This study investigates the importance of demographic variables and the influence of teachers on the reading literacy performance of Canadian 15-year-olds in a multi-level analysis of the national population as well as its highest and lowest quartiles. A large-scale representative dataset was chosen for these purposes. Multi-level modeling was completed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (v. 6.08) quantifying the variance present at the student- and school-levels as well as identifying statistically significant correlates for each of the three models examined. Results were consistent with prior research while the use of a quartile-split accessed subpopulations based on achievement that are otherwise not closely examined by national averages. Students’ gender and schools’ SES appear to be the most influential individual factors of those examined, while the positive influence of teachers is a conclusion to be gleaned from this research. / Graduate / 0535 / 0533 / theshawnwthomas@gmail.com

No description available.

In this thesis we study problems associated with the generalisation, to include Grassmann type variables, of the 'group theoretical' approach to quantisation of C.Isham [37]. Although a full generalisation of this quantisation scheme is not achieved, consideration of this problem leads us to make studies in four principle sectors: (A) Graded Poisson brackets and graded 'vector field like’ constructs. A graded version of the Hamiltonian vector field is defined and it is found that both left acting and right acting vector fields are necessary. Properties of these vector fields are investigated. (B) Local graded canonical transformations and graded function groups. Simple examples of these structures are studied. (C) The realisation of a general superalgebra by the use of graded 'functions' and the graded Poisson bracket. The graded generalisation of a standard classical result is presented. Also the - question of central, extensions to these algebras is studied and a partial generalisation of a classical result on this is given. (D) Investigations into a model of quantum mechanics on a2-sphere which incorporates fermions. This model is similarto that derived by Spiegelglas [56] and Barcelos-Neto et al.[6,7]from the 0(3) supersymmetrie sigma model first studied by Witten in [62,63], except that an additional primary constraint has been included. The graded Dirac brackets of this model are calculated.

No description available.

Researchers have identified the complexity of ethical decision making choices and the influences that assorted professional context variables have on one’s ethical frame of reference. To encourage adherence to ethical codes of conduct, professional organizations must recognize the impact that professional context variables have on ethical decision making. The purpose of this study was to examine Human Resource Development professional’s perceptions of the Academy of Human Resource Development’s Standards on Ethics and Integrity specifically regarding applicability, clarity, and importance of statements. Additionally, this study examined whether Hofstede’s Value Survey Module grouped into a three-factor solution. A questionnaire entitled Perceptions of Professionals and Scholars Regarding AHRD’s Standards was adapted from five sources and was piloted to ensure instrument reliability and validity. The main study involved 602 respondents for a response rate of 22% (n = 133). Results of the study indicate that respondents were clear regarding their understanding of the Standards. The highest level of clarity reported was 89.4% and the lowest level of clarity reported was 71.1%. However, respondents were indifferent about their ratings of the application of AHRD’s Standards. The percentages regarding perceived level of application between AHRD’s six statements ranged from 68% (applied) and 28.8% (infrequently applied). Using independent t-test procedures and a series of one-way ANOVAs, differences in levels of agreement were seen in the following groups: educational level, income level, and religious affiliation. Finally, this study examined if participant responses to the items extracted from Hofstede’s Value Survey Module fell into three-factor constructs of individualism/ collectivism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance. A Principal Component Analysis indicated that the eight statements selected were representative of Hofstede’s three-factor solution of cultural dimensions. Practical implications are discussed regarding these findings, along with explanation for some of the newly developed exploration findings. While the findings of this study were interesting, research related to the influence of professional context variables on ethical decision making needs further examination.

A summary of methods from functional analysis in application to the analysis of several complex variables, based upon Hormander's estimate for ∂ operators on pseudoconvex domains.

Despite the efforts of researchers, mass hysteria is difficult to predict and challenges management. Outbreaks often causes large financial losses, usually represented by the waste of study or work hours, the involvement of emergency personnel, hospitalisation of those involved, and disruption of routine. Very few psychological studies have been produced to date, and some of the issues raised were the methodological difficulties in defining and limiting the phenomena as an object of scientific inquiry. An analysis of psychological variables utilising case study methodology and the historical method indicates that these variables are present in episodes of mass hysteria, and that they are likely to play a key role in triggering the outbreak, in spreading symptoms, maintaining the mass hysteric's behaviour, and ending the episodes. This is an exploratory study, and further research remains to be done on all aspects of the role of psychological variables in these outbreaks. Computer simulation of mass hysteria may help understand these phenomena, which often catch people by surprise, greatly limiting data recording and analysis of its natural occurrence.

Thesis (M.Phil.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-105). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 45-46) Also available in print.

Thesis--Universit ́de Paris.