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Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies Of Arenesulfonates: Substituent, Concentration, Counterion, And Solvent Effects, David C. French

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Patterns Of Psychological Adaptation In Death And Dying: A Causal Model And Exploratory Study, Marjorie C. Dobratz Dnsc, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships of the person-environment variables of age, sex, length of illness, pain, social support, and physical function as they affected psychological adaptation in dying. An adaptation paradigm of constructs from nursing, illness, and dying provided the theoretical framework which was used to formulate and test a causal model. This study, in addition, had a qualitative component that identified, from the participants' spontaneous responses, reactions to and perceptions of the dying process. A sample of 97 adults was recruited from two metropolitan home hospice programs, with testing occurring in the home. Regression …

Personal And Organizational Variables Related To The Strength Of Mentoring Relationships In Nursing, Willa Fields Dnsc

Dissertations

Mentoring is viewed as a viable developmental process for nurses that promotes professional maturation, career satisfaction, and strong, competent leaders. Personal and organizational variables related to mentoring, such as mentoring potential, professional success, immediate organizational climate, general organizational climate, and experience as a mentee, have been described in the theoretical and research literature. A conceptual model for this investigation was developed which related these variables to the mentors' perceptions of the strength of their strongest mentoring relationship. The purpose of this study was to establish the strength of the relationships delineated in the model. The model was tested on 125 …

Impact Of Stress And Coping On Adherence And Health Status In Patients With Hypertension, Diane Darby Goldberger Dnsc, Mn, Rn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the impact of demographic variables (age, educational level, time since diagnosis) and subsequent psychosocial variables (perceived stress, ways of coping, professional support, and social support) on adherence and, ultimately, on health status (blood pressure, psychological symptoms, and subjective health) in patients with essential hypertension whose health care was managed by a nurse. Because nurses manage the therapeutic regimens of these patients, it is necessary to identify those factors that influence adherence and thus the health of hypertensive individuals. The transactional framework of stress, appraisal, and coping of Lazarus and Folkman …

Vision: An Essential Component Of Transforming Leadership, Robert A. Fink Edd

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine transforming leadership within the context where this relationship exists. Specific focus is on the National Association for Campus Activities, a national educational association composed of over 1,100 institutions of higher education and 400 associated firms, and its Executive Director, who served as the center of the web of leadership relationships during the past seven years. The study took the form of a qualitative case study, with interviews and observations taking place over a one year period at various sites across the country during meetings of the Association and its officers. The research …

Case Studies Of First-Year Elementary Teachers On St. Croix To Develop A Model For Teacher Leadership, Ruth Harrigan Beagles Edd

Dissertations

First-year teachers in the St. Croix School District represent an infusion of new blood into the profession whose retention, personal and professional growth are of paramount importance to the future of the profession. The purposes of this research were: (1) to examine the assumptions, concerns, beliefs, and perceptions of first-year teachers about their entry into the teaching profession; (2) to investigate the beliefs, concerns, perception, and assumptions of central office administrators, a teacher educators, a member of the Board of Education, experienced teachers, principals, assistant principals, coordinators, secretaries, parents, and paraprofessionals have about support needs for first-year teachers; (3) to …

Faith And Leadership: The Spiritual Journeys Of Transformational Leaders, Rita M. Marinoble Edd

Dissertations

Transformational leadership, as it has come to be understood in the study of leadership, is a relationship among people that is characterized by mutual purposes that transcend daily concerns--purposes directed is some way toward the common good. Transformational leaders hold and articulate vision, shape values, and engage themselves and others in efforts that somehow benefit the human community. Faith development and the spiritual journey can be viewed as providing a context for transformational leadership because they involve an individual's search for self-transcendence and ultimate meaning in life. This search is a process that includes movement towards wholeness and integration by …

The Relationship Between Family Functioning And Adolescent Substance Use, Vicky R. Bowden Dnsc

Dissertations

This study utilized an explanatory correlational design to examine the relationship which exists between the predictor variables of adolescent's perception of family adaptation, cohesion, and communication, parental use of substances, adolescent age and gender and the criterion variables of adolescent behavioral intention and self-reported use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. The theoretical perspectives of the study, derived from developmental theory and the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems viewed the adolescent stage as a period in which the entire family is challenged to balance levels of adaptation and cohesion in order to facilitate individuation and autonomy of adolescent …

The Everyday Life Experiences Of Three To Six-Year-Old Children With Comforting Possessions, Susan H. Harris Dnsc

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of comforting possessions in order to develop descriptive theory based on the perceptions, beliefs, values, symbolic meanings, and feelings of young children regarding comforting possessions. Using ethnographic methods, children with comforting possessions were observed extensively in a preschool setting (n = 10). Two of these children were later interviewed with a parent present. In addition, 17 other children were interviewed in the home or preschool setting with a parent present for a total study sample of 27 children. Several major patterns were supported by the data derived from these two …

The Effects Of Collaboration, Organizational Climate, And Job Stress On Job Satisfaction And Anticipated Turnover In Nursing, Jaynelle F. Stichler Dnsc

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of collaborative behavior, organizational climate, and job stress on job satisfaction and anticipated turnover in nursing. The path analytic model of anticipated turnover was temporally ordered with all exogenous variables proposed to directly affect job satisfaction and anticipated turnover and indirectly affect anticipated turnover through job satisfaction. Subjects (N = 188) were female Registered Nurses from six hospitals in Southern California. The majority of the respondents were clinical nurses who worked full time on the day shift, although a significant percentage of the sample also worked part-time or perdiem and …

Diverse Voices Of Leadership: Different Rhythms And Emerging Harmonies, Kathleen E. Allen Edd

Dissertations

In our current research literature leaders have been identified through traditional sampling techniques; techniques in which individuals are selected by positions, reputation, and organizational success. The background assumptions for these techniques include that of leadership as a top-down phenomenon, under the purview of CEOs and presidents. Articulated by these sampling techniques is a voice of leadership that is based within the American individualistic culture, a voice from leaders who are white, older, and men. The purpose of this study was to explore whether there are different voices of leadership which are not presently reflected in the leadership literature. Fifteen individuals …

A Study Of Planned Organizational Change At General Dynamics, Richard A. Barker Edd

Dissertations

A case study approach was used to evaluate organizational change that occurred between 1986 and 1989 at General Dynamics Corporation. The purpose of the study was to determine how persons in leading positions can realistically expect to plan and implement significant, planned organizational changes. The changes specifically studied were those which resulted from the planning and implementation of the Ethics Program. The Ethics Program at General Dynamics was examined not only as a case example of a planned, intended change, but as a vehicle for broad strategic goals pertaining to human resources management. Historic data from corporate documents and surveys, …

Literary Perceptions Of Leadership, Dallas B. Boggs Edd

Dissertations

The purpose of this study has been to seek out an active and influential pattern of human leadership in the pages of Western literature. Literature is a mirror of human perception and thought. It is a reflection of ideas, a means of transcribing not events as they have taken place, nor of human commentary of actual deeds, but of ideas and aspirations. As such, literature may be a more accurate reflection of the human mind than history or even philosophy. Therefore, if we are to acquire an understanding of this elusive concepts of leadership, it is necessary that we first …

The Impact Of Federal Regulation On Time To Equivalence And Compliance Within The Orthopaedic Medical Device Industry, John J. Carlow Edd

Dissertations

The Medical Device Amendments of 1976 (Public Law 94-295) consolidated and expanded existing federal authority over manufacturers of medical devices. This meant that any medical device manufactured after the Medical Device Amendment of 1976 needed to establish that it is substantially equivalent in terms of content, composition, intended use and related risk. This study was designed to investigate the influences on the process of notifying the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of an orthopaedic medical device manufacturer's intent to market a product. The study's primary objectives were twofold: 1) determine the relationships of three independent variables (i.e., the company's size …

A Study Of Factors Contributing To Achieving And Sustaining School Effectiveness In Elementary Schools, Janet A. Hageman Chrispeels Edd

Dissertations

An effective school is one in which there are overall high levels of achievement sustained over time and in which students from the lower socioeconomic (SES) subgroups are performing at levels comparable to higher SES groups. Through a case study methodology, the author analyzed the degree of effectiveness in eight elementary schools and factors that contributed to attaining this level of effectiveness. Over a five year period, data were collected at each school through interviews, effective schools surveys, CAP test results, and other school records. The effectiveness of each school was determined by applying three criteria that evaluated the overall …

The Impact Of Feeding Methods On Exclusion From Child Care For Infants Under Six Months Of Age, Elizabeth G. Jones Edd, Mph, Rd

Dissertations

The increasing numbers of women entering the work force have created a greater need for accessible, quality, and affordable child care. Concurrently there is rising concern about the transmission of infection in child care settings. There is evidence, but no consensus, that breastfeeding may offer protection from infection, especially during the first months of life. However, employed/student mothers report that efforts to maintain breastfeeding are not well supported at the work/school site. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the impact of infant feeding methods on the exclusion rate due to illness among infants less than six months of …

Human Sexuality Programs In Catholic Secondary Schools In The 80'S, Maria Teresa Klein Edd

Dissertations

Human sexuality programs, or sex education programs, have been a controversial issue for many years. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of human sexuality programs within Catholic secondary schools. This study investigated the effect of comprehensive or non-comprehensive sexuality programs upon students' Positive Sexual Attitudes, awareness of Catholic Church Teachings, integration of Catholic Church Values, integration of current Social Values, and Biological Knowledge. Comprehensive human sexuality programs were defined as those containing three or more full semesters of classes related to sex and sexuality. Non-comprehensive human sexuality programs were defined as those containing less than two …

The Influence Of The Strategic Planning Process On A Nonprofit Board And A Public Commission, Mary Alicia Powers Edd

Dissertations

Recently, scholars have shown greater interest in nonprofit organizations. More and more authors are documenting the need for nonprofit organizations to borrow from the management practices of the private sector. Strategic planning is one such practice. Most of the earlier research attempts to link strategic planning with nonprofit organizations have failed to provide the descriptive data necessary for a realistic account of an organization's planning efforts. The intent of this study was to document the strategic planning process conducted by a nonprofit Board of Directors and a public Commission and to describe the influence of the planning process on Board …

California Pioneers In Speech Pathology: 1915 Through 1951, Looking Back For The Future, Sandra L. Singleton Edd

Dissertations

Speech pathologists are the only professionals educated and trained to treat human communication disorders. They work in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. Despite the essential and integrated role speech pathology holds in society, it is continually threatened by internal concerns and external pressures. Regardless of the issues, those who cannot find resolve often call for leadership. When current situations do not yield solutions readily, an historical perspective may serve to provide answers or guidance. Historical documentation was available in detail regarding the foundation of speech pathology in Iowa and Wisconsin, in addition to published …

Directions For Leadership Of The Association Of California Community College Administrators, Judith Anne Strattan Edd

Dissertations

California's community colleges and the Association of California Community College Administrators will face some difficult challenges as we approach the 1990's. ACCCA's primary purpose is to present a statewide administrative perspective on issues facing all California community colleges. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the Association was effective in meeting member needs through its goals and activities and to recommend some directions of leadership of the organization for the 1990's. This study was conducted with an ethnographic research design and methodology. Seven past presidents were interviewed to address the history of the Association and …

A Study Of The Differences Between Classrooms Using A Meaning-Centered Approach And A Code-Centered Approach In The First Year Implementation Of The California English-Language Arts Framework, Carolyn F. Salerno Edd

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine how a meaning-centered approach versus a code-centered approach affects student performance: (a) in the teaching of language arts; (b) in regular education classrooms containing low achieving, low socio-economic, multi-ethnic, and learning handicapped students; (c) in grades one, three and six; and (d) in the first year implementation of the California English-Language Arts Framework. This study focused on three interrelated dimensions of organizational change which are linked to student performance: curriculum materials, teacher behaviors, and organizational change processes. Eight research questions guided the examination of qualitative and quantitative data originating from teacher …

A Learning Center Assessment Tool For The Assessment Of Academic Services Of A Private Learning Center, James Gregory Zoll Edd

Dissertations

Evaluation information for private learning centers in the United States is limited. Detailed evaluation data regarding instructional services provided; learning center relationships with students, parents, and schools; and administrative policies is almost non-existent. School administrators need a reliable, cost-effective means of assessing private learning centers that their students might attend for supplemental instruction. The purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation paradigm named the Learning Center Assessment Tool (LCAT) for the assessment of academic services of a private learning center to be used by local school districts personnel. A synthesis of the literature was used to develop components …

An Evaluation Instrument For The Selection Of An Integrated Learning System, Sally Ann Draper Zoll Edd

Dissertations

The purchase and integration of integrated learning systems (ILSs) in schools is on the rise. Dissatisfied with stand-alone computers and software, educators are looking for a more sophisticated integration of computer technology throughout the entire curriculum, specifically, an ILS. Current research evaluating such systems is scarce. The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument that decision makers in school districts could use to evaluate an ILS at the pre-purchase stage. The instrument was designed expressly for school district personnel who have completed a needs assessment and have determined that an ILS will meet their needs. The instrument was …

Correlation Between Particle Velocities And Conditions Of Abrasive Waterjet Formation, Wei-Long Chen

Dissertations

The velocities of water and abrasive particles in abrasive waterjet(AWJ) were measured by the use of Laser Transit Anemometer(LTA). A setup for the velocity measurement was constructed and a statistical technique was used to improve the accuracy of the velocity determination. A comparison of the magnitude of velocities determined by LTA, Piezoelectric Force Transducer and Schlieren Photograph clearly indicates the feasibility of the use of LTA.

The velocities of water and particles were measured for different diameters of water and slurry nozzles, abrasive mass flow rates and particle sizes. The performed experiments enabled us to evaluate the effects of conditions …

Perceptions And Evaluations Of University Principal Preparation Programs By Michigan Public School Principals, Linda Berk Voit

Dissertations

In this study, Michigan public school principals reported their evaluative perceptions regarding: (a) the degree to which 9 of the 12 generic skills were developed in their university administrator programs, (b) the frequency and effectiveness of the instructional modes used to develop these generic skills, and (c) the ideal instructional modes which are most effective for developing these skills.

Both this replicated study with revisions and the completed Texas A&M University project (Witters-Churchill, 1988) were based upon recommendations made by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Performance-Based Consortium.

The population of this study, 3,202 principals from Michigan public schools, …

An Alternative Model For School District Organization In Michigan, William M. Johanns

Dissertations

School districts should be organized in an efficient manner while also being equitable to all. Reorganization of school districts could help meet these criteria. At present Michigan has 529 school districts varying in size from 75 to 200,000 students. Due to the large variation in number of students in districts, it is very difficult to achieve equity. During the period 1940 to 1964, progress toward equity occurred when school district reorganizations dropped the number of districts from 6,239 to 545. But since that time few reorganizations have taken place; consequently, Michigan residents continue to bear a high cost in efficiency …

Behavioral Treatment Of Headaches, Walid Salim Salah-Kailane

Dissertations

Headaches are common and frequent forms of pain, and are classified on the basis of inferred physiological factors (Ad Hoc Committee on the Classification of Headache, 1962).

Behavioral treatment of headaches was the subject of this study which focused on improving our understanding of the psychophysiological mechanisms of head pain. It is believed that understanding the physiological and psychological mechanisms of head pain assist in designing treatment using effective behavioral and cognitive methods (Olton & Noonberg, 1980).

Twenty-four headache patients diagnosed as muscle contraction (tension), or migraine headache sufferers were chosen as subjects. The length of the study was one …

Effects Of The Great Depression On Private Higher Education: Impact On Private College And University Planning, J. Michael Hostetler

Dissertations

Private higher education has suffered a loss of dominance in enrollment over the last four decades. Increases in tuition escalated making private higher education distinctly more expensive than options in the public sector. A sharp decline in the birth rate during the 1970s indicates there will be fewer high school graduates for private higher education to recruit. Some private colleges have already been forced to close, while others appear threatened by enrollment decline in the 1990s and beyond.

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a challenging period for the country and the academic community. To discover how private institutions …

The Perceptions Of Family Environment Between Black Adolescent Users And Nonusers Of Alcohol Or Drugs, Jesse Aaron Brinson Jr.

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine Black American adolescents' substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine) and their perceptions of their family environments. Sixty-two male and female subjects between the age of 13-21, from a large northeast medical facility, who reported exposure to alcohol or drug use, were asked to complete Moos' (1986) Family Environment Scale (FES). The subjects were divided into users and nonusers. Users were described as those having used alcohol or drugs at least three or more times per week within the previous month. Nonusers were described as those not having used alcohol or drugs less …

Comparison Of Five Role Groups Of Michigan Participants In Nassp Assessment Centers, Janice I. Blanck

Dissertations

The purposes of this study were (a) to describe the relationship of job assignment and assessment center performance; (b) to extend the research on the content validity of the NASSP Assessment Center Project (Schmitt et al., 1982); and (c) to determine if there were statistically significant differences among five role groups of Michigan educators for each of the 12 NASSP Assessment Center skill dimensions and the overall ratings. A one-way parametric analysis of variance was used to determine the significant differences among mean scores for the five role groups of elementary, middle, and high school teachers; assistant principals; and quasi-administrators. …