Digital Commons Network^™

Dynamic Model Update Program, Feroz Ahmed

Theses

This thesis presents a general method to modify the properties of a finite element model of a structure to better correlate analytical (FE) modal data with experimental modal data. A FORTRAN program to correlate finite element and experimental results of a structure by executing a Cross-Orthogonality check was developed. Sensitivity coefficients of a structure were generated to tune the FE model to match the experimental model. These sensitivity coefficients were generated through sensitivity analysis which illustrates the change in response of a structure for known changes in parameters. This thesis covers the theory, procedure, and application of sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity …

The Impact Of Videoconferencing On The Corporate Travel Industry, Mary Elizabeth Grieco

Theses

The wave of the future for businesses is technology. New technology is evolving everyday and in particular, the videoconferencing industry is steadily growing. The corporate travel industry may be influenced by videoconferencing. The focus of this study was to identify the impacts of videoconferencing on management decisions for employee travel. A review of literature, focusing on information technology and videoconferencing was completed. Information was gathered by studying industry journals and current publications. A questionnaire was used to collect further research. The survey was sent to decision makers for employee travel. The questionnaire was designed to capture both present and future …

Customer Satisfaction Measures As Indicators Of Sevice Performance, Jon Kemp

Theses

This document contains a study of customer satisfaction measures that indicate service performance. The study was performed with the customers of a facilities maintenance service company and focused specifically on janitorial/ cleaning services provided on a contract basis. A discussion of quality and specifically service quality involving both importance and measurement is provided to set the framework for the study. Dimensions of service quality and customer perceptions of service quality are discussed in detail. Methods used to guide the research, to gather and to refine customer data include the critical incidents technique, focus groups, and item analysis surveys. One final …

Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Design And Applications, Eric Adams

Theses

This paper discusses the considerations involved in hybrid-electric vehicle design. The tradeoffs between issues such as drive scheme/arrangement, motor choice, batteries, and temperature control are investigated. The technologies and components which are currently available, and those which are likely in the near future, are described. A sport utility vehicle is taken as a specific case study because they are very popular and relatively inefficient. Calculations indicate that a hybrid sport utility vehicle with all wheel drive is feasible using existing components. The next generation vehicle using new technologies is also predicted.

A Profile Of Executives From Hotel Management Companies, Dohee Kang

Theses

This project is focused to identify desirable characteristics of hotel executives from hotel management companies. Research is conducted by studying articles in industry periodicals, journals and those involving business management. A questionnaire to 13 hotel management companies is used to obtain objective data as a practical source for this study. The study identified desirable personal and professional characteristics of hotel executives and other related information from the analysis of responses. The findings of this study are the most part accordance with previous studies and with widely held beliefs in the industry. These may be used for reliable criteria in selecting …

Feasibility Of A Cook-Chill System For Medium Sized, Multi-Site Healthcare Facilities, Nancy Leonard

Theses

This research study examined the variables that a hospital foodservice director would analyze when considering the possibility of a Cook-Chill food production system for their facility. Data collection from 84 directors who had been involved in the decision making process, was obtained through the use of a specifically designed survey. Directors were asked questions regarding demographics, employee relations, customer satisfaction, manufacturer preference, and financial data. Results indicated that the foodservice directors maintained or increased the level of customer satisfaction after implementing Cook-Chill . The financial aspects showed a return on investment in a relatively short period of time and in …

A Comparative Examination Of The Physical Properties Of Recycled, High-Performance And Virgin-Kraft Linerboards And Combined Boards, Jeffrey Vilenski

Theses

The most recent advances in corrugated quality involve the use of recycled linerboard. Recycled linerboard has improved by both enhancing the quality of the source pulp and refinements in the recycling process itself. This examination compared both linerboard and combined board using 100% recycled pulp, virgin-kraft material, as well as a high-performance material.

A Case Study To Determine The Feasibility Of On-Line Ink Jet Printing Of Bar Codes Onto Corrugated Shipping Containers, Richard Allen Lapinski

Theses

Not provided.

Improvement Of Packaging As One Of The Key Terms Of The Efficient Economy Development, Edward Goldberg

Theses

This paper presents the analysis of the modern packaging technology in the United States, summarizing and featuring the important points and aspects that can be implemented in Russia. The paper emphasizes the important role of packaging in advertising, marketing, distribution and shipping of products, as well as its necessity in order to maintain the products and packaging integrity during shipment and distribution. The level of packaging identity in Russia is close or may be a little bit above zero; the paper gives the detailed analysis of current state of the Russian packaging industry, food distribution and the current trends in …

Simple Network Management Protocol, Latha Sundaresan

Theses

Not provided.

The Effect Of Glucose Oxidase On Reducing Headspace Oxygen In An Airtight Package, Meredith Mchugh

Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Glucose Oxidase in reducing headspace oxygen in an airtight package. Glucose Oxidase (0.05%) was included in the standard recipe for mayonnaise. A 0.10 ml of headspace gas was removed daily for 10 days from 15 jars of mayonnaise. Results indicated that headspace oxygen was reduced by the Glucose Oxidase. These results indicate that Glucose Oxidase may replace synthetic antioxidants used in food packaging currently. Studies may be continued to research the possibility of the reaction continuing after the product is opened to extend shelf life.

Quality Service In A Large Metropolitan Healthcare Facility's Cafeteria: A Comparison Of Customer Perceptions And Management Perceptions As Measured By Servqual, James Frederiksen

Theses

100% Customer Satisfaction is one of the most critical challenges management in large, metropolitan health-care facilities will face as they move into the next century. To achieve this goal, managers and administrators need to measure the quality of service they provide in their facilities, analyze the data collected to identify areas where improvements are necessary, and finally, develop appropriate actions to implement the necessary improvements. This study focused on determining what implications does a comparison of customer and management/employee perceptions have on a large, metropolitan health-care facility's cafeteria's quality service level? The project sought to answer this question by investigating …

Ascension, Clifford M. Commanday

Theses

"I look upon life as a series of journeys. This series of forms is devoted to a sense of Ascension, both physical and spiritual." -Clifford M Commanday This statement accompanied my thesis show at the Bevier Gallery, and clearly and simply describes the intent of my thesis. One of the strongest characteristics I see present within all the journeys of my life thus far is a desire to succeed and advance: to ascend. I have made a series of sculptures focused on communicating these feelings. This thesis is divided into three sections: I will discuss my metaphor of ascension, describe …

Experimental And Analytical Investigation Of The Bubble Nucleation Characteristics In Subcooled Flow, Michael D. Cartwright

Theses

An experimental and analytical study of bubble nucleation characteristics for a polished aluminum surface under sub-cooled flow boiling of water is conducted. A high magnification (up to 1350X) microscope and an atomic force magnifier were used to visualize the aluminum surface to determine a range of cavity sizes on the heater surface as well as gain insight into the shape of the cavity. A high-speed camera was incorporated to study the actual bubble nucleation from these cavities. A review of existing theoretical models available in literature to predict bubble nucleation characteristics in flow boiling is also presented. A new bubble …

Food Research And Product Development And Packaging Practices, Issues And Strategies In Thailand, Grit Thangsupanich

Theses

This thesis examines some of the institutions and organizations that play an important role in food research and product development. Packaging practices, issues and strategies in both the public and private sectors in evidence throughout Thailand are also explored. To gain a better perspective of packaging strategies in Thailand, political and economic considerations in the Asia Pacific region are taken into account. Since packaging and packaging materials are vital to growing and newly emerging economies, just as they are to mature economies, issues pertaining to seafoods, pineapples and other fruits, packaged drinks, beer, the packaging of processed chicken and duck …

A Computational Package To Aid The Design And To Evaluate Centrifugal Turbopumps, Hanyung Yoo

Theses

The CPAC( Centrifugal Pump Analysis Code) is a one-dimensional meanline pump analysis code which predicts performances of centrifugal pumps at design and off-design conditions based on pump geometries and operating conditions. The PC version of the CPAC is based on Loss Isolation Code (LSISO) which was written in the early 1970s for NASA Lewis Research Center and the code developed previously at RIT which runs on VAX/VMS environment. This new version of CPAC is written with Visual Basic Programming language to work on personal computers. CPAC is a menu-driven and userfriendly code with online help manual. The following enhancements were …

The Impact Of Year-Round School On Stress In Elementary School Teachers, Henriette Ingeborg Baker

Theses

In an effort to assess the impact of year-round school on teacher stress, a sample of 39 elementary school teachers from a year-round school was compared with a sample of 35 teachers from an elementary school in an adjacent district that is on a traditional schedule. A measure of teacher stress, the Teacher stress Inventory (TSI), was administered to the teachers after they had completed one-half of the school year. Analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in stress levels between the year-round teachers and the teachers on the traditional schedule. Stress levels were in the …

The Eden Alternative, Jennifer Ellen Gettman

Theses

The purpose of this study and program implementation was to integrate animal, plants, and teamwork philosophy into the nursing home environment. The focus of measurement was to identify the therapeutic value of the Eden Alternative in nursing home residents.

Utilizing the Yesavage Geriatric depression scale, 196 residents of a St. Louis based nursing home were studied. Fifty-five percent of the residents were identified of having some depression. Utilizing the long form of the Yesavage tool, residents were questioned to establish a base level of minimal, moderate, and severe depression. In a six-month follow-up, 22% of the severely depressed were reassessed. …

The Surveillance And Control Of Foodborne Diseases, Donal J. Daly

Theses

There is great variation in the extent of surveillance of foodbome disease throughout the world. Some countries contribute important epidemiological and microbiological data to the WHO Surveillance Programme for Foodbome Diseases in Europe. While the UK is a major contributor to this programme, data from Eire has been non-existent. Trends in the incidence of foodbome disease in the UK may have particular relevance to Eire given the similarity of culture. Microbiological and epidemiological data in relation to foodbome pathogens, foods most frequently incriminated in outbreaks, places where outbreaks occur, together witli the main contributory factors are discussed. The broader area …

Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks: Selling Lifelong Learning To Adults, Suzanne Walton

Theses

As St. Charles County continues to grow, more businesses and industries are locating here. Companies often require specialized training for their employees. When companies train their employees, firms will often utilize outside services or consulting firms. With many companies downsizing, many individuals face a mid-life career change. They need to learn new skills, but do not have the time or capital to return to school full time.

Both companies and individuals desire to gain knowledge of new technologies, but not necessarily in the traditional classroom setting with the pressure of homework assignments and tests. While St. Charles County Community College …

Marketing Student-Athletes, Susan Emilie Sagara

Theses

This thesis explores the increasingly strategic role of parents and student-athletes in marketing themselves for collegiate athletic scholarships. Focusing primarily on high school athletes aiming to secure positions in college athletic programs, Sagarra argues that recruiting is not just the domain of coaches and scouts—it is a business-like endeavor that requires active family involvement. The project examines how athletes and their families can take initiative to promote both academic and athletic qualities, navigate NCAA and NAIA recruiting rules, and leverage external resources such as coaches, scouting services, and media. It discusses the pressures athletes face—emotionally, academically, and socially—and how informed …

The Clinton Health Care Proposal: A Good Idea With Good Intentions, But Will This Dream Ever Come True?, Herbert Joel Segall

Theses

This thesis will focus on the past, present and future status of health care in the United States. Much of the discussion will be centered around the controversial Health Care Reform Bill that was proposed by President Bill Clinton in October, 1993.

During the past century, researchers, scientists, chemists, and physicians have all made great strides regarding their knowledge of the human body. Many of their studies have provided valuable information of how people can live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Additionally, technological advancements have played a large role in medicine. These machines and devices haYe aided physicians in …

Chained To The Night: An Examination Of The Vampire, All That Remain, Jeffrey Richard Stone

Theses

It is the intent of this project to form an evaluation of the myth and legend of the vampire. It is the intent of the author to use this evaluation to develop an original screenplay.

This project provides a historical foundation by discussing the vampire's legendary existence in different cultures , including the possible birthplace of the vampire myth, Eastern Europe. The author examines works of literature and other mass media to provide a wide spectrum of examples of the myths and legends of the vampire.

The vampire is a mysteriously alluring creature that has evolved from the common myths …

Violence In The Womb, Violence In The World: The Effects Of Fetal Exposure To Alcohol, Drugs, And Nicotine, Aileen R. Wynne

Theses

This project will focus on prenatal substance abuse and the long term adverse effects of birth defects in the offspring of these women. The focus will discuss a relationship between the drug exposed fetus as a predictor of later development of behavior problems , running along the continuum from antisocial behavior to aggression and violence.

Research will show that of the three leading contributors to birth defects , Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is number one, greater than Downs Syndrome and Spina Bifida. The risk factors of prenatal substance abuse will be described as use of alcohol , other drugs , and …

Breast Cancer: New Cause For Concern, Karen L. Prideaux

Theses

This thesis will focus on the results of eight randomized studies and how these results were utilized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to change their guidelines for breast cancer screening mammography in women 40-49 years of age.

The incidence of breast cancer has been steadily on the rise since the 1970s. This increase in the number of new cases has caused some individuals to view breast cancer as an epidemic.

To date, research has not answered the question of what causes breast cancer, although their are many theories. Therefore, since the disease can not be prevented, women must rely …

The Clinton Health Care Proposal: A Good Idea With Good Intentions, But Will This Dream Ever Come True?, Herbert Joel Segall

Theses

This thesis will focus on the past, present and future status of health care in the United States. Much of the discussion will be centered around the controversial Health Care Reform Bill that v. as proposed by President Bill Clinton in October,1993.

During the past century, researchers, scientists, chemists, and physicians have all made great strides regarding their knowledge of the human body. Many of their studies have provided valuable information of how people can live longer, healthier, and more productive lives, Additionally, technological advancements have played a large role in medicine. These machines and devices have aided physicians in …

Corporate Image: The Role Of Communications In Development And Maintenance, Michelle L. Warner

Theses

This thesis will focus on corporate image - what it is, what it does, why it is necessary and how to develop and maintain it.

The term "corporate identity'' was first coined in the 1960's by Walter Margulies. Corporate identity is the term most commonly used to define a corporation's "sense of self." Corporate image is a direct offshoot of identity. Corporate image is the picture that an audience has of an organization through the accumulation of all received messages.

The bridge between corporate identity and corporate image is corporate communications. The most effective way to manage corporate image is …

Hard Feelings, An Original Screenplay, Barbara Sachs Kremer

Theses

The central objective of this creative project was to develop an original screenplay and enhance my writing skills in the process. The project consists of five chapters, the first being an introduction that provides an overview of the project.

Chapter II chronicles the progression of a screenwriter's training through a review of the books read that contributed to this project: four about writing in general, ten concerning fiction writing, fifteen on screenwriting in particular, two focusing on psychology, six about the movie business and film history, and one book about media aesthetics. Chapter ill provides a detailed view of the …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Alcoholism And Self-Esteem, Judy A. Astel

Theses

The relationship between the length of sobriety in the twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and self-esteem level was examined for 27 recovering alcoholics. Participants included L3 male and 14 female members of AA who volunteered to complete the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and a cover/survey letter that contained demographic questions. Where it was predicted that there would be no relationship between length of sobriety and self-esteem level, it was found that there was a positive relationship between the two for the total group and the female group. That is, where length of time sober in AA increased, the alcoholic's …

Administrative Quality Planning, Carolyn Joan Costello Baker

Theses

The quality movement in American businesses is becoming increasingly popular. American businesses are now competing internationally for market and the Japanese are winning. American businesses have adopted various quality systems to help them become customer driven, assisting in the regaining of lost market share. Some companies have been successful in implementing a quality system, but most have fallen short of achieving the desired a quality operation.

Most of the successful quality programs have come in manufacturing plants, but quality in the support services of the administrative levels have fallen short. Many manufacturing organizations approach quality implementation for the plant and …