Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, 1983.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2000. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 125 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-91).

No description available.

We consider the convex parametric quadratic programming problem when the end of the parametric interval is caused by a multiplicity of possibilities ("ties"). In such cases, there is no clear way for the proper active set to be determined for the parametric analysis to continue. In this thesis, we show that the proper active set may be determined in general by solving a certain non-parametric quadratic programming problem. We simplify the parametric quadratic programming problem with a parameter both in the linear part of the objective function and in the right-hand side of the constraints to a quadratic programming without a parameter. We break the analysis into three parts. We first study the parametric quadratic programming problem with a parameter only in the linear part of the objective function, and then a parameter only in the right-hand side of the constraints. Each of these special cases is transformed into a quadratic programming problem having no parameters. A similar approach is then applied to the parametric quadratic programming problem having a parameter both in the linear part of the objective function and in the right-hand side of the constraints.

Faculty of Humanities School of Graduate Social Foe Humanities and Scocial Science 0419064g admachava@yahoo.com / This case study constitutes an example of how local social networks among refugees/immigrants communities and, between them and their hosts are fundamental in accessing different ranges of paid employment. Their relevance is here explained in contexts whereby social, economic, legal and skills play a significant role in accessing jobs and shaping the social relations between people. This case study argues that social networks are important because of lack of employment opportunities. However Mozambicans have difficulty accessing necessary social networks because of tensions with South Africans and suspicion among themselves. These factors are aggravated by lack of education and skills. This research demonstrates that networks among former Mozambican refugees and between them and South African are shaped by contextual factors namely; the endemic hard socio-economic problems targeting the region thus affecting the employment market, the political and legal transformations introduced in the country following the fall of apartheid which have fuelled the tension between the citizens and foreigners and most important, the lack of legal status, skills and experience affecting the former Mozambican refugees. Although the South Africans face the same problems the impact is likely to be different.

We consider the convex parametric quadratic programming problem when the end of the parametric interval is caused by a multiplicity of possibilities ("ties"). In such cases, there is no clear way for the proper active set to be determined for the parametric analysis to continue. In this thesis, we show that the proper active set may be determined in general by solving a certain non-parametric quadratic programming problem. We simplify the parametric quadratic programming problem with a parameter both in the linear part of the objective function and in the right-hand side of the constraints to a quadratic programming without a parameter. We break the analysis into three parts. We first study the parametric quadratic programming problem with a parameter only in the linear part of the objective function, and then a parameter only in the right-hand side of the constraints. Each of these special cases is transformed into a quadratic programming problem having no parameters. A similar approach is then applied to the parametric quadratic programming problem having a parameter both in the linear part of the objective function and in the right-hand side of the constraints.

<p> This report contains the results of an exploratory investigation into the strength (compressive and tensile) of the most commonly used cavity wall ties. Z, Truss, Ladder and Corrugated metal ties were tested in the Applied Dynamics Laboratory at McMaster University.</p> <p> A total of 110 specimens were constructed and tested. Fifty-five specimens were tested in compression, another 55 specimens were tested in tension. The influence of different cavity widths and lengths of mortar imbedment on the strengths of the ties were also investigated.</p> <p> The ultimate load capacity, for each tie investigated, was related to loading on a unit of wall area by taking into consideration the recommended spacings for each tie.</p> <p> A strength comparison of the ties tested was made. Finally, conclusions were drawn and recommendations made.</p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

The purpose is to illustrate the phenomenon of self-harm from a social psychological and sociological perspective. The purpose is furthermore to examine the role social relationships play in the individuals´ self- imagine and what role does identification play for anyone who harm themselves? We want to examine in what way social relationships are important and how they function for individuals who harm themselves, both once they have started to harm themselves, and if the relationships in any part caused the cutting to begin with. Questions: How do individuals shape their identity based on self- harm? Which self-image do individuals have who self-harm? Is there anything in the person's previous social relationships that have caused them to begin to hurt themselves? Method: In this paper we have analyzed five autobiographies. We have used open coding from grounded theory as analytical method and subject positions based on discourse analysis. Theory: We have used the Cooley concepts looking glass self, Foucault's theory of power, Giddens' concept of ontological security and existential anxiety. Results and Analysis: We found six different categories that we thought were central. These were negative self-image, guilt, lack of family support, negative experiences of others' views, the protective identity as self- harmer and insecure social relationships in school. Conclusion: The self-harming is a very complex behavior. In this paper we have found that social relationship has a major influence on if a person begins to develop self-harm. The negative social impact on social relations in childhood plays a particularly important role and affects the individual's identity and self-image. Identity was both linked to the development of a negative self-image and difficulty to stop harm themselves when upset, it was the thing they identified with and which gave them security.

No description available.

Background: The advice and opinions given by consumers online have been proven to have a positive influence on consumers purchase intentions. It has previously been established by researchers that consumer-created information is more trustworthy compared to information provided by a seller. As a result, consumers’ eWOM has taken over the stage on the internet. Social media has in comparison to traditional media brought communication to a new level in terms of engaging consumers online. For instance, bloggers nowadays are assumed to be viewed as peers that can generates social ties between a blogger and a blog reader due to a blogger’s credibility. Thus, the power of peer communication is of relevance when considering persuasion in real life as well as online. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how eWOM can be a powerful tool through social ties between the source and the receiver when it comes to generating consumers’ purchase intentions. The authors intend to contribute with an understanding of how different sociodemographic factors of homophily and source credibility can potentially have a direct or indirect influence on the persuasion process online. To understand the process of how consumers are persuaded through eWOM the authors examine the relationship between Swedish blog readers and Swedish bloggers and the process of how the readers are absorbing and using the bloggers’ message. Methodology &amp; Method: This study was conducted using a qualitative methodology approach. The primary data was collected through interviews and observations. Ten interviews were implemented on the selected sample consisting of women living in Sweden, who are in the ages of 16-25 and read famous Swedish lifestyle blogs. Furthermore, the favourite blogs of the interviewees were observed by the researchers in order to complement the interviews. Conclusion: From this research the authors have found that homophily creates social ties between the blog reader and the blogger, and therefore this underpins that the likelihood of persuasion is higher if several factors of homophily exists. However, the factors of homophily are not sufficient on its own to establish a relationship between eWOM and purchase intentions. Rather, source credibility is considered to be the major factor that determines the extent of purchase intentions.