En raison de sa richesse en ressources génétiques, et des utilisations traditionnelles locales qui en sont faites, la biodiversité végétale issue du bassin amazonien constitue une véritable source de principes actifs à valoriser. L’espèce Euterpe oleracea Mart., vernaculairement appelée baie d’açai, qui connaît un intérêt scientifique important, est le parfait exemple de ressources naturelles bioactives valorisées issues de cette zone géographique. Les études scientifiques lui confèrent de très nombreuses propriétés biologiques, mais, la plus connue et la plus médiatisée est sa capacité antioxydante liée majoritairement à sa composition polyphénolique. En Guyane française, on peut parler de « diversité » au sein de la famille des Palmiers puisque plus de 75 espèces y ont été recensées. Parmi lesquelles, on peut citer une espèce très commune ayant des propriétés surtout alimentaires, et dont la connaissance phytochimique reste, à l’heure actuelle, très limitée : l’Oenocarpus bataua Mart dit patawa. Ce sujet de thèse de doctorat s’articule autour de la mesure de l’activité antioxydante du fruit mûr de ce palmier, et de la détermination des polyphénols responsables de cette dernière. La singularité de ce travail réside dans l’étude des différentes composantes tissulaires du fruit : mésocarpe, épicarpe et mélange épicarpe/mésocarpe (MEM). Dans un premier temps, les conditions les plus favorables d’extraction de biomolécules (notamment de l’épicarpe et du mésocarpe) ont été définies à l’aide du test DPPH. Les tests préliminaires effectués sur les tissus pris séparément, ont conduit à sélectionner un mélange acétone/eau (70/30, v/v) pour révéler, au mieux, la capacité antioxydante de chaque partie du fruit. Une étape de délipidation initiale s’est avérée nécessaire dans le cas de l’étude du mésocarpe. La confirmation de l’activité antioxydante a été réalisée au moyen d’autres tests d’activité chimique (TEAC, FRAP, ORAC), et a été complétée par l’utilisation d’un test d’activité biologique (KRL) en raison de ses mécanismes réactionnels plus complets. Il en ressort que le tissu végétal le plus antioxydant est le mésocarpe qui contient des proanthocyanidines, famille de composés phénoliques connue pour ses nombreuses activités biologiques.Le même travail a été effectué sur les tissus regroupés (fruit global ou MEM). Ainsi, a été retenue l’utilisation du solvant mixte acétone/eau sans étape de délipidation initiale. La capacité antioxydante du fruit étudié a été comparée à celle de l’açai, espèce choisie comme référence. Il s’avère que les extraits d’açai ont une activité antioxydante très supérieure à celle du patawa lorsqu’ils sont testés vis-à-vis de l’ORAC et du KRL. Le tissu mésocarpe a, lui, démontré une capacité antioxydante supérieure à celle de l’açai. Ces résultats sont à associer avec la composition phytochimique propre à chaque fruit. La composition polyphénolique du fruit de patawa, déterminée par UPLC/MSn, supposerait la présence d’anthocyanes, de tanins condensés, de stilbènes et d’acides phénoliques. Ces travaux, qui méritent d’être approfondis, en particulier pour le mésocarpe, ouvrent de nouvelles perspectives d’utilisation du fruit patawa, en particulier l’incorporation de composés phénoliques issus du mésocarpe dans des formulations galéniques ayant attrait aux domaines de la Nutrition, de la Cosmétique et de la Pharmaceutique. / Due to its wealth in genetic resources, and to traditional uses, plant biodiversity issued from the Amazonian Basin is a real source of active process to valorize. The specie Euterpeoleracea Mart., usually called acai berry, which is experiencing a huge scientific interest, is the perfect example of valued natural bioactive resources from the geographic area. Scientific studies give it many biological properties, but the most known is its antioxidant property mainly due to its polyphenolic composition. In French Guiana, we can use the term “diversity” within the palm family with more than 75 species identified. Among them is a common species, Oenocarpus bataua Mart., called “Patawa”, mainly with alimentary properties but for which knowledge of phytochemical properties is until now very poor. The present research deals with determining the antioxidant activity of this palm fruit and with the identification of the polyphenols responsible for it.The uniqueness of this work lays in the study of the different tissue components of this fruit namely the mesocarp, the epicarp and mixing epicarp / mesocarp (MEM). In a first time, the most favorable extraction conditions of biomolecules (particularly of the epicarp and mesocarp) were defined using the DPPH test. The preliminary tests performed on those tissues taken separately, have led to select an acetone / water (70/30, v / v) to reveal, at best, the antioxidant capacity of each part of the fruit. An initial defatting step was necessary in the case of the study of the mesocarp. The confirmation of the antioxidant activity was carried out by other tests of chemical activity (TEAC, FRAP, ORAC), and was supplemented by the use of a bioassay (KRL) due to its more complete reaction mechanisms. Results point out that the most antioxidant tissue is the mesocarp that contains proanthocyanidins, phenolics of a chemical family known for its numerous biological activities.The same work was performed on tissues combined (overall result). The mixed solvent acetone / water, without initial defatting step, has been selected. The antioxidant capacity of fruit was compared to that of the Acai specie chosen as a reference. It turns out that acai extracts have antioxidant activity much greater than that of Patawa when tested vis-à-vis of ORAC and KRL. In contrary, mesocarp tissue has a greater antioxidant capacity than that of Acai. These results can be associated with the phytochemical composition of each fruit. The polyphenolic composition of the fruit of Patawa determined by UPLC / MSn, reflects the presence of anthocyanins, condensed tannins, stilbene and phenolic acids. This work, which deserves to be deepened, especially for the mesocarp tissue, opens new prospects for the use of Patawa fruit, especially the incorporation of phenolic compounds from the mesocarp in pharmaceutical formulations linked to the fields of Nutrition, of Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals.

Cette étude examine les effets bénéfiques des marcs de raisins obtenus après vinification de différents cépages caractéristiques de la Vallée du Rhône, de leurs compositions phénoliques à leurs effets in vivo. Les raisins et leurs marcs respectifs des cépages Grenache (provenant de deux endroits différents [GRE1] et [GRE2]), Syrah (provenant de deux endroits différents [SYR1] et [SYR2]), Carignan (CAR), Mourvèdre (MOU), Counoise (COU) et Alicante (ALI) ont été étudiés. La comparaison des extraits de raisins et de leurs marcs respectifs montre que les marcs représentent une source importante d’antioxydants phénoliques malgré le processus de vinification. Les pépins et pellicules de marcs renferment des quantités appréciables de flavan-3-ols et anthocyanes. La distribution qualitative et quantitative des polyphenols dans les marcs de raisin présentent des différences significatives au travers des variétés et millésimes allant de 15% à 70% de polyphénols extraits. Les pépins de Grenache (GRE1), Syrah (SYR1) et les pellicules de Syrah (SYR1), Carignan et Alicante sont les fractions les plus intéressantes dues a la présence d’importantes quantités de flavan-3-ols (monomères, dimères et trimère) jusqu’à 8.7 mg/g MS et d’anthocyanes (glycosylées, acétylées et coumaroylées jusqu’à 17.40 mg/g MS, 1.57 mg/g MS et 2.38 mg/g MS respectivement). L’analyse des extraits aqueux (EAQ) et hydro-alcoolique 70% (EA70) indique que les pépins de Carignan et Syrah (SYR1) et les pellicules de Carignan et d’Alicante contiennent les plus fort taux en composés phénoliques et activités antioxydantes. L’efficacité in vivo sur l’hypertension de certains extraits a été évaluée utilisant un modèle de rat SHR. Les résultats des expériences in vivo démontrent que certains extraits administrés seuls ou en association avec le vérapamil possèdent un effet anti-hypertenseur. Cette capacité a été mise en évidence une fois que les extraits de pépins de marcs de GRE1 (EA70) et SYR1 (EA70) et de pellicules de marcs d’ALI (EA70) ont été administrés seuls ou lorsque les extraits de pépins de marcs GRE1 (EA70) et SYR1 (EAQ) et les pellicules de marcs d’ALI (EA70) et SYR2 (EAQ) ont été administrés en association avec le vérapamil. Cette étude met en évidence la biodisponibilité des extraits de pépins et de pellicules de marcs des rats SHR incluant à la fois le métabolisme de phase II et de la microflore intestinale. Les extraits de marcs administrés seuls et en association au vérapamil sont absorbés en tant que métabolites de phase II dérivant du métabolisme des monomères de flavan-3-ols. La détection de métabolites microbiens dérivés de flavan-3-ols, d’hydroxyphényl-γ-valérolactones sous leurs formes glucuronidés et sulfatés confirme l'absorption des métabolites dérivés des flavan-3-ols monomères et polymères et des conjugaisons supplémentaires dans le foie. De nombreux métabolites issus de la dégradation microbienne des hydroxyvalerolactones ont également été détectés. L’excrétion urinaire de ces métabolites représente une plus grande proportion de polyphénols ingérés comparé à ceux issus de métabolisme de phase II des monomères de flavan-3-ols, indiquant un rôle important des bactéries intestinales dans le métabolisme des molécules hautement polymérisées. Ces métabolites peuvent avoir exercé leurs effets biologiques lors de leur passage dans la circulation sanguine. Cette étude constitue une première étape de valorisation de marcs de raisins après vinification, en tant qu’activateur de vérapamil, un médicament couramment utilisé contre l’hypertension. Des quantités suffisantes de composés phénoliques subsistent dans les marcs, en particulier en terme de flavan-3-ols et d’anthocyanes, pour exercer des effets antihypertenseurs. En effet, selon le type et la composition des extraits, il est possible de moduler les effets antihypertenseurs en amplifiant ou en diminuant l’absorption des polyphénols et/ou du vérapamil. / This study investigated the beneficial potential effects of grape pomaces obtained after winemaking of different Mediterranean grape varieties from crude materials to their in vivo effectiveness. Grapes and their respective grape pomaces from six different V. vinifera L. cultivar were studied namely Grenache (from two different locations [GRE1 and GRE2]), Syrah (from two different locations [SYR1 and SYR2]), Carignan (CAR), Mourvèdre (MOU), Counoise (COU) and Alicante (ALI) grape varieties from the Rhône Valley. The comparison of several wine industry by-products with their respective grapes provided evidence that pomace remaining at the end of the winemaking process can be very rich sources of antioxidants. The quantitative and qualitative distribution of polyphenols by HPLC-PDA-Fluo-MS in grape pomaces showed significant differences through varieties and vintages varying from 15% to 70% of polyphenols extracted. Seeds from Grenache (GRE1), Syrah (SYR1) and skins from Syrah (SYR1), Carignan and Alicante were of particular interest because of their higher polyphenol contents in terms of flavan-3-ols (monomers, dimers and trimers) up to 8.7 mg/g DW and anthocyanins (glycosides, acetylated and coumaroylated derivatives up to 17.40, 1.57 and 2.38 mg/g DW, respectively). The investigation of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic 70% extracts of seeds from Carignan and Syrah (SYR1) and skins from Carignan and Alicante was carried out as they contained high levels of total phenols and antioxidant activity. Several extracts, were tested in order to evaluate their in vivo biological effects on hypertension using a spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model. A series of different grape pomace extracts were tested in association with verapamil. All in vivo experiments demonstrated that some grape pomace extracts administrated with or without co-ingestion with verapamil possessed an anti-hypertensive activity. This was evident with GRE1 (EA70) seed pomace extract, SYR1 (EA70) seed pomace extract, ALI (EA70) skin pomace extract administrated alone and with GRE1 (EA70) seed pomace extract, SYR1 (EAQ) seed pomace extract, ALI (EA70) skin pomace extract and SYR2 (EAQ) skin pomace extract administrated in association with verapamil. Grape pomace extracts with or without co-ingestion with verapamil were absorb as phase II metabolites mainly including glucuronide, O-methyl glucuronide, sulfate, and O-methyl sulfate derivatives of (epi)catechin which arise from the metabolism of monomeric flavan-3-ols. The detection by HPLC-PDA-Fluo-MSn and GC-MS of microbial-derived metabolites of flavan-3-ols, hydroxyphenyl-γ-valerolactones in their glucuronide and sulfate forms confirmed the absorption of metabolites derived from both monomeric and polymeric flavan-3-ols from grape pomace extracts and subsequent post-absorption conjugation. Numerous metabolites derived from further microbial degradation of hydroxyvalerolactones were also detected. The urinary excretion of these metabolites accounted for a larger proportion of the total polyphenol ingested than phase II metabolites of monomeric flavan-3-ols, indicating the important role of intestinal bacteria in the metabolism of polymerized procyanidins. All these metabolites may have exerted biological effects during the period in which they circulated in the bloodstream. This study constitutes the first step of assessing grape pomace as an enhancer of the verapamil, an anti-hypertensive drug. Substantial levels of polyphenols, especially flavan-3-ols, procyanidins and anthocyanins, remain in pomace after the winemaking process in quantities sufficient to exert anti-hypertensive effects. In addition, according to the extract used and its composition, it is feasible to modulate anti-hypertensive effects by amplifying or decreasing polyphenols and/or verapamil absorption.

Today, the definition of literature has changed. Walter J. Ong talks about the secondary spoken language that has surfaced as a result of new technical innovations to our writing tools. This also transforms our attitude towards literature and we can see a return to literature based on verbal characteristics. According to Hans Hertel the verbal renaissance reflects a modern man need to come closer to each other and create togetherness. This master thesis adheres to these views and states that Poetry Slam is a manifestation of these theories. It also argues that Poetry Slam can not only be viewed upon as a literary movement. Besides providing literary teaching practices for large quantities of individuals, performing Poetry Slam also facilitates personal development. The master thesis is an interview based study, which aims to ascertain the importance of Poetry Slam as literature and its effect on the identity defining processes of those participating in Poetry Slam contests. The foundation for the essay’s line of questioning is based on the literary theories of Pierre Bourdieu. It also incorporates the theories of identity creation in a modern day society by Thomas Ziehe. The subjects interviewed have a thorough understanding on how to assess verbal art forms. It is also a common understanding that poetry is a wider art form than literature. Despite this, there is a positive interpretation and evaluation of the literature in question. Several of the subjects supplying the underpinning information firmly believes that participation in Poetry Slam sessions will further their carriers as poets. This consequently leads to a conflict between their goals and the aim and purpose of Poetry Slam. / Uppsatsnivå: D

<p>De olika skrivpraktikerna som ungdomar idag möter rymmer olika former och villkor där skolans mer formativa förhållningssätt ställer andra krav både till sitt innehåll och form jämfört med fritidens skrivpraktik där ungdomarna ofta själva väljer både textarena och formen för denna.</p><p> </p><p>Syftet med den här undersökningen var att försöka förstå och ge en bild av de olika skrivpraktiker som eleverna möter dels på sin fritid och dels i skolan. Vi ville även studera om fritidens skrivpraktik påverkade skolans skrivpraktik och i så fall hur. Undersökningen har genomförts med hjälp av åtta olika informanter, lika många flickor och pojkar, fördelat på fyra stycken i årskurs 8 på grundskolan och fyra stycken i årskurs 1 på gymnasiet. Resultatet har sedan analyserats utifrån tidigare forskning och visade att det skiljer sig mellan ungdomars privata skrivpraktik jämfört med skolans mer formella genreinriktade skrivpraktik. Skillnaderna utgörs av vad som inspirerar ungdomar till skrivande, om ämnesområdet har en verklighetsförankring med en autentisk mottagare, samt syftet med själva skrivpraktiken.</p>

With the advances of Internet technologies, Internet users can not only deliver instant text message through the Instant Messenger (IM), but enhance the effect of messages delivered with showing lively mood symbols or other pictures on IM. Moreover, Internet users can deliver their looks and voice to other users through webcam and microphone with IM, and IM business also provides convenient daily information through it. At present, Internet users haven¡¦t been charged with IM service yet, but IM business has used the popular software on business, including Internet advertisement and the information service of strategy cooperation. IM plays several roles as a product, information service plat, and marketing channel. It becomes a new commercial tool. The study takes Microsoft MSN Messenger as an applied empirical example. The purpose of this study is to analyze the MSN Messenger marketing strategy with the theory structure of IMC to construct the integrated marketing plan model of MSN Messenger; through the questionnaire survey for MSN Messenger users, the study approves the marketing strategy effect of ¡§MSN Messenger club¡¨ website, and provides the workable suggestions of marketing strategy for MSN business. The study finds that the MSN business unit is highly aware of IMC, and it takes integrated and multi marketing communication plans on MSN Messenger. According to the result of the analysis, the suggestions of marketing strategy includes to enhance the long-term interactive relationship with the resources and stakeholders, and explore more originally interactive advertisements and activities to gather the loyalty of MSN Messenger users. As for the website promotion of ¡§MSN Messenger Club¡¨, this study also suggests to develop more creative Internet suggestions advertisements with instant messenger, add the website¡¦s hyperlink on MSN Messenger or add the information tab service to enhance the relationship connection between website and software, and MSN can actively converge another related pictures resources to enrich the club website.

Instant Messaging besitzt zweifelsohne eine sehr gro&szlig;e Zukunft. Es ist vergleichbar mit dem Short Message Service (SMS), der einen sehr gro&szlig;en Stellenwert im Mobilfunk hat. Neben der f&uuml;r SMS charakteristischen schnellen &Uuml;bermittlung von Textnachrichten bietet Instant Messaging weitere Vorteile: es ist f&uuml;r den Sender auf den ersten Blick ersichtlich, ob der Gespr&auml;chspartner f&uuml;r eine Kommunikation zur Verf&uuml;gung steht. Neben Textnachrichten k&ouml;nnen aber auch Informationen wie Bilder, Videos oder andere Formate &uuml;bermittelt werden. <br> <br> Auch f&uuml;r Organisationen ist ein Einsatz von Instant Messaging sehr interessant. Besonders in diesem Zusammenhang spielt die Sicherheit eine sehr wichtige Rolle. Daher besch&auml;ftigt sich diese Diplomarbeit vorrangig mit Instant Messaging-Systemen hinsichtlich der Prinzipien der Systemsicherheit wie Integrit&auml;t, Vertraulichkeit und Verf&uuml;gbarkeit. <br> <br> Ein weiterer Aspekt ist das Fehlen eines standardisierten Instant Messaging-Protokolls. Viele Anbieter von Instant Messaging-Systemen halten ihr System f&uuml;r das Beste und versuchen, soviele Kunden wie m&ouml;glich an sich zu binden. Daher befasst sich diese Diplomarbeit ebenfalls mit den verbreitetsten Instant Messaging-Systemen, um deren Vor- und Nachteile herauszukristallisieren. Im Weiteren wird die Funktionsweise der Protokolle erkl&auml;rt. <br> <br> Gerade im privaten Bereich spielen Konferenzsysteme (&quot;Chat&quot;) eine wichtige Rolle. Neben den Instant Messaging-Systemen wird auch diese M&ouml;glichkeit der Kommunikation beleuchtet. <br> <br> Diese Diplomarbeit wird vom Bundesamt f&uuml;r Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI), Referat &quot;IT-Sicherheitsmanagement und IT-Grundschutz&quot; betreut.

En kommersialisering av hur nyheter förmedlas har skett på redaktionerna där de blivit beroende av en klickekonomi för att få inkomst. Artiklarnas fokus har bytt från objektiv nyhetsförmedling till uppseendeväckande rubriker som ska locka mottagaren till att klicka sig in på artikelsidan. Lotta Halvarsson (2014:33–34) har uppmärksammat att journalistik i dagsläget använder material och källor som är hämtat från PR-byråer vilket har förändrat informationsvärdet. Hennes slutsats är att vad klickjournalistik vill uppnå är att hålla mottagaren nöjd, glad och passiv, för att skapa större benägenhet till att klicka på annonserna vid sidan av artiklarna. Vi har uppmärksammat fenomen och har med en stilistisk metod exponerat de stilmarkörer klickjournalistiken använder för att attrahera mottagare. Det analyserade materialet är hämtat från msn.se och består av sammanlagt sex artiklar från hemsidans ”inrikesnyheter” samt ”toppnyheter”. Vi har utfört en kvalitativ undersökning av stilmarkörer och deras effekt på texterna, kompletterad med två kvantitativa metoder för att konkretisera LIX-värde och nominalkvot i artiklarna. Klickrubrikerna och deras stilmarkörer har också analyserats och kopplats till respektive artikel innehållsmässigt och stilmässigt. Den här undersökningen har visat tendenser till samband mellan artiklar med likartat innehåll, antingen nöje eller nyhetsförmedling. Detta var inte vårt huvudfokus i undersökningen, men en intressant utkomst av genomförda analyser. De artiklar som var inriktade på nöje visade en mer skönlitterär stil där emotiva drag var inbäddade i texten. Dessa artiklar hade även i större utsträckning en synlig berättare vilket gett dem en mer personlig stil. De artiklar som var inriktade på nyhetsförmedling hade mer opersonliga stildrag i form av en osynlig berättare och färre emotiva inslag. Klickrubrikens syfte i förhållande till artiklarna påvisade också en skillnad beroende på artiklarnas förmedlande syfte. Artiklarna som var inriktade på nöje hade en klickrubrik som dolde vad artikeln handlade om och väckte istället mottagarens nyfikenhet för vad klickrubrikens formulering innebar. De mer nyhetsförmedlande artiklarna hade istället klickrubriker med syftet att uttrycka en sammanfattning av artikelns innehåll.

Despite the fact that some studies have shown a connection between learning efficiency and instructional time, there is lack of research that has been carried out within the Technical Vocational Education and Training sector with a particular focus on National Certificate Vocational programmes. To fill this gap, the current study utilised WhatsApp, an instance of a Mobile Social Network, in extending instructional time beyond the normal lecturing timetables with the objective of improving learning efficiency for NCV learners studying Computer Programming as a subject. To achieve the objective, a pragmatic approach was adopted in carrying out a participatory action research project. Qualitative data and quantitative data were collected concurrently in three phases using semi-structured interviews, questionnaire and documents. Thematic analyses and statistical analyses were applied to the data collected from five colleges in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The findings of the study highlighted multiple issues: Firstly, awareness of instructional time phenomena was very minimal from the lecturers and the learners. Secondly, there were no formal interventions in place to recover or extend instructional time beyond the traditional college boundaries. In overall, the implementation of WhatsApp was well-supported at the five locations. However, statistical results from the five locations after implementation of the intervention were mixed. Results indicated an overall pass rate of 69.2% (n=54) of the total number of learners (N=78) who sat for the final examination. While pass rates at each of the other four locations was above 50%, the pass rate of the fifth location was considerably low (37%). The study generated three contributions to knowledge: practical, theoretical and methodological. Firstly, through the study, practical interventions were generated to assist learners outside the classes. Secondly, the thesis generated propositions from data and an integrated Mobile Social Network framework was developed which is expected to be a useful course of action for lecturers who want to improve learning efficiency through extending instructional time. A key methodological contribution has been the application of mixed methods choices in the collection, analyses of data and interpretation of results.

Preloading student satisfaction and success factors into an online program orientation course can strengthen the potential for student retention and success. The nursing literature is lacking in this area. Much of the information found on retention is focused on the undergraduate student in a face-to-face classroom setting. Less literature can be found on graduate level education retention and the body of knowledge regarding graduate online education retention is even more limited (Perry, Boman, Care, Edwards, & Park, 2008). Retention rates in online graduate education, not specific to nursing, vary widely, but are typically poorer than in face-to-face programs (Barry & Mathies, 2011; Patterson & McFadden, 2009). Increasing student retention and graduation is crucial for maintaining and increasing performance-based funding in educational institutions. Meeting common student needs early in the program can provide the resources and support needed for overcoming future barriers to graduation. Cameron (2013) compiled common student needs: positive social experiences with students and faculty/advisors, course delivery system understanding, asynchronous participation understanding, requirements of e-learning, requirements of graduate and program education, and evidence of institutional commitment through excellence in advising and online resource availability and access. A reduction in overall anxiety about entering graduate education and an increased confidence in the ability to succeed are vital for students entering graduate education. Early access to peers, faculty advisors, and university resources can improve the students’ sense of community and belonging and provide a strong support system. These early steps ease technology frustrations, communication difficulties, and any perceived support inadequacies. A completely online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program orientation course was developed to meet the identified common student needs. The program provides early access to the MSN program’s Learning Management System (LMS), access to peer support, faculty advisor, and university resources. Students were taught the basic structure of courses (including content, discussions, quizzes, and drop boxes) to ease the stress of the first few weeks of class. Graduate study requirements and expectations were explained along with the differences between online and face-to-face study. Students received guidance in balancing work, life, and study. Students were given opportunities to practice the most commonly used technologies in the program. Ten newly admitted MSN students participated in the study. A post course phone interview was initiated with each following course completion, using a five-level Likert scale (1 being the lowest score and 5 the highest score) to assess the course and student perceived preparedness for the MSN program. Four categories of questions were used: knowledge regarding graduate online study, resources, and program expectation; proficiency with the LMS; communication access to other students and faculty advisor; and access to university resources. A final question was asked of students regarding their overall anxiety level about starting the MSN program. All students reported decreased anxiety and increased comfort with graduate online education, increased self-confidence, and feelings of support. Students are able to focus more on the course subject matter in the first few weeks of class when they have a clearer understanding of the LMS, graduate school and online learning expectations, and resource/support availability before classes start. A positive early start adds strength for managing future barriers and frustrations of graduate education. These concepts may be applied to meet the specific requirements of other academic programs. Further research is needed to compare the retention rates of those participating in the orientation program and those who did not. The finding in this project support the importance of an orientation program to graduate nursing studies which includes setting realistic expectations, developing a sense of community and support, and practicing for proficiency in the program LMS.

Students are able to focus more on the course subject matter in the first few weeks of class when they have a clearer understanding of the LMS, graduate school and online learning expectations, and resource/support availability before classes start. A positive early start adds strength for managing future barriers and frustrations of graduate education. These concepts may be applied to meet the specific requirements of other academic programs. Further research is needed to compare the retention rates of those participating in the orientation program and those who did not. The finding in this project support the importance of an orientation program to graduate nursing studies which includes setting realistic expectations, developing a sense of community and support, and practicing for proficiency in the program LMS.