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"Inertia of the stein transformation with respect to some nonderogatory matrices"
No full textProceedings of the Fourth Conference of the International Linear Algebra Society.Let A be an n-by-n nonderogatory matrix all of whose eigenvalues lie on the unit circle, and let and be nonnegative integers with + = n. Let ′ and ′ be positive integers and ′ a nonnegative integer with ′ + ′ + ′ = n. In this paper we explore the existence of a Hermitian nonsingular matrix K with inertia ( , , 0), such that the Stein transformation of K corresponding to A, SA(K) = K − AKA*, is a Hermitian matrix with inertia ( ′, ′, ′). The study is done by reducing A to Jordan canonical form. If C is an n-by-n nonderogatory matrix all of whose eigenvalues lie on the imaginary axis, then the results obtained for SA(K) are valid for the Lyapunov transformation, LC(K) = CK + KC*, of K corresponding to C.Partially supported by a Drake University Faculty Research Grant
Special Interest Group Coalitions : Grassroots or Astroturf? : Establishing Ethical StandardsTo Develop or Evaluate Broad-Based Support Efforts
No full text142 leavesThis thesis is a study of special interest group use of the coalition technique to accomplish a public affairs agenda. The study provides a brief overview of the history of special interest group activity in the United States; discusses the legal restrictions placed on special interest groups by the laws
of the State of Iowa and the United States of America. Further, this study considers the ethical implications of these actions in the context of the professional codes of the Public Relations Society of America and the
International Association of Business Communicators. The study is based on in-depth interviews regarding the operation of
four coalitions which were formed to accomplish public affairs agendas at
local and national levels. At the local level, the coalitions were formed by a for-profit corporation seeking to influence a ballot initiative. At the national level, one coalition was formed by a trade association and the other was formed by a foreign government. Each sought to influence a national public policy debate. The media coverage of these coalitions by "elite" media was analyzed to ascertain if the media performed in a watchdog capacity, informing the public if/when illegal or unethical actions occurred. Coalition activities were analyzed in the context of professional codes since coalitions are often formed and operated by public relations professionals. The question considered in this thesis was whether, by the analysis of cases histories, media coverage and ethical codes, gudielines for the ethical formation and operation of coalitions by special interest groups could be established. The findings of this study are that coalitions perform an important role when they represent a broad public interest, the "grass roots;" however when coalitions are formed without consideration for true representation of a broad citizen base, they may be deceptive, unethical and Astroturf-type front organizations, potentially damaging to the public interest. The media can play an important role in protecting the public interest by performing as diligent watchdogs, however they do not always rise to this responsibility. The public relations profession bears the brunt of media and public concern where unethical coalition activity occurs. Ethical guidelines for use by public relations practitioners, the media and the public are offered
The Use of Intuition by Intrapartal Nurses
Get PDFvi, 69 leaves. Advisor: Marion Hemstron.Fifteen intrapartal nurses participated in this qualitative, descriptive study
of the use of intuition in caring for laboring clients. Demographic information,
including participant self-rating of intuitive ability on a visual analog scale, was
obtained. Personal interviews with a predetermined interview schedule were
audio-taped. Definitions of intuition and how nurses use intuition in their
clinical practice, including supports and barriers to its use were explored.
Examples of the use of intuition by intrapartal nurses are given. One
recommendation for further study is the development of instruments to
empirically measure intuitive ability. Enhancement of patient care through
acceptance of intuitive judgment was i3n implication for nursing practice. The
study findings confirmed the use of intuition by intrapartal nurses as an integral
part of their clinical nursing practice
Effects of Ganglioside GM1 on MDMA-Induced Serotonergic Neurotoxicity in the Rat Brain
Get PDFv, 42 leaves. Advisor: Rodney Rogers.MDMA (Ecstasy), a methylamphetamine derivative, has been found to produce
severe and somewhat selective damage to CNS serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. This
damage, though extensive, does not involve cell death. The ganglioside GM 1 has
demonstrated potential neurotrophic properties which may enhance the rate of recovery of
the neurons from the MDMA-induced effects. To assess this GM1 effect, MDMA (20
mglkg x 4 days), GM1 (40 mgkg), MDMA and GM1 or saline was injected (i.p.) into
male rats. Behavioral activity was determined for 24 hours on day 5 or day 12 following
the beginning of the injections. A general increase in activity on day 5 was noted for the
MDMA group (consistent with a release of 5-HT and/or catecholamines) while the activity
of the MDMA/GM 1 group was lower, at the level of the control. At day 12 the MDMA
group's activity was decreased relative to the control (consistent with a 5-HT depletion)
while the MDWGM 1 group's activity was at or above that of the control. Biochemical
analysis of brain tissue obtained from the animals sacrificed on day 7 or 14 following the
beginning of the injections demonstrated a profound depletion of 5-HT, dopamine and
norepinephrine with administration of MDMA. The MDMA/GMl group also showed this
depletion, though to a smaller degree, suggesting some attenuation of toxic effects
An Investigation of the FDA (Failure to Do Assignment) Program in Helping Middle School Students Complete School Assignments
Get PDF69 leaves. Advisor: Perry Johnston.The problem: The variables of the Failure to Do Assignment System
(FDA) were examined as to their impact in helping middle school
students complete school assignments.
Procedure: Survey data was collected from the ninety-two sixth,
seventh, and eighth grade students at the Newell-Fonda Middle
School. A questionnaire was designed to elicit attitudinal responses
regarding assignment sheets in helping the goal-setting process;
encouragement, and self-esteem development by parents and
teachers within teacher-advisee groups; the value of morning breaks.
FDA study hall, and activity consequences. Similar survey data was
collected from the twelve staff members of the middle school. FDAs
of the ninety-two middle school students were recorded and
tabulated for a nine-month period as were grade point averages by
quarter. The number of FDAs given the second week of school
when no FDAs were officially recorded was compared with FDAs
given the remaining first semester. Z scores were used to establish
if there existed cause to reject the null hypothesis.
Findings: Tests supported the rejection of the null hypothesis that
there was no decrease over time in the number of incomplete
assignments at the middle school level. The Likert scale
questionnaires for students and staff provided mean scores which
identified use of assignment sheet for goal-setting, teacherladvisee
encouragement, and activity consequences as positive variables in
the success of the FDA System.
Recommendations: Further research in single case or group studies
is needed. Additional schools with innovative programs for
monitoring procrastinating students need to be identified for
comparative studies
An Analysis of the Effects of Prereferral Interventions on the Reduction of Inappropriate Classroom Behaviors
Get PDFv, 127 leaves. Advisor: Marion PanyanThe problem. The author identified a number of concerns with traditional special education services which suggest the need to investigate different methods of remediating student problems within the mainstream classroom environment. These included: (a) the educational community's
failure to meet the intent of P.L. 94-142, (b) an increasing number of individuals with mild disabilities, (c) the high cost of special education, (d) the lack of objectivity in
determining which students are eligible for special education, and (e) the general ineffectivenegs of special education instructional services. The purpose of this study was to determine whether consultants using the Mainstream
Assessment Team: A Handbook on Prereferral Intervention (MAT) (Fuchs, Fuchs, Reeder, Gilman, Fernstrom, Bahr, & Moore, 1989) as an operational tool, could successfully assist classroom teachers in reducing inappropriate behaviors of students being considered for special education evaluation.
Procedures. Three school psychologists (serving as
consultants) received abbreviated instruction in all phases of the MAT. Working with regular education teachers from three different elementary schools, the consultants used MAT techniques in intervening with 14 different students under
consideration for special education referral.
Findinqs. Compared to gender-matched peers, who served as comparison students, the 14 target students demonstrated a significant reduction in inappropriate behavior, indicating that the MAT can be an effective tool in reducing inappropriate behavior in the mainstream classroom environment.
Conclusions. While the MAT proved successful in
reducing inappropriate behaviors, additional efforts are necessary to validate its utility as an operational treatment methodology.Specifically, more work is needed in: (a) understanding the dynamics in selecting and training consultants, (b) identifying the types of problems treatable
by the MAT, (c) broadening sample sizes and constructing longitudinal studies to strengthen external validity, and (d) socially validating the MAT as a treatment intervention. While this study demonstrated the potential of the MAT as an effective classroom intervention method, until these issues are addressed, its overall usefulness and generalizability in remediating problems without relying on special education services is indeterminable
Worker Impact on the Change Process in a Food Processing Plant
Get PDF239 leaves. Advisor: S. Pike HallThe problem. Quality management consultants and change experts generally agree that change must come from the top of an organization. This viewpoint may constitute a fatal flaw in attempts at workplace reorganization in America. This study views the process from a management and worker perspective, looking for evidence that change may be a worker initiated and sustained process. Methodology. This study is a naturalistic inquiry into the change process at a food processing plant in the
Midwestern United States. The enterprise is attempting to reorganize production processes in order to improve the quality of finished products. The researcher is engaged in
facilitating, documenting, and analyzing the change process.
Findings. The researcher engaged in a facilitated, interactive change process with the union and management at the study site, observing, participating, and documenting a
wide variety of activities which surfaced claims, concerns, and issues, and which resulted in an integrated statement of
understanding regarding the change process and actions associated with that process.
Conclusion. This study confirmed that the use of hermeneutic circles is an effective method of surfacing differences in perspective, experience, motivation, and commitment to a change process. This method was expanded by
a storytelling process which surfaced similarities and common ground allowing participants to engage in the development of joint constructions, which led to shared
planning and action. The researcher's human instrument, based on a Rogerian counseling approach, created an environment which allowed both union and management to develop new constructions of their relationship
Normative Influence and its Effect on Goal Commitment and Task Performance
Get PDF94 leaves. Advisor: Marie ClaphamThe Problem. This study investigated the effect of
need for achievement (nAch), need for approval (nAp), social influence, and depression on goal commitment and postperformance. It was hypothesized positive social influence would be associated with high commitment and postperformance. It was also hypothesized high nAch would be associated with high commitment and postperformance. It was also hypothesized high nAp would be associated with high commitment and postperformance.
Procedure. Measures of nAch, nAp, and depression were completed by 165 college students who later performed a word formation task. A positive, neutral, or negative social influence manipulation was implemented during the experimental task.
Findings. A significant effect of nAck on goal
commitment was found. A nearly significant effect of social influence on postperformance was found.
Conclusions. High nAch is associated with high goal commitment. Positive social influence is associated with high performance and negative social influence is associated with low performance.
Recommendations. Organizations using goal setting theory need to be aware of the nAch-commitment relationship. These organizations need to foster
positive opinions of work tasks to increase productivity. Further research is needed to identify what other aspects of social influence affect performance
Student Involvement : A Descriptive Analysis of Adults Enrolled in Community College Vocational Technical Programs
Get PDFvii, 111 leaves. Advisor: Thomas S. Westbrook.The purpose:
The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the educational
experiences of adults in community college vocational technical programs (AVTs)
according to their levels of student involvement, assessment of progress toward
goals, and level of satisfaction with the college environment.
Procedures:
The overall educational experiences of AVTs were compared to other community
college student sub-populations. The Community College Student Experiences
Questionnaire (CCSEQ) was used as the instrument to collect data. A total of
361 students completed the CCSEQ and constituted the comparison student
groups: adult learners (ALs), and traditional age learners (TLs); and within those
groups: adults in vocational technical programs (AVTs), traditional age students
in vocational technical programs (TVTs), and adults in college transfer programs
(ACTS).
Findinqs:
1) AVT student
activities. AVTs
involvement consists of energy invested in course and writing
do not invest much energy on interaction with other students or
faculty. AVTs do not invest as much energy in vocational skills as younger
vocational technical students.
2) AVT involvement follows what Astin (1984) describes as a continuum of
different levels of involvement in different types of activities.
3) AVT involvement is both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative
involvement was identified by AVTs' reports of gains. AVT satisfaction reflects
the qualitative aspect of involvement (Astin, 1984).
4) AVTs are more marginal, less involved students than other adult learners or
traditional age learners. College personnel can address these areas of
differences and produce services and policies that can lead to AVT increases in
involvement, gains, and satisfaction.
Conclusions:
@ AVTs' educational involvement largely centers on course and writing activities.
@ AVTs experience moderate gains while in college.
@ AVTs are only moderately satisfied with their college environment.
@ AVTs differ somewhat from other adult learners in community colleges.
@ AVTs differ substantially from traditional age learners in community college
vocational technical programs.
Recommendations:
1) Seek methods to increase AVT levels of involvement with faculty members
and student acquaintances.
2) To increase gain, tie AVT out of class learning opportunities to course
completion.
3) To increase involvement, gain, and, satisfaction, design policies that offer
credit for on-the-job internships and life experiences and recognition for academic
achievement for part-time students.
4) To increase satisfaction, balance the desire to provide services with a respect
to not intrude on the AVTs' complex lives and pragmatic natures
Effects of Group Size on Arousal Elicited From Viewing a Violent Stimulus
Get PDF56 leavesThe Purpose of the present study was to assess the extent to which the physiological and cognitive effects of viewing violent media were mediated by the presence of other people. It was hypothesized that individuals who
watched a violent film clip by themselves would exhibit greater physiological arousal, and would rate the film clip as more violent, than subjects who watched the same film clip in groups, and than subjects who watched a
nonviolent film clip. A volunteer sample of 150 undergraduate women were assigned to one of six film viewing conditions, depending on whether they watched the violent or the nonviolent film clip, and on whether they watched the film clip alone or with two or four other persons. Physiological
arousal was determined by measuring subjects' heart rate and blood pressure during viewing of the film clips. After viewing the film clips, each subject rated the films on six different cognitive dimensions. Results indicated that group size did not affect film ratings, or systolic or diastolic blood pressure, but a significant difference in heart rate between baseline and peak film
viewing was obtained with subjects who watched the violent film clip alone. The findings of this study suggest a possible mediating effect on heart rate of viewing violent media in the presence of other people