<p> This dissertation tests theories about catch share approaches to fishery management, examining their validity and limits relative to the Northeast groundfish sector program, and potentially modifies them in light of research outcomes. Participants of the groundfish fishery based in New Hampshire are the particular focus of research, but broader impacts are considered. Studies of this catch share program have been limited to date, and studies of catch share programs generally have focused on a particular dimension (e.g., biological, social, economic) rather than integrate across dimensions, despite increasing needs to do so for management. Here, six key aspects of fishing are investigated: fishing practices, social capital, bycatch, economic performance, safety, and well-being. Thus, this work is a novel contribution to the field of impact assessment research, both in its topic and scope. </p><p> The primary research question is: <i>How has the advent of catch shares impacted the Northeast commercial multispecies fishery, particularly in New Hampshire?</i> This is answered through a case study that involved a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches, using semi-structured interviews of 2 informants, including members of groundfish sectors, common pool members, former fishermen, and fish dealers. Although social research often involves a process of theory generation, in the case of the Northeast groundfish fishery, and catch share programs more generally, a number of theories have already emerged that are ripe for testing. It was hypothesized here that fishing under the control rules governing sectors has resulted in: more efficiency and flexibility for fishermen to decide where, when, and how to fish; greater social capital among fishermen; reduced bycatch; and improved economic performance, safety, and well-being. </p><p> The groundfish fishermen of New Hampshire revealed that the theorized benefits of catch share programs do not necessarily hold true. Of the six key aspects of fishing investigated here, only the benefits related to fishing practices, bycatch and safety aligned with what has occurred in this local fishery, but even some of those benefits have qualifiers. The informants who were sector members generally felt that fishing in a sector was more efficient and flexible than the former Days-At-Sea program had been, generally due to shifting catch limits from a trip basis to an annual one. This had allowed more concentration of effort during times with greater potential for profitability (e.g., fish availability, favorable markets). Reducing bycatch was an important goal of the informants, and the sector participants indicated that their level of bycatch had decreased, primarily through eliminating the trip limits and discards of legal-sized fish. Some informants went above and beyond regulations to avoid bycatch in recognition of the need to steward stocks for the future. However, some sector members identified new pressures to discard when unobserved, driven largely by the high lease costs of choke stocks. There were no major changes in safety, because the informants largely strive to be safe no matter the management program. However, removal of trip limits for sector participants created flexibility and less pressure to fish in unsafe conditions. </p><p> Theorized benefits for social capital, economic performance, and well-being did not hold true. Despite being a novel focal point for industry organization, informants felt that sectors have not been catalysts for social capital. Rather, sectors have been based on and built off of pre-existing social capital. In some cases, social capital was reduced as increased organizational responsibilities were seen as a burden and fishing became more competitive and secretive. Economic profitability and predictability had not been realized, though the concomitant decline in, and persistently low, catch limits for certain key species (e.g., cod, yellowtail flounder) vanquished any potential that catch shares had for the economic success of this fishery. The need to lease quota of constraining stocks to harvest the available fish in one&rsquo;s own portfolio has been a substantial and new cost, with risky debt obligations, for several informants. Business predictability declined for a majority of informants. Catch shares has, however, transformed the business climate of the groundfish industry, with more focus on maximizing one&rsquo;s utility. With declines in fishery participation, and dim potential for positive economic performance, the sense of well-being and future outlook for self and fishery had diminished since the advent of the catch share program. Job satisfaction decreased for most of the sector members, and a majority of all informants said that they would not advise a young person to enter fishing. The New Hampshire-based fishermen have, on the whole, not fared as well as could be assumed based on theory, exemplifying the consequences of catch shares, the potential for declining performance by those participants unable to adapt.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to investigate the social, economic and technological factors that influence rates of adoption of innovative stormwater management approaches in municipal organizations in the Great Bay watershed, NH. The scope of this study was to investigate how innovations spread through municipal populations in a specific region and watershed area of the US. The methodology used mixed qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, case studies, and surveys to examine perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs that influence the adoption of innovative stormwater management solutions, as well as the governance characteristics of municipalities at different stages of adoption. Major findings include: adopter categories can be relatively easily and quickly categorized into early and late majorities as a preliminary means to identify populations of ready and willing audiences interested in and capable of advancing innovations; early and late adopter classifications followed general diffusion theory, but differed in substantial ways that could influence overall project or program success; and finally that early majority communities have more internal and external capacity to advance innovations as well as higher levels of peer-to-peer trust to offset perceptions related to economic risk that can either advance or stall innovative stormwater management solution adoption. This research offers insights on how to allocate scarce resources to optimally improve water quality through stormwater management solutions, and makes recommendations for how to effectively and efficiently generate greater understanding of complex barriers to adoption that thwart innovation in municipal governance organizations. One significant implication is that agents of change who want to move innovations through a broad municipal population should focus their efforts on working with innovators and early adopters that have status within relevant peer networks and who have capacity to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of innovations.</p>

<p> The problem of middle school disengagement has intrigued and bewildered educators and researchers for years, revealing various contributing factors and possible theories (Eccles, Lord, &amp; Roeser, 1996; Eccles &amp; Midgley, 1989; Pintrich &amp; De Groot, 1990; R. M. Ryan &amp; Deci, 2002). Despite numerous research studies and various recommendations, disengagement still persists. A gap in the literature exists regarding the inclusion of student voice aimed at surfacing contributing factors. This qualitative co-inquiry study addresses this gap by examining adolescent academic disengagement and engagement as voiced by, and investigated with, middle school students. Through co-operative inquiry research this study examines the lived experiences of middle school students to understand the circumstances of their disengagement, reveal contributing factors, and identify potential solutions. Additionally, this study examines how students&rsquo; involvement in the co-inquiry process contributes to their own development. </p><p> Ten seventh and eighth grade participants engaged with the initiating-investigator, their middle school principal, in a research study utilizing the co-operative inquiry methodology. During a 9-week period of time these students immersed themselves in the co-inquiry process: they posed questions to investigate, participated in the inquiry cycle, shared and reflected on the collective findings, and generated additional questions for further examination. Data were gathered through student-participant journals, artifacts and transcriptions from the weekly sessions, and exit-interviews. </p><p> The findings of this study indicate the power co-inquiry with students has to reveal schooling experiences that promote or inhibit their engagement. The student-researchers surfaced important findings regarding the powerful impact the classroom environment, relationships, and instruction have on student engagement and learning. Their voices reveal circumstances educators need to examine in support of modifications to current practice. Additionally, this study reveals the importance of engaging with students in co-inquiry and the profound affect it has on them as learners and individuals. </p><p> The inclusion of these important stakeholders?the middle school students themselves&mdash;cannot be underscored.</p>

<p> The practice of restoration has been called the acid test for ecological theories, as theoretical outcomes may or may not occur in real life scenarios. Regardless, the need for increased communication between theory and practice is necessary to mutually benefit both disciplines. My dissertation research used several major ecological theories to formulate questions regarding environmental constraints on the establishment and expansion of several species of freshwater tidal macrophytes (Schoenoplectus acutus, Schoenoplectus californicus, and to a lesser extent, Typha latifolia). I investigated the response of these species at different life-history stages to various environmental stressors (i.e., degree of soil compaction, flooding duration, and nutrient availability) in both field and controlled greenhouse settings. These studies revealed that adult individuals are more tolerant to environmental stressors than their rhizome or seedling counterparts. Schoenoplectus californicus exhibited superior performance than S. acutus or T. latifolia in when subjected to extreme flooding and stressful abiotic conditions. My research regarding silicon and nitrogen nutrient availability emphasizes the role that Si plays in sustaining Schoenoplectus spp., especially in the presence of high nitrogen concentrations. Finally, my research showed that the species of concern are powerful ecosystem engineers and are capable of ameliorating their abiotic conditions over time. The information presented in my dissertation research provides specific, useful information for freshwater tidal marsh restoration managers and emphasizes the utility of incorporating theory to improve our understanding and stewardship of ecosystems. </p>

<p> This dissertation focused on the impact of aphasia on social inclusion in LTC facilities. Data were gathered and examined using a qualitative research methodology. This research design used several data collection procedures including participant observation, ethnographic interviews, videotaped conversations, and artifact analysis. These procedures preserved the authenticity of the data and allowed for thick description of social interaction as it unfolded in real-time. The results of these data were examined using categorization of the context and culture of each environment, community-based strategies used during social interactions, and the linguistic and interactive devices used during conversational interactions. The views, reactions, and affective reactions of IWA were also explored and discussed. Patterns emerged from the data that revealed the types of strategies that IWA employed to overcome contextual barriers within the nursing home environment. This study uncovered the importance of considering the contextual makeup of nursing homes when examining IWA and the value in exploring the on-line behaviors and strategies that are implemented by IWA as they negotiate social action within these contexts. This study has important implications regarding the value of qualitative research paradigms in investigating social access and inclusion in IWA in LTC settings and exploring the complex interdependent and synergistic relationship of language and its situated context.</p>

<p> This study is intended to focus on the optimization of offset derrick structures and to present a novel connection details for derrick structures. The overall goal of this study is to improve performance, ease fabrication, and reduce material and labor costs associated with derrick structures, and study the performances of Double Channel Endplate and Single Channel Endplate Connections using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. </p><p> Optimization of derrick structure is carried out by modeling different bracing systems with different parameters of design, for example, vertical panel height, bracing type, buckling restraint, and member orientation to come to optimum result in terms of structural weight, lateral stiffness, and number of joints. Eccentric bracing system, 2X-bracing system, X-bracing system, and K-bracing system are studied and comparisons are made among structures with similar vertical panel height to come to efficient geometry of that category. A Double Channel and Single Channel Endplate connection are developed and modeled to see the stress distribution, moments, and rotation capacities. Finally, behavioral plots (moment-rotation) are modeled to rate the performance of connections. </p><p> Structures with relatively shorter force path, uniform internal force distribution, and small internal forces are found to respond well and they are stiff, economical, and elegant as well. For 2X-bracing system, efficiency of offset derrick structure to resist the load is found to decrease for both small and large vertical panel height and optimum height was found in between. For this study, the optimum height was 20 ft. for 2X-bracing system. Thickness, and overlapping length of channel plate is found important for in-plane capacity of connection while stiffeners are more important for out-of-plane capacity. Connection is found to have higher in-plane bending stiffness than for out-of-plane. </p>

<p> Over the last one hundred years, F. Scott Fitzgerald&rsquo;s <i> The Great Gatsby</i> has become one of the most popular American novels in the literary canon. Though thousands of critical articles have circulated concerning one of American&rsquo;s greatest tragic heroes, Jay Gatsby, it is the object of his desire that is often neglected. By applying the theories of feminist thinker Simone de Beauvoir, it can be shown that Daisy&rsquo;s status as mutable anti-heroine is representative of the patriarchal ideologies of the novel&rsquo;s time. Equally ripe for analysis is Daisy&rsquo;s film legacy, as four major motion pictures have been adapted for the big screen. In this project, I argue that Daisy represents the treacherous dichotomies often imposed on women, whether through idolatry, illusion, commodification, or slavery. I also seek to prove that Daisy is part and parcel of the American New Woman and how this further distorts America&rsquo;s identification with her. The ability to identify with characters is compulsory, which is perhaps why the story of Jay Gatsby has been adopted as a telling of the American Dream. As a contrast, however, the women in <i>The Great Gatsby</i> are difficult to identify with. If Daisy Buchanan is confined to a strict set of misshapen stereotypes, and we as Americans celebrate this novel as one of our Greats, how do we time and time again read women in the Great American Narrative?</p>

<p> Despite an increased interest in exploitation of hydrocarbon source rock resource plays, there remains an incomplete understanding of organic and inorganic component interaction within source rocks. Few studies have been conducted concerning the associations between organic and inorganic geochemistry for the purposes of understanding kerogen type, thermal maturity influence, and paleoredox setting. This investigation&rsquo;s goal was evaluating these relationships with samples from the Eagle Ford Formation using organic data, obtained by Rock-Eval pyrolysis and oxidation, and inorganic data, obtained using high-temperature and pressure leaching experiments. The study additionally tested various parameters for whole rock batch leaching, including time, temperature of leaching, and use of acids. The most successful leaching technique was applied to samples that (1) had first been subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis, at three different maximum temperatures (450&deg;C, 550&deg;C, and 650&deg;C), as well as (2) samples that had not been subjected to pyrolysis. As different kerogen fractions were destroyed at these different temperatures, variances in elemental concentrations leached from these samples could be attributed, at least partially, to these fractions. Using this approach, the lower molecular weight kerogen fraction contained most of the elements likely attributable to carbonates and sulfides associated with the kerogen (e.g., Ca, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, S, Sr, Zn). The higher molecular weight portion contained more elements probably attributable to clays, quartz, and other clastic minerals (e.g., Al, Fe, K, Si). An evaluation of the overall element chemistry of the rock paired with Rock-Eval parameters showed (1) major/trace elements varied according to amount and type of organic carbon in the Eagle Ford samples, (2) relative abundances of certain major/trace elements were useful proxies for bulk mineralogy and depositional environment, and (3) relationships between certain clay-related major and trace elements and T_max values suggesting clays and trace elements acted to catalyze the cracking of the kerogen.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine the link between FranklinCovey&rsquo;s The Leader in Me (LIM) implementation and school improvement. Specifically, this study sought to identify whether or not longitudinal student data improved during LIM implementation, teacher perception of the LIM implementation, and the relative impact of the four LIM process components on school improvement. These process components include school vision of leadership, staff-created implementation, 7 Habits (Covey, 1989), and student leadership. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a more comprehensive analysis of the impact of the LIM on school improvement. Longitudinal quantitative student data sets in the areas of attendance, DIBELS reading assessment, and discipline referrals was examined to determine whether or not there were data improvements during LIM implementation at one school. Quantitative data from closed-ended survey responses from staff members at four LIM schools was collected and analyzed to determine teacher perceptions of the LIM process as a whole, as well as the implementation levels of the four process components. Qualitative data in the form of focus group interview responses were collected and analyzed in order to determine the underlying causes of the student data improvements and overall school culture/climate improvements from the perspective of teachers at one LIM school. The data revealed that there appears to be a link between the LIM implementation and school improvement. Student data sets over time at the case study school did improve, and the teachers at that school indicated vast improvements in school culture/climate throughout the LIM implementation. In addition, the data analysis indicated strong positive feelings expressed by teachers at LIM schools, as well as a statistically significant positive correlation between the four process components.</p>

<p> Leadership in today&rsquo;s health care system is faced with challenges that require adequate educational training / preparation and practical experience. These challenges are manifested by a constant state of change which adds pressures and additional responsibilities to all health care providers. Adequate training / preparation can make a significant difference in the ability to appropriately and effectively improve and maintain work responsibilities. Historically, management opportunities have been available for adequately trained qualified personnel; however, consistent adequately trained first line nurse managers has not been the case. First line nurse managers are often promoted to their management position as a result of several characteristics; longevity in the nursing profession, exemplary clinical practice, or through a process of seniority, all of which may not be entirely management oriented. The literature states that promotion from nurse to a first line nurse manager position without management training may result in burnout, mistrust among colleagues, lack of respect, lack of leadership, division among departments, and overall poor performance. This study will examine the perceptions about the quality of nurse management training, and the problems encountered when such training does not occur. The study will also provide a basis for a review of the current literature to validate previous studies, provide current studies to include new input, and explore educational training ideas and suggestions addressing training concerns. This quantitative research will survey staff nurses seeking their individual perceptions of the competencies needed for first line nurse managers to be successful in their role. Data provided from staff nurses&rsquo; perceptions of the managerial skills and techniques of their current manager will be collected using a survey approach. The data will be used to analyze if there is an absence of needed managerial skills education and resolutions for a better approach. The target population for this study is staff / bedside registered nurses administering first level bedside care for patients in the hospital and/or clinical setting and from this population a sample of registered nurses currently enrolled or have been recently enrolled (within the last two years) in an associate degree to a baccalaureate nursing program.</p>