804 research outputs found
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A Study of Professional Nigerian Women in Diaspora
No full textThis qualitative critical narrative study explored 11 professional Nigerian women in diaspora. The study\u27s main goal was to understand the challenges the participants faced and their driving force to overcome the challenges. The study used critical theory and African feminist framework to shed light on the challenges and how the women made sense of the challenges. Through interviews the women told their stories and explained in their own words the challenges they faced and what motivated and drove them to overcome the challenges. The study revealed the women\u27s reasons for diaspora, the changes they went through, their growth process, and their motivation for reaching for and attaining more. The findings showed a sense of a calling and a need to leave a befitting legacy for their children as their motivation
Teacher Education Students\u27 Perceptions and Actual Abilities as Demonstrated Through Examinations in Microsoft®, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
No full textIt is important for educators to be able to assess the level of computer skills students possess to ensure that the students have the minimum skills necessary to satisfy the requirements of any degree plan. This dissertation addresses the need for exploratory research to compare students\u27 perceptions in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to their actual abilities as demonstrated through examinations. The research was guided by three research questions: (a) What are the self-perceived computer proficiency skills of students entering into a teacher education program at a four-year university? (b) What are the measured computer proficiency skills of students entering into a teacher education program at a four-year university? (c) To what extent do the students\u27 self-perceived computer proficiency skills differ from their measured computer proficiency skills? Students completed the business computer self-efficacy - modified (BCSE-M) scale and computer-based assessments in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint using SAM®2007. The student population for this study included entering teacher education students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at a four-year private university located in the southwest region of Texas. The usable data included 59 student participants. Frequencies, percentages, and paired t tests were utilized in answering the study\u27s research questions. The study found that there is a statistically significant difference between students\u27 perceptions of their word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics presentation software skills and their actual skills when those skills were assessed using Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students overestimated their word processing, spreadsheet, and graphic presentation software skills
The Perceptions of African American Women Concerning the Intangible Cost(s) and/or Benefit(s) of a Post-Baccalaureate Education and Career Choices
No full textThis qualitative study explored the perceptions of 10 African American women concerning their thoughts and beliefs about the intangible cost(s) and/or benefit(s) of a post-baccalaureate education and/or professional career choices. The narratives told by the participants, revealed nothing new when it came to childhood dreams. It is not uncommon for children to dream of what they want to do when they grow up. The study participants followed the path laid out or suggested by their parents who supported and encouraged them toward successful pursuits in whatever they chose. The parents of the participants in this study are no exception, and the results do not deviate from this belief. By setting high academic standards and making greater demands of them at an early age, the results were academic and economic achievement. Two findings stood out in this research: first, how parental and especially a mother\u27s expectation or socialization could affect the outcome of their daughters\u27 lives, and that the participant(s) would without exception follow their mother\u27s direction; and second, what the researcher considered as a cost for achievements and success, the participants thought of as a sacrifice
The Impact of Ethnic Identity on Employment Goals of Young Adults in Japan
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore the differences in ethnic identity and employment goals among young adults in Japan, as categorized in four sub-groups: (a) young adults not in education, employment, or training (NEETs); (b) young adults who choose part-time employments (Freeters); (c) students preparing for careers; and (d) those who are employed fulltime. A mixed methodology was utilized.
Developing ethnic identity in a globalized world has serious personal and national implications in Japan. Some young adults are facing identity crises in which they reject Japanese traditions and work ethic. The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in ethnic identity and employment goals among young adults in Japan, as categorized in four sub-groups: (a) young adults not in education, employment, or training (NEETs); (b) young adults who choose part-time employments (Freeters); (c) students preparing for careers; and (d) those who are employed fulltime. A mixed methodology was utilized. In the quantitative phase, two survey instruments, an adaptation of Phinney\u27s Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure and a Demographic Information Questionnaire, were distributed to 240 participants, 60 participants each subgroups. In the qualitative phase, a snowball sampling was used to choose five NEETs and five Freeters for personal interviews and observations to gain an understanding of their life experiences and perceptions. The researcher applied data and theory triangulation strategies to present rich descriptions of interview participants. Ethnic identity and interest in other cultures was strongest among students and full-time employees. Freeters showed internal locus of control and had purposefully chosen their lifestyles to avoid the restrictions of the traditional Japanese work ethic. NEETs showed the weakest interest in all areas. They displayed external locus of control blaming others for their difficulties. Each participant suggested how Japan could address the increasing problem of NEETs and Freeters in the population
Exploring Variables Predictive of Bachelor Degree Completion Among Hispanics: A Focus on Persistence, Perseverance, and Prosperity
No full textThis quantitative study will assist in exploring previous research findings and identifying possible contributing factors associated with successful college graduation among Hispanics. The objective was to explore successful undergraduate career patterns rather than add to the deficit perspective represented in much of the existing research on Hispanics in education today. A better understanding of how to increase the probability of higher bachelor\u27s degree graduation rates among Hispanics, by studying those who have reached that level of education, provides the type of knowledge required to increase leadership opportunities for a larger portion of this segment within organizations and the overall community
Characterization of an S-Layer-Like Protein and Select Antimicrobial Factors of the Novel Species Lactobacillus Coleohominis
Get PDFLactobacilli in the vaginal tract have been reported be protective against infections with vaginal pathogenic microorganisms through the production of antimicrobial factors, competition for adherence to vaginal epithelium, and coaggregation with pathogens to aid in their clearing. In addition, the antimicrobial factors produced by certain species of lactobacilli have even been shown to interrupt the replication or alter the function of select viruses. Vaginal lactobacilli have been investigated for their antimicrobial characteristics, but little is known about the novel species L coleohominis. recently described in vaginal isolates (Nikolaitchouk et al. 2001). It was hypothesized that L coleohominis, found in the vaginal microenvironment. would have similar characteristics to L iners, a less protective inhabitant of the vagina. The goal of this thesis research was to initially characterize the antimicrobial factors of L coleohominis, investigate a possible S-layer protein, and later compare the characteristics of L coleohominis to other vaginal lactobacilli. The initial characterization involved analysis of cell and colony morphology, aggregation patterns, and lactic acid production. Further studies included reporting the reaction in litmus milk, investigating whether bacteriocins are produced, analyzing a possible S-layer protein gene through molecular means, and examining cell surface extracts through SDS-PAGE, UV-vis spectroscopy, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results indicated that L. coleohominis exhibited strong similarities to L. iners in regards to cell and colony morphology, aggregation patterns, and characteristics of cell surface proteins. These results suggest that L. coleohominis is likely a weak colonizer and would not provide the best protection against pathogenic microorganisms
African American Male Business Leaders: Perceived Factors of Motivation Leading to Success
No full textThe purpose of this research study was to investigate the perceived factors of motivation that contributed to the success of eight African American male business leaders who participated in this study. A qualitative interpretative approach was used, and several key areas were explored to include: (a) the impact of family on success, (b) how social factors impact success, (c) the role of culture on success, (d) how motivation affects success, and (e) the role of education on success. Participants were chosen through purposeful sampling, and face to face interviews were conducted. Open ended questions were developed in order to solicit active participation and to gather detailed information about the lived experiences of each participant. The theoretical framework used for this study was Lent, Hackett, and Brown\u27s Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), which is based on Bandura\u27s Social Cognitive Theory. Results of the study revealed several common themes that the participants felt contributed to their success which included: (a) the impact of family, (b) belief in self, (c) helping others, (d) faith, and (e) personal challenges. Although these factors became apparent, the single most important factor of motivation for the participants in this study was family encouragement. All participants named a family member or both parents when asked, who they most admired and what had been some of the driving forces in their lives. The goal of this study was to add to the body of knowledge related to African American male business leaders, to gain a deeper understanding of some of the sacrifices as well as success factors that may be beneficial to others, and to suggest areas for further research in order to ensure a renewed focus on the success of these as well as other African American males
Baseball Fans\u27 Motivation: An Investigation of Psychological, Sociological, and Environmental Factors
No full textProfessional sports have been experiencing gradual decline in attendance rates. The same is true with Taiwanese baseball, which despite being a relatively new sport in Taiwan has already been having issues with maintaining high levels of attendance. The aim of this study is to determine motivational factors of Taiwanese baseball fans to attend baseball events. Motivational factors were divided into psychological, sociological, and environmental factors. The study also determined the relationship of psychological, sociological, and environmental motivational factors with gender, age, marital status, educational attainment, employment status, and level of income. The study used a quantitative approach and in order to gather data, the study used a questionnaire as an instrument. The questionnaire consists of 44 7-point Likert scale questions. The study also used a side-by-side approach to achieve a 100% response rate. Statistical analysis was also used to evaluate the data gathered from the instrument. The study also used secondary data gathered from evidence-based literature available in peer-reviewed articles and journals. The results of the study showed that the majority of Taiwanese baseball fans are male, young, full-time college students with average level of income. The demographic profile is somehow similar to the reviewed literature where baseball fans are commonly male, young, single, college graduates, full time employees, with average to more than average level of income. The results of the study also showed that the majority of the respondents regularly attend baseball games, at least 4 or 5 times a month. This result established that the respondents are baseball fans and not sports spectators. It was also determined that the respondents attend baseball games with a companion, thus it was established that socialization is a primary factor why they attend baseball games. In terms of psychological motivational factors, it was determined that there are significant differences in terms of gender, age, educational attainment, and employment status. However, the results showed no significant differences in terms of marital status or level of income. In terms of sociological motivational factors, the study also determined significant differences in terms of gender, age, educational attainment, and employment status. But in terms of marital status or level of income, the results showed no significant difference. Lastly, in terms of environmental motivational factors, the results of the study showed no significant differences in all factors: gender, age, marital status, educational attainment, employment status, and level of income
The Transition of Visual Arts Education in the United States Into the Twenty-First Century, and the Implications for This Transition From John Dewey\u27s Philosophy of Art Experience
No full textThe purpose of this historical research is to examine the visual arts experience from the writings of Dewey, to explore the experiences within his life that led to Art as Experience in 1934, and to investigate his present day influence on visual art scholar practitioners and the implications of Dewey\u27s philosophy of the visual arts experience for public education within the United States today.
To satisfy the demands of society, the scholar practitioner in today\u27s complex world of education must juggle various factors that are related to one another: practice, poesis, or the creative act, culture, knowledge, and learning. These demands include the adherence to education, law, politics, economics, ethics, equity, and social dynamics. The scholar practitioner in the field of visual arts education also has the duty to validate the arts as a viable and necessary component of education, and this is done through examples of scholarly practice. The scholar practitioner as leader should be grounded in the works of John Dewey. With Dewey\u27s conception of the scholar practitioner as a public intellectual engaged in educational practice to transform society, there is the fostering of a learning environment for educators, students, and community that is balanced with the basic needs of daily living. The scholar practitioner as visual arts educator is self-reflective and aware of the personal lenses affecting practice. The National Visual Arts Standards (NVAS), as part of the federal law, Goals 2000: Educate America Act, are the legal mandate for art educators in the twenty-first century. They are guidelines for the states, not curriculum. How does the art educator work within the guidelines of the NVAS and maintain a personal philosophical validation for his/her craft? This work is a closer look at the history of art education and its future in light of the NVAS, a study of Dewey\u27s philosophy of art experience, and an exploration of why there may be a consummatory need for Dewey\u27s philosophy within PK-12 art education in the United States
The Possible Influence of Iranian Culture on the Development of Leadership Attributes in Men and Women of Iranian Descent
No full textThe purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the possible differences between the perceived level of critical leadership attributes for men and women of Iranian descent. Convenient sampling was used for the selection of 143 male and female Iranian participants. Demographic information and data were collected based on survey questions designed by Henderson (2006, 2008). The inferential statistical /-test was conducted to measure the perceived level of leadership attributes for men and women and to determine the mean differences between men and women participants. Literature about leadership, behavioral learning theory, cultural studies, and the culture of Iran was reviewed in order to explore and discover the relevant information and evidence to support this research. Results from the study indicated that there is a difference between the level of perceived leadership attributes in men and women. Males scored higher in all areas of leadership attributes on Henderson\u27s survey. It was established by this research that there are significant differences between the perceived level of overall leadership ability and performance of men and women of Iranian descent