This thesis shed lights on metal-nitrogen organometallic fragments supported on silica surface for catalytic applications. It Focuses on group IV and V metal transition as a well-defined single-site catalysts, specifically titanium, hafnium, and tantalum to utilize them in the development of selective heterogeneous catalysis for imine metathesis, hydroamination and hydroaminoalkylation of olefins and alkynes. Developing new metal-nitrogen containing fragments by using easily available and abundant precursors which is silica SiO2 and metal amides complexes. Here, we describe metal fragments starting with hafnium-nitrogen fragment. All the catalysts were prepared by reacting homoleptic metal amido of group IV and V with partially dehydroxylated silica. In most cases the resulting surface amido is monopodal and leads to well defined single site catalysts precursors. In particular with Hf we have isolated hafniaaziridine 2.1 [(≡Si-O-)Hf(η2-MeNCH2)(η1-NMe2)(η1-HNMe2)], imido, and amido fragments 2.3 [(≡Si-O-)Hf(=NMe)(η1-NMe2)], and two intermediates the five-membered ring 2.2 [≡Si-O-Hf(HNMe2)(η2-NMeCH2CH(C6H13)CH2)(NMe2)] and 2.4 [(≡Si-O-)Hf(=NCH2Ar) (η1-NMe2)]. For tantalum 3.1 [(≡Si-O-)Ta=NtBu)(η1-NMeEt)2]; we have isolated two intermediates after treating 3.1 catalyst with aniline substrate lead to isolating 3.3 [(≡Si-O-)Ta(η1σ-NEtMe)2(η1σ-NHtBu)(NHC6H10)], and upon treating with 1-octyne lead to isolating 3.2 [(≡Si-O-)Ta(η1σ-NEtMe)2(η2-NtBuC=CC7H13)]. For titanium-nitrogen fragments, we isolated on silica SiO2-200 4.1 [(≡Si-O2-)Ti(NMe2)2 (η1-HNMe2)] and on SiO2-700 the titaniaaziridine 4.2a [≡Si-O-Ti(NMe2)3] 4.2b, [(≡Si-O-)Ti(η2-MeNCH2)(η1-NMe2)(η1-HNMe2)], the imido, and amido fragments 4.4 [(≡Si-O-)Ti(=NMe)(η1-NMe2)], and the five-membered ring intermediate 4.3 [≡Si-O-Ti(HNMe2)(η2-NMeCH2CH(C6H13)CH2)(NMe2)]. Research in this area has led to isolating several intermediates containing nitrogen fragments, this is the strength of surface organometallic chemistry which allows a deeper understanding of catalytic phenomena which could not be approached either in homogeneous catalysis or in classical heterogeneous catalysis. A molecular level characterization of the surface nitrogen containing fragments have been characterized by SOMC tools such as FTIR and EXAFS spectroscopy, elemental analysis, solid-state single and multiple quantum NMR, advanced DNP-SENS and DFT. A catalytic cycle was proposed based not only on the isolation of intermediates but also based on DFT calculations.

South Africa has gone through many recent changes and the impact of these changes was, especially, experienced in the development of the South African Education system. Social Sciences is one of the subjects that was introduced in the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) for Grades R-9 (Department of Education, 2002). Before the National Curriculum Statement, History and Geography were taught as separate subjects under Social Studies but later combined into one subject, Social Sciences. Teachers in some South African schools are specialist in one of the two disciplines, either History or Geography. The intention of this study was derived from many of the researcher?s personal observations, experiences and challenges in the discipline, Social Sciences. This study identified the challenges experienced by heads of department (HoDs) of Social Sciences and the strategies they use to address the identified challenges. The research approach was qualitative and a case study research design was used. The research participants were identified, using a purposeful sampling strategy. Participants were selected from four schools, two from Quintile 1 (no fee-paying) schools and two from Quintile 5 (fee-paying) schools; each school had an enrolment of more than 350 learners. The participants were HoDs responsible for Social Sciences and teachers who were teaching the subject. Furthermore, HoDs who were selected had had experience of managing Social Science teachers for a period of not less than three years. The teachers also had more than three years? experience of teaching Social Sciences. The findings of this study revealed that the responsibilities of HoDs for Social Sciences seem to focus more on monitoring the work of teachers than developing their effectiveness in teaching the subject. Some of the HoD appointed in the Social Sciences Department did not have the background knowledge and skills related to the subject which limited their ability to guide, advise and develop their teachers in the subject. It was found that HoDs and teachers expect subject specialists and curriculum advisors to be more involved in developing teachers? competency in teaching the subject. It seems that there is a desire for a formal policy for the professional development of teachers of Social Sciences. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Education Management and Policy Studies / MEd / Unrestricted

This study contributes to existing research on the perspectives of teachers’ with regards to the use of the iPad for learners with dyslexia. The purpose of this case study was to explore and describe teachers' perspectives on iPad usage for learners with dyslexia in the Intermediate Phase. The primary research question that guided this study was: “What are teachers’ perspectives on iPad usage for learners with dyslexia?” A qualitative research design was used to collect rich data using Intermediate Phase teachers. Eleven teachers from three schools in Johannesburg participated in the study. The data collection tools that were used included focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and observations. By exploring how these teachers perceived iPad usage, specifically for learners with dyslexia, this study contributed to an existing body of knowledge providing insight into the use of iPads in the classroom and as a learning support tool. The themes that emerged from this study answer the question of what teachers’ perspectives on iPad usage for learners with dyslexia are. Findings indicate that teachers’ perceive the iPad as a useful support tool but that it comes with many challenges that need to be addressed. The findings indicate that the iPad creates interactive learning and increases the confidence of learners with dyslexia. It is recommended that research be conducted with a larger sample size and also for challenges to be addressed so that the iPad can be utilised to its full potential. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

As a criminal sanction, community service involves unpaid labor on the part of convicted criminal offenders. Community service was created as an alternative to incarceration for low-level offenders. It now appears, however, that community service is rarely used as a true alternative to prison, but rather as an added condition of probation. The body of research on community service in the United States is modest, so relatively little is known about its characteristics and administration. Data were attained from 88 Texas probation professionals via self-administered written surveys in an effort to gather information about the use of community service as a criminal sanction in Texas. Frequency distribution analyses identified characteristics of both community service programs and offender participants in Texas.

The purpose of this study was to compare the achievement and attitudes of students who experienced two different methods of intermediate typewriting teaching at Utah State University. This experimental research was conducted in the Department of Business Education and Office Administration at Utah State University, Logan. Utah, during the winter quarter of 1973. The statistical population included forty-two control group students and eighteen experimental group students. An instructional model was developed to allow the control group to move through the instructional model as a traditional structured group while the experimental group proceeded through the instructional model on an individualized progress basis. The design of the model included eight learning units. videotaped instruction. individual and group testing, and group administered skill building. Two teachers were used in the study. Each teacher taught a control and experimental group.To evaluate the effectiveness of the model, two major categories of null hypotheses were tested. They were: (1) hypotheses testing the overall effects of the experiment, and (2) hypotheses testing the effects of each individual learning unit. Teacher-made pretests and posttests were developed to measure the overall achievement in typewriting theory, straight-copy, five-minute timed writing speed, accuracy, and proofreading. Also, pretests and posttests were developed to measure typewriting theory, production speed, and-production accuracy for each of the learning units used in the study. Sixteen selected questions from the nlinois Course Evaluation, Form 66, 1965, were used to measure the attitudes of students. A report was made by each teacher stating the number of days it took each student to complete the course requirements. Two-way regression analysis of covariance was employed to test the hypotheses related to the achievement of students on theory tests, straightcopy timed writing tests, and unit production tests. The hypothesis related to the attitudes of students was tested by two-way regression analysis of variance on each of the sixteen questions. The following findings were reported: There were no significant differences with respect to treatment groups, teachers, and method-teacher interaction on all overall achievement measures, on four of the six learning units tested, or on twelve of the sixteen attitude There was a significant difference between teachers in favor of Teacher One but not treatment groups nor method-teacher interaction on each of these questions: "The instructor seemed to be interested in students as a person." "The lnstructor had a thorough lmowledge of his subject matter. " "The instructor seemed to consider teaching a chore or routine act. " There was a significant difference between treatment groups in favor of the control group but not teachers nor method-teacher interaction on the question, "It was a very worthwhile course," although both groups agreed that the course was worthwhile. There was a significant difference between treatment groups in favor of the control group on manuscript production speed. No other Significant differences in the manuscript unit were found. There was a significant difference between teachers in favor of Teacher One on simple tables production speed. No other significant differences in the simple tables unit were found. The control group had thirty-nine students who completed the course requirements at the end of the normal quarter and had three students who finished late. The experimental group had eight students who completed the questions. course requirements early, nine students who finished at the end of the normal quarter, and one student who finished later. The major recommendations were: 1. Business educators should consider the individualized progress method of instruction as a viable alternative to the traditional structured-group method of instruction in all areas of intermediate typewriting achievement except on manuscript production speed development. 2. Business educators should consider the individualized progress method of instruction as a viable alternative to the traditional structured-group method of instruction when favorable attitudes toward intermediate typewriting are important. 3. To utilize the current typewriting facilities at Utah State University more efficiently and to accommodate the needs of individual students, a minimum of two sections of intermediate typewriting should be offered in the typewriting curriculum of Utah State University. One of these sections should be a traditional structured-group method of instruction and the other should be an individualized progress method of instruction.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The reaction between elemental sulfur and sulfide is a lynchpin in the biotic and abiotic cycling of sulfur. This dissertation is focused on the reactivity of elemental sulfur nanoparticles (S8weimarn, S8raffo) among other forms of elemental sulfur (S8aq, S8aq-surfactant, α-S8), and how the variation of their surface area, character and coatings reflect on the analytical, physical-chemical and geochemical processes involving sulfur cycling. A comprehensive electrochemical investigation utilizing mercury-surface electrodes showed that elemental sulfur compounds are represented by three main voltammetric signals, corresponding to potentials at -1.2V, -0.8V, and -0.6V in the absence of organics at circumneutral pH. Dissolved S8aq-surfactant signals can be found from -0.3V up to -1.0V, depending on the surfactant in the system. Variations in current response resulted from differences in electron transfer efficiency among the forms of S8, due to their molecular structural variability. Based on this observation a new reaction pathway between S8 and Hg-surface electrodes is proposed, involving an amalgam-forming intermediate step. The kinetics of the nucleophilic dissolution of S8nano by sulfide, forming polysulfides, were investigated under varying surface area, surface character and presence or absence of surfactant coatings on S8nano. Hydrophobic S8weimarn and hydrophilic S8raffo show kinetic rate laws of 𝑟𝑆8𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑛 = 10−11.33 (𝑒 −700.65 𝑅𝑇 ) (Molar(S8)/second/dm-1) and𝑟𝑆8𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑜 = 10−4.11 𝑖−0.35 (𝑒 −615.77 𝑅𝑇 ) (Molar(S8)/second), respectively. The presence of surfactant molecules can influence the reaction pathways by dissolving S8nano and releasing S8aqsurfactant, evolving the rate-limiting step as a function of the degree of the solubilization of S8nano. The reaction rate of S8biological can be compared with those of S8raffo and S8weimarn in circumneutral pH values and T=50oC, making the forms of S8nano successful abiotic analogue models of microbially produced S8biological. Field observations and geochemical kinetic modeling in the geothermal features of Yellowstone indicate that the nucleophilic dissolution reaction appears to be a key abiotic pathway for the cycling of sulfur species and the enhancement of elemental sulfur bioavailability. Furthermore, in situ and ex situ voltammetry in the same geothermal waters disclosed chaotic variability in chemical gradients of sulfide (observed over small temporal and spatial scales) which can be considered as an ecological stressor capable of influencing single cell physiology and microbial community adaptation.

The master´s thesis deals with the design of the transfer terminal on the proposed high speed railway Prague - Hradec Kralove - Wroclaw near the town of Podebrady and exit 39 from the D11 motorway. The work includes the design of station layout, platforms, access roads, bus stops and parking house. As part of the railway station design naintenance base with the loading area. The integral parts of the thesis is design of the railway superstructure, substructure and drainage system.

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AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF Sarah K. Muno for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Anthropology, presented on September 26, 2018 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: LABOR AND SOCIAL IDENTITY IN ANCIENT PERU: A BIOARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Izumi Shimada This dissertation presents a bioarchaeological study of labor and social identity in coastal Peru during the Late Intermediate Period (900 – 1470 CE), using data from contemporaneous Middle Sicán (Sicán Precinct and El Brujo, north coast) and Ychsma (Pachacamac, central coast) mortuary contexts. I combine information about funerary treatment with skeletal evidence of trauma, degenerative joint disease, and muscle attachment site morphology (enthesial changes or EC) to test whether inferred commoners were “over-worked” relative to their elite counterparts, as often assumed based on western, Marxist notions of social class. Much of what has been inferred about socio-economic organization in coastal Peru during the Late Intermediate Period is modeled after the parcialidades described in early Spanish chronicles and colonial documents. In this system, occupation, social status, and ethnicity were intimately intertwined, with common fishers and farmers serving as the “productive base” for privileged members of society, including full-time artisans and their elite patrons. Archaeological evidence of elite sponsored large-scale labor projects, including specialized craft production, in pre-Hispanic coastal Peru accords well with the parcialidad model, but assumptions about the social identities of laborers often go untested. Human skeletal data offer a unique opportunity to redress this situation, providing information about life experience – including patterns of physical activity – that are not typically accessible with other kinds of archaeological data. Bioarchaeological studies of physical activity hold great promise for testing hypotheses about social identity and life experience in ancient societies, but they are not without some limitation. People who engage in strenuous physical activity tend to have more degenerative joint disease and enthesial changes than those who do not, but the precise mechanisms behind this are not well understood. Age and body size are known to influence these skeletal markers, although some researchers have suggested certain entheses may be less sensitive to size and thus more informative about activity, than others. In my sample, there were no discernible differences in skeletal trauma, degenerative joint disease, or ECs between elites and non-elites, or between males and females, when statistically controlling for the influence of age and/or size. These results do not support the hypotheses that non-elites were over-burdened by arduous labor tasks or that exemption from such tasks was part of the social privileges afforded to elites. Therefore, conventional perspectives that tend to conflate elite and non-elite identities with oppressor/oppressed or manager/laborer roles appear to have little relevance for characterizing the social dynamics of labor organization in Middle Sicán and Ychsma socities. My study supports, at least in part, previous research that argues some entheses are less prone to the influence of size than others, and may therefore be more reliable indicators of activity. In this sample, strong statistical correlations between EC scores, age, and size as determined from three humeral measurements were found for fibrous entheses, but humeral size did not correlate to scores for the fibrocartilaginous type. However, current uncertainties about the precise etiology of enthesial changes makes it difficult to interpret variation in EC scores with a high degree of certainty, and thus my study also highlights some of the drawbacks associated with using EC scores to infer patterns of activity. Experimental research to better understand how the timing, duration, and severity of muscle stress and strain influence enthesial development and technological innovations to quantify enthesial size and shape will be key to resolving these issues in the future.