Digital Commons Network^™

Cultural Transformation: Desire To Change?, Arthur L. Seaman

Theses

Gaining knowledge about what motivates people working in an environment afflicted with laws, statutes, policies, regulations, procedures, standards and jobs threatened by political movements is considered valuable information. This thesis is a focused study of human motivation theory, with the intent of learning why past attempts to change the culture of the United States Army Aviation and Troop Command (ATCOM) and the co-located Aviation Program Executive Office (PEO) organizations have failed to produce lasting results.

It is theorized that past attempts to bring about lasting change to the culture of ATCOM and the PEO organizations have failed in part because …

Caring For Our Elders: An African-American Perspective, Wilma Virginia Saunders Schmitz

Theses

Wilma Virginia Saunders Schmitz's study explores the caregiving networks that support African American elders, emphasizing the intersection between informal and formal care. Informal care, often provided by family, friends, and faith communities, remains a primary means of elder support within African American culture. The thesis examines how cultural traditions, religious involvement, historical factors, and socioeconomic barriers shape caregiving practices. Schmitz highlights the importance of the extended family concept, the "village" approach, and the critical role of faith communities in providing both emotional and practical assistance. The study also addresses challenges such as limited access to formal care services, economic disparities, …

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Gender Differences Among Washers And Checkers, Jennifer Leigh Siervo

Theses

This research project thoroughly examines Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to see if there are any gender differences between compulsive washers and checkers. The null hypothesis is that there are no gender differences between the compulsions of washing and checking. Thirty-one subjects from a local self-help group voluntarily participated in this study. Of the thirty-one participants, thirteen were men and eighteen were women. The Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory was used to obtain total obsessions scores, as well as washing and checking scores. The mean scores for men and women for the total obsessions scale were compared. The women reported a higher number of compulsions …

Parental Perceptions On Full Inclusion For Children With Sensory And Cognitive Disabilities, Marsha Sledge-Bryant

Theses

This investigation was designed to compare the perceptions of parents who have children with sensory, cognitive or multisensory disabilities in relationship to full inclusion within the educational setting. Eighty-one parents participated in the study by completing a questionnaire designed by the researcher. It was hypothesized that parents of children with sensory impairments would have greater resistance to the practice of full inclusion for their own child(ren). Results indicated no significant differences between the three groups' perceptions about full inclusion. In fact, all parents supported the concept of full inclusion, but did not agree that it was an appropriate educational service …

A Study Of Stress In The Workplace In The 1990s, Reva Carol Mays

Theses

This study was conducted to determine if there was a significant difference in the intensity and frequency of organizational stress and job risk stress perceived between salaried, white-collar (N=37) employees and skilled blue-collar, union employees (N=35). 59 of the subjects were male and 13 were female.

The respondents completed two self-administered questionnaires. One was a work stress instrument, and the other was a demographic data sheet. The stress instrument contained 40 items, with scoring based on a 5-point Likert-type scale, that measured intensity and frequency of stress. The demographic data sheet contained 13 items.

Major findings of the research concluded …

Automating Field Data Collection In Maintenance Operations, Bob G. Mccullouch

JTRP Technical Reports

Field data collection and management in DOT organizations requires a considerable amount of resources in the form of personnel and management systems. Recent studies performed by the researcher revealed that an average of 30-50% of some field supervisory personnel's time is spent on processing field data paperwork. This is a considerable amount of time spent on an undesirable task and is taking these employees away from more important job duties. This project automated two maintenance field data collection functions. One was a Crew Day Card, which is a card used by a maintenance crew to document the activity performed. Information …

Study Of Side Ditch Liners For Highway Application, Anthony S. Calderon, Philippe L. Bourdeau

JTRP Technical Reports

Over the past few years, the INDOT new materials department has received numerous erosion control products (mostly geosynthetics) to evaluate as alternatives to riprap and concrete in ditch liners. Potential benefits include lower construction costs and better aesthetics over current products. Unfortunately, no specification, design methodology, or classification system currently exists for these erosion control blankets.

In this project's phase I, existing information and knowledge on erosion control materials used to line highway side drainage ditches were investigated. From the available technical1iterature (journal and conference publications, other DOTs specifications, manufacturer documentation, independent test laboratory test data), design methodologies, classification system, …

Moment-Rotation Relationship For Unified Auto-Stress Design Of Continuous-Span Bridge Beam And Girders, Donald W. White, J. A. Ramirez, Karl E. Barth

JTRP Technical Reports

This report summarizes the development and trial application of simplified moment-rotation relationships for inelastic design of continuous-span beam and girder bridges. The research described within involves the execution of a reasonably comprehensive set of finite element parametric studies to fill in knowledge gaps in the available experimental data pertaining to the hogging moment-plastic rotation behavior of steel and composite steel-concrete bridge girders. Based on these studies, relationships have been developed for the moment-plastic rotation behavior at the pier sections in these types of bridges. The moment-rotation model is validated against available experimental data, several focused new experimental tests, and current …

Gender Differences In Career And Educational Decisions, Anita Melton

Theses

Differences in male and female self-reported interest and ability in occupations were examined. The researcher studied participants' interest and ability scores on 7 occupational categories of the Campbell Interest and Skill Survey : influencing, analyzing, producing, adventuring, organizing, helping, and creating. Thirty-nine subjects, age 17 to 23, completed the 320 item survey. The sample included 26 female and 13 male subjects. The survey utilized a 6 point response format requiring the subject to determine to what degree they share the interest or ability mentioned. To determine gender differences in response scores, descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance ( …

Attitudes Of Student Nurses Toward Domestic Violence, Phyllis Jean Messing

Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if student nurses needed more education about domestic violence. Nurses, more than any other profession, are frequently in a position to identify and assist the victims of abuse. Presently, however, rather than addressing the hidden problem of family violence, nurses may inadvertently contribute to it, due to their lack of awareness and knowledge. Nurses, including student nurses, need to fine tune their knowledge in order to recognize the signs and symptoms surrounding family violence. Once identified, it will take an expanded level of awareness and enhanced skills to deal effectively with this …

A Study Of Body Dissatisfaction And Drive For Thinness Between African-American And Caucasian College Women, Suzanne M. Monroe

Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the similarities and/or differences in body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness between Caucasian and African-American college women. The Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) as well as questions measuring hours spent reading women's magazines and family, close friends, and significant other's view on the importance of physical thinness was distributed to 18 to 25 year old African-American and Caucasian college women at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). The EDI-2 is a self-report questionnaire that consists of 91 questions which generate 11 independent subscales. Only 3 of the II subscales were analyzed: I) Drive …

Employee Benefits, Kimberly Elinor Miller

Theses

This paper discusses how group benefits have changed over the past ten years, what corporations are offering their employees such as medical insurance, employee assistance programs, wellness training programs, child care programs, flexible compensation plans, continuing education benefits and retirement benefits and how each one of these benefits is set up. Employers want not only to implement benefit programs which will help them meet their organizational goals, but also to attract, retain and motivate employees. In order to succeed in these efforts they must install a program of benefits that is both cost effective and will meet organizational profit goals. …

The Link Between Established Psychological Type Preferences And Academic Achievement In Elementary School Students, Shelley Nacke

Theses

Sixty-four third through eighth grade students from a rural parochial school were tested using the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children (MMTIC). Students were divided into three groups on the basis of the MMTIC scores: those showing no undetermined preferences, those showing one undetermined preference and those showing two or more undetermined preference. Grade point averages (GPA) were used to determine academic achievement for these students. Mean GP A scores for the three groups were compared using the t-test. Those students with two or more undetermined preferences showed significantly lower mean GP A scores than those students with no undetermined preferences.

The Integration Of The Long Term Care Continuum Into A Seamless Health Delivery System, Viriginia E. Moseley

Theses

A seamless continuum of healthcare services is necessary to serve older adults, caregivers and the community. Personal knowledge and experience of the author, a nurse and skilled nursing facility administrator, is combined with a literature review to determine a vision for serving older adults and caregivers. A vertical integration of long term care into a health delivery network traditionally focused on acute and primary care is proposed.

An Analysis Of Price Discrimination Of Alcoholic Beverages: Marketing Towards African-American Vs. Anglo-Americans In St. Louis Communities, Tamara L. Morrow

Theses

This thesis will focus on the analysis of price discrimination of alcoholic beverages marketed towards African-Americans in St. Louis. Missouri.

Research has indicated that alcoholic beverages cost more in predominantly African-American communities compared to predominantly Anglo-American communities. Previous studies indicate certain factors that play a major role in identifying price discrimination. Some of these factors include social class, type of retail store and brand names and images.

However, an investigation of price discrimination of alcoholic beverages can indicate other reasons why prices are higher in certain areas. The percentage of alcohol and consumer demand in particular areas may pre-determine the …

The Design And Implementation Of An On-Line Grocery Fulfillment Service Business Plan, David A. Puzzuoli

Theses

This thesis focuses on the study of the on-line grocery fulfillment industry. Research was conducted and pertinent information was gathered to assemble a business plan for an on-line grocery fulfillment service in Southeastern Alabama.

Research indicates that in order to successfully start, operate, and perpetuate a fulfillment service, business owners must focus on issues such as market analysis, service, finance issues, and operations. The business plan for the proposed fulfillment service draws on industry data regarding those and subordinate issues.

Upon completion of the business plan, two businessmen were selected to judge the plan's thoroughness and Likelihood of successful implementation. …

The History Of American Health Care, Michael R. Niehaus

Theses

Health care in America has grown predominately in response to both social and religious need. All though historically social position was the primary determinant of a patients ability to receive health care, today insurance plays a major role in ones ability to receive that care. This thesis will examine some of the social changes which have effected American hospital and its relation to the patients ability to pay .

The Team Concept In Today's Work Environment: People Are Our Greatest Asset, Jack D. Patten

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of The Team Concept in today's work environment. People are the greatest asset any company possesses and how they are utilized directly affects the success and failure of that organization. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of what is required to implement a team approach.

Both knowledge and skills associated with the subject must be fully attained before any results can be achieved. This study provides knowledge around the team concept and provides some tools necessary for implementation. Knowledge is what any student can learn about a subject, but …

Marital Status And The Parent-Child Relationship: Contentment With The Parent-Child Relationship Of Single Parents And Married Parents, Jennifer Marie Reinsch

Theses

A study was completed looking at marital status as it relates to parental contentment with the parent-child relationship. This varied from previous studies which looked at the quality of the marital relationship or measured the child's satisfaction with the parent-child relationship. A total sample of 48 parents participated, comprised of 34 married parents and 14 single parents. All participants were Caucasian, had children ages five to 14 attending a Midwest, urban, Catholic elementary school, and were between the ages of 27 and 49. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The Index of Parental Attitudes (IP A) was utilized to measure parental …

Minimum Crushed Aggregate Requirements, Haiming Huang, Thomas D. White

JTRP Technical Reports

An accelerated pavement testing facility has been developed by Purdue University for the Indiana Department of Transportation. The test facility includes a test pit in which prototype scale pavement sections can be installed. The Accelerated Pavement Tester loading system has the capability of applying moving wheel loads to the test sections. An initial study utilizing the accelerated pavement test facility has been conducted at Purdue University to determine the minimum crushed aggregate requirements in asphalt mixtures in Indiana. This study addresses effects of various constituents of the asphalt mixture on pavement rutting. The factors included in this study are aggregate …

Examining The Parental Authority Style Of Fathers Within Various Family Configurations, Michael E. Laws

Theses

The discipline style of one's parents is often discussed as a factor toward various behavioral outcomes of their children. In some literature, certain types of families, "step"- families for example, have been labeled as exhibiting a particular parenting style perhaps more than some other type of family. In this project 3 parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive) are reviewed and examined in relation to 3 types of families (blended families, single parent families, and families with 2 biological parents present in the home). In particular, the parenting style of the fathers or stepfathers was examined. Parenting style was determined in …

Perceptions Of Touch In Psychotherapy: A Survey Of Clients Recovering From Substance Abuse And/Or Childhood Sexual Abuse, Deborah Harmann Harris

Theses

Differences in perception of touch in psychotherapy were studied among clients with childhood sexual abuse and/or substance abuse issues. Forty clients from the general context of the "recovery community" were recruited to fill out an eleven item Revised Touch in Therapy Survey. Participants also gave narrative responses to a single open-ended question asking what meaning their touch experience held for them. The researcher adapted this current instrument from the longer, 1995 Touch in Therapy self-report questionnaire developed by Horton, Clance, Sterk-Elifson and Emshoff. A mail back system was used, with swveys returned to a local post office box.. The Llkert …

Strange Snow: A Director's Approach, David A. Quinn

Theses

This thesis examines Strange Snow, a play by Stephen Metcalfe, through the lens of a director's approach. It delves into themes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Vietnam War veterans and the challenges of reintegration into society, as portrayed through the experiences of the play's central characters. The author provides an in-depth analysis of the script, casting choices, rehearsal process, and production challenges, emphasizing the emotional depth of the story and the interplay between the characters. The thesis also reflects on the director's strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth, offering insights into the process of bringing a poignant narrative to …

Marketing Niche Software Products: An Analysis Of How Software Products Are Marketed Through The Channels Of The Computer Industry, James D. Rigman

Theses

This thesis, Marketing Niche Software Products: An Analysis of How Software Products Are Marketed Through the Channels of the Computer Industry, explores the strategies for marketing software products within niche segments of the computer industry, specifically focusing on the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and power management sector. It examines how companies successfully target specific market segments to establish strong positions and maintain competitive advantages.

The study highlights the importance of strategic marketing plans, effective distribution channels, and promotional efforts in the software industry. It discusses challenges faced by marketing managers in launching new software products, including competition, pricing structures, …

The Workplace Of The Future: The 9 To 5 Office Is Dead, Terry Ann Rooney

Theses

The Workplace of the Future: The 9 to 5 Office is Dead by Terry Ann Rooney, explores the shift away from traditional work schedules in favor of more flexible arrangements. Rooney argues that businesses must adapt to evolving workforce expectations by embracing alternative work schedules such as telecommuting, flex-time, job sharing, and compressed workweeks.

The research highlights demographic shifts, particularly the increasing presence of women and minority workers, which necessitate greater workplace flexibility. The document outlines the advantages of these work models, including increased employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention, as well as reduced absenteeism and operational costs for employers. …

Prisms: A Study Of Color As Light, Form And Motion, E. Deloras Bauer

Theses

Unavailable.

The Changing Telecommunications Industry, Marie P. Woodcock

Theses

Telecommunications in today's global society has undergone a dramatic transformation since the invention of the telephone. In the early years of telephony, a host of dedicated men and women endured tremendous hardships to pioneer the telephone. Bell, his wife Mabel, his two benefactors along with Thomas Watson and Theodore Vail fought to gain recognition of the instrument and establish its usefulness to society. Many great inventions came from by the Bell Laboratories, which forever sought a better way, encouraging the progress of civilization. Despite major setbacks caused by the government and regulation, the Bell system evolved into a very capable …

College Characteristics Influencing Choice Of Missouri Valley College, Bryan B. Berlin

Theses

Not available.

A Proactive Approach To Juvenile Delinquency Utilizing The K.A.R.E. Program, Shae Cody Abram

Theses

This project will focus on the study of juvenile delinquency in America and the growing trend of juveniles between the age of 12 and 16 years old who are both the victims and perpetrators of criminal activity. It introduces a program called K.A.R.E., an acronym for Kids At Risk Education which is a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency.

Breakdowns in family life, neighborhood environments, socioeconomic, inequities, and peer group's pressures have contributed to this growing trend of youth crimes. Youth violence has become one of the leading causes of death for juveniles in this country. …

Incorporating Critical Thinking Skills Into The Language Arts Curriculum, Particularly In The Field Of Detective Fiction, Charles E. Bright

Theses

In this age of accelerated change and continuing complexity, there is a widely-recognized need to incorporate critical thinking skills into all aspects of everyday life and not simply as an optional philosophy class at the post-secondary level of American education.

Chapter One of this culminating project investigates the historical roots of critical thinking, with a brief investigation into the history of bow education in America (with slight digressions such as Alcott/Emerson's Temple School and John Dewey's Chicago experiments) has historically failed to foster the development of critical thinking skills in America's students by its centuries old tradition of emphasizing rote …