Digital Commons Network^™

The Tension Of Gesture, Edward Atwater

Theses

Not Included

Clarias, Jeonglok Lee

Theses

Consists of 20 slides of the M.F.A. thesis exhibition "Clarias". The thesis explored combining vanished reality with real time images, establishing an ironically spontaneous fantastic analogy through the conflict and the confusion of reality and illusion.

An Infrared Device To Measure The Eyeblink For The Study Of Classical Conditioning, Alka Patel

Theses

The classically conditioned eyeblink response is studied by various groups to study neurological functions. This is a form of associative leaming that has many features to help diagnose and learn about neurological diseases. Electromyogram traditionally is used to detect eyeblinks for this experimentation in human. However, EMG can be expensive and difficult to use. It involves the utilization of electrodes and produces only an indirect measure of eyelid closure. The goal of the project was to develop an infrared device to detect eyeblinks and replace the EMG. The project involved two major components, a hardware and a software component. The …

A Review And Assessment Of Novice Learning Tools For Problem Solving And Program Development, Christopher John Bladek

Theses

There is a great demand for the development of novice learning tools to supplement classroom instruction in the areas of problem solving and program development. Research in the area of pedagogy, the psychology of programming, human-computer interaction, and cognition have provided valuable input to the development of new methodologies, paradigms, programming languages, and novice learning tools to answer this demand.

Based on the cognitive needs of novices, it is possible to postulate a set of characteristics that should comprise the components an effective novice-learning tool. This thesis will discover these characteristics and provide recommendations for the development of new learning …

Study Of The Trajectories Of Visually Guided Movement Of Unimanual And Bimanual Tasks, Deepthi Anand

Theses

Restitution of upper limb mobility following stroke is one of the major challenges facing clinicians in the country today. The complexity of performing skilled tasks with fine movements makes restitution of mobility all the more complex for rehabilitation specialists. Although several techniques have been evolved for, limited success with transfer of training from the clinical environment to functional performance clearly indicates a need for research and development in the area of upper extremity rehabilitation.

Bimanual coordination has recently surfaced as a novel and effective way to fast and lasting recovery. The success of bimanually coordinated training encourages a better understanding …

Furniture Design From Geometrical Shapes, Eun Baik

Theses

None provided.

An Investigation Of The Effects Of A 12-Week Exercise Programme For People With Diabetes, Olive Fanning

Theses

To determine and examine the effects of a 12-week exercise programme for people with diabetes on their blood glucose control, physiological components and psychological well-being.

The purpose of the study was to examine a wide variety of physiological components including assessment of aerobic capacity, body composition, lung, function, flexibility and blood glucose control (HbAlc levels). Psychological well-being was also assessed which includes sub scales for depression, anxiety, energy and positive well being. This had the purpose of identifying exact levels of these variables so as to compare these to the general public norms. It additionally had the benefit of being …

An Evaluation Of Relationship Marketing And Customer Retention Practices In The Hotel Industry, Lisa Kenny

Theses

Customer relationships have received considerable attention from both academics and practitioners. It is accepted that relationship marketing is keeping, not just getting customers, (Berry, 1983). However, it has been criticised that firms frequently focus on attracting customers (the “first act”) but then pay little attention to what they should do to keep them (the “second act”) (Berry and Parasuraman, 1991). It has been demonstrated that it is far less expensive to retain a customer than to acquire a new one. The increasing emphasis of relationship marketing is based on the assumptions that building committed customer relationships results in guest satisfaction, …

Relationship Between Insomnia And Job Satisfaction, Stacy Lynn Taylor

Theses

The disorder of insomnia is seriously effecting every aspect of people's lives including job satisfaction. This study examines the relationship between insomnia and job satisfaction. Subjects for this study included 30 previously diagnosed insomniacs and 30 non-insomniac graduate students. The subjects were asked to complete the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire- short form and demographic sheet. Pearson Chi-square tests were performed to explore possible relationships. There were no statistically significant relationships found between insomnia and the dependent variables of job satisfaction and job stress.

The Relationship Between The "Lies" Christians Believe And Emotional Symptoms Of Anxiety, Anger/Hostility, And Depression, Terry Lee Swan

Theses

This correlational study examined the relationship between Christian's irrational beliefs (lies believed) and the number of symptoms of the emotional disturbances: anger/hostility, anxiety, and depression. Previous studies have shown that a relationship between these variables exists. A total of 55 subjects, 24 male and 31 female, from 3 randomly selected churches volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects completed two questionnaires: The Lies We Believe Questionnaire, developed by Chris Thurman, Ph.D. and A Symptom Questionnaire, developed by Robert Kellner, M.D. The former identifies irrational beliefs ("lies), and the latter identifies the number of symptoms of anger/hostility, anxiety, and depression. …

A Study Of The Relationship Between A Character Education Program And Self-Esteem, Nina Musante

Theses

Not available.

The Influence Of Parenting Styles On Social Phobia In A College Sample, Kimberly Sue Fischer

Theses

Since researchers have only studied social phobia in the last several decades, the need to identify influencing variables is essential. While most researchers concur that familial factors have an impact on social phobia, the influence of family variables remain under investigation. Many studies have examined the impact of parenting characteristics on social phobia involving individuals in a clinical setting. However, few studies have focused on social phobia in a nonclinical setting with adults. This study explores the relationship between parenting styles of overprotection and rejection with social phobia in a college sample of adults. Subjects for this study were 35 …

Relationship Between The Church Involvement And The Self-Esteem In Urban African American Adolescents, Ywinta Jones

Theses

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the level of church involvement and self-esteem in African American adolescents from the area of St. Louis, Missouri. Participants were 58 adolescents who were given two instruments: The Hare Self-esteem Scale and Church Involvement Assessment Scale. The Hare Self-esteem was administered to measure the level of self-esteem. The researcher designed the Church Involvement Assessment Scale to measure the level of involvement in church related activities. The hypothesis was that the adolescents who are more involved in church related activities would tend to have a higher self-esteem than adolescents who are less …

Prescriptions For The Top Five Problem Areas Of Corporate Teams: A Blueprint For Success, James B. Wilson

Theses

This thesis will focus on five top problem areas corporate teams face in regards to effective teamwork and how those areas can be remedied.

Research has revealed five top problem areas: personality conflicts, confused goals, depleted trust, mismatched needs, and leadership failure. These areas consistently challenge those entities where corporate teams are present.

Since the Industrial Revolution work groups, their individual components, and relevant external forces, have been scrutinized by psychologists, sociologists, behaviorists, and business consultants. Many researchers have learned (sometimes by accident) how perception, communication, and commitment can have a direct affect upon teamwork. Through trial and error, corporations …

Social Cognition: The Impact Of Gender And Leadership Surrounding Groupthink In Conjunction With Foreign Policy Decision-Making, Maggie E. Kuehner

Theses

This thesis surrounds social cognition seen within group dynamics. Specifically, focusing on the study of decision - making and the impact gender and leadership styles has upon groups under risk involved decision - making. Th.is type of decision-making is generally seen with corporate committees and members involved in the formation of foreign policy.

Research has attributed to reprehensible historical :fiascoes to faulty group decision - making. Due to this notion, it is imperative to hone in on the cognitive process and the possible factors that act as antecedents to errors in judgement seen in groups.

Many results remain inconclusive when …

The Adult Student In Higher Education And Training, Kathlee Despain-Rogers

Theses

This thesis will focus on the needs of the adult or nontraditional student. An in-depth look at bow non-traditional students came to be and how higher education is accommodating them today and tomorrow.

Before 1944, adult students were not commonplace on college campuses. At that time even high school graduation was a rare achievement. However, The Servicemen's (and women's) Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as "The GI Bill," changed all that. The Act provided many benefits but it is best known for giving former soldiers, both male and female, a chance at a college education or a degree from …

A Critical Examination Of The Philosophy Of Charles S. Peirce: A Defence Of The Claim That His Pragmatism Is Founded On His Theory Of Categories, Siosifa Ika

Theses

This thesis explores the relation in Peirce’s philosophy between his theory of categories and his pragmatism. My most central claim is that the possibility and validity of metaphysics as a philosophical science depend on the appropriateness of its method. I argue that an appropriate method for metaphysics is possible, and that in Peirce’s pragmatism as founded on his theory of categories we find such a method. In developing this thesis I seek to demonstrate four key propositions: 1. Peirce’s ‘pragmatism’ is fundamentally a form of metaphysical and epistemological realism and in this respect differs from logical positivism and other types …

Some Theological Implications Of Two Catholic Responses In Care And Prevention To The Hiv/Aids Pandemic In Korea And The Philippines, Yong-Seong Roh

Theses

Dialogues with two Catholic institutions in Korea and the Philippines concerned with those suffering from AIDS and working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS highlight the ambiguities and contradictions in both current knowledge and attitudes. Among the general public and church members there is considerable misunderstanding about the issues both the nature of the disease and the Church's moral teaching. Catholic institutions and secular based NGOs reveal the importance of interactive social networks in promoting positive responses in the face of widespread prejudice and stigmatization.

Suffering arising from HIV/AIDS presents a challenge to promote an ethics of relieving the misery …

Narrative, Meaning Making And Personal Development: Teachers' Storied Experience In Montessori, Steiner And Other Primary Classrooms, Gayle C. Ward

Theses

This study explored how narrative was being used to foster meaning-making in Montessori, Steiner, Government and Catholic schools. In-depth interviews of twelve teachers from the four educational settings were used to collect the teachers' stories that comprised the data on narrative use. NUD*IST software was employed to organise data and to focus on emerging concepts through data analysis. A wide spectrum of narrative uses related to meaning making was revealed. These varied understandings support using narrative to foster insight on three levels relating to several theoretical views of narrative and its importance.

Time Travel As An Element Of Literature, Klenya M. Morales Miranda

Theses

The purpose of this culminating project is to compile information about the evolution and development of the idea of time travel in western literature.

This endeavor offers a historical approach tracing the evolution of the idea of time travel in literature, its consideration in science, and the interaction between these two fields to create a new theme of art.

Through the analysis of different works about time travel, we will identify plot, themes, symbols and other elements that are common to this sort of literature. From these elements we will be in the position to infer the meaning that each …

Feasibility Study Of A Permanently Implanted Prosthetic Hand, Matt Williams

Theses

The feasibility of a permanently implanted prosthetic hand was evaluated from both an internal biocompatibility and exterior mechanics point of view. A literature review of the issues involved in permanent implantation of a percutanious device was performed in the areas of bone interaction and fixation and neural interface control. A theoretical implant was designed for a 90th percentile male, using an HA-G-Ti composite material to provide a permanent base to which the hand could attach. Using a radial implant length of 1.87 inches and an ulna implant length of 1.32 inches, the simulated implant could withstand a push out force …

The Development Of Tourism In Republic Of Croatia By Using Best Management Practices, Ivo Arkulin

Theses

This study has been created to analyze current stage of tourism development in Republic of Croatia, as well as to show prospective ways for improved tourism and economic development in the future. The focus is on both macroeconomic and microeconomic .aspects. The study shows how to use some of the best management practices - system dynamics, systems thinking, breakthrough thinking, benchmarking and delivering profitable value - in scenario planning for Croatian tourism and economic development. The transition process brings about numerous challenges to every aspect of life, but especially in economics. Government administrators, economists, tourism planners, corporate managers and university …

Restaurant Management In Lebanon: Current Trends And Future Concerns, Carine Issa

Theses

Not provided.

An Investigation Into The Concepts And Applicability Of Agent Technologies, Anne White

Theses

The software world is one of great richness and diversity

Even though the concept of software agents date back to the days of AI (Artificial Intelligence) work (1970’s) the word “Agent” is currently in vogue in the computing press and computer science communities.

This thesis presents a review of the ongoing evolution of software agents, places agents in context within today’s software domain, and takes a closer look at the ongoing debate of what really constitutes an '"Agenf\ The numerous dimensions of classification are studied and an opinion of the attributes that an agent should encompass is put forward. Leading …

The Potential For Public Opinion To Generate Change In Policy Formation, Peter M. Roguszka

Theses

Towards the end of the Twentieth Century there were a number of examples of change to public policy that were not the product of political debate and public consideration. Rather, they appear to have originated in another less visible, and therefore less open to critique manner. It is argued that it is changes to the general thrust of public opinion that have given validity to these policy changes. The ways in which changes to public opinion are caused to change and by whom are investigated and a theory of 'Australian Public Opinion Change' is developed. This theory is applied to …

Filtration Of Thought, Chad Holliday

Theses

Not Included

Cross Pollination, Shaun Foster

Theses

A descriptive narration of a project to create a 3-D computer animated film about a "cross-pollination" that occurs between plants on a planet and nanites (nanoparticle robots) that arrive on a space ship. Includes original thesis proposal, original storyboard, color stills, and technical notes.

Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors Associated With Colon Cancer, Shamma Rashed Khalfan Al-Naili Al-Shamsi

Theses

Colorectal cancer represents one of the most common causes of mortality in the world. A major number of populations develop an adenoma by the age of 40s. Over the past years, it has become clear that genetic factors are of crucial importance in colorectal tumorigenesis. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is responsible of developing numerous colorectal cancers cases by causing mutations in the germline in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) genes.

Colon cancer is considered the second most frequent cause of death in most of the Western countries. Colonic cancer is common in women and rectal in men. It arise in adenomatous …

Intermittent Noise Sampling And Control Strategies In The Hospital Environment, Rosarito M. Guerrero

Theses

Noise in the hospital environment can have negative effects on both patients and hospital staff. Unwanted noise can be disturbing and often annoying thus, interfering with patients' sleep and obstructing work performance of the hospital staff. A research study was conducted in the hospital unit to identify and develop methods of intervention for intermittent noise and their source. Routine staff work activity generated noise levels above EPA hospital noise recommendations. A sound level meter and video camera was used to capture noise between the work-shifts. The video camera captured digital readings generated by the sound level meter which, helped identify …

Encoding And Storage Components Of Verbal Working Memory As Revealed By A Factorial Design, An Fmri Study, Jason Steffener

Theses

In this fMRI study, the contributions of frontal and posterior brain regions to verbal working memory were investigated. A two-factor design with low and high memory load (2 and 5 letters) and short and long delay (4 and 12 secs.) as factors were used. Based on reports in the literature, we expect activity in the following frontal and parietal brain regions of interest (ROIs): Brodmann areas (BA) 6, 9, 46, 44, 45, 7 and 40. The analysis of collected flvM data involved image processing and statistical analysis methods including realignment, spatial normalization, spatial smoothing, temporal filtering, intensity normalization, statistical tests, …