Digital Commons Network^™

The Use Of Silence As A Political Rhetorical Strategy, Timothy J. Anderson

Masters Theses

Existing research on the rhetorical strategies of politicians has mainly focused on the speeches, appearances, and debates of political figures. Yet the absence of a clear response when expected, or silence, is a significant and frequently utilized rhetorical strategy. More directly, Erickson and Schmidt (1982) posit that, even though it is important to study, the topic of political silence has only received meager attention. Various politicians including President Clinton and California Congressman Gary Condit have both used political silence as responses to situations, and each instance had a different outcome. The focus of this study is on how the strategy …

Middle School Student Attitudes Towards Robotics, Science And Technology, J. Jill Rogers

Masters Theses

In 2000, the National Science Foundation (NSF) conducted a biennial study on the status of women and minorities in science and engineering. It was revealed that the numbers of women receiving bachelor's degrees in computer science are on the decline. This fact calls for innovative changes in the traditional science curriculum. Science instruction with the implementation of robotics could provide female students the needed motivation. Therefore, the examination of female middle school student attitudes towards robotic enhanced science instruction is needed. Descriptive research was conducted to assess middle school student attitudes towards robots, technology and science. Gender differences were studied. …

Anthropogenic-Induced Changes To Weather And Climate: An Overview, Robert Cataneo

Masters Theses

Human activities, since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, have caused measurable and significant changes to local and regional weather and climate, as well as to global climate.

There is substantial evidence to show that anthropogenic influences have caused statistically significant changes to local and regional weather and climate, and have played a major role in the 0.6°C increase in global, low level temperature observed in the last 100 years. There is also an abundance of data that establishes a causal relationship between the 32% increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration that has occurred since the beginning of the Industrial …

Phosphido-Bridged Complexes Linked By Unsaturated Phosphines, Yong Liu

Masters Theses

Di(p-tol)phosphido-bridged complexes, (OC)₄M[μ-P(p-tol)₂]₂M(CO)₄ (M = Mo, W), have been synthesized for the first time. These have been obtained from the reaction of (OC)₅MP(p-tol)₂H with BuLi, followed by air oxidation. The choice of solvent is very important as the intermediate anion, [(OC)₅MP(p-tol)₂] is unstable in THF. An ideal solvent for these preparations is CH₃OCH₂CH₂OCH₃ (monoglyme) from which yields of 68% and 76% were realized for the tungsten and molybdenum complexes, respectively. …

The Effect Of Esl Instruction On Student Achievement, Amy Jeanne Nelson

Masters Theses

Not all Limited English Proficient (LEP) students receive English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in public schools across the nation. In the state of Michigan, ESL instruction for LEP students is not mandated. Therefore, districts can choose whether to service these students at all, and/or the degree to which they do so. Some districts provide bilingual education classes; some districts have ESL classes; while yet other districts have neither. Students are serviced by paraprofessionals for a limited amount of time during the school day, or simply not serviced at all and left to “sink or swim”. Research abounds on …

Detection Of Activated Platelets In Normal Pregnancy And Preeclampsia, Judy E. Herbolsheimer

Masters Theses

Normal pregnancy is a hypercoaguable state in and of itself. Evidence has shown that platelets may play a role in the pathogenesis and complications of preeclampsia. The objective of this study is to compare the presence of circulating activated platelets in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. The subjects’ blood was fixed, washed, incubated with antibodies (which detect platelets and activation of platelets), and evaluated using flow cytometry. Results of this study showed pregnant subjects (normal and preeclamptic) to have an increased percentage of activated platelets over non-pregnant subjects. Increased platelet activation may account for platelet consumption and bleeding complications in preeclamptic …

Dsp Processor Based Vision Processing And System Integration For Control Of Laser Aided Manufacturing Process (Lamp), Srinivas Musti

Masters Theses

"This thesis presents the research and development of a real-time vision system and integration of various subsystems to build the hybrid system for the Laser aided manufacturing process (LAMP), being developed at the University of Missouri--Rolla. A description of the real-time control architecture, showing the interaction of the real-time controller with various sensors and subsystems to monitor and regulate the process is presented.

Control of melt pool geometry is important for ensuring the final product quality since the bead size significantly influences the joint strength. However, during the deposition process, impurities and the plume present around the pool complicate the …

Common- And Differential-Mode Signaling And Filtering, Zhe Li

Masters Theses

"Common-mode chokes are widely used as suppression filters against interference of common-mode noise in high-speed differential signaling. This thesis focuses on investigating the characteristics of common-mode chokes. Mixed-mode S-parameters are presented as a useful concept for explaining the modal operation of differential circuits.

Three methods for measuring common-mode and differentia-mode S-parameters of common-mode chokes are demonstrated. The three methods involve (1) ABCD chain matrix, 2) using hybrid couplers and 3) modal decomposition. Each measurement method provides a specific level of accuracy. The modal decomposition method can work up to 10GHz.

SPICE equivalent circuit model of common-mode chokes and the extraction …

Distributed Sensor Network For Civil Infrastructure Health Monitoring, Jose Humberto Mata Hernandez

Masters Theses

"This thesis focuses on the development of a robust, low power consumption and cost effective wireless data acquisition, system to be used for civil infrastructure health monitoring. The complete solution that has been developed for this application integrates micro-electromechanical sensing elements (e.g. PVDF sensor); a wireless data acquisition system based on a Bluetooth-enabled radio, a microcontroller with analog to digital conversion capabilities, a power source including a solar cell array for long term operation, and a weatherproof enclosure for on-site installation. The complementary part of the solution is a weatherproof On-site Remote Access Point (ORAP) which collects, stores, and transmits …

The Influence Of Occupational Therapists' Worldview On Clinical Reasoning And Action: A Qualitative Study, Matthew P. Mekkes

Masters Theses

This qualitative study examines the influence of occupational therapists’ worldview on clinical reasoning and action. Recent clinical reasoning research has determined that this complex and multi-faceted process is more than applied theory. Some scholars in occupational therapy have identified intrapersonal factors as influencing clinical reasoning. However, the nature and role of the intrapersonal factors in clinical reasoning remains unclear. To increase understanding of this phenomenon, semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert therapists. Results suggest that a therapist’s worldview, specifically related to beliefs about human nature does affect the way they envision and enact the occupational therapy process. This influence is …

A Trial Of The Effects Of Intercessory Prayer On Student Performance, Christopher Clark

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study is to test the efficacy of intercessory prayer on academic performance. One hundred and four students enrolled in a college business class and 63 regular church attendees volunteered to participate in the study. Design for the study was a matched groups reversal design. The students were paired according to their GPA's and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first test of the semester constituted a baseline measure. For the first four-week period of the class and the first test, neither of the groups received prayer. Next, the church goers each received the …

The Effect Of Choice Order On Off Task Behavior In A Child With Autism, Lisa R. Cole

Masters Theses

This research project was designed to examine the effects of child-choice versus clinician-choice over the ordering of activities during speech-language therapy sessions. The dependent variables included disruptive/inappropriate behavior, non-task related verbal behavior, and redirection to the task. The independent variable was the presentation of choice over the ordering of activities within a therapy session.

The subject in this case study was a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. At the beginning of each therapy session either the child or the clinician decided on the ordering of activities. A picture board and picture cards showed the activities that would be completed in …

The Effects Of Social Fields On The Telepathic Reception Of Information, Jamie A. Yarnall

Masters Theses

Field theories are increasingly used as explanations for extrasensory perception, suggesting the existence of some form of collective mind or social field. These theories imply that groups of individuals create fields that can contain and transfer information. The current study explored the telepathic transfer of information regarding randomly selected target locations. Groups of participants "sent" target locations to individuals, observed on close circuit television, who were either members of the group (ingroup) or not members (outgroup). We hypothesized that ingroup members would achieve above chance hit rates while outgroup members would score below chance. Approximately 30 senders sent 16 trials …

Behavioral Aspects Of Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice, Melissa T. Litherland

Masters Theses

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a lipid transporting protein that has been shown to play a vital role in nerve repair and remodeling. Previous studies have shown that apoE is highly expressed in human and mouse olfactory bulbs. ApoE deficiency in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-KO) mice leads to considerable delay in olfactory nerve repair and deficits in olfactory functioning. Olfactory function is necessary for a number of social behaviors in mice. Loss of olfaction can greatly reduce social behaviors. Since apoE-KO mice display olfactory dysfunction, this deficit may result in alterations in social behavior. Olfactory function was assessed in apoE-KO mice …

The Impact Of Immigration On U.S. Trade: A Comparative Study, Janice Yuen Lai Yap

Masters Theses

Immigrants play an important role in affecting bilateral trade. Immigrant links to the home country include knowledge of home country markets, language, preferences, and business contacts.

This paper investigates the link between immigration and trade using United States trade data. It analyzes the original study by Gould and the reduced trading partners' study, compares two different time period, and analyzes the role of new variables in the trade equation. The results of this study are divided into three sections.

The first section of this study which compares Gould's original study to the modified Gould's study reveals that immigrants influence loses …

Transitional Needs Of First Year Graduate Students With Housing Assistantships, Dixie L. Sullenger

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify transitional needs of first year graduate students who have housing assistantships. Previous research in this area identified academic adjustment, student support services, assistantship experiences, and graduate student socialization as important variables to examine. A qualitative study was conducted using a focus group interview of four participants to examine these variables. Using the constant comparative method of data analysis, the four transitional areas listed above were confirmed as the primary challenges to a successful transition from undergraduate to graduate school for first year graduate students with housing assistantships. The results also suggest that …

Prediction Of Mental Health Treatment Outcome In Asian American College Students, Jamie Michelle Pitzman

Masters Theses

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between presenting problems and treatment outcome among Asian American college students compared to non-Asian students. The present study also provides information about the relationship between treatment outcome and the following types of demographic and treatment related variables: age, gender, ethnic status, year in school, religion, marital status, parents' marital status, referral source, previous counseling, medical problems, and family history of medical, emotional, or substance abuse problems. Data for this study were obtained from an existing database from an East Coast university counseling center. The entire sample consisted of 173 males and 271 …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Incidence And Management, Julie M. Olson

Masters Theses

ADHD continues to be a common diagnosis of school children, and according to the DSM-IV, it affects approximately 3-5% of the population. Teachers are often the primary source of information regarding ADHD diagnoses in school children. A previous study by Glass and Wegar (2000) found that teachers were over-identifying children with ADHD and that medication was preferred as the primary treatment for these students. This study further examines teacher perceptions on the causes, incidence, and appropriate treatment methods of ADHD. In addition, this study also examines the prevalence of ADHD as determined by the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (School Version) (DuPaul …

Turning Toward Or Away From God: Religious Coping Strategies Activated In Times Of Crises, William Andrew Robinson

Masters Theses

This study, which consists of two phases, explores the relationships between religion and coping with stress within the framework of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Both pastors and congregational members (n = 855) were surveyed about their perceptions of the role of religion in managing and coping with stress. A focus group involving five members of the clergy was implemented to conduct phase II of the research. This thesis examines how church relationships (i.e. with God, the pastor, and among congregational members) affect our abilities to function through stressful times. For phase I, a modified RCOPE survey (Pargament, Smith, Koenig, & …

Manager's Role In Recruiting, Motivating And Retaining Employees In Latvia, Anda Peipina

Masters Theses

After regaining independence, Latvia has accomplished a lot in terms of reforms and education in the field of human resource management of public sector. However, there are several serious problems that need to be solved, such as, lack of motivation and recognition of public employees; low pay; problems to attract and retain employees. That is why it was interesting to find out what do employees value when it comes to recruitment, motivation and retention. In addition, what is the manager's role in these processes. Literature represents the American experience in human resource management. McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y as …

A Qualitative Exploration Of White Women In Historically Black Sororities At Predominately White Institutions In The Midwest, Mary L. Bankhead

Masters Theses

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that influence White women's participation in historically Black sororities at predominately White universities in the Midwest and secondarily examine their overall sorority experiences. Four White female participants were utilized who were either a) members of international university-recognized sororities governed under the auspices of the NPHC or b) were members of international university-recognized sororities governed by the NPHC during their undergraduate years.

Results from this study indicate the quality of sisterhood, existing chapter diversity, positive experiences with members and non-members, a shared value system with the sorority, and an aversion to …

Does Television Impact Attendance At Eastern Illinois University Sporting Events, Gregory N. Powers

Masters Theses

This study tested the relationship between Eastern Illinois University home football and basketball games on television and attendance at these events. Attendance during a ten-year period for both EIU football and basketball games was recorded and dates of these contests were researched to determine if the games were telecast. After categorizing the figures into eight groups, the four pairs were compared using a T-test. The study found televising EIU home football games had no significant impact on attendance at these contests. However, a significant difference was noted between EIU home basketball games televised and those not aired. Attendance actually increased …

A Qualitative Analysis Of The Experiences Of Black Undergraduate Males At Predominantly Black And White Institutions, Jamill Latrice Taylor

Masters Theses

This present study was designed to explore some of the issues and differences of African American males on the campuses of predominantly black and predominantly white institutions. The research closely examined the academic experiences of African American males and the similarities and differences in their co-curricular experience. In addition this study examined some of the major obstacles to survival within the college environment specifically and issues regarding the retention and attrition of African American males.

The data collected for this study were obtained through the use of an interactive qualitative inquiry method. The study was phenomenological in design. The findings …

Adolescents With Epilepsy: The Relationship Between Perceptions Of Parenting, Self-Concept, And Self-Assessment Scores Of Depression, Alison Z. D. Hofheinz

Masters Theses

Adolescents with chronic diseases must accomplish the management of their healthcare decisions and practices; those with epilepsy also deal with the uncertainty of seizure disorders and the stigma linked to this disease. This secondary analysis of data examined psychosocial variables for adolescents with epilepsy within the developmental-contextual framework proposed by Hohnbeck and Shapera (1999). No statistically significant differences were found between the mean Piers-Harris scores, self-assessment scores on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) or the Revised Family APGAR for the subgroups of males, females, younger (9 to 11.44 years) or older (11.45 to 14 years) adolescents. Perceptions of parenting, length …

Performance & Project Spirit Of Student Design Competition Teams, Bradley Marcus Davis

Masters Theses

"Student design competition teams present a valuable research possibility in the field of work group research. They are widely available and present greater learning opportunities than do class project groups. This study intended to create an instrument to measure the level of project spirit and team performance in order to establish a link between these two concepts. In the present study, nine student design competition teams from the University of Missouri - Rolla (UMR) campus (n = 186) were surveyed. The results indicate a strong correlation of the project spirit variables (project culture, project commitment, project citizenship, and project satisfaction) …

Motherlands Of The Mind: A Study Of The Women Characters Of Attia Hosain's Sunlight On A Broken Column And Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, Umme Sadat Nazmun Nahar Al-Wazedi

Masters Theses

In my thesis I examine the portrayal of women characters by two post-colonial Indian writers, Attia Hosain and Salman Rushdie, respectively in Sunlight on a Broken Column (1961) and Midnight's Children (1980). I show how Hosain's and Rushdie's ideas of identity, nation and nationality influence their depiction of these women characters.

In the section analyzing Sunlight on a Broken Column, I argue that there is a spatial veil separating the feudal world of "Ashiana" from the outside world with its political disturbances, the life of a woman as an individual from the life of a woman as a part …

The Soldier's Strife: An Introspective View Through The Work Of Tim O'Brien, Mandy Solomon

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Lacunae: Narrative "Lacks, Holes Or Gaps" In Faulkner's And Morrison's Novels, Phyllis Ann Karpus

Masters Theses

The moment a reader opens a book, turns to the opening lines and begins to read, a circular relationship immediately develops with the author and the text. An implied alliance is formed wherein the author, most often through a narrator, omniscient or otherwise, proposes to the reader that he/she accept a degree of responsibility for understanding the plot, theme, and the underlying meaning in the work.

Retrospectively the theory sounds simple and, with many authors, it is effective. William Faulkner and Toni Morrison, however, not only command but also demand, the reader's absolute attention in, and responsibility to, many of …

The Mermaid's Dress: Marriage And Empire In The Voyage Out And Mrs Dalloway, Melissa Wharton-Smith

Masters Theses

This thesis examines how socio-historical influences shape the protagonists of Virginia Woolf’s The Voyage Out (1915) and Mrs. Dalloway (1925)-- Rachel Vinrace and Clarissa Dalloway. During the writing of these two novels, attitudes about roles for women before and after World War I shifted as pre-war domestic strife was replaced by a post-war push to return to normalcy. Throughout the period, imperialist ideology demanded that women conform to traditional gender roles by marrying and reproducing. Woolf depicts this pressure as it affects her two protagonists.

In The Voyage Out, the British Empire's imposing presence is exhibited through the setting of …

Effective Diagramming Techniques, Ralph H. Palmer

Masters Theses

There are a number of modeling techniques (e.g. E/R, UML, ORM) available to the software developer that claim to have features that facilitate communication of complex systems between the problem and solution domain expert. However, the basis for what “facilitate” means is rarely if at all defined in concrete terms. A new metric for measuring the effectiveness (e.g. comprehensibility, leamability, and facility to support conununications) of software modeling techniques based upon Noam Chomsky’s Universal Grammar is proposed.