Abstract
In economic experiments decisions often differ from game-theoretic predictions. Why are people generous toward strangers? Research suggests that some choices are hormone-dependent. By artificially stimulating subjects with neuroactive hormones, we can identify which hormones participate in decision-making. Can a hormone make a person generous while another stingy? In this paper, the results of two laboratory experiments are described using the hormones Oxytocin (OT) and Arginine vasopressin (AVP). I found that offers in the UG were 80% higher on OT than on placebo. I also found that AVP affects rejections and stinginess in small groups but not in large ones. Full Dissertation



The Automatic Consequences of Religious Priming
Brandon Randolph-Seng

Abstract
Religion underlies the way that many people perceive the world, but little is understood concerning how individuals mentally process religious representations. The present work applies automaticity research to the domain of religious representations. Two pilot studies suggested that being primed with religious words led to the automatic activation of religious representations and corresponding behavior. Dijksterhuis and Bargh (2001) recently theorized that individuals demonstrate automatic behaviors because of the social advantages of assimilating to the environment. Therefore, regardless of one’s religiosity, being primed with religious words may motivate one to conform to the perceived intents and goals of religious people. The current thesis further examined this social assimilation motivation hypothesis. It was predicted that an underlying social assimilation process accounted for previously found automatic behavioral effects of religious priming in a task that misled people to cheat. Results showed that participants did indeed cheat more when primed with concrete as opposed to general religious words. Contrary to predictions, however, the suggested contrast found in the concrete religious word group did not differ when participants’ cognitive capacity was manipulated. Overall, these mixed results suggest an assimilation process in religious priming. Future research is discussed that may offer better tests of the role cognitive processing plays in religious social perception and behavior. Full Thesis

 

A qualitative analysis of profound wildlife encounters
Liam Smith

Abstract
Human encounters with wildlife can sometimes be profound.  The aim of this research project was to identify variables that may trigger profound wildlife encounters and examine the impact of these experiences on people’s lives.  Findings draw on the statements of thirteen interviewees who believed they had had a profound wildlife encounter.  Variables identified by interviewees as being important included close proximity to the animal, their own anthropomorphic interpretations of animal behavior and the feeling of privilege.  The degree to which interviewees felt their experience had affected their lives varied, with some claiming that their encounter was a watershed moment.  Full Thesis

 

An Autonomic Software Architecture for Distributed Applications
M. Muztaba Fuad

Abstract
This thesis presents techniques for injecting autonomic primitives into existing user code by statically analyzing the code and partitioning it to manageable autonomic components. Experiments show that such code transformations are challenging, however they are worthwhile in order to provide transparent autonomic behavior. Software architecture to provide such autonomic computing support is presented and evaluated to determine its suitability for a fully fledged autonomic computing system. The presented architecture is a novel peer-to-peer distributed object-based management automation architecture. In this model, independent or communicating objects are treated as managed elements in the geographically distributed autonomic elements.  Full Dissertation



Lattice-Fringe Fingerprinting: Structural Identification of Nanocrystals Employing High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy  Ruben Bjorge
 

Abstract
Lattice-fringe fingerprinting is a novel method of identifying nanocrystals on the basis of the Fourier transforms of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images. The spacings between lattice fringes and the interfringe angles are used to initially “fingerprint” the nanocrystal. The two-dimensional space group symmetry of the projected electrostatic potential can also be used for fingerprinting purposes, within the range of the validity of the weak phaseobject approximation. Lattice-fringe fingerprinting was applied to three different crystal systems: titania, iron oxide and simulated images of gallium nitride.  Full Dissertation



A Model For The Measurement And Improvement Of Intellectual Capital In The Energy Sector: Sample Application In Electricity Distribution Company    Gülgün Kayakutlu

Abstract
Enterprise success has evolved to encapsulate all of its knowledge resources. Performance measures are improved accordingly to include company specific financial and intellectual capital indicators. In this study, a seven phased business model was developed to guide an energy distribution company to success after deregulation. The model is based on finding the priorities of financial and intellectual capital strategies. View of all the stake holders are reflected in the model by using Factor analysis. The strategic analysis feeds into a Goal Programming model to define the strategic map of the company. The developed model was implemented in KCETAŞ, Kayseri.  Executive managers of the company considered the results benefitial for achieving competitive advantages.  Full Dissertation