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Tides
Get PDFThis photo is an overhead shot of the waves breaking at Pine Point beach. This represents so much for me. In these times of uncertainty it gives me hope that the tides will eventually turn. And just like the tides, this too will take a turn for the better. It also represents the healing and cleansing qualities of the sea
Stop-Out Factors For Nontraditional Students In Online Competency-Based Education Programs
Get PDFThe purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the phenomenon of nontraditional students in online competency-based education (CBE) degree programs taking enrollment breaks known as “stop-outs” between college semesters or terms. Online programs and CBE programs have grown at a pace commensurate with the increased enrollment of working adults or other nontraditional college students. At the same time, stop-out and attrition rates for online programs and nontraditional students have been significantly higher than for traditional postsecondary education models. A review of existing literature exposed a gap in understanding the factors related to stop-outs for nontraditional students in online CBE degree programs. The researcher applied a theoretical perspective based on the self-determination theory of student persistence to add to the body of knowledge about the stop-out phenomenon. The researcher utilized surveys and interviews to collect and analyze data from current or former students that stopped out of online CBE degree programs to explore the phenomenon from the perspectives of their lived experiences. The researcher found that nontraditional stop-outs were influenced by external factors more than the online CBE environment
Cultivating Leaders: Professional Development Needs Of Community College Chairs
Get PDFHigher education is currently experiencing industry changes that make good leadership even more crucial. However, most academic leaders arrive at their first leadership position with no leadership training and find the transition challenging. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to examine the lived experiences of community college chairs in relation to leadership development practices. The research questions that drive this study are (a) What competencies/skills are needed for performing the department chair role? (b) What are the professional development needs of community college department chairs? (c) What types of professional development do department chairs find most valuable? (d) What types of professional leadership development are most often offered to community college chairs?
Participants are all current department chairs at one medium-sized community college in the mid-Atlantic region. Participants volunteered to share their experiences through semi-structured interviews, transcripts of which were then analyzed for thematic and experiential commonalities. Analysis of the findings revealed that chairs had very little development offered to them that specifically addressed their duties as department chair. The participants were frustrated at the lack of information they had about the processes involved with their day-to-day responsibilities. Participants were interested in continually learning to more effectively and independently do their jobs, and participants were confident in their ability to handle the teaching and learning aspects of their work. Overall the strongest development opportunities that resonated with the participants were ones where they were able to collaborate, find camaraderie and support, and build a broader leadership network
International School Leadership: A Phenomenological Study Of Climate And Culture
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to describe and explain the phenomena of international school leadership and school climate and culture. It proposed to identify key leadership strategies and techniques that can be implemented to initiate change which will foster a positive school culture and climate. The theoretical framework that shaped this study was the Five Dimensions of School Climate as described by Thapa, Cohen, Guffey, and Higgins-D’ Alessandro (2013). This study used a Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology to explore the lived experiences of leaders of international schools in south-east Asia in relation to school culture and climate. Through semi-structured interviews with eight participants the key leadership styles and techniques that foster a positive school culture and climate were identified along with the specific challenges that leaders in this setting face. It was found that relationships are integral to the fostering of a positive school culture and climate. This could be the relationships that leaders have with each other and the relationships that they have with all stakeholders in a school, such as staff, students and parents. Positive relationships can be built from the specific practices of having an open-door policy and through a leader’s recruitment and human resources practices. Leaders should also measure the existing culture, model the expected culture and communicate it across a school. Further, leaders should provide professional development for staff since it plays an important role in fostering a positive school culture. The specific challenges that leaders in this setting face were the cultural diversity that exists in the make-up of an international school, the expectations from parents and the ones that staff place upon themselves, retaining staff and recruiting new staff. It is therefore recommended that any data that is collected on the existing culture and climate should be used to grow and develop the culture and climate. Further, it is recommended that the specific leadership practices that were identified are used in conjunction with one another. Lastly, it is recommended that professional development is used to invest and develop people in order to foster a positive school culture and climate
Comparison Of SARS-CoV-2 To SARS-CoV, MERS, And Influenza A: A Systematic Review
Get PDFDifferences and similarities are examined among SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS and influenza A, in the context of transmissibility. Characteristics specific to the respective pathogens prove invaluable as they set the stage for intervention and management. SARS-CoV-2 bears similarities to other recently emerged infectious diseases in basic virologic ways, yet is distinctly different in terms of viral transmission dynamics. These differences arise from genomic qualities and properties specific to the virus. As ACE2 receptors are determinants for attachment and spread of the virus, and their role throughout tissues in the body is vast, an understanding of organ-level pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to effectively treat and (hopefully) neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Certain populations are identified as higher risk populations for severity of illness due to factors including age, gender and obesity. Therapies and treatments (including social responsibility behaviors) are described in current practice.https://dune.une.edu/hi_studpapproj/1001/thumbnail.jp
Building Value Through Innovative Eucheuma spp. Product Development: A Case Study With The Belize Women\u27s Seaweed Farming Association
Get PDFSeaweed aquaculture has been a successful supplemental livelihood in coastal communities worldwide, creating new income opportunities for women in particular. In most cases, raw or dried carrageenan-producing seaweed is sold into supply chains without local value addition taking place. Upgrading value chains can come in the form of new products, differentiation from existing products through marketing, or breaking into new markets. The research investigates the local market potential for value-added Belizean Eucheuma seaweed products and offers insights into a pathway forward for the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farming Association (BWSFA) to take advantage of these opportunities at an early stage of their development. Case studies of similar value-adding entities were examined for transferable lessons. Community members, tourists, and local spas were surveyed about their interest in seaweed-based products. In addition to continually making improvements on the farm level to meet the need for consistent, quality seaweed sourcing, spas showed the most potential for engagement with value-added products. Interest in seaweed ecotourism exists for short excursions, but competition is high in Placencia. Neither pathway would fully allow members of the BWSFA to move away from inconsistent, seasonal tourism income; therefore, export markets may need to be identified as early as possible. Acceptability of seaweed products is high in the local community, but products are purchased infrequently. Development of powder, which saw advantages over gel, may offer the best initial value-added product while collaboration and partnerships are explored for more complex products. Educational efforts and media outreach around the uses and benefits of Eucheuma could increase consumers’ willingness to pay for value-added products
Adapting Biotoxin Monitoring For The Future: An Opportunity For A Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Network In Casco Bay, Maine
Get PDFHarmful Algae Blooms (HABs) related to marine biotoxins have considerable impacts on coastal communities and have been increasing in size and frequency globally. Maine is recognized as a leader in biotoxin management as it relates to bivalve shellfish, but it has been unclear how current management practices effect the growth of shellfish aquaculture and how they will adapt to future conditions. This research uses a collaborative approach to analyze the current state of biotoxin management in Maine. First, the current management practices in Maine were compared and contrasted with five other states dealing with similar issues. Then, the perspectives of primary stakeholders in the oyster aquaculture industry were investigated through surveys and interviews. Lastly, the interactions specifically between the oyster aquaculture industry and biotoxin management were examined in Casco Bay. Comparative case study results demonstrate that Maine effectively manages biotoxins but is lacking in data transparency and stakeholder engagement. Survey results suggest, oyster aquaculturists in Casco Bay are acutely aware of issues in biotoxin monitoring and are eager to find innovative solutions, as their livelihoods are directly impacted by the closures. An independent HAB network in Casco Bay would be an effective approach to increase stakeholder engagement and transparency around closure decisions. This will require initiative from both the grower community as well as the regulators. A new HAB Network has the potential to build trust between the regulators and oyster aquaculturists, as well as contribute to future HAB research
Food & Culture in Greece
Get PDFThis is a fact sheet about the food culture of Greece. The purpose is to educate the audience on Greece’s traditional cuisine and eating patterns. Information includes traditional foods and dishes, traditional eating patterns, holidays and religious traditions, traditional health beliefs, and more current food practices in Greece.https://dune.une.edu/an_studedres/1175/thumbnail.jp
Filipino Food, Dietary Customs, and Health Beliefs
Get PDFThis fact sheet serves as an educational resource for learners seeking information about Filipino dietary practices and health beliefs. Traditional and symbolic Filipino foods and dishes are reviewed, along with traditional eating patterns, health beliefs, and food practices.https://dune.une.edu/an_studedres/1170/thumbnail.jp