Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Workplace Gossip As A Way Of Coping With Occupational Stress, Urszula Kakar Maria

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between workplace gossip and occupation stress. Gossip has been recognized as a ubiquitous and influential, yet seriously under researched phenomenon in the workplace. It has been acknowledged that research on workplace gossip is of great value because it constitutes a big part of organizational communication, it serves important functions, and it has serious consequences for members and organization itself. The small number of studies may be in part explained by the lack of agreement among researchers on the definition of gossip.

Mediational Effects Of Desktop-Videoconferencing Telecollaborative Exchanges On The Intercultural Communicative Competence Of Students Of French As A Foreign Language, Veronique Marie Martin

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Since the early 2000s, foreign language practitioners and researchers have shown an increasing interest in exploring the affordances of multimodal telecollaborative environments for the linguistic and intercultural development of their students. Due in part to their inherent complexity, one-on-one desktop-videoconferencing contexts have not been widely explored. To this end, this study investigates if and how American students of French engaged in a telecollaborative exchange with a class of French students are able to develop their Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) through online interaction and the completion of a collaborative task. Adopting a case study approach, the video-recorded sessions of three dyads …

Cultural Omnivores In Context : An Examination Of Neighborhood Effects On Cultural Taste, Alexander Mcclung

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

After a review of the "cultural omnivore" debate in sociology, the following thesis proposes an examination of how place "matters" for cultural taste. The Anglophone response to Bourdieu's (1984) Distinction that the U.S. elite forgo highbrow snobbism for wide-ranging "omnivore" cultural taste contains several assumptions about culture and its relationship to socioeconomic mobility. These responses, collectively known here as the "omnivore debate" are critiqued on the basis that they pay inadequate attention to the contexts surrounding cultural taste. But it is knowledge of context that is required to understand how taste might be related to socioeconomic mobility. In fact, none …

The Living Among The Dead : Negotiating Social Inclusion In Albany Rural Cemetery, Jaime Lyn Mckay

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Picture Albany in the year 1840. The city had existed for over two centuries, yet the pace of development had picked up on the steep slopes overlooking the Hudson River. "Beautifully situated on ground rising steeply from the banks of the Hudson... and is one of the most attractive, cleanly, well-ordered, and elegant cities of America" (Munsell 1871, vi). Upon the hill where State Street runs, the landscape reflected the industrializing and urbanizing of New York's state capital. Like burgeoning cities up and down the East Coast, Albany was expanding and industrializing at an unprecedented rate. Similarly, the capital city …

Interactivity, Interdependence, And Intertextuality : The Meaning Of Video Games In American Civil Society, Brian Mckernan

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In recent years the video game community has undergone a drastic transformation. What began as a communal pastime for programmers in federally-funded research laboratories during the late 1950s and 1960s has erupted into a multi-billion dollar industry enjoyed by millions of Americans. Reflecting this transformation, social scientists from a wide variety of fields have begun to explore video games' social significance. Sadly, so far very little work has examined video games from a sociological viewpoint. In this work I attempt to remedy this serious omission by adopting a cultural sociology framework to study video games' social meanings in three different …

Economic Remittances To Middle Class Peruvian Families : Origins, Use And Impact, Guadalupe Morales Gotsch

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Compression Of Gps Trajectory Data : Benchmarking Framework And New Approach, Jonathan Muckell

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

GPS-equipped mobile devices such as smart phones and in-car navigation units are collecting enormous amounts of spatial and temporal information that traces a moving object's path. The exponential increase in the amount of such trajectory data has caused three major problems. First, transmission of large amounts of data is expensive and time-consuming. Second, queries on large amounts of trajectory data require computationally expensive operations to extract useful patterns and information. Third, GPS trajectories often contain large amounts of redundant data that waste storage and cause increased disk I/O time. These issues can be addressed by algorithms that reduce the size …

Front Cover

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Title Page

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Editorial Board

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Editor's Page, Stephen K. Hunt, Joseph P. Mazer

Basic Communication Course Annual

Over the past 20 years, the basic communication course has become a staple of many of general education programs. The ability to communicate effectively is viewed as a prerequisite to interpersonal relationships, success in the workplace, and meaningful participation as a citizen in our democracy.

The role of the basic communication course in general education affords the discipline with substantial political capital on many campuses—administrators often look to the basic course as an ideal location for launching new initiatives and capturing important data regarding student learning outcomes. To the extent that basic course directors are able to deliver those initiatives …

Static And Dynamic Interplay Among Communication Apprehension, Communicative Self-Efficacy, And Willingness To Communicate In The Communication Course, Georgeta M. Hodis, Flaviu A. Hodis

Basic Communication Course Annual

This research offers an in-depth analysis of both static (cross-sectional) and dynamic (longitudinal) relations among communication apprehension, communicative self-efficacy, and willingness to communicate pertaining to the public speaking context. Using longitudinal data from undergraduate students enrolled in a semester-long basic communication course (BCC) focusing on public speaking, the study sheds light on the complex patterns of interrelationships among the three constructs and on the differences arising when regarding them from a static versus dynamic standpoint. The research reveals important findings that have salient implications for instruction in the BCC and are informative for theory-development and general pedagogical practice in the …

Assessment Of E-Textbook Usage In A Large Public Speaking Program, Marlina M. Davidson, Karen Kangas Dwyer

Basic Communication Course Annual

This study examined student usage of an e-textbook in a large multi-section basic pubic speaking course that fulfills the oral communication general education requirement at a large state university in the Midwest. The results collected from students surveys (n=598) indicated that they are not yet using e-textbooks across other university classes, they prefer printed textbooks to e-textbooks, they perceive advantages of e-textbooks to be cost, weight, ability to quickly find topics and conveniences, while they perceive advantages of printed textbooks to be the ability to highlight and take notes, ease of reading, and keeping the printed text-book for future reference. …

Assessing Student Public Speaking Competence In The Hybrid Basic Communication Course, Kristen Leblanc Farris, Marian L. Houser, Crystal D. Wotipka

Basic Communication Course Annual

Public speaking remains one of the most sought-after skill sets by employers. However, a method to accurately assess these public speaking skills has long been debated by educators and scholars alike (Morreale, Hugenberg, & Worley, 2006). This study sought to ex-amine the assessment tools used to demonstrate student learning of public speaking skills in the hybrid orientation of the basic communication course. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the validity of two assessment instruments (Informative Presentation Assessment Form and Persuasive Presentation Assessment Form) measuring student public speaking competency. Results established concurrent validity of the two assessment instruments used to measure …

Facing With Non-Nativeness While Teaching: Enacting Voices Of International Teaching Assistants Of Basic Communication Courses, Arata Miyazaki, Kaori Yamada

Basic Communication Course Annual

This paper presents our voices as international teaching assistants (ITAs) of public speaking courses at American universities and discusses how non-native English speaker identity, or non-nativeness is displayed, developed, and negotiated through our inter-actions with both native and other non-native speakers. Regarding our companionship as ITAs of public speaking as a subject of study, we engage in narrative co-construction about our survival in graduate programs. We argue that non-nativeness is not monolithic but is more relational and multilayered than it tends to be assumed. Obtaining a teaching position was an epiphany for our relationship, changing the perceptions about and attitude …

Author Biographies

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Index Of Titles And Authors, Volumes 1-24

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Fall Risk Assessment In Older People Using Inertial Sensors, Maryam Ghahramani, Fazel Naghdy, David Stirling, Golshah Naghdy, Jan Potter

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Abstract of paper that was presented at The 12th National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing.

Mixed-Metal (Li, Al) Amidoborane: Synthesis And Enhanced Hydrogen Storage Properties, Guanglin Xia, Yingbin Tan, Xiaowei Chen, Zaiping Guo, Hua-Kun Liu, Xuebin Yu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Mixed-metal (Li, Al) amidoborane has been synthesized via mechanical ball milling of ammonia borane with lithium hexahydridoaluminate in different molar ratios. The reversible dehydrogenation properties of the thus-synthesized metallic amidoborane and its mixtures with ammonia borane in different ratios were systematically investigated in comparison with neat ammonia borane (AB). On the basis of thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry results, the thus-synthesized mixed-metal amidoborane was shown to release around 10 wt% hydrogen below 200 degrees C, with an effective suppression of volatile side products. Furthermore, a synergistic effect between metallic amidoborane and ammonia borane has been identified, which leads to the …

Rapid Synthesis Of Free-Standing Moo3/Graphene Films By The Microwave Hydrothermal Method As Cathode For Bendable Lithium Batteries, Lukman Noerochim, Jia-Zhao Wang, David Wexler, Zhong Chao, Hua-Kun Liu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Highly flexible, binder-free, MoO3 nanobelt/graphene film electrode is prepared by a two-step microwave hydrothermal method. Graphene is first prepared by an ultra-fast microwave hydrothermal method and then mixed with MoO3 solution to synthesize the MoO3 nanobelt/graphene composite, which exhibits the combination of stacked graphene sheets and uniform MoO3 nanobelts with widths of 200-500 nm and lengths of 5-10 μm. The charge-discharge measurements show that the as-synthesized MoO3/graphene hybrid materials demonstrate excellent rate capability, large capacity, and good cycling stability compared to the pure MoO3 film. An initial discharge capacity of 291 mAh g-1 can be obtained at 100 mA g-1, …

Gestural Interface Technology In Early Childhood Education: A Framework For Fully Engaged Communication, Holly Tootell, Melinda Plumb, Colin D. Hadfield, Linda Dawson

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Gestural Interface Technology (GIT) has changed the way technology is adopted in classrooms for all ages. The accessibility of control through touch means that technology such as Apple's iPad can be used in early childhood education. In this paper, we introduce a framework for fully-engaged communication, developed from educational pedagogy and critical engagement in information systems. The intersection of these dimensions creates a view of a GIT lifeworld approach which allows it to be used to understand multiple layers of engagement that exist within an early childhood education environment.

Changes In Surface Properties And Separation Efficiency Of A Nanofiltration Membrane After Repeated Fouling And Chemical Cleaning Cycles, Alexander Simon, William E. Price, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in membrane surface properties and solute separation by a nanofiltration membrane during repetitive membrane fouling and chemical cleaning. Secondary treated effluent and model fouling solutions containing humic acids, sodium alginate, or silica colloids were used to simulate membrane fouling. Chemical cleaning was carried out using a commercially available caustic cleaning formulation. Carbamazepine and sulfamethoxazole were selected to examine the filtration behaviour of neutral and negatively charged organic compounds, respectively. Results show that the impact of membrane fouling on solute rejection is governed by pore blocking, modification of the membrane surface …

The Response Of Axially Restrained Non-Composite Steel-Concrete-Steel Sandwich Panels Due To Large Impact Loading, Alex M. Remennikov, Sih Ying Kong, Brian Uy

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

In conventional steel-concrete-steel (SCS) construction, the external steel plates are connected to the concrete infill by welded shear stud connectors. This paper describes a programme of experimental and numerical investigations on reduced-scale non-composite SCS panels with axially restrained connections. The experimental results have demonstrated that the non-composite SCS panels are capable of developing enhanced load-carrying capacity through the tensile membrane resistance of the steel faceplates. This type of construction was found to exhibit highly ductile response and be able to sustain large end rotations of up to 18° without collapse. High fidelity finite element models for SCS panels under impact …

Stress-Strain Degradation Response Of Railway Ballast Stabilized With Geosynthetics, Buddhima Indraratna, Sanjay Nimbalkar

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Large cyclic loading on ballasted railroad tracks is now inevitable owing to an increased demand for freight and public transport. This leads to a progressive deterioration and densification of railroad ballast and consequently to the loss of track geometry and differential settlement. Understanding these complex stress-strain and degradation mechanisms is essential to predict the desirable track maintenance cycle, as well as the design of new track. This paper presents the results of cyclic drained tests and numerical studies carried out on a segment of model railway track supported on geosynthetically reinforced railroad ballast bed. The relative performance and effectiveness of …

Greenland Ice Sheet Mass Balance Reconstruction. Part I: Net Snow Accumulation (1600-2009), Jason E. Box, Noel Cressie, David H. Bromwich, Ji-Hoon Jung, Michiel Van Den Broeke, J H. Van Angelen, Richard R. Forster, Clement Miege, Ellen Mosley-Thompson, Bo Vinther, Joseph R. Mcconnell

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Ice core data are combined with RACMO2 regional climate model (RCM) output (1958-2010) to develop a reconstruction of the Greenland ice sheet net snow accumulation rate (Ât(G)) spanning years 1600-2009. Regression parameters from RCM output regressed on 86 ice cores are used with available cores in a given year resulting in the reconstructed values. Each core site’s residual variance is used to inversely weight the cores’ respective contributions. The interannual amplitude of the reconstructed accumulation rate is damped by the regressions and is thus calibrated to match that of the RCM data. Uncertainty and significance of changes is measured using …

A Random Effect Block Bootstrap For Clustered Data, Raymond L. Chambers, Hukum Chandra

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Random effects models for hierarchically dependent data, e.g. clustered data, are widely used. A popular bootstrap method for such data is the parametric bootstrap based on the same random effects model as that used in inference. However, it is hard to justify this type of bootstrap when this model is known to be an approximation. In this paper we describe a random effect block bootstrap approach for clustered data that is simple to implement, free of both the distribution and the dependence assumptions of the parametric bootstrap and is consistent when the mixed model assumptions are valid. Results based on …

Influence Of Rock Depth On Seismic Site Classification For Shallow Bedrock Regions, P Anbazhagan, M. Neaz Sheikh, Aditya Parihar

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Seismic site classifications are used to represent site effects for estimating hazard parameters (response spectral ordinates) at the soil surface. Seismic site classifications have generally been carried out using average shear wave velocity and/or standard penetration test n-values of top 30-m soil layers, according to the recommendations of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) or the International Building Code (IBC). The site classification system in the NEHRP and the IBC is based on the studies carried out in the United States where soil layers extend up to several hundred meters before reaching any distinct soil-bedrock interface and may not …

Impact Of Chemical Cleaning On The Nanofiltration Of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds (Phacs): The Role Of Cleaning Temperature, Alexander Simon, William E. Price, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This study investigated the impact of chemical cleaning on the physicochemical properties of a nanofiltration membrane and its subsequent separation efficiency of inorganic salts and two pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine. Chemical cleaning was simulated by immersing virgin membrane samples in aqueous citric acid, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid (EDTA) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) at various temperatures for 18 h. The cleaning temperature did not exert any discernible impact on the surface charge of the NF270 membrane selected in this study. However, high cleaning temperatures were shown to either amplify or reduce the impact of chemical cleaning on …

Sparse Representation Of Gpr Traces With Application To Signal Classification, Wenbin Shao, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum, Son Lam Phung

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Sparse representation (SR) models a signal with a small number of elementary waves using an overcomplete dictionary. It has been employed for a wide range of signal and image processing applications, including denoising, deblurring, and compression. In this paper, we present an adaptive SR method for modeling and classifying ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals. The proposed method decomposes each GPR trace into elementary waves using an adaptive Gabor dictionary. The sparse decomposition is used to extract salient features for SR and classification of GPR signals. Experimental results on real-world data show that the proposed sparse decomposition achieves efficient signal representation …

Optical Solitary Waves In Thermal Media With Non-Symmetric Boundary Conditions, Simon Louis, Timothy R. Marchant, Noel F. Smyth

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Optical spatial solitary waves are considered in a nonlocal thermal focusing medium with non-symmetric boundary conditions. The governing equations consist of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation for the light beam and a Poisson equation for the temperature of the medium. Three numerical methods are investigated for calculating the ground and excited solitary wave solutions of the coupled system. It is found that the Newton conjugate gradient method is the most computationally efficient and versatile numerical technique. The solutions show that by varying the ambient temperature, the solitary wave is deflected towards the warmer boundary. Solitary wave stability is also examined both …