Digital Commons Network^™

A Manual Covering The Topic/Subject On How To Develop A Business Plan For Investors/Owners: Formulation And Implementation, James S. Jump

Theses

This thesis will focus on the discussion of business planning and the impact it bas on business owners and investors in today's business climate. Business planning is defined as how organizations utilize internal thought processes to execute a form of a plan of action to compete in a marketplace that offers similar products and services.

One debate about business planning involves big business that develop planning "systems" as compared to entrepreneurs that often times operate with little or no planning. Another debate involves the timing and use of planning. A survey of 220 INC 500 businesses revealed that 51 % …

Perceived Social Support Of Survivors Of Suicide Who Attend A Support Group Compared To Those Survivors Of Suicide Who Are Non-Attendees, Tina M. Murphy

Theses

Death from suicide results in a troublesome and complex adjustment for the surviving friends and family members. As compared to other forms of bereavement, suicide survivors are likely to experience different grief reactions than people dealing with other types of loss. The survivor of suicide may suffer from social rejection and alienation. In this study, the level of perceived social support of survivors of suicide who attend a support group (n=22 ) was compared to the level of perceived social support in survivors of suicide who do not attend a support group (n=20). Subjects had lost a friend or family …

An Investigation Of Social Skill Group Counseling Intervention With At-Risk Students, Kathy A. Bennett

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of teaching social skills to a group of 14 at-risk kindergarten students that were identified by their classroom teachers as exhibiting social skills deficits. A pre-test and post-test experimental design was devised using the Social Skills Direct Observation by Sheridan (1997). Students participated in a group social skills training program for five weeks. A statistical comparison between the pre and post test data was then performed by means of a nonparametric procedure. Results of the Wilcoxon's Matched Pairs-Signed-Ranks Test were indicative of positive gains in the students' acquisition of social …

Attachment Styles And Levels Of Enacted Social Support In Adults, Virginia B. Schenck

Theses

Virginia B. Schenck’s thesis explores how adult attachment styles relate to the actual use of social support—known as enacted social support. While much prior research focuses on perceived support (people’s beliefs about the availability of help), this study shifts focus to what people actually do when they need assistance. Schenck surveyed 110 adults using two self-report measures: the Social Support Behaviors Scale and the Attachment Styles Scale. Participants were categorized into secure, avoidant, and preoccupied attachment styles, though the preoccupied group was too small to analyze statistically. The findings showed that adults with avoidant attachment styles reported significantly lower levels …

Training Program For Infant And Toddler Caregivers: An Evaluation Of The Effects On Quality Of Care, Marie Doyle

Theses

Caregiver training has been shown to impact the quality of care for infants and toddlers in "out- of- home" settings. This thesis evaluated the effect of a 2 year program implemented at five urban child care centers {17 classrooms). In order to participate in the program, child care centers had to be licensed and had to serve a majority of children living in poverty. Five infant and toddler early care and education experts were selected to provide training and technical assistance to each of the participating sites. Training consisted of a combination of workshops and reflective supervision. The Infant/Toddler Environmental …

The Relationships Of Income, Predisposed Depression, And Marital Satisfactionto, Brian D. Dement

Theses

This study investigated the relationships of income, depression level and marital satisfaction, in the second trimester of pregnancy, to levels of depression approximately six months after childbirth. Data from thirty-eight women, completing self-report questionnaires that included the CES-O depression scales, were analyzed from within a larger survey of one hundred and fifty-one primiparous mothers. The investigation revealed that levels of depression prior to delivery and income were strongly correlated to levels of depression postpartum. The relationship between marital satisfaction and depression was inconclusive.

Intensity Of Grief And Belief In Personal Control, Diana M. Alferink

Theses

Much research has focused on stress and its consequences. Some studies have indicated personal control helps an individual handle stress better and remain healthier. Little research, however, has examined the role personal control plays in bereavement as a stressful life event This correlational study examined the relationship between belief in personal control and grief intensity experienced from losing a loved one to death. Volunteer subjects primarily from Grief Support Groups completed the Belief in Personal Control Scale and the Texas Revised Grief Inventory Results demonstrated some instances when higher belief in personal control resulted in lower intensity of grief in …

Hyperspectral Imaging For Bottom Type Classification And Water Depth Determination, Nikole L. Wilson

Theses

Many recreational, military, and commercial activities take place in shallow coastal waters; therefore, interest is high in characterizing these areas. A variety of methods have been employed to determine water depths and classify the bottom using remote sensing. This research proposes to apply Philpot's principal components algorithm for bathymetric mapping to a MISI hyperspectral image, whereas previously this approach has been used on synthetic data. A description of the principal components algorithm is presented along with an outline of how it was applied to airborne hyperspectral images. The algorithm takes advantage of the ability to implement a deep-water correction, and …

Pod, Margaret Slinker

Theses

This thesis explores the themes which motivate the creation of abstract sculpture, searching for common forms and universal shapes throughout the pieces examined in the thesis. The examples presented were created by other artists and by the author, which include ceramic sculpture and earthenware oxides and glazes.

Evaluation Of Environmental, Health And Safety Management At Small Colleges, Ann Rippe

Theses

Environmental, health and safety management approaches and practices at small colleges are investigated. Awareness of environmental, health and safety initiatives among colleges is also investigated. Surveys were distributed to twelve colleges that accepted an invitation to participate in this study. The colleges were divided into two groups: an experimental group that consisted of small colleges that had made an envirpnmental claim or commitment and a control group that consisted of small colleges that were not known to have made such a claim or commitment. The results did not reveal a significant difference between the experimental and control group colleges that …

Traditional Classroom Versus Distance Learning Approaches In Providing Eduactaion For Students At The College Of Applied Science And Technology At Rit, Ryan Griske

Theses

This thesis discusses the current controversial issue of traditional classroom vs. distance learning approaches in higher education institutions using a case study in the College of Applied Science and Technology at RIT. The most important question addressed in the thesis is, "Are distance learning methods effective for addressing university-level learning goals?" (Kathleen Davey, 1999, p. 45). There are currently many disputes between educational researchers on this issue. The first four chapters cover details of the proposal stage as previously approved by the Thesis Committee. Chapter One briefly introduces this issue and several important terms used throughout the thesis (e.g., distance …

Sustainability And The Next Industrial Revolution: A Revolutionary Approach, Sarah Nesbitt-Rutkowski

Theses

The concept of the Next Industrial Revolution is relatively new. Information regarding this topic is not mainstream. There is little literature on how design, and the scientific principles, outlined in the Natural Step, are interconnected within the concept of the Next Industrial Revolution. In this thesis, I explore the big picture of where companies are today regarding sustainability issues, and how some companies are taking the lead in participating in this revolutionary new idea of the Next Industrial Revolution. How are these companies different? What are the similarities? Why and when do some companies choose to take revolutionary approaches, while …

Nonlinear Ultrasound Image Modeling: Development Of A Complete End-To-End Model For Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of Medical Ultrasound, Kevin Ayer

Theses

Finite amplitude sound propagation undergoes nonlinear distortion due to continuous path interaction with the propagation medium. This distortion tends to defocus the beam causing significant lateral and contrast resolution degradation. Fundamental understanding of this interaction requires development of computational models that accurately predict the nonlinear interaction - development of media-borne harmonics - as well as produce an ultrasound image - introduction of transducer effects, interface transitions, and innovative image processing to extract harmonics. Most computational models of ultrasound propagation assume axial symmetry for computational expediency. Two notable exceptions are the K-Z-K and NLP models. A new endto- end model, NUPROP, …

Comparison And Evaluation Of The Moral Significance Of Emotions In Aquinas, The Manualists And Catholic Moral Theology 1960-1990, Thomas Ryan

Theses

This is a comparative study of the moral significance of emotions in Catholic Moral Theology. It is done with reference to Thomas Aquinas, to selected Manualist authors immediately prior to Vatican II, to representative Catholic theologians 1960-1990 and to a sample of contemporary writers from other disciplines. The project argues five points. Firstly, Aquinas sees emotions as designed to have a necessary and constructive significance in moral reasoning and moral development. In their habituated form as affective virtues, they enable a person to have the right emotional responses in terms of their object and intensity. Secondly, the Manualists, by a …

Awareness Of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, Gayle Brosseau

Theses

This study was an attempt to identify the awareness of principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) by individuals who completed an eight-hour food handlers' class at Los Angeles Mission College. A six-item questionnaire was distributed to one hundred eighty individuals enrolled in the food handlers' classes during the winter of 1999-2000. One hundred twenty-five questionnaires were returned and tabulated during the spring 2000. Data analysis revealed that there is limited awareness of HACCP principles by trainees. The study, coupled with the literature review, indicates that there is a need for HACCP training. Other research showed a correlation between …

Assessment Of Prothrombotic Tendency In Humans Using Functional And Genomic Determinants, Pádraig O'Sullivan

Theses

Thrombophilia describes the familial or acquired disorders of the haemostatic mechanism that are likely to predispose to thrombosis. Venous thrombosis and its associated complications account for a significant number of hospital admissions and deaths annually having a significant health-economic impact on the heath-care industry globally. Mutations in genes that code for proteins involved directly (or indirectly) in blood coagulation have been associated with prothrombotic states. The majority of inherited genetic defects were attributed to polymorphisms in Antithrombin III, Protein C, and Protein S genes until 1994. Together these accounted for only 5-10% of individuals with thrombosis. Subsequently the Factor V …

Applications Of The Atomic Force Microscope Within The Fields Of Haematology And Cytogenetics, Margaret O'Reilly-Crowley

Theses

Atomic force microscopy [AFM] has become a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field of research in recent years. The technique, including instrumentation and specimen preparation methods, is now more sophisticated and its application has increased dramatically. The key advantage of AFM is in providing three-dimensional images of samples imaged. Both size and shape of samples imaged can be obtained allowing their subsequent quantification. Red blood cells [RBCs] and chromosomes were imaged in this work. A brief overview of the current status of biomedical AFM, has been presented in the review.

Measurement of mean cell volume [MCV] of immobilised red blood cells with …

The Molecular Epidemiology Of Rotavirus In Ireland, Fiona O'Halloran

Theses

Between 1997 and 1998, 3,136 cases of rotavirus diarrhoea were detected in Irish children less than 2 years of age. Hospital inpatients accounted for 80% of these infections, with the remainder being diagnosed in general practice. A large percentage of infections were detected in neonates, suggesting a possible inadequate maternal derived protection from existing indigenous strains. This feature suggested the possible existence of ‘novel’ strains circulating in Ireland. No data describing the epidemiology of rotavirus strains in this country currently exists. Furthermore no assessment of the potential health-economic impact or quantitation of potential disease burden was ever undertaken

Three hundred …

Pruning And Nutrition Of Outdoor Cut Foliage Crops, Andy Whelton

Theses

The rapidly expanding cut foliage industry in the South of Ireland aims to satisfy the demands of an exacting market requiring well furnished quality stems for use in the manufacture of foliage and flower bouquets. The studies examined, in detail, aspects of pruning and nutrition of genera currently important to this evolving industry. Recommendations for the optimum time of pruning Eucalyptus pulverulenta and Pittosporum tenujolium are given. Pruning regimes for Eucalyptus parv,folia and E. glaucescens, Pittosporum tenufolium, Ozothamnus rosmarinfolius ‘Silver Jubilee’ and Rhododendron ponticum were examined and guidelines on best practices are outlined. A nutrition experiment to examine the effect …

Improving The Quality Of Foliage Transplants For Supply To The Kerry Foliage Industry, Gwen Lanigan

Theses

The possibility of improving the quality of transplants of ornamental foliage species, Eucalyptus perriniana, E. parvifolia and Pittosporum tenuifolium, for supply to the Kerry Foliage Industry was investigated. At present transplants (seedlings) are propagated from seed under glass and subsequently transplanted into the field. Therefore nursery practices for seed propagation, such as optimum sowing date, pot and medium selection, irrigation and fertilisation regimes, were investigated and optimised. The possibility of eliminating the occurrence of J- roots, a major problem with Eucalyptus species was also investigated. Vegetative propagation methods, such as cutting propagation and in vitro micro-propagation were investigated for comparative …

Co-Parenting Influences: A Positive Report For The Millenium, Andrea Chrismer-Still

Theses

In this correlalional study of later adolescents who experience parental divorce, six co-parenting influences were assessed in an effort to identify predictors and factors that contribute to overall satisfaction with life. Subjects completed a survey comprised of demographic information which included an adaptation of a survey (Silitsky, 1996), a Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) (Diener, E. Simmons, R. Larsen, R. & Griffin, S., 1985), and a Perceived Social Support Family Scale (Pss-Fa) (Procidano, M & Heller, K., 1983). The adapted scale and the PSS-Fa measured perceptions by the later adolescent of their family of origin and their levels of()) parental …

A Study Of The Relationship Between The Ego Identity And Reported Relationship Satisfaction Of Lesbian Women In Long Term Relationships, Sheila D. Reed

Theses

This study examined the connection between ego identity and relationship satisfaction in lesbian couples. Thirty-two lesbian women in the Missouri and Illinois bi-state area responded to a demographic survey and two measurement scale questionnaires. The questionnaires used were the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) and the Ego Identity Scale (EIS). The results of this study did not indicate a relationship between ego identity and relationship satisfaction. The findings are discussed and suggestions are given for further research.

Firstborn Children And Their Perception Of The Family Environment In Intact And Divorced Families, Nelda Wetzel

Theses

Profound structural changes in American families over the past three decades have transformed "traditional" living arrangements for children and stimulated a great deal of interest regarding children and their well-being. How firstborn children perceive their family environment is the main focus of this study (Causal-Comparative). A relationship was investigated between the family structure of intact and divorced families and firstborn's perception of the family environment. Ninety-seven firstborn children, 52 from intact families and 45 from divorced families, between the ages of 8-12, evaluated their family environment by responding to the CV/FES. Using the t test (two sided) for independent samples, …

Trace-Level Determination Of Fluorescently Labeled Phenoxy Acid Herbicides And The Study Of Their Crop Uptake And Soil Accumulation, Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi

Theses

A challenging problem facing the determination of phenoxy acid herbicides in samples is their low UV absorptivity and the interference associated with the matrix in which these analytes exist. This thesis is concerned with improving the detection limits of this group of herbicid as well as reduce or eliminate interference associated with the sample matrix.

Native phenoxy acid herbicides could be analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. Phenoxy herbicides were analyzed by HPLC employing a gradient conditions that allowed baseline resolution of all analytes used in this study in approximately 20 min. However, the average detection …

Preparation And Characterization Of A Site-Directed Mutant Of Escherichia Coli L-Threonine Dehydrogenase, Qian Zhou

Theses

Threonine dehydrogenase from E.coli is a member of the medium-chain, Zn2+-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family. A site-directed mutant of theronine dehydrogenase was prepared at position 88 by replacing the native glutamate with cysteine using polymerase chain reaction. The mutated enzyme, designated TDH E88C, was expressed and purified to homogeneity in a three-step chromatographic procedure. The activity of the mutant after each step of purification was determined by a specific assay. Both the total activity and the specific activity of TDH E99C were significantly decreased compared to the wild-type TDH. The mutant enzyme was not sufficiently stable to obtain reliable Vmax or …

Quantitation Of Yohimbine Utilizing Capillary Electrophoresis. Method Development Through Statistical Design., Jonathan Cooper

Theses

In an effort to combat the rising cost of health care in the United States by encouraging preventative and self-care, the federal government passed the Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of 1994. This act essentially deregulated the natural product market allowing herbs, including yohimbine, to be sold over the counter without undergoing the same strict evaluation as a traditional synthetic drug candidate. As the full potential of these natural products is realized, including possible harmful side effects, a need arises for the identification and quantitation of the active components from commercial preparations. Commercial samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for …

A Vascular Flora Of Jackson County, Alabama, Kristin Renée Brodeur

Theses

The county is herein documented to support 1,272 species and infraspecific taxa. During the course of this study, 359 county records were produced, and 18 new taxa were recorded as occurring in the state for the first time. The vascular flora is demonstrably rich, even in comparison to other ecosystematic studies completed within the State. In contrast to other counties and in conformity with a long land and water use history, Jackson County has nearly 20% of the flora comprising alien taxa. As expected and evidenced by the life-form spectra dominated by hemicryptophytes and therophytes, the species are well-adapted to …

Computer Multimedia In The Development Of Interactive Courseware: The Cornell University Soil And Water Management Learning Module, Charissa Sullivan

Theses

The thesis project consists of an interactive multimedia computer software program, designed to help teach a course title, college-level semester course in soil and water management (Soil and Water Management, offered at Cornell University, Department of Soil, Crop, and Atmospheric Sciences course number 321, 4 credithours). The software was authored in Macromedia Director 6.5. Original artwork includes computer graphics some of which are sequenced to create animations that illustrate key concepts of the subject material. Text and photographs and/or illustrations also support the subject material.

An Analysis On The Effects Of Social Context In The Display Of Anger In Children, Angie Vanmeter

Theses

The purpose of t his research is to determine if social context influences a child's decision to regulate their anger. The subjects used in this study were 20 first, third and sixth grade students totaling sixty children. The categories of social context are as follows: parent, peer and alone. The subjects completed a demographic survey, as well as an aggression questionnaire, designed by the researcher. The results confirmed previous research with regard to the influence social acceptance has over children's actions. This research indicates peers, as being the most influential category in determining a child's response to anger.

Analysis Of Long-Term Heart Rate Variability Using Labview, Daniel Yang

Theses

Long-term heart rate variability measurement is important in understanding the activities of the autonomic nervous system. Many methods and implications of long-terrn HRV were available in the literature. The first two studies focused on two data analysis techniques that were used on a normal subject. The first study focused on the 1/f fluctuations. For this analysis, three 1 1h heart rate variability data sets were collected with the Polar Vantage NV. A LabVIEW program was used to calculate the power spectrum of the heart rate, and then the 1/f line was calculated by taking the log of the power spectrum …