A skill instruction technique based on cognitive behavioral principles was applied to thermal imagery to determine if it could enhance either subjective or physiological responsiveness. The effects of imagery instruction were compared with the effects of muscle relaxation on imagery vividness, thermal imagery involvement, and the finger temperature response. The subjects were 39 male and 29 female volunteers from a minimum security federal prison. The personality characteristic of absorption was used as a classification variable to control for individual differences. It was hypothesized that high absorption individuals would reveal higher levels of imagery vividness, involvement, and finger temperature change; that imagery skill instruction and muscle relaxation would be more effective than a control condition; and that the low absorption group would derive the greatest benefit from the imagery task instruction condition. None of the hypotheses was supported. Finger temperature increased over time during the experimental procedure but remained stable during thermal imagery. The results suggest that nonspecific relaxation effects may best account for finger temperature increases during thermal imagery. Results were discussed in relation to cognitive-behavioral theory and the characteristic of absorption.

In today’s economy, organizational knowledge is a fundamental factor for remaining competitive and managing intellectual capital. Knowledge Management aims to improve organizational performance by designing the work environment with necessary tools. Yet, significant amount of knowledge resides within the people in different forms such as experience or abilities. Transferring individual knowledge within members or into organizational repositories is so difficult. Knowledge sharing only occurs under certain circumstances: People share knowledge when they believe it is beneficial for them, when they feel safe and secure, and when they trust. Since knowledge is power, and brings respect to its bearer, knowledge sharing needs suitable environment. In this context, this study investigates intention to knowledge sharing among forensics in the Turkish National Police (TNP) and the factors -such as perceived organizational justice, organizational citizenship behaviors, subjective norms, and attitudes toward knowledge sharing- affecting their intentions. The researcher utilized a model developed from Ajzen and Fishbein’s (1975; 1980) theory of reasoned action (TRA). To test this model, a self-administered questionnaire survey was administered in Turkey In order to analyze the quantitative data; SPSS version 19 was used for all preliminary analyses and LISREL 8.8 was used for Regression Analysis and Path Analysis The fit of the data to this proposed model was not adequate. However, 7 of the 8 hypotheses supported.

Vehicle dynamics development is strongly based on subjective assessments (SA) of vehicle prototypes, which is expensive and time consuming. Consequently, in the age of computer- aided engineering (CAE), there is a drive towards reducing this dependency on physical test- ing. However, computers are known for their remarkable processing capacity, not for their feelings. Therefore, before SA can be computed, it is required to properly understand the cor- relation between SA and objective metrics (OM), which can be calculated by simulations, and to understand how this knowledge can enable a more efficient and effective development process. The approach to this research was firstly to identify key OM and SA in vehicle dynamics, based on the multicollinearity of OM and of SA, and on interviews with expert drivers. Sec- ondly, linear regressions and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to identify the ranges of preferred OM that lead to good SA-ratings. This result is the base for objective require- ments, a must in effective vehicle dynamics development and verification. The main result of this doctoral thesis is the development of a method capable of predicting SA from combinations of key OM. Firstly, this method generates a classification map of ve- hicles solely based on their OM, which allows for a qualitative prediction of the steering feel of a new vehicle based on its position, and that of its neighbours, in the map. This prediction is enhanced with descriptive word-clouds, which summarizes in a few words the comments of expert test drivers to each vehicle in the map. Then, a second superimposed ANN displays the evolution of SA-ratings in the map, and therefore, allows one to forecast the SA-rating for the new vehicle. Moreover, this method has been used to analyse the effect of the tolerances of OM requirements, as well as to verify the previously identified preferred range of OM. This thesis focused on OM-SA correlations in summer conditions, but it also aimed to in- crease the effectiveness of vehicle dynamics development in general. For winter conditions, where objective testing is not yet mature, this research initiates the definition and identifica- tion of robust objective manoeuvres and OM. Experimental data were used together with CAE optimisations and ANOVA-analysis to optimise the manoeuvres, which were verified in a second experiment. To improve the quality and efficiency of SA, Volvo’s Moving Base Driving Simulator (MBDS) was validated for vehicle dynamics SA-ratings. Furthermore, a tablet-app to aid vehicle dynamics SA was developed and validated. Combined this research encompasses a comprehensive method for a more effective and ob- jective development process for vehicle dynamics. This has been done by increasing the un- derstanding of OM, SA and their relations, which enables more effective SA (key SA, MBDS, SA-app), facilitates objective requirements and therefore CAE development, identi- fies key OM and their preferred ranges, and which allow to predict SA solely based on OM. / <p>QC 20170223</p> / iCOMSA

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Consumer value is an important determinant of consumers’ post-use behaviour, for example satisfaction, repeat purchase and word of mouth. The existing research mainly looks at the factors associated with the product and service providers to improve consumer value. Few studies on the role of the consumer in shaping consumer value have found consumer knowledge to be an important element in shaping consumer value. Adopting critical realism, this PhD expands this area of knowledge by investigating knowledge miscalibration (i.e., the inaccuracy in subjective knowledge) as a significant antecedent of consumer value. Most of the time, consumers’ perceptions of what they think they know (i.e., subjective knowledge) has been shown to be different from what they actually know (i.e., objective knowledge). Thus, subjective knowledge is usually inaccurate. This inaccuracy in subjective knowledge relative to objective knowledge is called knowledge miscalibration. Although the effect of knowledge miscalibration on consumers’ purchasing decisions has been investigated in the consumer behaviour literature, its role in the use stage of consumption has received much less attention. The aim of this research is to examine the effect of knowledge miscalibration on product or service use, and more specifically on the value consumers derive from actually using products or services (i.e., value-in-use). In this research a critical realism paradigm is pursued, implying that reality exists in the three domains of the empirical, the actual and the real. The research starts with observing regularity in the empirical domain (i.e., consumer value) followed by imagining the causal power in the actual and the real domains (i.e., knowledge miscalibration), shaping the research question. A retroductive strategy is followed, firstly by proposing the effect of knowledge miscalibration on consumer value and secondly by conceptually and empirically testing this relationship. This research conceptualises that knowledge miscalibration influences consumer value dimensions, described as efficiency, excellence, play and aesthetics. It is suggested that underconfidence (i.e., knowledge miscalibration where subjective knowledge is deflated) and overconfidence (i.e., knowledge miscalibration where subjective knowledge is inflated) influence consumer value dimensions differently as they generate different consequences in use. Therefore, a conceptual model is developed that describes the effect of knowledge miscalibration (i.e., overconfidence and underconfidence) on the dimensions of consumer value. The empirical part of the research is designed by conducting a covariance-based study and an experimental investigation in order to gain both internal and external validity. The covariance-based investigation is conducted in the context of amazon.com online shopping. Knowledge miscalibration and consumer value dimensions are measured in this study. This study supports the negative effect of underconfidence on efficiency, excellence, play and aesthetics and the negative effect of overconfidence on play. The experimental investigation is designed in the context of prezi.com, an online dynamic presentation creation website that enables its users to move between slides, words and images during their presentations. In this study, overconfidence and underconfidence are manipulated and their effects on the dimensions of consumer value are examined. The findings of this study show that underconfidence negatively influences efficiency, excellence and aesthetics, while overconfidence negatively impacts excellence, play and aesthetics. Overall, this PhD concludes that knowledge miscalibration negatively influences the dimensions of consumer value, with the exception of overconfidence impacting efficiency. The contradictory results of the covariance-based study observed in the experimental study can be explained through its inability to account for reciprocal relationships (i.e., where consumer value dimensions also impact knowledge miscalibration) and the existence of a third variable affecting both independent and dependent variables. Furthermore, the context of the experimental study (employing a new consumption task) is proposed to be the main reason for the lack of support for the effect of underconfidence on play.

Arbitrability of dispute and International Commercial Arbitration - Summary Bc. Martin Svatoš The objective of this thesis is to explain the issue of arbitrability of disputes in an international commercial arbitration, especially to compare the Czech and the foreign approach. The thesis consists of three chapters, each of them dealing with different aspects of arbitrability. Chapter One is introductory and defines basic terminology used in the thesis: especially the definition of arbitrability and the question of choice-law. It addresses the issue of the institution deciding the objection of arbitrability and the distinction between the subjective and objective arbitrability, too. Chapter Two concerns the subjective arbitrability. The approach of subjective arbitrability argues whether the State or state entities could be a part of arbitration agreement. However, this claim was questioned by some states and some authors. It examines relevant Czech and other legislations, especially the legislation of states with relatively hostile approach to subjective arbitrability, e.g. Iran. It concerns the old approach of Belgium, too. It presents the approach of denial of justice by several states. Finally, it provides an outline of relevant case law and illustrates the today's point of view by important award...

The following thesis deals with psychological time, duration of time and primarily the subjective speed of time. In the theoretical part the theories of time perception and the theories of time acceleration with age are presented. In the empirical part a hypothesis about the acceleration of subjective time with age is tested. In contrast to popularly held view that time passes faster with increasing age, empirical data do not support this assumption. A questionnaire mapping the impressions of the speed of time was administered to a sample of 101 respondents from three age groups (adolescents, adults and seniors). The newly developed Subjective time speed inventory (ISRČ) and Zimbardo time perspective inventory (ZTPI) were also included. Most respondents agree with the statement that time seems to pass faster now than before and that time seems to pass fast. Testing the main research hypothesis about the acceleration of time with age, however, finds no significant differences in perceived speed of time along with age (Kruskal-Wallis test). Significant difference in relation to age was found only in the speed measurement by means of ISRČ (Kruskal-Wallis test). Adolescents achieved significantly higher raw score than adults and seniors by means of ISRČ (Mann-Whitney U test). This result implies that...

The abstract This work deal with evaluation the social and spatial isolation in selected location. For resaerch were selected two different types of enviroment. City part of Pilsen - Doubravka and rural village - Pasečnice. This work researches the positives and negatives in their environment. The survey was conducted through a semi-structured dialogue which subjectively assesses the level of social and residential satisfaction in the the Down. Plzeň 4 - Doubravka and Pasečnice. The research is focused on social relationship, housing, primary shops, public services, traffic accessbility, leisure, and safety . Key words: social isolation, residential satisfaction, seniors, city and country, public services

Housing Situation of Young People in the Czech Republic Abstract The thesis contributes to a discussion of a social stratification and inequalities in society. The aim of the work is to review a housing situation of Czech households, with the emphasis on the age of the head of household, from several complementary perspectives. Housing conditions of young households are described by the concept of the financial and physical affordability of housing on the basis of objective data about their income situation and the cost and quality of housing. Therefore, we can identify households that have limited access to adequate housing e.g. because of their social background or current social position in the society. The paper also examines the subjective opinions of respondents on the quality and the financial burden of housing. To achieve these objectives, data from the Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) of the Czech Statistical Office are analyzed for the years 2005-2011. The analysis also contains the regional perspective, which is used to compare the housing affordability for households living in the different areas of the Czech Republic. Also for this reason results of the thesis could be useful as a basis for housing policy makers. Keywords: young households, housing affordability, housing...

The thesis explores relations between members of the Church of Sweden and heterogeneous spirituality. More specifically heterogeneous spirituality is studied within the Church, a terrain understudied. The purpose statement, method and material are all bifurcated, following a mixed methods design. Prevalence and contents of heterogeneous spirituality are examined through statistical secondary analysis and semi-structured interviews. Common variables and questions are studied quantitatively and qualitatively. The examination is preceded by an underlying operationalization in which categories are determined as indicators of religion or spirituality, understood as ideal types corresponding to Paul Heelas' and Linda Woodhead's concepts life-as religion and subjective-life spirituality. The operational definitions enable a simultaneous exploration of three disparate theoretical perspectives. Two are associated with Heelas and Woodhead, namely the process of subjectivization and the spiritual revolution claim. The third is derived from Grace Davies works on believing and belonging, which predict growing heterogeneity in the religious landscape. The quantitative material consists of the extensive Enköpingsstudien and Medlem 2004. The secondary analysis' main contribution is tests of significance of variables previously overlooked, as well as a study of variables in detail previously explored as items within larger groups. The qualitative materials consist of semi-structured interviews with participants in spiritual networks within the Church of Sweden, exclusively recruited in the Diocese of Stockholm. The follow-up of identical questions quantitatively and qualitatively enables a dialogue between etic and emic perspectives. The interviews shed light over how etic indicators in fact can be interpreted by respondents in a given context. A premise for the spiritual revolution claim is conflict between religion and spirituality, manifest in the heartlands of the congregational domain and the holistic milieu. Expected consequences are negative association between variables characterizing life-as and subjective-life quantitatively, expressions of conflict or incompatibility qualitatively. Results supporting the claim were at large absent. Better fares Davies prediction of increasing heterogeneity, characterized by positive association as well as expressions of compatibility. Lastly, the informants' statements were permeated by signs of subjectivization. One conclusion is that Heelas' and Woodhead's implementation of life-as religion and subjective-life spirituality as distinct and rival milieus is unwarranted. Subjectivization seems to, contrary to Heelas and Woodhead, influence the congregational domain to a large extent.  This compromise use of the dichotomy religion and spirituality as largely distinct and differentiated phenomena. The overall tendency in the material is co-existence rather than conflict. Referring to Davie's phrase Believing without Belonging, I argue that Belonging and Believing Something Else better captures the members relationship to belief, belonging and heterogeneous spirituality.