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Troost, Jan J. "Factors influencing laboratory vibratory compaction." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17651.
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Includes bibliography.The thesis consists of a literature review and a limited experimental investigation in a soils laboratory. The objective of the literature review is to determine what standard laboratory test methods based on vibration exist for the control of compaction, to what soil types these tests are applicable and what the factors are which affect laboratory vibratory compaction. The study revealed that extensive research has been carried out in the USA and Europe, where standard laboratory compaction tests exist for the determination of the maximum dry density of cohesionless, free-draining soil. The US methods are based on the use of a vibratory table, while the European practice is based on the use of a vibratory tamper. No standard tests appear to exist for soil exhibiting cohesion, though limited research has been carried out in the USA into the behaviour of such soils under laboratory vibratory compaction. The factors; frequency, amplitude, mould size and shape surcharge intensity and manner of application, soil type, time of vibration, number of layers and moisture content are all reported to have an effect on the maximum dry density achievable. It has been recognised that significant interaction occurs between the factors affecting vibratory compaction, but the extent of the interaction appears to be only partly understood. The objective of the limited experimental program was to determine whether a specific graded crushed stone could be compacted to Modified AASHTO maximum dry density with a laboratory vibratory compaction technique using a vibratory table, and how this could best be achieved. The effects on dry density of changing the frequency, the time of vibration, mould size, surcharge pressure, grading and moisture content were investigated. It is concluded that the graded crushed stone in question can be compacted to Mod. AASHTO maximum dry density but that before reliable reproducible results can be achieved with this type of test further work is necessary. Such research should be aimed at investigating the interaction effect between the amplitude of vibration, the soil type and the type and intensity of the applied surcharge pressure.
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Clerke, Anita. "FACTORS INFLUENCING GRIP STRENGTH TESTING IN TEENAGERS." University of Sydney, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/3553.
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Doctor of PhilosophyThe aims of the Thesis were: to investigate and quantify the factors influencing the production of maximum isometric grip strength force in a sample of Australian teenagers when using JamarTM-like handgrip dynamometers; to determine the reliability of this measure over long and short retest intervals; to establish a database of anthropometric and strength values for this group and prediction equations for premorbid strengths to aid assessment of recovery in those with upper limb pathologies. The history of these handgrip dynamometers demonstrates that they have been employed in one form or another for over three hundred years and are still widely used today in hand rehabilitation and medical examinations. Many new types of dynamometers have been constructed subsequent to the ubiquitous JamarTM and have all been briefly reviewed here. Handedness (dominance) was thought to be a possible factor influencing grip strength performance and was later evaluated. But first, the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory was tested with 658 teenagers and 64 adults and confirmed to be a valid tool for assessing handedness. Its validity was improved by substituting the tasks of sweeping and opening the lid of a box for hammering and use of a screwdriver. Its excellent reliability (ICC = .78, p < 0.01) was confirmed with 45 teenagers and 45 adults. There were 235 teenagers who performed maximal isometric grip strength tests and from the results a local database was created. It was confirmed that the grip strength difference in males and females becomes significant after the age of 13 years, and that the average teenaged male is stronger than the average teenaged female by 11.2 Kg force (p < .01). Height, weight, BMI, hand dimensions, past upper limb injuries, degrees of handedness and exercise levels were measured and compared with known norms to establish that the grip strength tested sample of teenagers was representative of urban teenagers in Australia. The influence of handedness on maximal grip strength in dominant and non-dominant hands was unable to be completely ascertained due to the vast majority of the sample of teenagers being right-handed. Only 13 of the 235 teenagers used their left hand for most tasks, with another 20 using their left hands for a small majority of tasks. There was a grip strength bias towards the dominant hand of 2.63 kg force (p < .01). The most accurate way to predict the grip strength of one hand is by knowing the grip strength of the other hand. Prediction models found that 90% (R2 adj .902) and 70% (R2adj .702) of the variance in one hand could be accounted for by the grip strength of their other hand for male and female teenagers, respectively. Prediction equations were also created to assist in estimating the pre-morbid grip strength of teenagers suffering from bilateral hand injuries. If for the males, measurements for height and hand surface area were entered into these models, the grip strength of the dominant and non-dominant hands could be estimated with 62.6 and 63.5% of the variance between the real and predicted scores accounted for, respectively. For the females the prediction models using height and hand surface area could only account for 33.9 and 42.8% of the variances, with no other independent variables improving the prediction equations. The reliability of the maximal grip strength performance of 154 of these teenagers was retested after one or four weeks. A number of sub-group permutations were created for age, gender, retest time interval and handedness groups. The measures of grip strength for males were highly reliable with ICC (3,1) values ranging from .91 to .97. These measures were significantly higher than that obtained from the females, where reliability values ranged from .69 to .83. Handedness played a significant part in grip strength reliability. The dominant hand of right-handed teenagers achieved an ICC (3,1) of .97, as contrasted with the non-dominant hand of left-handers who attained a very poor ICC (3,1) of .27. The shape of the hands of the males did not influence their grip strength or their reliability values, which ranged from .954 to .973. The shape of female hands did not affect their ability to generate maximal grip strength, only its reliability. The females with hands shaped squarer-than-average had mean grip strength reliability values of ICC (3,1) at only .48, in contrast to those with longer-than-average hands who achieved a mean ICC (3,1) of .92. The handle shape of the dynamometer may disadvantage square-handed females, and this should be further investigated.
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Balkhyour, Mansour. "Factors that affect respirator fit-testing programs." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/289239.
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Respirators are used to minimize the exposure to air contaminants. A good fit is essential for the effective functioning of a respirator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires an annual respirator fit testing. Respirator fit can be assessed either qualitatively or quantitatively. Two studies were conducted to assess the fit testing program with specific objectives to: (1) assess leak rates in full and half mask respirators; (2) assess the effectiveness of "feedback"1 on the quality of fit; (3) evaluate the effect of daily beard growth on respirator leak rates. In the first study, it was found that the half mask respirator has a significantly lower leak rate than the full face respirator. A significant reduction in leak rate in both respirator types with "feedback" was also observed. The finding that half mask respirators have lower leak rates directly contradicts American National Standard Institute's (ANSI) guidelines of higher Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for full mask respirator. Further studies are necessary to determine these findings and to amend respirator recommendations in the future. As expected in the second study, beard growth was associated with respirator leak rate. The effect of daily growth on leak rate over a period of twelve days could be defined by a second order regression equation. An attempt was made to describe some characteristics of beard that affect the leak rate. After 12 days of beard growth, it was found that the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of hair was inversely correlated with leak rate (r = 0.64). 1Feedback: A numerical value measuring the minimum leak rate that can be gotten from a respirator fitting with a normal donning.
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Anderson, Jeffrey Ryan. "Understanding Contextual Factors in Regression Testing Techniques." Diss., North Dakota State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10365/25547.
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The software regression testing techniques of test case reduction, selection, and prioritization are widely used and well-researched in software development. They allow for more efficient utilization of scarce testing resources in large projects, thereby increasing project quality at reduced costs. There are many data sources and techniques that have been researched, leaving software practitioners with no good way of choosing which data source or technique will be most appropriate for their project. This dissertation addresses this limitation. First, we introduce a conceptual framework for examining this area of research. Then, we perform a literature review to understand the current state of the art. Next, we performed a family of empirical studies to further investigate the thesis. Finally, we provide guidance to practitioners and researchers. In our first empirical study, we showed that advanced data mining techniques on an industrial product can improve the effectiveness of regression testing techniques. In our next study, we expanded on that research by learning a classification model. This research showed attributes such as complexity and historical failures were the most effective metrics due to a high occurrence of random test failures in the product studied. Finally, we applied the learning from the initial research and the systematic literature survey to develop novel regression testing techniques based on the attributes of an industrial product and showed these new techniques to be effective. These novel approaches included predicting performance faults from test data and customizing regression testing techniques based on usage telemetry. Further, we provide guidance to practitioners and researchers based on the findings from our empirical studies and the literature survey. This guidance will help practitioners and researchers more effectively employ and study regression testing techniques.
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Grobler, Hermanus Johannes Fourie. "Veldram performance testing of dorper rams in Namibia : performance testing, progency testing and factors influencing sale price of rams." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1545.
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The study aims to determine the contribution made by available ram growth- and breed standard parameters on the sale price of auctioned rams in Namibia. These findings serve as an indication of the importance ram buyers place on individual parameters in selecting rams for breeding purposes. It furthermore tries to establish whether scientific measurement for the estimation of ram breeding values takes precedence over subjective appraisal. The analysis of the 100 day and 270 day growth performance of the progeny of selected Veldram tested rams were used to evaluate the accuracy of the estimation of ram breeding values and may serve to validate the proper execution of these Veldram tests.
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Pickard, Robert K. L. "FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANONYMOUS HIV TESTING AT A COMMUNITY-BASED TESTING SITE IN COLUMBUS, OH." The Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1250005469.
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Eichenhofer, David J. "Auditory and visual factors of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children : a confirmatory factor analysis." Virtual Press, 1987. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/514707.
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The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children is a relatively new instrument designed to measure the cognitive abilities of children ages 2 1/2 to 12 1/2. The battery was predominantly based upon Luria's theory of cognitive processing which proposes a simultaneous and sequential dichotomy for the analysis of information. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses have generally supported this theory. However, across different age groups and with special populations, analyses have been inconsistent.Few alternative structures for the battery have been tested, especially with special populations.The purpose of the present study was to assess the viability of a two factor structure based upon the modality of input for a group of students referred for learning difficulties. One hundred and twelve students, ages 7 to 12 1/2, who had been referred by teachers because of learning difficulties were used in the study. The thirteen subtests of the K-ABC were specified as being associated with a visual input factor, an auditory input factor, or both. Confirmatory factor analysis, as performed by the LISREL VI computer program, was then used to test this hypothesis. Unreasonable parameter estimates led to the rejection of the model for this sample. This lack of confirmation is discussed in terms of high correlations among estimates, misspecification of the model, sample homogeneity, and lack of independence among the subtests in terms of input modality. It was concluded that input modality was not a major factor in performance on the battery for this particular sample.
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Arunvipas, Pipat. "Milk urea nitrogen, quality control of testing, individual cow factors, and correlations with bulk tank testing." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2001. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp05/MQ63255.pdf.
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Sampson, Brandi J. "Factors That Influence HIV Testing Among African American College Women." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1863.
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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become one of the world's most serious health and development challenges. It is important for African American female students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to engage in routine HIV testing and know their HIV status based on the high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS among African American women and the risk of engaging in risky sexual behavior in a college. This qualitative study was developed to help gain a better understanding of how African American female students who attend HBCUs make the decision to engage in HIV testing and their attitudes toward HIV testing. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted to collect data from African American female students who attend a HBCU. By using the theory of reasoned action and planned behavior (TRA/TPB), behaviors, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were explored by addressing questions and topics related to attitudes and decision making toward HIV testing. The women interviewed in this study had accepting and positive attitudes toward HIV testing. Perceived risk level was the leading a factor in making the decision to be tested for HIV among participating women. Understanding how these factors affect communities will help public health professionals, educators, community leaders, university personnel, policy makers, community organizations, and researchers develop the most effective strategies for the development and delivery of HIV testing messages that target African American female students who attend HBCUs.
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Robey, Alison Marie. "The Benefits of Testing| Individual Differences Based on Student Factors." Thesis, University of Maryland, College Park, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10286129.
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The testing effect, the notion that retrieval practice compared to restudying information leads to greater and longer retention, is one of the most robust findings in cognitive science. However, not all learners experience a benefit from retrieval practice. Many manipulations that influence the benefits of the testing effect have been explored, however, there is still much to learn about potential individual differences in the benefits of retrieval practice over restudy. As the testing effect grows in popularity and increasing numbers of classrooms begin implementing retrieval practice, it is essential to understanding how students’ individual differences and cognitive abilities contribute to the effect. For my dissertation, I explore how students’ cognitive abilities, specifically, episodic memory, general fluid intelligence, and strategy use, relate to the benefit of retrieval practice. In Study 1, I developed a new measure to simultaneously capture two aspects of strategy use: variation in what strategies learners use and variation in how learners use strategies. In Study 2, I examine how these two types of strategy use, along with episodic memory and general fluid intelligence can be used to predict the magnitude of the testing effect. Converging evidence from multiple analyses suggests variation in how learners use strategies was the only individual difference to influence the benefit learners receive from retrieval practice. More specifically, learners who are less adaptive and flexible in their strategy use show a greater benefit than more skilled strategy users. These findings have implications both for improving existing theories of the mechanisms of the testing effect and for determining how to best incorporate retrieval practice into classroom settings.
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Goward, L. M. "An investigation of the factors contributing to scores on intelligence tests." Thesis, University of Manchester, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.383893.
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Jacobson, Jesse Richard. "Factors Affecting Strength Gain and Development of a Laboratory Testing Procedure." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32298.
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Lime-cement columns were constructed to improve soft ground at the I-95/Route 1 Interchange in Alexandria, Virginia. As part of the test embankment program, two different commercial laboratories performed laboratory tests on treated soil, and they produced strikingly different unconfined compression test results. Further, both sets of results are different from test results for similar soils available in the published literature. This situation created uncertainties and a conservative design philosophy, accompanied by increased construction costs compared to typical lime-cement column projects. The goals of this research project were to assess factors that influence strength gain of lime-cement-soil mixtures and to develop a detailed laboratory test procedure that produces consistent results. Key findings from the research are that a laboratory test procedure that produces consistent results has been developed, drying and subsequent restoration of soil moisture prior to treatment can decrease the strength of the mixture, the mixture strength decreases as the ratio of soil water content to cement content increases for 100 percent cement-soil mixtures, the addition of lime can increase the mixture strength for some soils and decrease the strength for others, and presenting the test results in the form of contour plots of unconfined compressive strength can be very useful.Master of Science
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Shortlidge, Erin Elizabeth. "Testing the Ecological and Physiological Factors Influencing Reproductive Success in Mosses." PDXScholar, 2014. http://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1951.
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As non-vascular, early land plants with an aquatic ancestry, mosses do not regulate internal water conditions separate from that of their environment and as a result, evolved mechanisms to survive in a terrestrial world out of water. Yet, there is a widely accepted dogma that moss reproductive success is solely dependent on rainfall events carrying swimming, bi-flagellate sperm across the landscape to reproductively mature and receptive female mosses--but this classic view of moss reproduction may be too simplistic. In this dissertation I test the assumptions of reproductive limitation in mosses and present novel findings in a basal, yet understudied terrestrial plant mating system.
I find evidence of environmental desiccation tolerance in moss sperm, thus offering the potential for stress-tolerant gametes on the landscape possibly suited for various transport vectors, reminiscent of a pollen grain. To investigate the broad evolutionary implications of this newfound complexity in moss sexual reproduction, I tested classic tenets of plant-pollinator theory on the ancient mosses and their ubiquitous microarthropod inhabitants. Experimental results show that mosses and microarthropods are engaged in a "pollination-like" syndrome guided by sex-specific volatile cues that differentially affect microarthropod behavior. These data indicate an existing complex mutualistic relationship and provides new evidence of sexually dimorphic investment by male and female mosses into reproductive success. Further, these data put forth the idea that female mosses challenge an inherent mate limitation by investing into reproductive assurance via maintaining a relationship with microarthropods.
Experimental work further confirms a role for invertebrates in moss reproductive success and tests mutualism theory through ongoing experiments. Such experiments include an assessment of moss genetic diversity, paternity, and male fitness traits as it relates to mosses with or without the presence of microarthropods, thereby testing for fitness benefits gained by mosses possibly engaged in a transport mutualism with microarthropods.
I further tested mutualism, community ecology and moss sexual reproduction concepts in extreme geothermal moss populations living at the edges of inhabitable Earth, and results show that even geothermal moss canopies are diverse and host differential and abundant life. In a first field test of mutualism I found that although extreme heat stress may constrain sexual reproduction in mosses, a correlation between within-population moss genetic diversity and microarthropod abundances exists. To further examine mosses in extreme environments, and how these environments may constrain sexual reproductive success, I evaluated the effects of simulated warming on Antarctic moss physiology and reproductive biology. Data indicates that simulated warming relieves mosses of physiological stress, and results in a greater investment into primary productivity and sexual reproduction. These data support the hypothesis that with less stress, sexual reproduction is increased. Mosses are an ideal system by which to understand organisms that exist in environments ranging from the mesic to the extreme, in the laboratory and the field and even in the classroom, where the small functioning ecosystem of mosses can be used for discovery-based biology education as described in the Mosscosms curriculum.
This work contributes significantly to the field of bryophyte and plant biology by revealing novel insights into the biotic and abiotic drivers of sexual reproduction in mosses.
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Maama, Lineo Bernadette. "Factors affecting AIDS orphans' from accessing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT)." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1046.
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The study seeks to explore and identify factors that prevent AIDS orphans in presenting themselves for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Socio-cultural factors, notably, stigma and the resultant discrimination by community members, have been presented by many researchers as the main aetiological factors that hinder the use of VCT by AIDS orphans. It is on the basis of this that this study was conducted to identify factors that hinder AIDS orphans from accessing VCT. The study used a qualitative approach following an explorative and descriptive, contextual research design and was conducted at Ubuntu Education Fund, Port Elizabeth. Purposive sampling was used to determine a sample of AIDS orphans. Participants of the study had to be orphaned as a result of AIDS, isiXhosa-speaking, between 12-17 years, living in the care of a primary care-giver and had not presented themselves for VCT. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews are suitable in cases where the researcher is interested in an issue that is complex or personal (De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Deloport, 2005). Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (1990) as described in Creswell (2003). The major findings of this study were that people are locked in a ‘poverty-of-the mind cycle’, in respect of HIV and AIDS, and this is exacerbated by educational impoverishment and general poverty. The recommendations that emanated from this study are made from policy and service delivery perspectives. It is recommended that in order for AIDS orphans to access VCT they should be developed and empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to the outmost realization of their potential. It is also recommended that health and other professionals should encourage AIDS orphans and community members to present themselves for VCT and thus curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.
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Mahrt, Annika [Verfasser]. "Evaluation of factors potentially influencing hyperketonemia testing in dairy cows / Annika Mahrt." Berlin : Freie Universität Berlin, 2016. http://d-nb.info/1102197084/34.
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Dennis, Philip. "Estimation and testing of latent factors in term structure of interest rates." Thesis, City University London, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.510459.
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Factor analysis has contributed imperatively towards solving the dimensionality problem and identifying the underlying factor structure governing term structure of interest rates. The estimated latent factors are known as level, slope, and curvature. These factors can be estimated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) or Nelson-Siegel (1987) framework as reparameterized by Diebold and Li (2006). The two statistical methods have been shown to produce the same three factors. The thesis contributes towards testing of level, slope, and curvature factors extracted using the statistical models. We investigate the issues of stability in the eigenspace variables governing level, slope, and curvature. We develop a stability testing procedure to examine the presence of significant structural changes in the latent factors estimated using PCA. Bootstrapped critival values have been employed in order to draw inferences. Monte Carlo evidence suggests good finite sample size and power properties of the tests. Empirical test results on zero coupon bond yield curves show significant structural changes in factors. Further, we propose some extensions to estimating level, slope, and curvature factors for term structures where the interest rate maturities are coupled together into dependence clusters. In this, we extend the Nelson-Siegel (1987) framework to the case of modelling yield curves with correlation clusters. We identify the short maturity and long maturity clusters governing the term structure and propose a block dynamic representation to model the factors. We find that the proposed model generated superior forecasts than the benchmark model proposed by Diebold and Li (2006).
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Oguegbu, Adaeze. "Factors Associated with HIV Counseling and Testing Among Young People in Nigeria." ScholarWorks, 2015. http://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1572.
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The use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing (HCT) is a necessary component of implementing HIV prevention and control programs in Nigeria. Knowledge, acceptance, and use of HCT remain low in Nigeria, especially among young people ages 15 to 24 years. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how sociodemographic factors (i.e., gender, place of residence, level of education, geopolitical zone, and socioeconomic status [SES]); cognitive factors (i.e., HCT awareness, knowledge of HIV prevention, and knowledge of HIV transmission); and knowledge of sexual risk behaviors affected HCT uptake among young people in Nigeria using data from the 2013 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey Plus. The study was guided by the social cognitive theory. The sample was composed of 10,091 young people ages 15 to 24 years from all geopolitical zones, SES, and educational backgrounds in Nigeria. Multiple regressions and multivariate comparisons revealed a significant relationship between HCT awareness and HCT uptake (p < .001) and between knowledge of HIV prevention and HCT uptake (p < .001). Sociodemographic variables of gender, place of residence, level of education, geopolitical zone, and SES were also significantly associated with HCT uptake. The sexual risk behavior variables tested were not significantly associated with HCT uptake among young people in Nigeria. The implications for positive social change include providing public health professionals with data to plan and implement HCT awareness and knowledge programs for young people in Nigeria that could increase HCT uptake and reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS.
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Gillham, Christine L. "Psychological and situational factors relevant to HIV antibody testing among college students." Virtual Press, 1992. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/834640.
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The purpose of this study was to assess which particular circumstances of HIV antibody testing are most important to Ball State University students when making the decision whether or not to be tested. This study also looked at psychological variables within the individual that may influence one's decision whether or not to be tested. A descriptive correlational study design was used. Subjects were recruited from the psychological science subject pool. These students were enrolled in the Psychology 100 class at Ball State University during the Spring, 1992 Semester. Subjects were also recruited from sororities, fraternities, and business fraternities. A total of 397 subjects (210 males and 187 females) were recruited for the study.Subjects filled out four surveys: an HIV Antibody Testing Inventory, an AIDS Knowledge Survey, the MultiDimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Social Desirability Scale. Results indicated students in this sample preferred going off campus for HIV testing versus on campus. They preferred a medical setting with a medical counselor doing the testing. These subjects did not want peers doing the HIV testing or counseling. The level of AIDS Knowledge subject had did not correlate with their stated likelihood of being tested for HIV. Subjects preferred anonymous testing, but appeared to recognize the benefits of recording basic demographic information.Institute for Wellness
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Clark, Jessica. "Parental Preferences for Genetic Testing Factors in a Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorder Population." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1553513617894087.
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Ohanuka, Stella Chibuzor. "Assessing Nurses' Demographic Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Pharmacogenetic Testing Knowledge and Acceptance." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3464.
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The lack of knowledge of pharmacogenetic testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD), coupled with their increased risk for CVD, may impair nurses' cognitions and attitudes toward pharmacogenetic testing for CVD. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional correlational study, conducted with 230 RNs without CVD who worked in acute-care settings in Georgia, was to determine if their years of education, years of experience, and gender significantly influenced their perceived risk for CVD (Questions 1-3) and their perceived knowledge of pharmacogenetic testing for CVD (Questions 4-6), and if their perceived risk for CVD significantly influenced their acceptance of pharmacogenetic testing for CVD (Question 7). Various regression analyses (hierarchical multiple linear regression, multiple linear regression, hierarchical, linear regression) were conducted for hypothesis testing. Results showed that: (a) gender significantly predicted perceived risk for CVD, in that male nurses perceived themselves to be more at risk for CVD than did female nurses; (b) years of education was a significant predictor of knowledge of pharmacogenetic testing for CVD, in that as nurses' education level increased, so did their knowledge; and (c) knowledge of pharmacogenetic testing for CVD, but not perceived risk for CVD, significantly predicted acceptance of pharmacogenetic testing for CVD. This study may act as a catalyst to promote empirical work and inform practice in nurses' CVD health and their knowledge and acceptance of pharmacogenetic testing for CVD.
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Azarkerdar, Samira. "Agile Testing in Scrum : - A Study of Major Factors for Successful Agile Testing Implementations in the View of Agile Testers." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för informatik och media, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-418140.
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Khaleefa, Omar Haroon. "The influence of some sociocultural factors on creativity among Sudanese students : a cross-cultural study." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287829.
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Howie, John Alan. "Factors affecting the interpretation and analysis of full-displacement pressuremeter tests in sands." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/30931.
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The Full-Displacement Pressuremeter (FDPM) Test is one in which a pressuremeter is installed in the soil by pushing it behind a conical tip. Earlier work had indicated that the unload-reload modulus measured with the FDPM was very similar to that obtained from self-boring pressuremeter (SBPM) testing. It had also been suggested that if the pressuremeter was capable of sufficient expansion, the interpreted soil properties would be those of the soil beyond the zone of disturbance. This study examined the factors affecting the measurement, analysis and interpretation of soil properties from FDPM pressure-expansion curves in sands with emphasis on the unload-reload modulus.
The effects of equipment design and dimensions, installation method and of test procedure on the analysis and interpretation of lateral stress, shear strength and stiffness were studied during laboratory and field evaluation of two prototype FDPMs. The overwhelming importance of instrument dimensions and tolerances on the test results was clearly shown. Movements of a fraction of a millimetre can have a large effect on the measured lateral stress and stiffness. Test procedures were also shown to have a large effect on the data obtained. It was demonstrated that rate effects became important in pressuremeter tests involving expansion to large strains and a stress-strain strain rate concept was proposed to aid in the understanding of these effects.
Theories developed for the interpretation of shear strength of sands from SBPM tests were shown to be inapplicable to the interpretation of FDPM test results. The unload-reload modulus was shown to be an indicator of soil stiffness but the effects of stress level and degree of unloading have to be considered when attempting to derive a stiffness for design. A rational approach to the interpretation of modulus was presented and it was shown that unload-reload moduli from both SBPM and FDPM could be interpreted using the same approach. The need for standardising the equipment design, testing procedures and methods of analysis and interpretation was shown.Applied Science, Faculty of
Civil Engineering, Department of
Graduate
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Edwards, Bryan D. "An examination of factors contributing to a reduction in race-based subgroup differences on a constructed response paper-and-pencil test of achievement." Diss., Texas A&M University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1969/128.
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McIntosh, Monique Sandra. "Mechanisms and Factors Affecting Chromium Oxide Particle reduction in Iron-Chromium Honeycombs." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/6934.
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In the production of iron chromium honeycombs, iron oxide and chromium oxide mixtures are reduced by hydrogen at elevated temperatures to produce a metallic alloy. The complete reduction of the iron oxide occurs prior to the reduction of the chromium oxide. The reduction of the chromium oxide particles within the iron matrix is affected by factors that include the diffusion of the reduced chromium away from the chromium oxide particle into the iron matrix, the diffusion of the gaseous reactants and products to and from the chromium oxide particles, and the porosity of the iron matrix, which changes as a result of sintering. The type of heat-treatment used, (isothermal or non-isothermal, i.e., holding at a specific temperature versus using a steadily increasing temperature) plays a vital role in how these factors will affect chromium oxide reduction.
Experimental data were used in conjunction with sintering and dissolution models to obtain an understanding of the environment in which the chromium oxide particles reduce as a function of heat-treatment. This understanding will assist in the development of more effective processing steps for the reduction of metallic honeycombs from oxide mixtures.
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Emmerdinger, Kathrin Johanna [Verfasser], and Christof [Akademischer Betreuer] Kuhbandner. "The Testing Effect and Emotions: Investigating Potentially Influencing Factors on the Mnemonic Benefits of Testing / Kathrin Johanna Emmerdinger ; Betreuer: Christof Kuhbandner." Regensburg : Universitätsbibliothek Regensburg, 2020. http://d-nb.info/1213096162/34.
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Flanagan, William J. "Measurement equivalence between high and average impression management groups an IRT analysis of personality factors." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/28956.
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Grottke, Michael [Verfasser]. "Modeling Software Failures during Systematic Testing : The Influence of Environmental Factors / Michael Grottke." Aachen : Shaker, 2003. http://d-nb.info/1170541119/34.
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Woodman, Catherine. "Psychosocial factors influencing the desire for knowledge and predictive testing in inherited disability." Thesis, Queen's University Belfast, 1990. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.335623.
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Sánchez, Vivas Lorena. "Bamboo as a Sustainable Engineering Material: Mechanical Properties, Safety Factors, and Experimental Testing." Scholar Commons, 2019. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7925.
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With exponential global population growth occurring and associated environmentally destructive consumption of natural resources, alternative materials that are fast growing and sustainable are being sought out to satisfy human needs. One material that is fast growing and sustainable that can be used to meet most basic needs of humans (i.e. shelter, food, tools) is the plant bamboo, of the grass family Poaceae. Bamboo was used in the past by native peoples who lived in the environment where bamboo natively grows (all continents except Europe and Antarctica) with proven success for uses such as shelter, piping, tools, wells, food, fencing, baskets and much more. These practices were mostly abandoned and deemed obsolete due to the introduction of long lasting ‘modern’ building materials of steel and concrete which gained popularity in the 1800s. Now, in the current century with much advancement in science, technology, and education, humanity is reconsidering many practices and returning to more ancient practices and ways that are better for human health, the environment, and overall sustainability.
These environmental considerations are drivers of this research, which focuses on how to use bamboo for engineering applications. First, in order to use a material for engineering and design applications, a material must be destructively tested to attain material property values. Therefore, a critical examination of the bamboo mechanical property values published literature was performed. It was found that although many scientists all over the world have been working on mechanical property testing of bamboo, their results have been published in different journals, in different languages, and had not yet been aggregated and compared. This led to the first study in this work that analyzed mechanical property data from 43 bamboo peer-reviewed publications written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese (the three main languages in which bamboo literature is published). This study focused on aggregating mechanical property values, establishing a range of values for each property as well as an average, and correlating the difference in property values to bamboo variables stated in bamboo literature (age, bamboo species, density, moisture content, post-harvest treatment, and testing standard employed). The five mechanical properties reviewed were: shear strength, compressive strength, tensile strength, bending strength / modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) and their average values were 9 MPa, 52 MPa, 159 MPa, 120 MPa, and 16 GPa, respectively. Although a thorough graphical set of analyses were performed attempting to correlate the difference in mechanical property values to the previously listed variables, and only main variables found to influence strength values were moisture content and specific testing standard employed.
The results of the high range of mechanical property values with no variable with which to separate the results to lower the range, led to the second part of the research. It incorporated the high range of values reported in the literature but was able to establish safety factors and reduction factors alongside corresponding failure rates. This work allows for a designer to use bamboo culms choosing a failure rate he/she deems appropriate for structural bamboo construction. The analyses in this work were performed using Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) equations applied to bamboo as well as Monte Carlo statistical analyses for verification. The raw data and statistically analyzed data of 25 publications were used for this analysis, yielding 3806 strength test values (shear strength, compressive strength, bending strength / modulus of rupture, and tensile strength). Shear strength safety factors ranged from 1.38-3.58 for failure ratios from 1:6-1:25000; compressive strength from 1.30-2.79; bending strength from 1.43-4.03; tensile strength from 1.66-7.43. No singular safety factor is suggested for design as that is due to the judgment of the designer of what failure ratio he/she deems appropriate for the specific application.
Although many compression tests have been performed on bamboo, there are no known tests which destructively test bamboo after an extended period of time after harvesting (more than ~3 months). This experiment conducted a field experiment to test the functionality of using bamboo for the application of installing bamboo wells to provide groundwater. The bamboo tested in the third part of the study was of two species, Dendrocalamus giganteus and Dendrocalamus asper half of which were 1) air-dried in a laboratory for 3.5 years and the other half of which was 2) inserted in the ground as bamboo wells. The bamboo culms (or poles) had been separately treated in three different ways right after cutting: 1/3 with a borax and boric acid solution (most conventional treatment in the industry), 1/3 with coconut oil (experimental treatment in the literature), and 1/3 air-dried, a non-treated control. Bamboo wells are said to be used in ancient times as well as in more recent applications in the 1990s in India by small scale farmers. The publication of bamboo well studies have been very few and nearly no scientific analyses had been performed on them. Therefore, six bamboo wells were assembled and installed at the University of South Florida Geopark, the first of their kind in the U.S. These wells were half of species D. giganteus and half of species D. asper and also treated individually using the three different treatments described above. The wells were monitored for pH and presence of leached boron for a 3.5-year monitoring period and then removed. Upon removal, the bamboo well casings were examined for molds present as well as by mechanical compression testing to assess degradation in comparison to each other (of different treatments) and to air-dried control samples maintained in the laboratory for 3.5 years. The mold fc. Acrodictys was observed to cover the entire inner portion of the bamboo (inner diameter), from the surface level up to the water table. The lab air-dried control samples had compression strength and compressive modulus of elasticity values correlating to those found in the literature, 44-90 MPa (72 MPa average) and 15-31 GPa, respectively. Removed well samples exhibited compressive strengths and compressive modulus of elasticity values of 22-61 MPa (39 MPa average) and 7-25 GPa, respectively. This study revealed that bamboo wells were feasible and although their compressive strengths lowered by around a half after being in the ground for 3.5 years, their compressive strength and compressive modulus of elasticity values were still in the range of bamboo tested in the literature.
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Grable, John E. "Investor Risk Tolerance: Testing The Efficacy Of Demographics As Differentiating and Classifying Factors." Diss., Virginia Tech, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/30762.
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This study was designed to determine whether the variables gender, age, marital status, occupation, self-employment, income, race, and education could be used individually or in combination to both differentiate among levels of investor risk tolerance and classify individuals into risk-tolerance categories. The Leimberg, Satinsky, LeClair, and Doyle (1993) financial management model was used as the theoretical basis for this study. The model explains the process of how investment managers effectively develop plans to allocate a client's scarce investment resources to meet financial objectives.
An empirical model for categorizing investors into risk-tolerance categories using demographic factors was developed and empirically tested using data from the 1992 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) (N = 2,626). The average respondent was affluent and best represented the profile of an investment management client.
Based on findings from a multiple discriminant analysis test it was determined that respondent demographic characteristics were significant in differentiating among levels of risk tolerance at the p < .0001 level (i.e., gender, married, single but previously married, professional occupational status, self-employment status, income, White, Black, and Hispanic racial background, and educational level), while three demographic characteristics were found to be statistically insignificant (i.e., age, Asian racial background, and never married). Multiple discriminant analysis also revealed that the demographic variables examined in this study explained approximately 20% of the variance among the three levels of investor risk tolerance.
Classification equations were generated. The classification procedure offered only a 20% improvement-over-chance, which was determined to be a low proportional reduction in error. The classification procedure also generated unacceptable levels of false positive classifications, which led to over classification of respondents into high and no risk-tolerance categories, while under classifying respondents into the average risk-tolerance category.
Two demographic characteristics were determined to be the most effective in differentiating among and classifying respondents into risk-tolerance categories. Classes of risk tolerance differed most widely on respondents' educational level and gender. Educational level of respondents was determined to be the most significant optimizing factor. It also was concluded that demographic characteristics provide only a starting point in assessing investor risk tolerance. Understanding risk tolerance is a complicated process that goes beyond the exclusive use of demographic characteristics. More research is needed to determine which additional factors can be used by investment managers to increase the explained variance in risk-tolerance differences.Ph. D.
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Hollanbaugh, Jesse Lee. "Candida species variability as seen through clinical covariates and drug susceptibility testing." Diss., University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/515.
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With the recent emergence of candidemia as a significant cause of mortality in our health care system, clinicians must identify methods to minimize the sequelae of infection of this type in patients already burdened with serious underlying conditions. While well established as a major cause of blood stream infection (BSI), candidemia has been shown to have some of the highest rates of inappropriate therapy when compared to infections from all other sources. Rates of inappropriate therapy may be even higher for some of the less common and antifungal resistant non-albicans candidemia. Identifying those patients at risk for the development of these types of infections will help improve clinical outcomes. Antifungal activity is dependent both on species and agent, describing the unique susceptibility patterns between Candida species can help identify the appropriate therapy.
We performed a case-case-control study to identify clinical risk factors for the development of Candida glabrata candidemia compared to Candida albicans candidemia and an uninfected control using multivariate and logistic regression analysis. We observed that patients in the C. glabrata cohort were more likely to have gastrointestinal disorders and peripheral vascular disease than patients suffering from C. albicans BSIs. We also determined that when compared to the uninfected control group, patients with C. glabrata BSIs were more likely to have been prior colonized with C. glabrata, undergone dialysis, and have been catheterized with both arterial and urinary catheters. We concluded that patient exposure to unique clinical risk factors may be predictive of the development of future candidemia and may help distinguish between albicans versus non-albicans candidemia.
We performed a drug susceptibility study using time-kill methods with the echinocandin antifungal agents on Candida parapsilosis and two newly identified species of Candida, C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis. The echinocandins as a group displayed primarily fungistatic activity against the clinical isolates tested. However, we observed substantial variability in antifungal activity that varied by both the echinocandin used and Candida species analyzed. We concluded that this variability in activity that is both species and drug dependent should be considered when selecting the treatment of candidemia resulting from these non-albicans species.
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Simpson, Mary Ellen. "Testing gender differences in a model for exercise adherence in U.S. Army reservists." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1998. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9901283.
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Hendy, Jane Denise. "Factors influencing the public's decision-making when contemplating undertaking predictive genetic testing : the relationship between perceived self-efficacy, personal risk and testing intentions." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2003. http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/844311/.
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This thesis explores how general groups of people think about predictive genetic testing. Psychological research into individual decision-making prior to the consulting room is scarce, with our knowledge of the types of factors that influence the decision to request this service barely investigated. The research presented undertakes this task by identifying salient factors influential in the contemplation of this new health choice. The research then examines how these factors impact on genetic-testing decision-making processes and intentions in more detail. The aim is to increase scientific understanding of early decision-making in this area, by exploring the motivations of individuals who intend to request this service and also the decision-making of those individuals who will never be seen at a genetic clinic. The thesis is comprised of four studies. The first study uses an exploratory qualitative methodology, gathering focus group data to discover how groups of people who have not directly experienced predictive genetic testing think about this service. The findings suggest that people are primarily concerned with their perceived control over genetic testing decision-making processes and their risk of genetic diseases. The second and third studies use repeated measures experimental designs to manipulate perceived control (self- efficacy) over genetic-testing decisions and perceptions of disease risk. The findings revealed a complex relationship between self-efficacy in these domains, global self- efficacy, perceptions of risk and intention to undergo testing. Study two showed that when specific efficacy in these domains was experimentally decreased global perceptions of self-efficacy also reduced, alongside the desire to maintain control over these domains. Study three showed that a lack of intention to undergo genetic testing was predicted by perceptions of high disease risk, high levels of health-specific self-efficacy and the importance of this efficacy - but not levels of general self-efficacy. Additionally the results from the third study revealed that intention to undergo testing was higher when people were given no information about the genetic inheritability of a disease, indicating that that as a disease becomes 'geneticized' both control over that disease and general control may become eroded. The final study again uses a qualitative methodology, using interview data from individuals at high and low risk of disease to further examine the role of risk and self- efficacy in genetic testing decision-making, and to identify which areas of self-efficacy have most impact on intentions. The study also examines how people make sense of their 'genetic risk', how they conceptualise self-efficacy within this domain, and how they perceive these two concepts to be related. Findings from the last study suggest that levels of general self-efficacy may be relevant to decision-making when the individual's confidence is extremely high, in that the person feels confident to cope with the test result regardless of any possibility of cure or prevention. Attitudes and intentions towards genetic testing also appeared to be strongly determined by levels of disease-risk anxiety, with the attraction of testing appearing to wane when the emotional consequences of genetic testing were reflected upon. To conclude, these findings suggest that a lack of perceived control over genetic testing decision-making and disease risk has wide-reaching consequences in negatively impacting on overall perceptions of competence and well-being. The findings also suggest that for people at extremely high risk of disease, who feel both in control of any potential symptoms and value this control, genetic testing is unattractive, in robbing them of the potential for control in the future. Diseases perceived as being genetic were largely viewed as immutable and uncontrollable. On deeper reflection, decision-making in this area was often perceived as anxiety provoking and conceptualised by ambivalent and complex thinking.
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Whyte, Tamlin. "Investigation of factors affecting surrogate limb measurements in the testing of landmine protected vehicles." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/5452.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 194-198).Landmine protected vehicles (LPVs) are designed to minimise the risk of injury to occupants. In order to quantify this risk, human surrogate measurement devices (HSMDs) are placed in the vehicle to record data which is then related to risk of injury using injury criteria that have been defined in test standards. Experience in testing LPVs and studies conducted have indicated that the lower leg is very vulnerable to injury and much speculation exists over the tibia injury criterion and the lower limb surrogates with which this criterion is measured. A lower limb impactor (LLI) system was thus designed to test lower limb surrogates and to explore factors that may affect the measurements obtained using the surrogates. The factors that were investigated in this study were the position of the lower limb, the wearing of a boot and the hip and knee joint stiffness. Simulations detailed in [6] were used as the basis for the experiments conducted to examine the effect that lower limb position has on the lower tibia axial force. For all but one case the experimental and simulated results were similar, with the conventional seating position resulting in the highest axial tibia force which was decreased by approximately half when the seating position was altered.
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Sulwe, Charlton Nchimunya. "Factors influencing uptake of voluntary counseling and HIV testing services in Mwense district, Zambia." University of the Western Cape, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/4541.
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Master of Public Health - MPHFor more than two decades now, the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its etiological agent, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been a growing challenge that affects all segments of the global population. Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the many prevention and control strategies adopted globally and by the Government of the Republic of Zambia. VCT is the process by which an individual undergoes counseling to enable him/her to make an informed choice about being tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This decision must be entirely the choice of the individual and he or she must be assured that the process will be confidential. VCT is a key component of both HIV prevention and care programs. Although VCT is increasingly available in Zambia through public health facilities, VCT only or stand-alone sites and mobile counseling and testing services, there is still great reluctance among many people to be tested. Aim: This study explored factors affecting the utilization of VCT services in Mwense District, Zambia. Methodology: An explorative, qualitative study was conducted. Data was collected through focus group discussions with community members, and key informant interviews with lay counselors and health care workers. Thematic analysis of transcribed data was done to elucidate knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS and VCT services, factors facilitating uptake and barriers to utilization of VCT services and suggestions for improving VCT uptake. Results: The study found that HIV/AIDS was recognized as a major problem in the communities and that participants were aware of the availability and benefits of HIV counseling and testing services. The main reasons for seeking an HIV test included facilitating sexual behavior change to avoid infection, re-infection or infecting others with HIV. Facilitators to uptake of VCT services include accessing information on HIV/AIDS and other care and support services such as prevention of mother to child interventions, peer and social support systems, home-based care and early treatment with antiretroviral therapy if one is HIV positive. Community members indicated that VCT was an entry point to reaching out to the family and community for on-going counseling, which would lead to reduction in HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. Several barriers to VCT were identified by the participants. At individual level, barriers included: the fear of the ramifications of a positive test; fear of HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination; doubt about the existence of HIV and AIDS; and fear of loss of control of life circumstances and destiny. Health facility level barriers included concerns about confidentiality of HIV-test results, familiarity with service providers, lack of promotional activities of the VCT services, shortage of testing logistics and commodities, and human resource shortages both in terms of numbers and confidence to promote VCT services. Community levels barriers included cultural beliefs and customs, gender imbalances, religious beliefs and stigma. Conclusions: There is urgent need for community sensitization about VCT and its benefits in HIV/AIDS control.
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Arnould, Guillaume. "Stress testing the banking system : towards a more macroprudential approach." Thesis, Paris 1, 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017PA01E018.
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Les tests de résistance, qui évaluent la capacité des banques à soutenir la détérioration de la situation économique et financière, sont devenus un outil qui aide les banques centrales à exercer leur nouveau pouvoir de supervision et à promouvoir un système financier stable. En outre, la récente crise financière mondiale a déplacé le centre d'attention de la supervision financière d'une perspective microprudentielle, basée sur la résilience des institutions individuelles, à une perspective plus macroprudentielle, qui englobe la résilience globale du système financier. Par conséquent, les tests de résistance microprudentiels mettent l'accent sur le rôle traditionnel du capital bancaire en tant que coussin de protection contre les pertes, tandis que les tests de résistance macroprudentiels se concentrent sur le système bancaire dans son ensemble. La crise financière mondiale a également souligné le rôle crucial du risque de liquidité dans la détérioration de la stabilité du système financier international. Le premier article passe en revue le premier test de résistance de la BCE, en le comparant à la littérature et aux autres tests de résistance effectués de par le monde, et contextualise ses résultats. Il donne un aperçu des tests de résistance et une liste d'améliorations potentielles. Le second article cherche à construire une méthodologie qui couvre certaines lacunes (effet de spillovers et interactions entre solvabilité et liquidité) identifiée dans le premier chapitre et l'utilise pour évaluer la fragilité actuelle du système bancaire de la zone euro selon différents scénarios. Enfin, le troisième chapitre analyse le lien entre la solvabilité et les coûts de financementStress tests, which evaluate banks' capacity to withstand deteriorating economic and financial condition, have become a tool that helps central banks to fulfil their new supervisory power and promote a stable financial system. Additionally, the global financial crisis shifted the perspective of financial supervision from a microprudential perspective, based on the resilience of individual institutions, to a more macroprudential perspective, which encompasses the whole financial system resilience. Hence, microprudential stress tests emphasize the traditional role of bank capital as a buffer against loss, shielding the deposit insurance agency, while, macroprudential stress tests focus on whether the banking system as a whole has the balance, sheet capacity to support the economy. The global financial crisis also highlighted the crucial role of liquidity risk in undermining the stability of the international financial system. The first paper reviews the first ECB stress test, comparing it to the literature and other stress tests conducted, and contextualize its results. It provides an overview of stress tests as a tool and give a list of potential improvements. The second paper, seeks to construct methodology that covers some shortcomings (spillovers and interaction between solvency and liquidity) identified in the first chapter and uses it to assess the current fragility of the Eurozone banking system to various scenarios. Finally, the third chapter analyses the link between solvency and funding costs as a potential source of second round losses in the stress testing framework
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Gerstein, Stephanie Hannah. "Examining the Children's Depression Inventory factors' ability to predict outcomes of depression." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape11/PQDD_0020/MQ43876.pdf.
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Douries, William John. "Factors influencing asphalt compactibility and its relation to asphalt rutting performance." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/16311.
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Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis covers the factors affecting compactibility of hot mix asphalt including gradation, filler/binder ratios, binder types, binder content, polymer modification, temperature, volumetric properties etc. The study is not limited to compactibility as the property measured, but also on the influence of these factors on the mix’s capacity to resist permanent deformation or rutting. An experimental design was used with a variety of the above factors being included. Laboratory analysis of the mixes as well as accelerated pavement testing of different mix types using the one-third scale Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS3) was carried out. The analysis assists in identification of the factors that influence both compactibility and rut resistance, those influencing the one but not the other, and those factors having no significant influence. The compactibility of the mixes has been analysed in terms of voids in the mix at a specific binder content and compaction level. Special consideration was given to the characterisation of the filler and filler/binder system of some mixes. It was found that gradation of a mix has a significant influence on compaction and the rutting performance. High filler/binder ratios were found to be the critical factors influencing the compactibility of the wearing course mixes investigated, but based on the limited tests performed, the reduction of the filler/binder ratios for improved compactibility did not significantly increase rutting under accelerated pavement testing. As expected, the binder type has a significant influence on the rutting resistance as well as compactibility. In addition, an increase in binder content facilitated compaction, but decreased rutting resistance. Polymer modification considerably improved the rutting resistance of a standard mix under the same loading conditions. Although some modifiers may improve rutting resistance, it requires higher compaction temperatures. The addition of the antistripping agent Gripper L decreased the rutting, aggregate stripping and also the rate of rutting of the Quartzite LAMBS mix that result from the stripping failuremechanism. Low densities can lead to considerable rutting and moisture damage, especially when a moisture susceptible aggregate is used. In terms of compactibility as evaluated with the Superpave Gyratory Compactor, it appears that there exists a temperature window in which compaction can be achieved, but in terms of rutting; even a small deviation in temperature can influence rutting results significantly. The control of the temperature during testing is critical if meaningful comparisons between different mixes with regard to rutting performance are to be made. Linear elastic and finite element analysis has been performed to ascertain whether different specimen geometries would influence the stress distribution within the specimen, and subsequently the rutting results. It was found that the geometry of test specimens has an influence on the stress distribution within the specimens, which can influence the permanent deformation results. The briquette specimens tested in the laboratory also yielded higher rutting results for the same mix tested in the field. It is therefore important to use specimens that are most representative of field conditions
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek die faktore wat ’n invloed het op die kompakteerbaarheid van warm asfalt. Faktore sluit in onder andere gradering, vulstof/bindstof verhouding, tipe bindstof, bindstof inhoud, polimeer modifisering, temperatuuur, volumetriese eienskappe, ens. Hierdie studie is nie net beperk tot kompakteerbaarheid as ‘n gemete eienskap nie, maar ook die invloed van hierdie faktore op die mengsel se vermoë om weerstand te bied teen permanente deformasie of spoorvorming. ’n Eksperimentele ontwerp wat ’n verskeidenheid van bogenoemde faktore insluit is gebruik. Laboratorium analise van die mengsels asook versnelde plaveisel toetse van die verskillende tipe mengsels is gedoen met die een-derde skaal Mobiele Lassimuleerder (MMLS3). Die analise help met die identifikasie van die faktore wat beide kompakteerbaarheid en spoorvorming beïnvloed, asook dié wat slegs die een maar nie die ander beïnvloed, en ook die faktore wat geen beduidende invloed het nie. Die kompakteerbaarheid is geëvalueer in terme van die hol ruimtes in die mengsel by ’n bepaalde bindstof inhoud en verdigtingsgraad. Spesiale aandag is geskenk aan die eienskappe van die vulstof en vulstof/bindstof wisselwerking van die mengsels. Die gradering van ’n mengsel het ’n beduidende invloed op kompakteerbaarheid sowel as spoorvorming. Hoë vulstof/bindstof verhoudings is een van die kritiese faktore wat die kompakteerbaarheid van die betrokke mengsels beïnvloed, maar laer vulstof/bindstof verhoudings vir beter kompaksie het nie ’n beduidende toename in wielsporing teweeg gebring nie. Soos verwag het die tipe bindstof ’n beduidende invloed op kompakteerbaarheid sowel as spoorvorming. ’n Toename in bindstof bevorder verdigting, maar lei tot groter wielsporing. Polimeer modifisering verminder die wielsporing van ’n standard mengsel onder dieselfde beladingstoestand. Alhoewel modifisering wielsporing verminder, vereis dit hoër kompaksie temperature.Die toevoeging van die teenstropingsmiddel GripperL verminder spoorvorming, aggregaat stroping asook die tempo van spoorvorming van die Kwartsiet LAMBS mengsel as gevolg van die stropingsmeganisme. Lae digthede kan lei tot aansienlike vogskade en spoorvorming; veral as die aggregaat vatbaar is vir die invloed van vog. Daar blyk ’n temperatuur interval te wees waarin verdigting met die Superpave Gyratory Compactor bereik kan word; maar selfs ‘n klein temperatuurafwyking kan beduidende invloed op die resultate van spoorvorming hê. Temperatuurbeheer is baie belangrik indien sinvolle vergelykings tussen die sporingsgedrag van verskillende mengsels gemaak moet word. Lineêr elasties en eindige element analise is uitgevoer om te bepaal of verskillende toetskonfigurasies die spanningsverdeling binne die toetsmonsters en die spoorvorming affekteer. Dit is bevind dat die geometrie van toetsmonsters het ’n invloed op die spanningsverdeling in die monsters wat die sporingsresultate kan beïnvloed. Die briketmonsters in die laboratorium gee ook groter spoordiepte teenoor dieselfde mengsel wat in die veld getoets is. Daarom is dit belangrik om verteenwoordigende monsters te gebruik.
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Levesley-Evans, Elizabeth Mary. "Factors that motivate teachers to participate in professional development." Thesis, McGill University, 1988. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=61818.
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Ferguson, Robert J. "Expectation discrepancy and attribution : mediational factors of sport competition anxiety." Virtual Press, 1989. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/562773.
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The purpose of the present study is to extend past outcome-dependent models of Sport Competition Anxiety (SCA) to include attribution theory as an appraisal process of past performance outcome. It was hypothesized that unstable causal attributions for past unexpected performances would lead to uncertain expectations of future performance and subsequent SCA. Sixty-three male subjects were assessed for initial expectations of how they would perform in a cycling task, i.e., high and low, in which each subject received false feedback about his performance (success or failure). After completing the task, subjects completed questionnaires assessing the discrepancy between expected and actual outcome, attributions for past performance (Causal Dimension Scale), expectation for future performance, and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 which measures state cognitive and somatic anxiety and state self-confidence. Contrary to predictions, results indicated that attribution did not mediate SCA, but rather attributions were made systematically in response to success and failure and not unexpected outcome. However, path analysis carried out on a modified model of SCA that includes outcome and expectations of future performance, indicated that somatic anxiety and state self-confidence are mediated by expectation of future success. The findings are discussed in terms of attribution theory and other cognitive constructs (e.g., self-schemata and efficacy expectations) that might have an impact on attributional patterns that lead to performance expectations and SCA. It is noted that because only male subjects were used, generalizability to female competitors may not be appropriate due to differences in sport socialization.Department of Psychological Science
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Ho, Yuk-yi Ella, and 何玉儀. "Risk factors associated with HIV testing among Hong Kong young adults: implications for blood safety." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2001. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B30252726.
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Ho, Yuk-yi Ella. "Risk factors associated with HIV testing among Hong Kong young adults implications for blood safety /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 2001. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B23295119.
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Rosen, David L. Schoenbach Victor J. "Factors associated with voluntary HIV testing and serostatus among North Carolina state prisoners, 2004-2006." Chapel Hill, N.C. : University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/u?/etd,1637.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008.Title from electronic title page (viewed Sep. 16, 2008). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Epidemiology." Discipline: Epidemiology; Department/School: Public Health.
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Victor, Grant. "THE DRUGS/VIOLENCE NEXUS: THEORY TESTING AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FACTORS AMONG JUSTICE-INVOLVED APPALACHIAN WOMEN." UKnowledge, 2019. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_etds/27.
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This study examined the relationship between drug use and violence among justiceinvolved women in Appalachian Kentucky. Goldstein’s (1985) conceptual framework was used as a theoretical guide in formulating the drugs and violence relationships. Therefore, three types of drug use and violence relationships were explored, including: 1) psychopharmacological violence; economic-compulsive violence; and 3) systemic violence. Although these drug-related violence typologies have been investigated, little research has been devoted to rural justice-involved women. Moreover, to date no studies have examined how these drug/violence relationships might be associated with behavioral health factors. Ergo, there were three aims of the current study. First, to build psychopharmacological, economic-compulsive, and systemic drug/violence predictive group models. Second, examine the associations between mental health symptomology and predicted group models. Third, examine the associations between infectious disease risk-factors and predicted group models. This study used secondary data from a NIDAfunded grant focused on risk reduction among high-risk incarcerated women in Appalachia (N=400). All study recruitment and data collection procedures were approved by the university IRB. Predicted drugs/violence groups were developed using a series of discriminant function analyses. Predicted group models were examined for associations with mental health symptomology and risk factors for infectious disease using a series of binary logistic regression analyses. Results indicated that rural justice-involved women can be discriminated into distinct drugs/violence subgroups, and the psychopharmacological group showed the greatest prevalence. In addition, several behavioral health factors were uniquely associated with the psychopharmacological group and the economic-compulsive group. These findings could offer novel considerations for theory development regarding the drug-related risks for violence victimization among rural justice-involved women. The current research may also inform future traditional substance use treatment (e.g., outpatient or residential) and jail-based treatment (e.g., brief intervention) for rural women. Implications for theory development, substance use treatment and policy, future research, and the social work profession were discussed.
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Woke, Felix Ikechi. "The Role of Socio-demographics factors in Voluntary Counselling and Testing uptake in South-Africa." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1990.
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Many researchers have alluded to the inequity in distribution of HIV preventive services in South Africa (SA). Other researchers have demonstrated that socio-demographic factors are main determinants of distribution of preventive services like voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in SA. VCT is a primary HIV prevention tool through which infected persons enter the treatment, care, and support programs; identifying the impact of socio-demographic determinants (SDDs) on VCT uptake in SA could help direct VCT services to areas and individuals that need them most. The research question in this study examined what and how SDDs impact the uptake of VCT in SA using the integrated theory of health behavior change (ITHBC) as its theoretical framework. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design using secondary data from a population-based survey by the John Hopkins Education and Health SA (2012) was conducted. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, SDDs like province, settlement, employment, races, and age were statistically significant while marital status, education, and SES (socio-economic status) did not have statistically significant impact on VCT uptake. This study demonstrated that Black, unemployed men of low to medium SES between the ages of 15-49 years living in peri-urban and urban-informal areas of all provinces but especially Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and North West provinces of SA had the lowest VCT uptake. This study advocates policies and programs to improve VCT distribution and accessibility in places and individuals with lowest uptake. Improved uptake will help reduce new HIV infection, HIV-associated morbidity, and mortality; as well as ensure equity, equality, and social justice in the distribution of HIV preventive services in SA.
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He, Jiamin. "Investigation on Diagnostic Methods of Rotating Machines and Influence Factors Based on Existing Testing Products." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för elektroteknik och datavetenskap (EECS), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-277635.
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This thesis summarizes established methods for electrical diagnostics of the insulationof large rotating electrical machines, i.e. generators and large motorsworking above the low-voltage range. It then investigates the possibility ofusing some existing diagnostic instruments, not specically intended for machineinsulation, for performing standard tests on a certain type and range ofthe rotating machines. The summary of general diagnostic methods for rotatingmachinery includes the traditional methods and currently used methodsin industry. It considers what types of the defects can be detected, and theinuence of the applied voltage magnitudes and frequencies, etc. Then thereis a literature study of several recent or developing technologies such as on-linemonitoring and frequency response analysis, to investigate the possible futuredevelopment of the diagnostic methods that have practical applications duringmanufacturing and operation of rotating machinery for a more accurateand timely assessment. Possible modications to testing devices to suit themmore to machine insulation are investigated. A study of three market-existingdevices summarizes the machine diagnostic tests that they could be used for.Finally, an experimental study on a stator coil rated 7 kV is reported, and itsresults are used to analyze the inuence of the test factors such as frequencydependency, for future investigation.Denna avhandling sammanfattar etablerade metoder för elektrisk diagnos-tik av isolering hos stora roterande elektriska maskiner, dvs generatorer och stora motorer med märkspänningar högre än lågspänning. Därefter undersöks möjligheten att använda vissa befintliga diagnostiska instrument, som inte är särskilt avsedda för maskinisolering, för att utföra standardtester på roterande maskinerna. I sammanfattningen av diagnostiska metoder för roterande maskiner ingår traditionella metoder och för närvarande använda metoder inom industrin. Den anser vilka typer av defekter kan upptäckas, och påverkan av de tillämpade spännings magnituder och frekvenser, etc. En litteraturstudieomfattar flera nya eller utvecklande teknologier såsom on-line övervakningoch frekvensresponsanalys, för att undersöka den möjliga framtida utvecklingen av de diagnostiska metoder som har praktiska tillämpningar under tillverkning och drift av roterande maskiner för en mer exakt och punktlig bedömning. Möjliga modifieringar av provningsanordningar som passar dem mer för maskin isolering undersöks. study av tre marknadsföra-existerande apparater sammanfattar de bearbeta med maskin diagnostiska testar att de kunde användas för. En experimentell studie på en 7 kV statorlindning rapporteras, och dess resultat används för att analysera påverkan av test faktorersåsom frekvensberoendet av resultaten, för framtida utredning.
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Ngoma, Sarah Nyirongo. "Factors influencing the uptake of couple's HIV counselling and testing among men in Livingstone District, Zambia." University of the Western Cape, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/4736.
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Magister Public Health - MPHBackground: HIV counselling and testing is important as a gateway to accessing prevention, treatment, care and support services. Studies have shown that couples who are married or are in a stable heterosexual relationship are at risk of transmitting HIV infection to each other if one partner is infected. The uptake of couples counselling and testing (CHCT) by males in Livingstone is very low despite the fact that they are the decision makers in most homes. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the factors determining the uptake of CHCT amongst males in a long term heterosexual relationship who came to a health facility for HIV counselling and testing in Livingstone, Zambia and their perceived benefits of CHCT. Methodology: A case control study was conducted with cases being men age 21 years and above, who were married/cohabiting or were in a steady heterosexual relationship for six months and more and had jointly tested for HIV as a couple, and controls were men age 21 years and above, who were married/cohabiting or were in a steady relationship for six months and more and came to be tested for HIV alone without a partner. The structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 294 participants (147 controls, 147 cases) who were recruited from three public health facilities and one private facility in Livingstone between August and September 2013.Results: The only 2 factors independently associated with testing for HIV via CHCT was, talking about HIV as a couple‟ which positively affected CHCT and „had a previous HIV test as a couple‟ which negatively affected CHCT. Findings indicate that „talk about HIV as a couple‟ was a strong independent predictor of CHCT in the multivariate analysis; however it was uncertain whether it was a predictor of CHCT or a consequence of CHCT. It is probable that having already „had a previous HIV test as a couple‟ the participants would not see the need for testing via CHCT again. Other factors that were significantly associated with uptake of CHCT on bivariate analysis but were not significant on multivariate logistic regression analysis included those that are associated with a greater likelihood of CHCT: think CHCT is beneficial /useful, know partners HIV status, know positive things about CHCT and talk about sexual issues as a couple. Other factors negatively associated with uptake of CHCT were: ever tested for HIV before, informed partner about HIV status, think partner is at risk of contracting HIV, think self is at risk of contracting HIV, low self-risk-rating of HIV infection and marital status. Conclusion: The decision for a couple to go for CHCT is probably relatively complex, because most of the factors measured were linked to each other and it was difficult to separate them to identify if a factor on its own was able to influence the uptake of CHCT. However a couple that communicates with each other about HIV issues is likely to be motivated to go for CHCT.
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Mrwebi, Mandisi. "Testing Monod : growth rate as a function of glucose concentration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/16398.
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Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The complexity of microbial systems has presented serious obstacles to the quantification of fermentation processes. Using computer modelling techniques progress has been made in monitoring, controlling and optimising microbial systems using material balancing techniques and empirical process models. The Monod equation is among the most commonly used models and is based on empirical findings with no mechanistic basis. Monod presents a simple model to describe the growth of a cell in a defined nutrient environment. The Monod equation is mathematically analogous to the formula that was proposed by Michaelis and Menten to describe enzyme kinetics. Both equations describe a hyperbolic function with a half-saturation constant (K_s in the monod equation and K_m in the Michaelis Menten equation) but the meaning of the two saturation constants K_s and K_m is different. In number of studies K_s and K_m are used as if they are equivalent. In contrast to Michaelis-Menten kinetics, which describes a process catalysed by a single enzyme, Monod kinetics describes an overall process involving thousands of enzymes. The Monod equation describes the specific growth rate of a microbial cell as the function of a limiting substrate concentration. The aim of this study was to test this principle, for Saccharomyces cerevisiae VIN13 under glucose limited aerobic chemostat conditions. The VIN13 was observed to follow the Monod description and when compared with other growth kinetic models gave one of the best fits to the data. A functional relationship between the half-saturation constant, K_s, and Michaelis Menten constant, K_m, was there after derived. This was achieved by using metabolic control analysis (MCA) to explain when K_m of the transporter becomes equal to the K_s. Using the deductions obtained from MCA a core kinetic model was then formulated to demonstrate that the K_s can either be smaller, equal or higher than the K_m of the transporter, depending on the flux control distribution in the model.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kwantifisering van fermentasieprosesse word ernstig belemmer deur die kompleksiteit van mikrobiale sisteme. Deur gebruik te maak van rekenaar-ondersteunde modelleringstechnieke vir die opstelling van massa balans vergelykings en empiriese prosesmodelle is vordering gemaak in die waarneming, beheer en optimalisering van mikrobiale sisteme. Die Monod vergelyking is een van die mees gebruikte groeimodelle en is gebaseer op empiriese bevindings - die model het nie ‘n meganistiese grondslag nie. Die Monod vergelyking is wiskundig ekwivalent aan die vergelyking wat opgestel is deur Michaelis en Menten vir die beskrywing van ensiemkinetika. Beide vergelykings beskryf ‘n hyperboliese kurwe met ‘n konstante wat die halfversadigingswaarde aangee vir substraat (Ks in die Monod vergelyking en Km in die Michaelis-Menten vergelyking), maar die betekenis van die twee versadigingskonstantes is verskillend. In ‘n aantal studies word die Ks en Km waardes gebruik asof hulle gelyk is aan mekaar. In teenstelling met die Michaelis- Menten kinetika wat ‘n enkel ensiem-gekataliseerde reaksie beskryf, beskryf die Monod vergelyking ‘n proses wat duisende ensieme behels. Die Monod vergelyking beskryf die spesifieke groeitempo van ‘n bakteriële sel as ‘n funksie van die beperkende substraatkonsentrasie. Die doel van hierdie studie was om hierdie beginsel te toets vir Saccharomyces cerevisiae VIN13 wat onder glukose beperkte, aerobiese kondisies in ‘n chemostat gekweek word. Die VIN13 groei kon goed beskryf word met die Monod model, wat in vergelyking met ander groeimodelle een van die beste passings vir die meetpunte het gegee. Vervolgens is ‘n funksionele verwantskap afgelei tussen Ks en Km; deur gebruik te maak van metabole kontrole analise (MCA) kon verduidelik word wanneer die Ks gelyk is aan die Km van die transporter vir die beperkende substraat. Deur gebruik te maak van die MCA analise is ‘n eenvoudige kinetiese model opgestel om aan te toon dat die Ks kleiner, gelyk aan of groter kan wees as die Km van die transporter, afhanklik van die fluksie-kontrole verdeling in die model.
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McCabe, David P. "The effect of warnings on false memories in young and older adults." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/30285.
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