of a dynamic programming technique for shape recognition. The feasibility of using parallel machines can be demonstrated through the dramatically reduced time complexity.

In this dissertation, our algorithms are implemented on the AP1000 MIMD parallel machines. For processing an object with a features, the time complexity of the proposed parallel algorithm is O(n) …

Vibration As An Aid In Robotic Peg-In-Hole Assembly, Hsin-Te Liao

Dissertations

This dissertation presents an analytical and experimental investigation of vibration assisted engagement for parts mating. A dynamic model of assembly is established by using Lagrange's equation for impact to derive impact equations for a robotic manipulator in peg-in-hole assembly. The model can be used to analyze part motion and contact force in the mating of parts by robots. The impact equations of a SCARA robot are derived using this model and utilized to investigate how robot configuration, insertion speed, chamfer angle, coefficient of restitution and other system parameters affect impulsive force and departure angle in the assembly of a peg …

Particle Deposition On Surfaces In A Divergent Channal Flow, Ding Sun

Dissertations

Particle trajectory and deposition of two phase gas-solid flows in a convergent or divergent two-dimensional channel are investigated numerically in a wide range of parameters. For the fluid phase, a two dimensional, incompressible laminar fluid flow is considered in the analysis. The particle phase is a diluted suspension. The effects of inertia, gravity, viscous force and electrostatic image force are included in the computational model.

Both convergent and divergent channel flow are solved by the finite element method based on the software FIDAP. The flow separations will appear in a divergent channel and their separation positions are obtained in the …

Performance Analysis For Genetic Algorithms., Hermrean Wong

Dissertations

Genetic algorithms have been shown effective for solving complex optimization problems such as job scheduling, machine learning, pattern recognition, and assembly planning. Due to the random process involved in genetic algorithms, the analysis of performance characteristics of genetic algorithms is a challenging research topic. Studied in this dissertation are methods to analyze convergence of genetic algorithms and to investigate whether modifications made to genetic algorithms, such as varying the operator rates during the iterative process, improve their performance. Both statistical analysis, which is used for investigation of different modifications to the genetic algorithm, and probability analysis, which is used to …

The Effect Of Chlorine, Sulfur And Phosphorus Compounds On Deactivation Of Palladium Catalysts, Tai-Chiang Yu

Dissertations

The effects of HCl, H₂S, tributyl phosphate (TBP), P₂O₅, and zinc dialkyldithophosphate (ZDP) as catalyst poisons for methane oxidation over palladium catalysts supported on γ-alumina were investigated in this study. The overall reaction rate of methane oxidation over palladium catalysts can be simplified into a pseudo first order reaction under excess oxidation conditions.

The deactivation of the catalyst poisoned by HCl is attributed to the loss of active sites due to volatilization of PdCl₂. H₂ treatment at 200 °C can reactivate the catalyst poisoned by HCl at temperatures of up to …

Automatic Office Document Classification And Information Extraction, Xiaolong Hao

Dissertations

TEXPR.OS (TEXt PROcessing System) is a document processing system (DPS) to support and assist office workers in their daily work in dealing with information and document management. In this thesis, document classification and information extraction, which are two of the major functional capabilities in TEXPROS, are investigated.

Based on the nature of its content, a document is divided into structured and unstructured (i.e., of free text) parts. The conceptual and content structures are introduced to capture the semantics of the structured and unstructured part of the document respectively. The document is classified and information is extracted based on the analyses …

The Effect Of Sulfur And Phosphorus Compounds On Supported Platinum Catalyst Activity, Yi Wang

Dissertations

The effect of sulfur poisoning on the activity of catalysts containing 1.5% platinum supported on γ-Al₂O₃, TiO₂, ZrO₂, or SiO₂ was investigated in this study. These four catalysts were aged with 100 ppmv H₂S in air at 400°C for 24 hours to determine the effect of sulfur poisoning under oxidizing conditions. In separate experiments, 1.5% Pt/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst was aged in nitrogen containing 100 ppmv H₂S to obtain a frame of reference for non-oxidizing conditions.

The oxidation of 1% CO, 1% methane, and 1% propane …

Shear Strength And Fatigue Crack Propagation In Concrete By Energy Method, Wei Wang

Dissertations

The limit analysis methods have been commonly used to predict the ultimate flexure strength of reinforced concrete members over 50 years. However, current design formulas for shear in structural concrete are mostly empirical. In part one of this dissertation, attempts are made to apply the theory of plasticity to predict the shear strengths of reinforced concrete structures.

The modified Coulomb-Mohr failure criterion is used as the constitutive law of concrete, and the plastic flow is assumed to be associated with this failure criterion. A generalized formulation for energy dissipation in accordance with the failure criterion and associated flow rule is …

A Nondestructive Method For The Determination Of Fracture Energy In Concrete Structures, Been-Jyh Yu

Dissertations

It is generally believed that linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts can not be employed in determining fracture parameters in concrete, and therefore most of the current research effort has focused on applying the principles in yielding fracture mechanics. Despite all these efforts, comparison of results reported by many investigators indicate wide variations in fracture toughness values even for essentially similar materials. The main source of discrepancy in the observed results is the existence of a large process zone at the crack tip. Hence, the amount of energy consumed in advancing the crack will depend on the size of the process …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership And School Climate, Christine L. Jensen

Dissertations

The study investigated the relationship between transformational leadership and school climate in elementary schools in w est Michigan with enrollments of 200-800 students. Eighteen school districts with 294 participating teachers completed two questionnaires.

The independent variable of transformational leadership was investigated by using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire to measure teachers' perceptions of leadership factors. The dependent variable of school climate was investigated by using the Organizational Climate Descriptor Questionnaire-Revised Elementary. The questionnaire was used to determine teachers' perceptions of principal openness, teacher openness, and overall school climate.

As a result of the data analysis, the investigation supported that there was …

A Grounded Theory In The Development Of The Tantric Proposition In Leadership Education, Marsha Wislocki Goin

Dissertations

The advancement of a new theory in the field of leadership education directed the focus of this study. A new paradigm directed toward an inclusive leadership model was advanced and the findings integrated, resulting in the development of a model reflecting four dimensions of leadership theory: (1) transformational, (2) transactional, (3) charismatic, and (4) intuitional.

These four dimensions, supported within a quadrilateral design and incorporating an Eastern philosophical motif represented as a mandala, were then interfaced with the four dimensions of tantric philosophy: (1) spiritual, (2) emotional, (3) intellectual, and (4) sensing, resulting in a tantric mandala of leadership design. …

The United Center: A Community-Based Corrections Project, William George Hinkle

Dissertations

The United Center is a community-based corrections center located in Middletown, Midwest. Funded by the Midwest Department of Corrections, and administered by local county government, it provides a sentencing alternative to the county's jail, and the state's prison system. Defined as a correctional "halfway-in house," the program provides offenders with employment and education related services, job placement, mental health services, and drug and alcohol counseling in a highly structured, but supportive environment. In operation since the early 1980's, the program has serviced some 400 offenders sentenced to short prison terms for low-level property and drug offenses. Compared to national rates …

Evaluation Of A Computer Simulation To Assess Subject Preference For Different Types Of Incentive Pay: Part Two, Stephen Mark Sundby

Dissertations

This study further investigated the use of a computer simulation to assess subject preference for different types of pay systems. Subjects were eight undergraduates recruited from psychology classes at Western Michigan University. The dependent variable was the subjects’ choice of pay system, either simulated hourly pay or base pay plus incentive. Simulated work performance was determined by the computer with 0.50 probability of low or high performance. For Experiment 1, the independent variable was the maximum amount of simulated pay that subjects could earn under each pay type. For Experiments 2 and 3, the independent variable was the percentage of …

The Effects Of Intensive, Structured Study On Gre Verbal And Quantitative Scores, Jan Marie Miller

Dissertations

This research served as a follow-up to previous research (Goodyear-Orwat and Malott, 1994) in which students engaged in self-study utilizing various study materials. Three courses (spring, summer, and fall) were offered to further examine the effects of intensive, structured study on Graduate Record Examination verbal and quantitative scores.

Twenty undergraduates enrolled in Graduate Record Examination preparatory courses studied from 66 to 105 hours. An attendance and participation contingency was established to encourage adequate study time. The courses were structured to allow students to assess and manage their own performance, utilizing standard, self-instructional texts and computerized drill programs. Students worked at …

Autocorrelation In Single-Subject Data: A Meta-Analytic View, Laura L. Methot

Dissertations

Recent work by Huitema and McKean (1991, 1994a, 1994b, 1994c, in press) has shown that the most frequently used statistical methods for performing conventional time-series analyses lead to gross distortions of results when these approaches are applied in the context of the typical behavioral research study. Most of these problems could be avoided if researchers were aware that the time-series methods recommended in many areas are not generally needed. The appropriate evidence regarding the need for complex time-series methods requires a meta-analysis of the autocorrelation present in behavioral studies. The project involved: (a) sampling several hundred research articles published in …

The Use Of Analogies In An Industrial Environment To Facilitate Status Changes For Radiation Science Concepts, Charles Thomas Lohrke

Dissertations

The focus of this study was the effect of two analogies on the status of industrial technical center employees for three radiation science concept areas. The analogies used were of melting ice and falling tacks. The three radiation concept areas examined were radioactive material decay, radioactive material half-life, and radioactive material activity.

Forty-four adults participated in the study. Thirty-five of these participants took pre- and post-lesson multiple-choice tests to determine the effect that the analogies had on their intelligibility of the three radiation science concept areas. Nine participants also took pre- and post-lesson clinical interviews to assess their intelligibility, plausibility, …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Critical Thinking Skills And Preferred Learning Styles Of First Year Nursing Students, Gloria J. Clocklin

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between the manner in which nursing students preferred to learn and their ability to think critically. First year nursing students (N = 197) from four colleges in a rural Midwestern geographic region were the subjects for the study. Students represented practical nursing, associate degree nursing, and baccalaureate degree nursing programs and were all in their first nursing course. Entire cohort groups from each college were included in the study.

The Kolb (1985) Learning Style Inventory and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA, Watson & Glaser, 1980) were administered …

Assessing Pediatricians' Diagnostic Practices: An Analogue Study Of Responses To Adhd-Like Presentations In Preschoolers, Helle Augustesen

Dissertations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been considered one of the most chronic behavior disorders observed in the preadolescent population and is one of the most frequently diagnosed childhood disorders in North America. Currently, however, there is little consistency in terms of identifying specific criteria which need to be present in a child's behavior to make a diagnosis of ADHD. This difficulty is even more pronounced in very young children of preschool age. This study utilized a three year old male child shown to 80 subjects on a videotape engaging in either a high or a low level of activity. …

Women And The Public School Superintendency: An Integrative Review Of The Dissertation Research, Carol A. Swingle

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to prepare a comprehensive summary, evaluation, and synthesis of the dissertation research conducted from 1970 to 1994 regarding women public school superintendents.

The units of study for this research synthesis were the 79 criterion-selected doctoral dissertations completed at colleges and universities in the United States between 1 970 and 1994 that utilized women public school superintendents as their sole, or primary, data set.

Data were collected relative to both the content and the quality of the selected dissertations. Data analysis was completed using the integrative research review techniques of listing factors, taking a vote, …

The Level Of Management Support Behaviors And The Effect On Participation Rates In Corporate Fitness Programs, Diane Braatz

Dissertations

Survey methods were used to evaluate the relationship between the nature and degree of management support provided to corporate fitness programs and employees' participation rates in those programs. A questionnaire requesting information about demographics, participation rates, and supportive management practices in the areas of coaching, modeling, and reinforcing, was sent to representatives of 400 companies. Completed questionnaires representing 157 organizations were returned. Across all respondents, the mean reported level of employee participation in fitness programs was 20.7%; the range was 2 to 67%. The level of employee participation was positively related to the total level of management support (i.e., combined …

College Physics Students' Conceptual Understanding Of Area And Volume, And Relationships Between These Concepts And Students' Understanding Of Physics Concepts, Jiang Yu

Dissertations

Concepts such as area and volume are foundational ideas for many concepts introduced in introductory science courses. At the college level, most instructors typically assume that incoming students have already developed an understanding of these underpinning ideas. However, doubt has surfaced in recent years about students' depth of understanding and mastery of these fundamental concepts. Because deficiencies in understanding basic concepts may relate to the learning of subsequent concepts, instructors have expressed concerns about students' understanding of fundamental ideas and if the failure to understand these ideas hinders students' subsequent progress.

This study was designed to (a) investigate the nature …

A Study Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Principal Effectiveness Among Secondary School Teachers In Malaysia, Ariff B. Kasim

Dissertations

The focus of this study is to find out the difference in perceptions of teachers on principal effectiveness among two groups of secondary school teachers in Malaysia, namely: (1) graduate and non-graduate teachers, and (2) junior and senior teachers, in seven dimensions of principal effectiveness: (1) leadership, (2) school rules and procedures, (3) school learning climate, (4) teacher/staff relations and development, (5) student relations and development, (6) school-community relations, and (7) instructional supervision and development.

The sample of this study consisted of all teachers who had been teaching more than one year and had a formal teacher training from 15 …

Citizens' Attitudes Toward Baraga And L'Anse Schools Sharing Resources And Consolidation In Two Community Attitude Surveys: A Five-Year Comparison, Anni C. Gregor

Dissertations

The focus of this study was to determine the relationship between respondents' data to six replicated education questions embedded in two community attitude surveys conducted in 1988 and 1993 in Baraga County, Michigan. The six questions were proposed to determine respondents' attitudes toward Baraga and L'Anse schools' sharing of educational curriculum, extracurricular activities, school calendars, staff, transportation, and consolidation of the two school districts. Demographic data in the two studies were cited to compare respondents' personal history and other demographic data between 1988 and 1993.

In the two studies, a total of 845 randomly selected subjects responded to six questions …