Background: Empirical studies in psychiatric research and other fields often show substantially high refusal and drop-out rates. Non-participation and drop-out may introduce a bias whose magnitude depends on how strongly its determinants are related to the respective parameter of interest. Methods: When most information is missing, the standard approach is to estimate each respondent’s probability of participating and assign each respondent a weight that is inversely proportional to this probability. This paper contains a review of the major ideas and principles regarding the computation of statistical weights and the analysis of weighted data. Results: A short software review for weighted data is provided and the use of statistical weights is illustrated through data from the EDSP (Early Developmental Stages of Psychopathology) Study. The results show that disregarding different sampling and response probabilities can have a major impact on estimated odds ratios. Conclusions: The benefit of using statistical weights in reducing sampling bias should be balanced against increased variances in the weighted parameter estimates.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate why many Latino America students at an urban community college in the state of Maryland who were enrolled at least part-time and were U.S. citizens or permanent residents did not continue their education into the second semester. Guided by Tinto's model of student integration and student persistence, this study explored the reasons these students dropped-out using the students' words to describe barriers to success, factors that influenced their decisions not to return for their second semester, and what they believed could have made a difference in their decisions. Five Latino American first-generation community college students were selected for interview. The life history calendar was used, emerging themes were coded, and a peer reviewer added perspective and stimulated further inquiry. The findings reflected the following key themes that influence persistence: family responsibility and influence, processing the college steps, lack of confidence, paying for college through family members, reliable resources, interacting with staff employees, and creating a friendly and nurturing environment. The findings allowed the development of a curriculum plan project study entitled PODER that may help college leaders devise plans to improve student persistence from the first to second semester. The potential for social change from this study could steer educators to create programs beyond the study setting to increase persistence rates of Latino American college students. This issue was important not only for the educational growth of Latino American students but also for the economic growth of the nation's workforce.

Nach der erstmaligen Veröffentlichung dieses kurz auch "Hochschul-TÜV" genannten vergleichenden Studienführers für Ingenieurwissenschaften und Informatik (2000) in Zusammenarbeit mit der Sächsischen Zeitung erscheint diese 4. Auflage erstmals für alle Fächergruppen gleichzeitig mit aktuellen Daten. Zugrunde gelegt wurden wie bei den vorhergehenden Studienführern die aktuellsten von allen Hochschulen veröffentlichten Lehrberichte, Angaben aus den Internetseiten der Hochschulen und Daten des Statistischen Landesamtes. Im Studienführer Sachsen 2003 wurden nunmehr insgesamt 153 Studiengänge aller Fächergruppen berücksichtigt. In diesen Studiengängen sind in den untersuchten Jahren rund 60.000 von knapp 83.000 Studenten an den staatlichen Universitäten und Fachhochschulen im Freistaat Sachsen immatrikuliert. Da alle "großen" Studienfächer einbezogen wurden und in den "kleinen" und neu eingerichteten Studienfächern oft eine zu geringe Anzahl von Absolventen vorliegt, sind zu den übrigen Studienfächern auch kaum zuverlässige Aussagen zum Studienerfolg der Absolventen möglich. Neuerungen gibt es zur Absolventenquote: Während in den Vorjahren die Absolventenquote zunächst nur zusätzlich als grobe Orientierung für die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines erfolgreichen Abschlusses in den Studienführer aufgenommen wurde, weil die Erfolgsquote bei den Abschlussprüfungen in einigen Fächern generell 100% betrug, liegen nunmehr zuverlässigere Daten aus mehreren Jahren vor. Da sich die Absolventenquote an der durchschnittlichen Studiendauer in ganz Sachsen orientiert und diese gestiegen ist, wurde sie als Verhältnis der aktuellen Absolventenzahl zur Studienanfängerzahl vor 6 Jahren berechnet. Neu ist, daß die Ergebnisse als Mittelwerte über die jeweils letzten 2 Jahre ausgewiesen werden. Hierdurch werden Veränderungen der Ergebnisse zwar erst später in den Tendenzen deutlich. Schwankungen, die aus "vorzeitigen Abgängen" oder "Überhang" von Studierenden aus vorhergehenden Jahrgängen resultieren, werden jedoch ausgeglichen. Außerdem konnte durch die Mittelung über 2 Jahre das Problem niedriger Fallzahlen in einigen Studiengängen gelöst werden. Das besonders in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften, aber auch in anderen Fächergruppen z. T. sehr breite Fächerspektrum der einzelnen Hochschulen kann wiederum nicht vollständig wiedergegeben werden. Neu einbezogen wurden die Kommunikationswissenschaft und die Medieninformatik, da in diesen Studiengängen inzwischen in Sachsen mehr als 1000 Studierende immatrikuliert sind. Weitere Informationen zu Studienmöglichkeiten erhält man über die Internetseiten bzw. Studienberatungen der Hochschulen, die für Sachsen über www.sz-online.de/ranking, bundesweit über den HRK-Hochschulkompass (www.hrk.de) zu finden sind.

Syftet med studien var att undersöka de direkta och indirekta interaktionseffekterna mellan upplevt motivationsklimat, målorienteringar, upplevd kompetens och intention till avhopp bland tjejer inom ungdomsfotbollen. Rekryteringen skedde via att icke slumpmässigt tillgänglighetsurval, där data samlades in via enkäter som delades ut fysiskt. Studien var en kvantitativ tvärsnittsstudie där 157 ungdomsspelande tjejer inom fotboll, i åldrarna 15-19 år (M=16,35, SD=1,40), deltog. Direkta och indirekta interaktionseffekter mellan studiens variabler utvärderades genom en neutral nätverksanalys. Resultatet visade att intention till avhopp var den mest centrerade noden i nätverket och hade flest direkta kopplingar till de övriga noderna. Nätverkets starkaste interaktion mellan intention till avhopp och de övriga noderna var framförallt negativa interaktioner med upplevt uppgiftklimat samt upplevd kompetens. Övriga framträdande direkta kopplingar i nätverket var negativa interaktioner mellan upplevt uppgiftklimat samt upplevt prestationsklimat, samt en positiv interaktion mellan egoorientering och upplevd kompetens. Resultatet i studien förväntas bidra till ökad kunskap innefattande hur centrala interpersonella samt miljömässiga faktorer inom tjejungdomsfotboll samvarierar tillsammans, samt tjejers intention till avhopp. Denna kunskap är av praktisk användbarhet för tränare, föreningar och förbund i deras arbete med att utveckla riktlinjer och strategier som syftar till att bibehålla fler tjejer inom ungdomsfotbollen. / The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between perceived motivational climates, goal orientations, perceived competence, and females intention to drop out of youth soccer. Recruitment took place via non-random availability sampling, where data were collected via questionnaires that were distributed physically. The study was a quantitative cross-sectional study in which 157 youth playing girls in soccer, aged 15-19 years (M=16.35, SD=1.40), participated. The dara were submitted to a neural network analysis to evaluate the strength and structure of the direct and indirect interactions between study variables. The result showed that intention to drop out was the most central node in the network and had the most direct connections to the other nodes. The network's strongest interaction between intention to drop out and the other nodes were primarily negative interactions with perceived task climate and perceived competence. Other prominent direct connections in the network were negative interactions between perceived task climate and perceived performance climate, as well as a positive interaction between ego orientation and perceived competence. The results of the study are expected to contribute to increased knowledge including how central interpersonal and environmental factors within youth female soccer co-vary together, as well as young females intention to drop out. This knowledge is of practical utility to coaches, associations and federations in their work to develop guidelines and strategies aimed at retaining more girls in youth football.

Background and Aims: Morphometric features such as the Milan criteria serve as standard criteria for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since it has been recognized that these criteria are too restrictive and do not adequately display the tumor biology, additional selection parameters are emerging. Methods: Concise review of the current literature on patient selection for downstaging and LT for HCC outside the Milan criteria. Results: The major task in patients outside the Milan criteria is the need for higher granularity with patient selection, since the benefit through LT is not uniform. The recent literature clearly shows that beneath tumor size and number, additional selection parameters are useful in the process of patient selection for and during downstaging. For initial patient selection, the alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level adds additional information to the size and number of HCC nodules concerning the chance of successful downstaging and LT. This effect is quantifiable using newer selection tools like the WE (West-Eastern) downstaging criteria or the Metroticket 2.0 criteria. Also an initial PET-scan and/or tumor biopsy can be helpful, especially in the high risk group of patients outside the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. After this entry selection, the clinical course during downstaging procedures concerning the tumor and the AFP response is of paramount importance and serves as an additional final selection tool Conclusion: Selection criteria for liver transplantation in HCC patients are becoming more and more sophisticated, but are still imperfect. The implementation of molecular knowledge will hopefully support a more specific risk prediction for HCC patients in the future, but do not provide a profound basis for clinical decision-making at present.

No description available.

Syftet med studien var att utforska unga vuxnas uppfattningar om varför de började föreningsidrotta och varför de valde att hoppa av från föreningsidrotten. Vidare strävades utforska om det fanns några likheter eller kontraster mellan hur individer från en storstad kontra en tätort i Sverige upplever motiven bakom ingång till och avhopp från föreningsidrotten. Sex unga män mellan åldrarna 18-30 rekryterades utifrån en målstyrd, icke-sannolikhetsbaserad urvalsmetod. Kvalitativa, semi-strukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med deltagarna för att motta beskrivningar om deras upplevelser kring motiven bakom ingång till/avhopp från föreningsidrotten. En kvalitativ innehållsanalys användes för att analysera och tematisera insamlad data för att kunna besvara på de formulerade forskningsfrågorna. Resultaten är i linje med tidigare forskning som visat att avhopp från föreningsidrotten är ett kombinerat resultat av yttre såväl som inre faktorer. Centrala teman kring motiv bakom ingång till föreningsidrott var gruppinflytande, intresse för idrott/idrotter, och bristande utbud av föreningsidrotter i närområdet. Kring motiv bakom avhopp från föreningsidrott framkom missnöje med tränare, andra prioriteringar, bristande samhörighet, andra intressen, för långa distanser till idrottsföreningar, idrottsskada och upplevd kompetensbrist som centrala teman. / The purpose of the study was to investigate young adults’ perceptions of why they started participating in organized sports, and why they chose to drop-out from organized sports. Additionally, the study sought to explore whether there were any similarities or contrasts between how individuals from a large city versus an urban area in Sweden experienced the motives behind entering and leaving organized sports. Six young men between the ages 18-30 were recruited based on a goal-oriented, non-probability sample method. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were performed with the participants to receive descriptions of their experiences of their motives behind entering and leaving organized sports. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyze and thematize collected data in order to answer the formulated research questions. The results are in line with prior research which suggest that drop-out from organized sports is a combined result of external as well as internal factors. Central themes connected to the motives behind entrance into organized sports was group influence, interest in sports/sports, and lack of sportclubs in the local area. Connected to the motives behind drop-out from organized sports, dissatisfaction with the coach/coaches, other priorities, lack of fellowship, other interests, too long distances to sportclubs, sport injuries, and lack of perceived competence arose as central themes.

This research study was conducted to determine if there was a difference in community college graduation rates based on aggregate faculty hires, aggregate faculty retention and community college size. The study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design with three independent variables (aggregate faculty new hires, aggregate faculty retention and community college size) and one dependent variable (graduation rate). The study utilized a one way ANOVA, independent t test, and factorial ANOVA to analyze differences in graduation rates based on aggregate faculty new hires, aggregate faculty retention, and community college size. Results of the one way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in graduation rates based on the level of faculty new hires and community college size. Results of the independent t test failed to show statistically significant differences in graduation based on the level of aggregate faculty retention. Results of the factorial ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between the interaction of aggregate faculty new hires and community college size as well as aggregate faculty retention and community college size.

Learner absenteeism is one of the major precursors to poor academic performance. If learners miss school, they do not learn and ultimately they fail or drop-out. Notwithstanding, this problem does not receive the attention it deserves. A literature study, which reviewed research findings concerning absenteeism in South Africa and selected countries, provided a framework for the ensuing empirical inquiry. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, document review and observation as data gathering techniques focused on two selected primary schools with a high rate of learner absenteeism in the Acornhoek area of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Participants were purposefully selected as information rich candidates: absentee learners, parents of absentee learners, teachers and school principals. Learner absenteeism negatively impacts effective professional practice, that is, teaching and learning. The study concludes with recommendations to prevent learner absenteeism in order to improve teaching and learning in South African primary schools. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

本研究旨在探討國民中學中輟學生返校復學成功之案例，主要研究目的有四：一、分析中輟學生復學的原因與過程；二、探討中輟復學生之需求；三、了解學校幫助中輟復學生之安置措施及其困境；四、探析成功輔導中輟復學生之輔導策略，以供輔導國民中學輔導中輟復學生參考。 研究方法採用半結構式的訪談和焦點團體之質性研究，首先以文獻探討與本研究有關之理論與相關研究，以作為論文研究架構之基礎；本研究以台北縣某國中八位中輟復學生為研究對象，另再進行兩場教師焦點團體，深入探討學生中輟復學的相關因素。 本研究的研究結果歸納如下： 一、中輟復學生整體復學原因與過程 1、安置回原班的穩定效果；2、設計溫暖及接納的學習環境；3、畢業證書的誘因；4、案主的自覺；5、同儕團體的協助；6、家庭功能的改善；7、外在誘因的消失等等。 二、中輟復學生需求 1、家庭功能改善；2、能接納、包容的導師；3、他人的認同、尊重、關懷與包容；4、課業方面的協助；5、正向示範引導的友伴等等。 三、中輟復學生之安置措施及其困境 在中輟復學生返校復學後，學校經常有的安置措施：1、中輟復學生返回原班；2、以專案輔導機制協助，如邀請參加認輔制度、技藝班或是高關懷班；3、專任輔導老師長期協助；4、轉介請社會局或是鄰近醫院協助處理。在安置困境方面：1、教師輔導知能專業不足；2、輔導黃金時段無法掌握；3、家庭功能不健全；4、學校課程設計的不利因素；5、社會誘因仍大等等。 四、成功輔導中輟學生復學的輔導策略 1、協助復學生做好心理建設；2、建立學校協助父母的諮詢及輔導管道；3、提供讓中輟生具成就感的教學，開發復學生的潛能；4、師生關係平日即能建立情感，老師對學生一視同仁；5、〈1〉、把握契機〈2〉、耐心陪伴、等待個案成熟〈3〉、與復學生一起設定目標等策略運用；6、建立復學生正向楷模的同儕關係；7、家庭訪問等等。 最後，本研究針對上述研究發現加以討論，並提出具體性建議，供各國民中學輔導中輟復學生之參考，及未來後續研究之建議。 / The purpose of this research is to discuss the successful cases of drop out junior high school students to go back to school, and the four major research purposes are: 1. Analyzing the reasons and process for drop out school students to go back to school; 2. Discussing the needs of them; 3. Realizing school’s arrangement measures and difficulty in assisting them; 4. Analyzing the assistance strategy that assist them successfully, and propose to junior high schools as the reference to assist them. The research methods are semistructured interviewing and qualitative research of focus group. First step is to discuss the theory relevant to this research and relevant researches by literature, and as the basis of the framework of thesis research. The research objects are 8 drop out school students of one junior high school in Taipei County; furthermore, two teacher focus groups are held to discuss factors relevant to drop out school students’ back to school. The research results are concluded as below: 1. Reasons and process for drop out school students to go back to school 1.1 Stability effect of arrange them to original classes; 1.2 Designing warm and accepting learning environments; 1.3 Attraction of diploma; 1.4 Self-awareness of them; 1.5 Assistance from same generation group; 1.6 Improvement of family function; 1.7 Elimination of outside attraction. 2. The needs of them 2.1 Improvement of family function; 2.2 Teachers that could accept and tolerate them; 2.3 Identification, respect, care and tolerance from others; 2.4 Assistance in study; 2.5 Friends that could guide them positively. 3. Arrangement measures and difficulty in assisting them Frequent arrangement measures by schools after they back to school: 3.1 Arrange them to original classes; 3.2 Offer project assistance system, such as inviting them to join assistance system, skill training class or class with high care; 3.3 Long term assistance by specialized assistance teacher 3.4 Introduce and transfer them to department of social welfare or nearby hospitals for assistance. For the difficulty in arrangement: 3.5 Teachers do not have enough specialized assistance knowledge; 3.6 Could not handle the best time for assistance; 3.7 Family function is not complete; 3.8 Disadvantage factors of school’s course design; 3.9 Social attraction is still high. 4. Assistance strategy that assist them successfully 4.1 Assist them to establish their psychology; 4.2 Establish consulting and assistance channel to help parents; 4.3 Provide teaching that could make them feel accomplished and develop their potential; 4.4 Establish emotion between teachers and students in daily life, and teachers shall treat all students alike; 4.5 (1) Hold the turning point, (2) Accompany them patiently and waiting them to become mature, (3) Set up goals with them; 4.6 Establishing their relation with same generation of positive example; 4.7 Family interview. Finally, specific suggestions are addressed after the discussion of the above research results, and propose to junior high schools as the reference for assisting drop out school students and suggestion for follow-up researches.