Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Willingness To Communicate On Student Learning., Miuchi Betty Chan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research investigated the effects of Willingness to Communicate on student learning. It was hypothesized that (i) students who were generally more willing to communicate would participate more in class than students who were generally unwilling to communicate and that (ii) Willingness to Communicate would be positively associated with both cognitive and affective learning. A total of 253 students enrolled in 12 different undergraduate courses participated in the study. Students were asked to complete the WTC scale in the beginning of the semester. Of the 253 students, 62 were identified as high willing-to-communicate subjects and 45 were identified as low …

Neutrino Mass Oscillation., Yadollah Yadi Aliakbar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Based on the general calculation of the tetrad formalism in a 4-dimensional space-time, we have shown that the deviation from the Riemannian geometry to the non-Riemannian geometry depends on the torsion case. In the absence of the torsion case, one is naturally confined to the Riemannian geometry, while for the nonzero torsion case, our formalism uses the Einstein-Cartan geometry which is a basis in the spinor space and is incorporated with the gauge transformation for the zero rest mass Dirac field. After constructing the Lagrangian density of the Dirac particle in this spinor space, deriving the corresponding Heisenberg-Pauli type field …

Kinetics Of Drug Release From The Polylactic Acid Microcapsules Prepared By A Solvent Partition Method., Nilsuwan Leelarasamee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A solvent partition technique of microencapsulation, utilizing an apparatus designed to provide a continuous injection of a drug-polymer preparation into a flowing mineral oil system, has been developed via the preparation of hydrocortisone-polylactic acid microcapsules. Using this method, microcapsules of controlled particle size distribution and drug loading were prepared with good reproducibility. Dissolution studies further showed that microcapsules having the same drug loading and particle size distribution exhibited the same rate of release. The drug release profiles, obtained in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer at 37 C, showed a biphasic drug release pattern denoting a fast first-stage and a slow second-stage …

The Effects Of Creative Drama Methods On Mathematics Achievement, Attitudes And Creativity., Joy Faini Saab

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Creative Drama methods on sixth-grade Mathematics instruction. Experimental and control differences and gender differences were analyzed using student scores of Mathematics achievement, attitudes toward Mathematics, and creativity. Teachers were trained in the methods of Creative Drama applied to Mathematics at the onset of the experiment. Once the pretests for the three dependent variables were given, the experimental groups received eight weeks of Creative Drama/Mathematics activities during their regular Mathematics classes. The control groups received textbook-oriented Mathematics instruction without any of the Creative Drama methods integrated into their classes. All …

Analysis Of Aggregate Net Investment In Appalachian Agriculture., Stephen Nnaemeka Dike

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research in areas of structural characteristics and investment demand of Appalachian agricultural production technology is sorely lacking despite such problems as slow factor adjustment, low returns on investments and increasing importance of non-farm income. Regional difference in geography, resource endowment and economic environment reflect differences in investment decision needs that dissipate in national aggregate studies. Ability of Appalachian farmers to benefit from national programs based on these national studies depends on the degree of homogeneity of the structural characteristics of Appalachian production technology relative to the U.S. This remains an empirical question. Based on dynamic optimization, and incorporating the adjustment …

Demographic Characteristics And Personality Types Of Resident Assistants As Predictor Variables Of Job Satisfaction, Burnout, Or Supervisory Rating: A Descriptive Study., Linda Jean Gardner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A critical issue in higher education today is that of student retention. Although attention has been given to the general quality of residence hall living as a factor in student satisfaction, little effort has been given to the study of resident assistants, a key component in residence hall living. The purpose of this study was to examine this central population of service providers to incoming students at West Virginia University. This study collected and presented basic descriptive data on 77 resident assistants employed at West Virginia University including: (1) demographics; (2) psychological type (Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator); (3) level of burnout …

Consequences Of Implementing The New York State Seventh Grade Technology Education Curriculum As Reported By Pilot Teachers., Stanley A. Komacek

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the contribution of action steps (steps taken to prepare for and implement a new curriculum) to resulting outcomes (outcomes that resulted from implementation efforts) for pilot teachers of the seventh grade technology education curriculum in New York state. A survey instrument was used to gather teacher-reported data on twenty-three variables. The four dependent variables (resulting outcomes) included: (a) degree of change in program support from school and community, (b) degree of change in teacher job satisfaction, (c) degree of success of implementation of technology education, and (d) amount of student achievement of technology education. Five independent variables …

Acclimatization Of Older Men To Work In Heat., Edward Payson Daugherty

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a paucity of evidence to support the hypothesis that there is no significant difference (NSD) between the rate of acclimatization gain and loss of young and old men as they work in a hot environment. Ten young men (Group 1 (x age 24.8 years)) and 5 older men (Group 2 (x age 64.4 years)) volunteered to complete a 39 day exercise regimen in an environmental chamber. Days 1-4 were the Baseline Phase (BL) (68-72 F{dollar}\\sp\\circ{dollar} dry bulb (DB), relative humidity (RH) 40%). Days 5-18 were the Acclimatization Phase (AC) (DB = 100 F{dollar}\\sp\\circ{dollar}, RH = 40%). Days 19-39 …

A Ground Control Study Of The Emaswati Coal Mine, Pius Sosthenes Mokgokong

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The intricate relationship that exists between the regional and local geology with ground instability in coal mines has been identified as an important factor that has to be well understood and addressed in any coal mining operation.

In this thesis the regional geology of the Swaziland coalfield has been described. A detailed account of the mine geology is also presented with special emphasis being given to the geological structures or disturbances that directly affect ground control.

Both the traditional and a two-dimensional finite element method of investigation have been carried out in order to determine the causes and mechanisms of …

The Effect Of A Pre-Writing Learning Strategy On The Growth Of Syntactic Maturity In Written Expression Of College Freshmen With Learning Disabilities., Barbara R. Byrer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to devise and implement a pre-writing learning strategy to measure through syntactic analysis the growth in written products for twelve college freshmen with learning disabilities. Strategy training consisted of modeling, verbal rehearsal and prompting, without concurrent steps of positive and corrective feedback. Utilizing an A-B Follow-up design syntactic measurements of T-units and clauses were computed during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases of the study. Results of means during each phase determined that 58% increased T-unit length and 50% increased clause length in their writings. The remaining subjects either remained the same or regressed in …

Safety Management Philosophies Of Seven Major Contributors To Safety Management., Mark Allen Friend

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The problem involved in this study was to report the philosophies of selected major contributors to the field of safety management; examine the major components, commonalities, and differences; and note the major influences on contributors' philosophies. Individuals selected to participate in this study were nationally known for safety management contributions by virtue of their authorship of texts or professional articles, their presentations at safety conferences, and their leadership in the field. The interview technique, utilizing the semi-structured interview was the method chosen to identify the contributors' philosophies and the influences that have affected them. A panel was chosen and interrogated …

The Effects Of Matching And Mismatching The Diagnosed Learning Styles Of Intermediate Level Students With Their Structural Preferences In The Learning Environment., Barbara Francine Rahal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationships between the learner's diagnosed preference for structure and the academic achievement of intermediate level students in a unit on energy resources when the instructional environments is congruent with and dissonant with the learner's diagnosed structural preferences. The study also examined the standard scores of an affective learning style diagnostic instrument and a cognitive style diagnostic instrument for possible relationships. Eighty intermediate level subjects of a private elementary school in Weirton, West Virginia were administered the Group Embedded Figures Test (Oltman, Raskin & Witkin, 1971) and the Learning Style Inventory (Dunn, …

Coal Transportation: A Comparative Spatial Analysis Between Unit Train And Slurry Pipeline (West Virginia)., Masood Soltanmohammadi-Sarab

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

After the 1973 Arab oil embargo and a drastic price rise in crude oil, the demand for coal and, subsequently, the price of coal rose to a new high, thus encouraging further production of coal. The increase in the production occurred in most of the coal fields of our nation except those in some specific areas, such as West Virginia. Preliminary studies indicate that the high transportation cost of coal contributes to this slacking coal production pattern. Three related objectives are studied in this dissertation: (a) Finding the least cost mode of coal transportation; (b) Determining the new pattern of …

Factors Related To Attrition From Doctor Of Education Programs In The College Of Human Resources And Education At West Virginia University (Nongraduates, Dropouts, Students)., Nancy Louise Valentine

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible relationships among selected psychological, sociological, and economic characteristics of doctoral students and compare these characteristics to the completion or noncompletion of EdD degrees in the College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University. In addition, academic departments within the college were compared on eight variables to see if differences within departments contributed to completion or noncompletion of the EdD. A questionnaire, specifically designed for this study, was mailed to 254 EdD recipients and 287 nongraduates. A response rate of 82.98% of the graduates and 63.40% of the nongraduates was …

John Dewey's Concept Of The Child., Charlotte Nelson Landvoigt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

From an investigation of the entire published works of John Dewey, as well as much of his personal correspondence, this dissertation described and analyzed Dewey's concept of the child. It was discovered that Dewey's concept evolved through interactions with his family and, to a lesser extent, his social milieu. Despite some inconsistencies in his writings about the child, arising primarily from his attempts to persuade his audience to make societal changes benefiting the child, Dewey developed a cohesive, comprehensive concept--a concept which emphasized a view of the child as an active, growing being. Ten aspects of the child were examined …

Comparative Analysis Of Pennsylvania And West Virginia Teacher Preferences For Selected Categories Of Employee Benefits., Gary Miller Brain

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Statement of the Problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of selected categories of employee benefits (security, fringe, working conditions, and professional) for public school teachers in the states in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The following questions were answered: (1) What are the preferences of public school teachers for the selected employee benefit categories? (2) What is the rank order of preferences for the individual benefit items? (3) What other unlisted benefit items are important to public school teachers? Procedures. A questionnaire with 52 benefit items ranked on a 7-point Likert scale was used. Also respondents …

The Assimilation Of Italian Immigrants And Their Children Through A Variety Of Educational Experiences In A Rural Area (Pennsylvania)., Sunda Cornetti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the assimilation of twentieth century Italian immigrants and their children through a variety of educational experiences in a rural area. The objectives were to describe how they acquired their language, to determine factors which affected their assimilation, and to compare and contrast, through a review of the literature, urban experiences with the rural experiences of subjects in this study. Little has been written about Italian immigrant experiences in rural areas. Therefore, to supplement the published and unpublished studies on the Italians in the cities, the techniques of oral history were utilized in order to study Italian immigrants …

Development Of Warrants For Fixed Distance Versus Constant Warning Time Devices At Rail-Highway Grade Crossings., John Argiriou Halkias

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The overall goal of this study was to develop warrants or guidelines for the installation of active warning devices without speed selection (fixed-distance systems) and active warning devices with speed selection (constant warning time systems) at railroad highway grade crossings. This objective was achieved by the use of the FRA grade crossing inventory and accident data bases to develop accident rates, effectiveness values, statistical models to determine which variables are significantly related to accidents, and a benefit cost analysis, all of which were used in warrant development. Overall results of this study tended to confirm the hypothesis that constant warning …

The Relationship Between Clinical Experience And Both The Identification Of Accurate Clinical Nursing Judgments And The Development Of Professional Identity, Rita Short Monahan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the clinical experience of baccalaureate nursing students and (1) the identification of accurate clinical nursing judgments, and (2) the development of professional identity. Sixteen students registered for a required clinical course completed data collection instruments. The eight students in the control group completed the clinical course as prescribed in the curriculum; the eight students in the experimental group received no assigned clinical experience during the block of time in which the intervention occurred. Subjects were asked to complete the following data collection instruments: (1) Student Learning and Development in the Clinical …

A Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Coke Gasification In A Batch Reactor, Esmail R. Monazam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A computer model has been developed to simulate the char-gasification process occurring in the gasification component of a crossflow coal gasifier. This process corresponds to the batch gasification process in a combustion pot. Temperature and concentration profiles along the gasifier were obtained by solving the material and energy balances. In order to obtain the data necessary for evaluating and improving the computer model, an experimental system was developed to obtain data for the char-gasification process in the combustion pot. The results show that the gasification rate strongly depends on the air flow rate and that the reactivity of the char …

An Integrated Production And Cost Management System For Underground Coal Mines., Robert Larry Grayson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The current coal market demands better management of resources and minimum-cost performance from underground mines. It is a matter of survival in which only well-managed operations will capture a share of the market. This situation forces mine managers to apply management science techniques in scheduling and controlling operations. Tools for operations research are generally lacking at mine sites. Techniques which are used have typically been applied in isolation and in mine design. An integrated production and cost management system, which spans planning, scheduling, and monitoring activities, is demanded. Techniques employed must be responsive to changing environmental and economic conditions. An …

Low Temperature Dissolution Of Coal., Dianne Dorland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The dissolution effectiveness of a solvent solution of 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide and elemental sulfur was studied. The effects of varying amounts of added elemental sulfur (from 0.5% to 50% of the weight of the coal plus sulfur) over a temperature range of 100(DEGREES)C to 250(DEGREES)C and reaction times from 10 minutes to 3 hours were examined. The coals used in the study were a Bakerstown bituminous, a Wyodak subbituminous, a North Dakota lignite, and a Savage lignite. The reaction of the dissolution products with carbon monoxide and water in a basic system with iron pentacarbonyl as catalyst was also …

A Model Of Disequilibrium Adjustments Between Spot And Futures Markets (Econometrics)., Randy E. Holliday

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines commodity markets with futures trading. In particular it attempts to model commodity markets with futures trading by integrating aspects of both futures and spot markets. It is argued that factors that affect the spot market, will affect the futures market, and vice versa. Therefore, a model describing a commodity with futures trading should depict the interaction between these two markets. The second area of interest in this dissertation is the short run disequilibrium aspects of commodity markets with futures trading. The characteristics of disequilibrium discussed include lags, expectations, excess demand, excess speculative demand and learning. Expectations are …

Effect Of Lumbar Posture On Lifting (Back, Trunk Muscles, Emg)., Dennis Louis Hart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to determine if there were any differences in (1) lumbar spine flexion moments or (2) activity of the lumbar erector spinae or external oblique muscles while varying (1) lumbar postures and (2) hand heights used to lift a load. A completely randomized design with repeated measures was used. 20 male workers (32.9 (+OR-) 12.4 years, 178.3 (+OR-) 6.8 cm, 81 (+OR-) 14.7 kg) employed in positions requiring manual lifting assumed specific lumbar spine postures (subject preferred, kyphotic, straight or lordotic), lifted a 157 N crate to three different hand heights (25, 50, 76 cm), …

Reality Therapy Applied To The Elementary Music Classroom (Discipline, Time-Out)., John David Faber

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of reality therapy in the elementary music classroom to the effects of two other disciplinary systems: removal from the class activity, and the assignment of extra work. Specifically, the effects of the three systems on student perceptions of classroom behavior and student attitude were compared. The amount of perceived disorderly behavior typical of each class was measured by the "My Class Inventory." Student attitude toward music class was measured by a semantic differential adapted by the researcher: the "Music Class Attitude Scale." Forty-eight general music classes were randomly assigned one …

Multi-Dimensional Assessment Of The Effects Of Dialysis On The Marital Relationship., Stephen Serafino Simone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the marital profiles of couples with one member on dialysis. These profiles were then compared to the marital profiles of nondialysis, nondistressed couples to determine if there were differences in ratings of marital satisfaction and in the behavioral correlates associated with marital distress. Four marital inventories were administered to 15 dialysis and to 15 nondialysis, nondistressed couples. These instruments included the Spouse Observation Checklist, Marital Satisfaction Inventory, Areas of Change Questionnaire, and the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale. The results of 2 x 2 Analyses of Variance showed that dialysis couples could be differentiated from nondialysis, nondistressed couples …

The Educative Value Of Literary Art: A Conceptual Framework For Secondary Literature Education (Reader-Response)., Sharon Sharp Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study is to construct a conceptual framework for secondary literature education based on the individual reader's experience with a literary work. The defining characteristics of literature education theory are stipulated as follows: (a) Literature education theory is not scientific; (b) Literature education theory, like any educational theory, should be an open system; (c) Literature education theory provides justification for literature as a secondary school subject by specifying the educative value of literature; (d) Literature education theory should contain a concept of growth; (e) Literature education theory should provide general aims or goals for literature instruction; and, …

Reflectance Indicatrix Of Vitrinite: Its Orientation And Application (Paragenetic, Stress, Pennsylvania, Canada, Appalachians)., Louis Loung-Yie Tsai

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The orientation of the optical axis, or the minimum reflectance of the reflectance indicatrix of vitrinite, can be used to indicate the direction of maximum stress, i.e., the resultant stress of vertical compaction and lateral stress, during coalification. Furthermore, the attitude of the minimum reflectance with reference to bedding plane is a good parameter for evaluating whether maximum thermal maturation is achieved prior to or after folding or other structural changes, and thus reflects the tectonic and coalification history of coal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the orientation of the reflectance indicatrix of vitrinite and relate it …

Expected Use Of Management Principles For Safety Function Management., Anthony Thomas Veltri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study determined the extensiveness that management principles should be used during management of the Safety Function. This study makes available to enterprise managers research based data which can be useful in managing operations that counteract Risk, Danger, and Loss to enterprise resources. The investigator constructed and grouped 40 management principles according to management practices, (i.e., planning, organizing, leading, controlling, evaluating) based upon a review of professional literature pertaining to management. Eight Management Textbook Author jurors assisted in the refinement of these statements. The result was majority consensus acceptance of 42 management principles. The refined list of management principles was …

Mechanisms Of Particle Transfer In A Liquid, Liquid System: Model Particle Study., Che-An Ku

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The wetting characteristics of silica microbeads are modified by varying the reaction between the surface silanols with t-butyldimethylchlorosilane. The wicking method is used to obtain the contact angle of the particle systems. Increasing hydrophobicity is observed with increasing silanizing reaction. The surface free energy of particles are calculated from the contact angle data. Nondispersive contribution decreases with increasing hydrophobicity while dispersive component remains unchanged. A mathematical model is developed which considers both the hydrodynamics and the induction times of the system. The transfer rates to and from the water phase are first order with respect to the particle concentrations in …