Peer Influence: A Method to Help Manage Stress

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to find a difference between middle managers’ and blue-collar workers’ episodic non-work related and work related stress events. The information that was found was to be developed into a “peer influence” program to help prevent the workers from experiencing chronic stress symptoms. Method: From research it was determined that there is a significant difference between middle managers’ and blue-collar workers’ episodic non-work and work related stress events. The material that was reviewed showed a difference in five areas: threat of job loss, lack of authority, new social values (sociability), personal life (satisfaction), and stressful life events. A Survey by the use of a questionnaire was distributed to middle managers and blue-collar workers at two large corporations. When they were returned, they were coded, and an analysis by the Mann-Whitney U-Test was done. This methodology found six events where middle managers and blue-collar workers showed a trend toward, or a significant difference at the Because of the low blue-collar response and the Mann-Whitney U-Test findings, the questionnaire was also used as a needs analysis. This was done to find any relationship between the samples. Three events were found to show this relationship. These findings, from both methodologies, were researched and the results were recorded. Results: The results of this project are that the middle manager is affected by stress when confronted with work related events (activity level of work, change in work schedule). The blue-collar worker is affected by stress when confronted by non-work events (serious illness, arguments with spouse, marriage). Both samples experience stress when confronted by three events that can cause stress for the individual concerned (death of a family member, serious illness suffered by a family member, being transferred to a new position or assignment). Conclusions: Two conclusions can be drawn from this project: (1) The problems (events) that occur away from the work environment can affect middle managers’ and blue-collar workers’ performance on the job if something is not done to help the individual, chronic stress symptoms could surface. (2) The blue-collar stress is part of the worker’s home environment. Without a release of some kind, the result could be: absenteeism, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, etc. Because of these results and conclusions, the Peer Influence Program (PIP) was developed

Guide for Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements

Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) is an economical, fast-construction candidate for many pavement applications. It has traditionally been used for pavements carrying heavy loads in low-speed areas because of its relatively course surface. However, in recent years its use in commercial areas and for local streets and highways has been increasing. This guide provides owner-agencies, contractors, materials suppliers, and others with a thorough introduction to and updated review of RCC and its many paving applications. Based on current research and best practices, the guide describes RCC and how it works as a paving material, especially compared to concrete pavement, as well as its common used and its benefits and potential limitations compared to other paving materials. It provides detailed overviews of RCC properties and materials, mixture proportioning, structural design issues, and production and construction considerations, plus troubleshooting guidelines and an extensive reference list for more comprehensive information

Simulation survey techniques to assess consumer travel behavior under conditions of energy constraint: a phenomenological model of decision making

The objective of this dissertation is to provide an accurate assessment of travel behavior under conditions of gasoline rationing. The intent is to construct a model of decision-making which discards many of the theoretical and methodological assumptions which have become accepted and reified over the years in social science research;This study involves the use of questionnaire items designed to assess attitudes held toward the gasoline shortages. It also includes the development of a carefully constructed and real world gasoline rationing simulation. It is believed that the methodological flexibility of computer simulation techniques used in combination with an attitude survey permits a more adequate analysis of the multiplicity of attitudinal and situational factors which work together to produce behavior;The method of data analysis chosen for this study was contingent upon both the theory and the methodology adopted. This is a descriptive study which called for the flexibility to account for serendipitous findings. The focus is on describing the degree to which certain travel decision patterns occur. Presimulation and postsimulation frequency distributions are examined which suggest the knowledge and experience presented by SHORTAGE, a gasoline rationing simulation, lead to a significant change in attitude toward the gasoline shortages. It is demonstrated that no statistically significant relationships exist between attitude toward the gasoline shortages and actual decisions made during participation in SHORTAGE. Insights are, however, gained, into the types of decisions consumers might make relative to their attitudes toward the gasoline shortages. Often, those decisions made which are the most acceptable, yield consequences that are as constraining as those which might encourage breaking the law in order to continue freedom in transportation mobility. The individual is as likely to make questionable decisions as he is to maintain strict conformity to the Law; The dissertation concludes with the suggestion that, while gasoline rationing might be expected to produce minor abuses, the American people are reasonably cooperative when they see reasonable grounds for being asked to make sacrifices

Texas Register

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code

Texas Register

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code