Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S)--Ohio University, March, 2005. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-136)

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Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1979 C64 / Master of Science

The sulfur supply situation in the international market is expected to change considerably in the future. Previously, sulfur supply came from mineral deposits and depended on the availability of reserves and conditions in the industry. These mineable deposits have deteriorated as production costs increased, as result of exploiting lower-quality reserves, increases in energy consumption, and environment costs. In addition, less expensive, non-discretionary, abatement sulfur has emerged as a result of the enforcement of public environmental regulations, product market specifications, and transportation technologies which require the removal of sulfur from sulfur-bearing products. These developments are seen as molding the conditions in the international sulfur market of the future. The market is expected to be characterized by: (1) a potential for an abundant supply of low-cost market-insensitive sulfur; (2) the declining role of those resources which have been supplying relatively high-cost discretionary sulfur; and (3) a broader supply base in terms of both source type and geographical distribution. This study provides a future perspective of the non-communist international sulfur market in view of the emerging non-discretionary sulfur sources and the declining role of conventional sulfur sources. The international sulfur market is divided into ten regional markets, defined primarily by geographic location, production and consumption concentration. Supply is divided into: non-discretionary and discretionary sulfur. Supply and demand are projected primarily econometrically, and surplus or deficit regions are identified. Two types of projection methods are used: regression based and non-regression based. The choice of the method used for a region is based on: (1) the availability of historical data, and (2) how closely the past and future economics of a region are expected to be related. The conclusions of this study are: (1) on world basis, sulfur is expected to be in continued excess; (2) virtually all sulfur is expected to come from non-discretionary sources; (3) some regions are expected to have a supply deficit, most will have supply surpluses; (4) the co-existence of deficit and surplus regions will result in inter-regional or international trade. However, the resulting trade pattern will be quite different from the present pattern; (5) the basis for price determination and the relative levels are expected to change; and (6) discretionary sulfur will be permanently forced out of the market.

The platinum market is best understood through a comprehensive analysis of supply and demand. Supply is most significantly affected by production constraints and the erratic draw-down in Russian stockpiles. Total world supply of platinum for 1998 amounted to 5.915 Moz, 64% of which was produced from the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The remainder emanated from Russia, Zimbabwe, the United States, Canada and the recycling of autocatalysts. Supply is forecast to drop by 320 000 oz in 1999 due to a lower Russian export quota and reduced Zimbabwean production. Demand for platinum is unusual, in that it is sought after both as a store of wealth, and has properties that make it irreplaceable in a host of industrial applications. Current world demand for the metal is driven by a growing Eastern jewelry market and increased use in autocatalysts due to vehicle emissions legislation. Total world demand for 1998 amounted to 5.755 Moz. A predicted steady growth in the consumption of platinum for jewelry and existing applications, together with development of new uses, is expected to result in an annual 250 000 oz increase in demand for 1999 and 2000. The derived supply and demand balance for 1998 shows a small excess in supply relative to demand. This will be absorbed by inventories and is likely to have little affect on price, A significant shortfall of 410 000 oz, however, is predicted for 1999. This is likely to be followed by a further shortfall in 2000 and will drive up prices, impel consumers towards substitution and thriving and encourage producers to expand.

Lei, Tian. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-97). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.v / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background and Motivation --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Objectives and Contribution --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Thesis Organization --- p.6 / Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.8 / Chapter 3 --- Mathematical Model --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1 --- Stock-out Based Substitution --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Customer Response to Stock-out --- p.15 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Patterns of Substitution --- p.17 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Demand Models under Substitution --- p.18 / Chapter 3.2 --- Model Description and Formulation --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Model Description --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Customer Demand Model --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Substitution Model Formulation --- p.27 / Chapter 3.3 --- Information Availability --- p.29 / Chapter 3.4 --- Summary and Discussion --- p.32 / Chapter 4 --- Parameter Estimation --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1 --- Preliminaries --- p.36 / Chapter 4.2 --- Estimation of Initial Probabilities --- p.38 / Chapter 4.3 --- Estimation of Substitution Probabilities --- p.41 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Case I: Only One Product Unavailable --- p.41 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Case II: Two Products Unavailable --- p.44 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Case III: More than Two Products Unavailable --- p.47 / Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.51 / Chapter 5 --- Numerical Examples --- p.53 / Chapter 5.1 --- Examples Based on Simulated Data --- p.54 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Preliminary Numerical Example --- p.54 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Performance under Different Substitution Forms --- p.63 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Effects of Service Level --- p.67 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Effects of Data Volume --- p.70 / Chapter 5.2 --- Real Case from Retail Industry --- p.72 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Data --- p.72 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Estimation Results and Further Discussion .. --- p.74 / Chapter 6 --- Concluding Remarks --- p.79 / Chapter Appendix A --- Data Sets for the Retail Market Example --- p.83 / Chapter Appendix B --- Conference Presentations --- p.90 / References --- p.91

Each of the seven investigations described in this thesis relate to the dental workforce in New Zealand (NZ). A variety of approaches were used to identify key trends in the NZ dental workforce, with a particular emphasis on comparing dental therapists, dental hygienists and dentists, and determining differences among dentists according to gender and immigrant status. Nation-wide postal surveys of dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists were undertaken to determine the working practices and career satisfaction of each type of oral health professional. A longitudinal analysis of the dentist workforce was then undertaken to describe changes in the NZ dentist workforce over time. An investigation of the job stressors and coping strategies of New Zealand dentists followed. This led to a qualitative study of the experiences of immigrant dentists in NZ, which sought further detail regarding the concerns raised by the Stress Study. The final investigation was a survey of the self-reported occupational health of NZ dentists, which built on from the results of the preceding studies. There were substantial differences in the working practices of male and female dentists. A greater proportion of female dentists had taken a career break of six weeks or more, usually to care for children. Larger proportions of women worked as employees or practice associates, and worked part-time. Women also planned to retire earlier than male respondents. Men were more active in continuing professional education and had higher career satisfaction. The career satisfaction of dental therapists and dental hygienists was similar, but dental therapists were much less satisfied with their income, and few felt a valued part of the dental community. Although many dental hygienists had taken substantial career breaks for childrearing, they were shorter than those taken by dental therapists. More therapists than hygienists planed to retire within the next 10 years. Over the nine-year period from 1997 to 2005, there was a significant increase in the number of women and overseas-trained dentists in the workforce. The proportion of dentists working in small towns decreased, and the percentage working part-time increased. The involvement of dentists in continuing professional development increased during that time. There was considerable variation in the number of stressors experienced by dentists, with overseas-qualified practitioners reported experiencing more stressors more frequently than did those trained in NZ. There were differences in the strategies used by male and female dentists to manage stress. Most immigrant dentists had found the dental registration examination process to be difficult and stressful. Uncertainty about the content of the examination and the high costs involved were key factors. Contact with practicing dentists during this time was found to be helpful. Overall, most dentists had good general health, but physical fitness levels were not ideal. The prevalence of hand dermatoses and musculoskeletal problems was high, with around 60% of dentists experiencing pain or discomfort. Workplace bullying was reported by 20% of dentists, and over 25% had experienced a violent or abusive incident. There is a need for ongoing monitoring of the workforce, particularly as the gender distribution (and societal trends and expectations) continues to change. Further support systems for immigrant dentists would be beneficial. Female and rural dentists also have unique circumstances and increased risk of professional isolation. Researchers and the professions will watch with interest the changes over the next decade as dual-qualified auxiliaries enter the dental workforce and public dental services are redeveloped.

The research problem that formed the basis of the investigation reported upon in this thesis relates to the challenges and opportunities that arise from the retention of World English Speaking (WES) student-teachers as they seek to gain entry into the teaching profession in Australia. Two key questions guided the exploration of this problem. How do the curriculum, teaching and assessment practices in teacher education assist and/or hinder WES student-teachers’ retention? What problems, if any, do they have in becoming Australian teachers? These are examined from the perspective of the WES student-teachers themselves, their teacher educators and the WES school teachers involved in supervising them during their practicum. Facing acute teacher shortage in some subjects and some areas in Australia, this research project investigated issues affecting retention of WES student-teachers to meet the requirements of Australia’s ethnically diversified school communities. Methodologically, this study used an evidence-driven, conceptually informed, valuerational approach to education research. A case study design provided the basis for a cross-sectional, retrospective, non-experimental plan which was used to collect and analyse data. The subjects, teacher educators and WES student-teachers were contacted via the university teacher education program; while WES school supervising teachers were selected from schools where WES student-teachers did their practicum. Theoretically it explores the power and limitations of current theorisation of teacher shortages in terms of global cultural flows, specifically the trans-national mobility of knowledge workers. This thesis situates their experiences in the context of current and projected teacher shortages as well as testing current theorisation about global cultural flows of people in terms of the trans-national mobility of knowledge workers. This thesis argues that while teacher-educators recognise the difficulties in engaging educationally with WES student-teachers, and WES student teachers and their supervising teachers are aware of and able to identify other difficulties they confront becoming “Australian teachers”, the possibilities for making productive responses is constrained by cultural as much as economic factors. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)