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Asymmetry in Mie scattering by a homogeneous sphere
Get PDFAzimuthal asymmetry is present in the Mie scattering pattern of light scattered by a homogeneous sphere within a uniform medium. This asymmetry is predicted by Mie theory, which describes such scattering mathematically using solutions to Maxwell\u27s equations. This thesis shows that the asymmetry in Mie scattering patterns is related to the polarization of the light incident on the scatterer. This relationship is reflected in the mathematics of Mie theory. Furthermore, this thesis demonstrates empirically that the polarization of the incident light is related to the asymmetry in Mie scattering patterns. Mie scattering by single polystyrene beads was recorded using an angular scattering microscope. The scattering by each individual bead was recorded three times, and the polarization of the incident beam was rotated in between each recording. The features in the bead\u27s scattering pattern rotated when the polarization was rotated. Finally, it is possible to estimate the size of a scatterer by fitting the pattern of light scattered by it to the scattering patterns predicted by Mie theory for scatterers across a range of sizes. It was shown in this thesis that fits to theory can be affected by altering the polarization of the incident light
Workings of Theocracy: The Historical Function and Modern Applicability of Charitable Endowments
Get PDFHistorically, various systems and institutions across diverse civilizations have been established to meet the many needs that interweave the fabric of society. One, and perhaps the most significant of these institutions is the waqf/hubus system. Characterized by the designation of a property or revenue stream as mortmain and the investment of the usufruct for the benefit of (often predetermined) beneficiaries, this form of charitable endowment is hailed as a cornerstone of Islamic civilization. The objectives of this paper are threefold. Primarily, it examines the historical role of awqāf, with focus on their social and economic significance in two distinct Islamic civilizations: Al-Andalus & the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, it seeks to understand the importance of the endowment system in the preservation and continual function of a healthy society. Finally, it evaluates the modern capacity of awqāf and considers the potential for their implementation in the Western world
Van Gogh, Nature, and Spirituality
Get PDFI attempt to show how Vincent Van Gogh turned to nature as a tool for him to both understand religion and portray it through his paintings. Finding commonalities between a version of Calvinism that saw God\u27s hand in the smallest piece of the natural world and secular inspiration such as Transcendentalism, Vincent expressed his beliefs in his paintings of nature, in particular the Wheat Field series of paintings and his pictures featuring cypress trees created toward the end of his life. While distancing himself from the traditional ministry of Christianity, Van Gogh used depictions of nature in his art to satisfy his need for spirituality at the end of his life. Vincent found religious success in using his art as a form of preaching, creating sermons full of religious symbols through each of his paintings. Through the selection of paintings with explicit references to Christianity, as well as the concrete symbols of wheat fields, cypress trees, and sowers, I will explore Vincent’s journey as a visual preacher. This thesis will contribute to scholarship on Vincent by furthering connections between his religious beliefs, specifically his family’s Dutch form of Calvinism, and his art, helping to complete the picture of Vincent Van Gogh as an artist
Do Solo Travelers Perceive Discrimination From Hotel and Cruise Service Providers, and Can Providers Overcome Perceptions to Achieve Customer Loyalty? An Examination of the Impact of Singlism on the Travel Industry
Get PDFUnited States demographics have been shifting since the 1950s in more ways than one. Single consumers are a fast-growing market segment, yet their treatment by service providers is not adequately studied in academic research, let alone the travel industry. This dissertation examines whether single solo travelers who stay in hotels or on cruises perceive discrimination during both the shopping experience and service delivery experience, and if these service providers can achieve customer loyalty by providing a quality service experience. The research model measures perceived discrimination, service satisfaction perceptions, overall service satisfaction, customer loyalty and service quality perceptions using the SERVQUAL model and tests the relationship between service satisfaction and customer loyalty. The role of service quality as a mediator is also tested. While varying levels of perceived discrimination was not found due to the small number who perceived discrimination, evidence of some potential negative effects that perceived discrimination can have on the service experience was supported. Additionally, results also support the influence of a negative service experience, due to perceptions of discrimination, affecting overall satisfaction. Findings suggest that hotel and cruise service providers should focus on providing high levels of service quality and service satisfaction as a way to mitigate any effects perceived discrimination could have on service quality perceptions, overall service satisfaction, and customer loyalty intentions. This study adds to the academic literature on single travelers, while testing the validity of a key service quality measure (LODGSERV) in the U.S with hotel and cruise service providers. Managerial implications and future search opportunities are also discussed
Framing Sports’ Corporate Social Responsibility: U.S. Women’s Vs. Men’s Soccer Leagues
Get PDFProfessional sports are a rich industry for corporate social responsibility (CSR) research because today’s sports organizations are big businesses that generate shared identities and strong affective connections among fans, teams, and players. Further, today’s professional sports consumers expect organizations to behave in socially responsible ways and to give back to their communities. While nearly every sports organization, like most other major businesses, practices CSR, sports teams are in a unique position because they receive greater media coverage than other businesses. Not all of this coverage is positive, however, as news reports about the controversy over compensation inequities in women’s soccer have elevated conversations about gender equity not just in sports, but also in society at large. Moreover, research suggests that men’s team sports receive much greater coverage than their women counterparts. These differences in media coverage and compensation create a compelling context for comparing news reports of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) team’s socially responsible behaviors. Specifically, this quantitative content analysis compared local newspaper coverage of three NWSL and three MLS teams’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviors. The results indicate that there were significant differences in the quantity, tone, and framing of the CSR coverage. Not only did the MLS receive significantly greater and more positive coverage than the NWSL, but also the issue, source, and visual frames differed significantly between leagues. These findings’ implications in terms of CSR, framing, and gender theories in the context of the professional sports industry as well as practical suggestions for journalists and news consumers are also discussed