Digital Commons Network^™

A Study Of The Use Of Student Perceptions For Counselor Evaluations, Accountability And Recognition, Judy Edmundson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to gather information from students in order to measure student perceptions of the counselors' role and the counseling services provided in ten rural school districts. Of the total student population of 1,277 students, 1,150 surveys were administered and completed for 100% response. The respondents represented students from grades nine through twelve. The survey gathered information by having the students respond to 25 statements as: Are the counseling services for your school satisfactory? Do you need more? Do you need much more? All data were tallied by hand for each respondent in each district. The …

Age And Sex Differences In The Responses Of Adolescents To The Hand Test, Sonya R. Castle

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to investigate age and sex differences in the responses of adolescents to the Hand Test (Wagner, 1962). This instrument was administered to 44 14-year olds (26 males and 18 females), 40 15-year-olds (23 males and 17 females), 45 16-year-olds (19 males and 26 females), and 34 17-year-olds (13 males and 21 females) who were enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 of a public high school. Data for the 24 Hand Test variables was normalized using a Z-score transformation on the group mean of all subjects to allow for simultaneous analysis of …

Use Of Circadian Rhythms To Screen For Fever: A Replication, Michele S. Heckman

Masters Theses

There are inconsistent guidelines for, and consequently, inconsistent practice in the screening of hospitalized adults for fever. Using the predictive knowledge of circadian thermal rhythms, the purposes of this study were to identify (1) the hour of the day in which most fevers occurred and (2) the necessary frequency of measurement to detect fever. The sample consisted of 35 subjects, ages 22-62. Temperatures were measured at 6 p.m., 10 p.m., 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. for 24 hours. Eighteen (51.42%) of the 35 subjects had fevers during the 24-hour measurement period. Fourteen (77.78%) initial fevers were …

Promoting Adaptation Of The Young Child During An Outpatient Surgical Admission Assessment, Mary C. Mitus

Masters Theses

This study used an experimental design to investigate whether the timing of a child's admission physical assessment, either before or after an interview with the child's parent(s), had an effect on the upset and cooperation behaviors exhibited by the child during the physical exam.; Thirty-two children, age 12 to 36 months, who were scheduled for elective outpatient surgery were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups.; The hypothesis of the study was that children who were examined after the interview would exhibit less upset behaviors and be more cooperative with the examining nurse. It was hypothesized that these children would …

A Comparison Of Nurse And Spouse Perceptions Concerning Psychosocial Needs, Marie C. Bednarczyk

Masters Theses

The purposes of this research were to discover and compare spouse's and nurse's perceptions of selected psychosocial needs. Twenty-six spouses of cardiac patients admitted to intensive care ranked 45 need statements using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. Nineteen nurses were also asked to assess and select the spouse's needs using the same tool. The need to know the prognosis was identified as the most important by the spouses of this study. Whereas, the nurses perceived the need to have hope as the most important for the spouses. The results showed that significant differences existed between the perceptions of spouses …

Computer Control Of A Pbx Washout Plant, Scott Cameron Sharp

Masters Theses

"A fully automated, computer controlled plant has been designed specifically for safe removal of plastic bonded explosives (PBX) from obsolete military munitions. This PBX washout plant consists of a two stage delivery system and robotically operated high pressure waterjet lance. The assigned task was to develop control packages for each component.

The first stage of the delivery system is a battery operated overhead trolley. Its control package consist of a dedicated computer, DC motor and custom positioning subprograms. The dedicated computer communicates through an infrared link to the operator's computer. This link was developed due to requirements of a hazardous …

Reductive Stripping Of Iron(Iii) From Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phosphoric Acid, Byron G. Belew

Masters Theses

"Unwanted impurities, present in raw materials, are often coextracted along with desired constituents during leaching. If left unchecked, impurity levels may increase in hydrometallurgical process streams until their presence has deleterious effects upon subsequent unit processes. Due to its abundance and ease of extraction, the presence of ferric iron in solvent extraction circuits has always been a problem. The technique proposed herein constitutes a novel approach to remove iron from zinc hydrometallurgical circuits; but the principles employed may find a variety of applications.

This research investigated the reduction and stripping of ferric iron from di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid into a …

Processing And Characterization Of Ceramic Fiber Reinforced Porous Matrix Composites, Wen-Chiang Tu

Masters Theses

"The development of ceramic fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites has been shown to be a promising approach for high toughness ceramic materials. The purpose of this work was to develop a new ceramic matrix composite(CMC) system based on a porous mullitic matrix reinforced with ceramic fibers. Unidirectional alligned fiber reinforced mullitic matrix composites were fabricated by a filament winding process. Prepregs were laminated and thermal processed in air. SEM fractographs of the composites were characterized and related to the observed load-deflection behaviors under 3-point flexure. The fracture surface expositions changed from extensive fiber tear-out to limited fiber pull-out as the …

Deduction Of A Functional Dependency From A Set Of Functional Dependencies, James M. Richardson

Masters Theses

"This paper describes an algorithm called the Deduction Tracing Algorithm (DTA) which utilizes basic properties of functional dependencies from database systems and a modification of a tree search algorithm from artificial intelligence. The algorithm takes a set of functional dependencies, F, along with a specific functional dependency L→R as input and produces a list of functional dependencies from F that can be used to deduce L→R. The resulting algorithm is easily automated to provide relational database users with a tool for organizing their queries"--Abstract, page iii.

Creating A Model For A Student Assistance Program For High School Students Involved In Substance Abuse, George C. Lewis

Masters Theses

Substance abuse is a problem faced by schools, parents, students and communities. The purpose of this field experience was to provide a plan to help educators, parents, students and communities deal effectively with youth involved in substance abuse. The need for this field study became evident to the researcher when twenty-five students from the student body of Salem Community High School were placed in in-patient substance abuse programs during the 1985-86 school year.

The literature was examined and certain reactions and trends indicated in the literature were identified. Many substance abuse programs were reviewed. Key programs reviewed include the following: …

A Model For Small Illinois School Districts In Response To Financial Crisis, Michael A. Weaver

Masters Theses

This study describes the options available to small, rural Illinois school districts that face financial crises. The implications for a particular school relative to consolidation, annexation, cooperative high schools, tuitioning out, and tax referenda are described. Survey results relative to school effectiveness, the financial future, and school loyalty are reported and analyzed. The study concludes with a recommendation which appears most appropriate to solve the financial problems of the Findlay Community Unit School District #2.

The Effect Of Collaborative Consultation Between The Regular Educator And The Special Educator On The Achievement Of Students Labelled Learning Disabled In The Mainstream, Lisa Ann Dewitt

Masters Theses

The effect of consultation on student achievement is an area in which much research is currently needed. This study addressed the issue of how collaborative consultation between regular and special educators effected student achievement. The study utilized a multiple baseline design across subjects to determine the effectiveness of the consultation program. The two-phased study (baseline and consultation) occurred over an eight week period in two third grade and one fourth grade classrooms.

The study involved three regular classrom teachers, one special educator and three students who were labelled learning disabled and who were mainstreamed into the regular classroom. The regular …

Lincoln And Oregon, Todd Hageman

Masters Theses

The Civil War is one of the most significant events in American history. President Abraham Lincoln’s term in office was dominated by the War, therefore the study of Lincoln has likewise been dominated by War developments. The War’s battles were overwhelmingly concentrated in the eastern United States, and hence the American west has largely been ignored by Lincoln scholars. This study attempts to uncover Lincoln’s policy toward Oregon, including War developments and his domestic policy, to partially fill the “western gap” in Lincoln scholarship.

Oregon was admitted to the federal Union in 1859, and by Lincoln’s election in 1860 that …

School Effectiveness Factors And Elements Likely To Enhance Student Performance In The Kell, Illinois, Consolidated School District, Bob C. Wilson

Masters Theses

This study identified from the literature and research school effectiveness factors which can be applied to the Kell Community Consolidated School District for the purpose of improvement. The seven factors identified were: (1) Safe and orderly environment, (2) Clear and focused school mission, (3) Instructional leadership, (4) School climate of high expectations, (5) Opportunity to learn and student time on task, (6) Frequent monitoring of student progress, and (7) Home-school relations. This study also identified elements within each of the seven school effectiveness factors which could be utilized by the Kell Community Consolidated School District to conduct a self-evaluation. These …

Viewers' Reactions To Ordinary People In Television News Events, Janice R. Kidd

Masters Theses

Viewers' Reactions to Ordinary People in Television News Events examines two hypotheses relating to respondents' reactions to viewing violent events or the likelihood of violent death as portrayed on the major news networks. Research centers on reactions of viewers to ordinary people caught in extraordinary news events. Results of two free-flow written exercises are discussed.

Research excludes reactions to viewing those in the news, such as police personnel, soldiers etc., whose lives might be expected to be involved in violent or dangerous events.

In Common: Voices Of The Common Woman, Zoanne Allen

Masters Theses

This is an original compiled script of selected materials relating to the common experiences of women. The intention was to present a work that would touch all women by describing experiences that are shared among us generally. The script utilized materials from a variety of sources: prose, diaries, poems and plays. The tone of the pieces selected were both serious and humorous. Through the assembling of these pieces, a complete script was created. The final goal of the work was to create a sense of bonding among the women in the audience. Secondarily, the male members of the audience should …

Tutoring German Esl Students, Sabina Mussgnug

Masters Theses

Tutors of American university writing centers can be invaluable advisors for German ESL students who come to study in the United States. The tutors can directly assist German students in coping with their particular academic and cultural difficulties.

German students must adapt to the American academic conventions to become successful students at their U.S. universities. The tutors can point out to them the features of the American academic standard and show them effective methods for learning and studying in the American environment.

The American academic standard includes the students' almost perfect reading comprehension. Students must be prepared for heavy reading …

Classroom Instruction Within A Residence Hall: A Comparative Study At Eastern Illinois University, Janet K. Zielke

Masters Theses

This study examined the attitudes, attendance habits, and overall grades of students in an experimental section of Speech Communication taught within a residence hall. The results of this study were found to be significant by comparing them to three sections of the same Speech Communication course taught in "standard" classrooms. This study provides support for the continuation of the experimental program in the fall of 1988. Implications in terms of revision and expansion are discussed.

Superintendent Internship In Argenta-Oreana School District #1, Jerry D. Zachary

Masters Theses

The purpose of this superintendent internship was to provide practical experiences for the student germane to the role of superintendent. These experiences were selected under the advisement of Dr. Larry Janes with cognizance of the general objectives of the internship (Attachment A) and the student's own voids in administrative experience.

The internship has been under the direction of Superintendent Donald Magee of the Argenta-Oreana Community Unit District Number 1. District Number 1 is a consolidated district with 1,226 students. Dr. Magee has been a high school teacher, coach, and principal and has served as superintendent in four school districts for …

Micro Database Management System Language, Karen Yingling Tam

Masters Theses

"There are two approaches to solve computational problems in a microcomputer environment:

1. Non-database approach: uses a high level programming language with non-database files as input and/or output files.
2. Database approach: uses the programming language embedded in the micro Data Base Management System(DBMS), with the database defined by the integrated database definition language as input and/or output files.

Adopting the appropriate approach in any single application may save cost and time. This paper compares the two different approaches while solving the same Control Section (CSECT) Interaction Hierarchy problem and suggests which to use when"--Abstract, page ii.

Fabrication And Mechanical Property Analysis Of A Transparent, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite, James R. Olson

Masters Theses

"A "transparent” composite was produced by reinforcing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with unidirectional borosilicate glass fibers. Composites with 40 volume percent fiber had a modulus of rupture of 600 MPa which is six times greater than that of pure PMMA. Young's modulus for the same composite was 18 MPA which is nine times greater than the 2 MPa measured for pure PMMA. Work of fracture was 110 kJ/m² or more than double the 45 kJ/m² required to fracture pure PMMA. The optical transmission of the composite with 30 volume percent fiber was approximately 40 percent through a 10 mm …

Packaging Engineering Education Qualitative Need Assessment, M. Douglas Sachs

Masters Theses

"Packaging engineering is an interdisciplinary field which has no formal degree program to support it. While there arc packaging engineers in industry, there are no packaging engineering degrees presently being offered by our nation's colleges and universities. In order to lay a foundation upon which a degree program could be based, this thesis has investigated the needs of packaging engineering education by seeking the input of the packaging industry. This qualitative comparison has been quantified, resulting in a list of prioritized classes and topics upon which a degree program could be based"--Abstract, page ii.

Primary Nursing: A Cost And Quality Effective Patient Care Structure, James Greer

Masters Theses

This descriptive study was undertaken to investigate differences in cost-effectiveness and quality patient care between primary nursing and team/functional nursing as practical in a 113 bed acute care community hospital. The sample was comprised of 80 hospitalized patients that were divided equally between a primary and team-functional nursing unit. Quality of Care was measured by the Rush-Medicus Nursing Care Quality System and cost effectiveness was determined by annual salaries.; Using a t-test statistical analysis, no significant differences were obtained in quality of patient care when using a primary nursing care structure with less FTEs as compared to a team leading …

A Parallel Implementation Of Stickel's Ac Unification Algorithm In A Message-Passing Environment, David John Kleikamp

Masters Theses

"Unification algorithms are an essential component of automated reasoning and term rewriting systems. Unification finds a set of substitutions or unifiers that, when applied to variables in two or more terms, make those terms identical or equivalent. Most systems use Robinson's unification algorithm or some variant of it. However, terms containing functions exhibiting properties such as associativity and commutativity may be made equivalent without appearing identical. Systems employing Robinson's unification algorithm must use some mechanism separate from the unification algorithm to reason with such functions. Often this is done by incorporating the properties into a rule base and generating equivalent …

Jean Toomer's Cane: A Work In The American Grotesque Genre, Kathryn M. Olsen

Masters Theses

In my thesis I will discuss the fact that Jean Toomer’s Cane is a grotesque work, one which in several ways resembles Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio. While Jean Toomer never specifically alludes to any of the characters in Cane as grotesques, they consistently exhibit three of the strongest, most characteristic elements of the grotesque: physical and/or psychic deformities, alienation from the reader/viewer, and, most importantly, unrelenting conflict from two opposing elements. In fact, the figures in Cane show even more development of grotesque themes than the characters in Winesburg, Ohio, a collection known for its portrayals of modern …

The Effects Of Unilateral Brain Damage On Analogical Reasoning By Stroke Patients, Letitia Lynn Gillespie

Masters Theses

This study examined the ability of individuals with unilateral left hemisphere damage (LHD) and right hemisphere damage (RHD) to complete multiple modality analogy tasks. Four groups, for a total of 46 subjects--12 LHD patients, 8 RHD patients, 20 child control subjects, and 6 adult control subjects--performed word, figure, and picture analogies. The combined non brain damaged control groups performed significantly better than the combined brain damaged experimental groups on the combined analogy tasks. No significant difference was found between the LHD and RHD groups on the combined analogy tasks. The modalities of analogical reasoning tasks did not differentially affect the …

The Western Michigan University Programming Contest Proctor System, Joel Marshall Fletcher

Masters Theses

A software package for administering programming contests has been developed for DECsystem-10 timesharing computers. This package provides a neutral editing environment for contestants, a method for submitting problems for execution, and an automatic judging facility for evaluating contestants' solutions and tabulating scores. The proctor system has been used in numerous competitions, including a regional contest sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery.

Congruence Between Type Of Activity And Volition And Its Relationship To Life Satisfaction In Nursing Home Residents, David De Noble

Masters Theses

This study examines the relationship between life satisfaction and the volition subsystem of 32 older adults who reside in nursing homes. Specifically, it attempts to measure congruence or the perception of the individual that the inherent characteristics of an activity "fit" his or her sense of personal causation, values and interests. The study examines the relationship between this congruence and life satisfaction.

Results of the study identified positive correlations between congruence and life satisfaction. Correlations between congruence of volition subsystem components and activity were at a statistically significant level (p <.05) for personal causation, values and total volition. Correlations between congruence of volition subsystem components and some specific activities were also found.

Lead Seals From Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City, Michigan, Diane L. Adams

Masters Theses

Archaeologists have routinely identified small lead seals found on sixteenth- to eighteenth-century sites in North America as "bale seals." An analysis of the lead seals from Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City, Michigan, (1715-1781) was conducted to determine whether the seals are actually cloth seals from individual textiles.

Four lines of evidence were examined in order to clarify the function(s) of lead seals: documentary sources, quantitative analysis of archaeological data from Fort Michilimackinac, comparative data from site reports, and cloth imprint analysis.

Available evidence supports an interpretation that most lead seals are cloth marks. Lead seals served as indicators of quality, ownership, …

A Proposed Procedure For A Secondary School Teacher To Gain Entry Level Knowledge And Skills To Become A High School Principal, Wayne E. Mason

Masters Theses

The proposed procedure for a secondary teacher to gain entry level knowledge and skills required to assume a high school principalship was to examine the scope of the duties of a high school principal and to acquire knowledge, skills and administrative experience by assisting a high school principal as he performs his daily responsibilities.

The experience focused on procedures used to close and reopen a high school, practices used in handling student discipline, office duties needed to meet student needs, practices used to monitor facility maintenance, the practices used to maintain and improve community relations.

The experience brought to light …