This study evaluates the fifth- grade beginning English textbook, Iraq Opportunities 3, which was introduced in elementary schools by the Iraqi Ministry of Education in 2012. This mixed methods research aims to analyze the content of a new textbook that is considered to be the foundation of the English language program in Iraq. This is a valuable research project since its findings reveal the strengths and weaknesses of Iraq Opportunities 3 based on three critical components: grammar, vocabulary, and culture. A survey questionnaire was used in this study to elicit the perspectives of English language teachers who are using this textbook in their classrooms along with the personal evaluation by the researcher. Three research questions were addressed in this study: 1) How are grammar and vocabulary addressed in Iraq Opportunities 3? 2) How are English-speaking and Iraqi cultures represented in Iraq Opportunities 3? and 3) Is the L2 culture represented in this textbook in a way that exposes students to the English-speaking culture? The findings are generally in favor of the textbook in terms of grammar and vocabulary and their appropriateness for the age and level of students. However, the study criticizes the limited role and the poor representation of culture in this curriculum.

Objective: Animal literature has suggested that the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) may vary by infant sex. Our objective was to assess the impact of infant sex on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of ACS and perinatal outcomes. Study Design: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids (MACS) for Preterm Birth trial. Our primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or clinically significant neonatal morbidity (including neonatal death, stillbirth, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage [grade III or IV], cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotising enterocolitis [stage II or III]). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome as well as anthropometric measures. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants who received multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for pre-defined covariates including an interaction between exposure to ACS and infant sex. Results: Data on 2304 infants were analyzed. The interaction term between treatment status (multiple courses versus a single course of ACS) and infant sex was not significant in the adjusted model for the primary outcome (p=0.86), nor for any of the secondary outcomes. Exposure to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS was not associated with the primary outcome either before or after adjustment (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.45, n=2292 infants). However, exposure to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS resulted in significantly lower birth length (p=0.02) and head circumference at birth (p=0.04) although not birthweight (p=0.06). Conclusions: Infant sex did not modify the association between exposure to ACS and perinatal outcomes including perinatal mortality or neonatal morbidity or anthropometric outcomes. However, animal literature indicates that sex specific differences after exposure to ACS may emerge over time and thus investigating long-term sex-specific outcomes warrants further attention. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are given in pregnancies at risk of early birth. ACS help the lungs and other organs, such as the brain and kidneys to mature. ACS help improve babies’ survival and reduce the risk of other health complications. Several animal studies suggest that infant sex can affect long-term outcomes after receiving a higher dose of ACS. The goal of our study was to look at the effect of infant sex on the relationship between the use of multiple courses (i.e., a higher dose) versus a single course of ACS and short-term outcomes. These outcomes include challenges with breathing, bleeding in the brain, problems in the bowel, and infant death. Our study found that infant sex did not significantly change the relationship between ACS and short-term infant outcomes, but further study is required on long-term outcomes as sex specific differences may emerge over time as reported in animal literature.

In recent years, both academia and practice have shown an increased interest in sustainable innovation. This new area is examined in the context of large enterprises in our qualitative multiple case study. This thesis thus contributes to a better understanding of the concept as well as the underlying variables that drive sustainable innovation. Theory emphasized both external and internal elements in organizations' engagement in sustainable innovation. The empirical evidence helps to identify nine key factors driving sustainable innovation in large firms: cost and cost reduction, risk and risk reduction, sales and profit margin, reputation and brand value, attractiveness as an employer, innovation capabilities, partnerships and collaborations, regions and culture, regulation and government. It also clarifies the extent to which each of the components influences the process of producing sustainable innovation within organizations. These elements have been discovered to complement one another, occasionally colliding and enhancing one another. This study is based on extensive data gathered through semi-structured interviews and secondary sources from two of Sweden's top industry leaders: IKEA and Epiroc. Theoretical and managerial implications are examined in depth, providing valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners.

Private tutoring is prevalent in Egypt and other developing countries. Nonetheless, the literature on tutoring is still small. The purpose of the first paper in this thesis is to gain an understanding of the determinants of tutoring in Egypt using micro-level data and to investigate whether gender bias exists in tutoring decisions. It is expected that since labor market outcomes are less favorable to girls and gender disparities are present in educational investments in general, parents would be less willing to invest in tutoring for girls. Surprisingly, however, no gender bias is detected with respect to tutoring. The absence of bias is a puzzling finding. Tutoring is used to enhance children's education performance and give them a competitive edge. Socioeconomic level was found to be an important predictor of tutoring investment in the first paper. This poses equity concerns. Therefore, it is important to examine whether tutoring pays off in terms of better educational outcomes. The literature on tutoring effects mostly does not take into account the potential endogeneity of tutoring. I estimate the effect of taking tutoring on the likelihood of joining the secondary level stream that leads to university in the second paper of the thesis. I use a proxy for the supply of tutors as an instrument for taking tutoring. Without instrumenting, tutoring has a statistically significant positive effect. After introducing the instrumental variable, this effect disappears. However, the estimate of the tutoring coefficient is imprecise and there is some evidence that the instrument variable does not have sufficient power to get a reliable estimate of the tutoring effect. The expectation of better marriage prospects for an educated woman may influence parental educational investment decisions and this can be the answer to the puzzle of apparently equal tutoring investment by gender as found in the first paper of the thesis. The third paper examines how female education improves marriage characteristics in Egypt. Findings show that highly educated women are more likely to marry a highly educated husband. They are also more likely to man-y a husband with a high pre-marital wealth level and to live independently upon marriage. Higher levels of female education are negatively associated with marrying a relative. Female education plays an insignificant role with respect to the share of marriage costs borne by a bride and her family. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p> The barrenness narratives of the Hebrew Bible are not only theological but also cultural in nature. A reading of these texts highlights the fact that in the Hebrew culture, and larger ancient Near Eastern context, childbirth was central to a woman's identity. Since beliefs regarding fertility and infertility are similar in the Akan culture, this dissertation proposes that an African (Akan) perspective may be the bridge needed between the Western readings, in which infertility is not viewed so tragically, and the original ANE context, in which infertility is a shameful and tragic condition for a woman. In addition to examining biological infertility this dissertation will also explore "social barrenness." "Social barrenness" is an original term in this dissertation that seeks to categorise other kinds of barrenness circumstances described within the Hebrew Bible. An awareness of the cultural reality, and varieties, of infertility further elucidates the desperation and lengths to which women in the biblical narratives will go in order to have children. Additionally, an appreciation for the cultural dynamics of the narratives will illuminate the theological message(s) of the story. Since this study employs a cultural-narrative approach, it is appropriate to coin the word "wom(b)an," to underscore the centrality of the womb to a woman's identity in the Hebrew and Akan cultures.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In the US, rural Native American communities (RNACs) experience excess morbidity in mental health disorders and mortality from opioid use disorder (OUD). This study used mixed methods to evaluate and analyze the primary data from 76 healthcare providers (HPs) from 24 states across the US (physicians = 7%), to identify HP knowledge and training regarding available prevention, treatment, and recovery (PTR) programs in treating OUD, assessment and management skills, and networking and collaboration capacity among the RNACs they serve. The HP completed the Opioid Survey for Health Care Providers online. A majority of HPs reported a need for knowledge and training regarding OUD treatments (92%). Less than half of the HPs provide intensive outpatient treatment; 40% contracted out for medication assisted treatment/medications for opioid use disorder (MAT/MOUD) services. Recovery support was low at 33% for adults and 38% for youth. HPs reported use of Narcan to be effective in reversing overdose (87%). Qualitative responses supported survey findings and described barriers, including lack of resources, inadequate staffing, insufficient funding, lack of training and OUD knowledge, stigma, and lack of tribal involvement and support. The study findings indicate HPs' need for information and training about OUD and networking and collaboration of healthcare settings to meet the needs of the RNAC they serve. Efforts are needed to improve on recovery programs with an emphasis on the youth. Culturally adapted MAT/MOUD approaches are needed to sustain long-term recovery care.

Denna studie har som syfte att undersöka varför körer sjunker, framför allt på körstycket There is an Old Belief skrivet av engelska kompositören Hubert Parry. Genom intonationsanalys, repetition med kören Haga Vokalensemble samt analys av en inspelning av verket har detta självständiga arbete kommit fram till att stycket There is an Old Belief sjunker på grund av hur det är skrivet. Frågan varför välintonerade körer sjunker besvaras även genom ett intonationsexperiment med en vokalkvartett. De sjöng fyra intonationsövningar som, ifall de sjungs med renintionation, är designade att antingen sjunka eller stiga. Experimentet visar på att vokalkvartetten hade lättare att sjunka än stiga i tonhöjd. Generellt sätt avvek kvartetten inte på grund av deras tonminne från tonarten. Tonminnet främjades av en större akustik, vilket testades genom att vokalkvartetten fick sjunga övningarna i en akustik med kort och i en med lång efterklang. Denna studie förklarar varför välintonerade körer sjunker när de sjunger stycken som There is an Old Belief på grund av hur de naturligt intonerar vissa ackord. Vidare diskuteras hur detta fenomen är för- och ofördelaktigt beroende på situation. / <p>There Is An Old Belief (ur Songs of Farewell) - Hubert Parry (1848-1918)</p><p>Love Bade Me Welcome - Judith Weir (1954-)</p><p>Gloria (ur Missa Brevis) - Anton Alexis Hallgren (1999-)</p><p></p><p>Ensemble - KMH Vokalensemble: </p><p>Sopran: Sofia Niklasson, Emma Fagerström, Linnéa Bergstam</p><p>Altar: Christiane Højlund, Tove Nilsson, Elias Aaron Johansson</p><p>Tenorer: Love Tronner, Martin Åsander, Szymon Rudzki</p><p>Basar: Adam Jondelius, Ove Pettersson, André Hasselgren</p><p>Dirigent: Anton Alexis Hallgren</p><p></p><p>.mp3 med inspelning av dessa tre stycken medföljer det skriftliga examensarbetet. Inspelningen är från min examenskonsert i Kungasalen. </p>

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‎Nursing is a trusted profession aimed at delivering quality, patient-centered care perceived by patients as caring and satisfactory. While empiric care components are measurable as associated with clinical outcomes, patients’ perceptions of care are increasingly important in determining satisfaction with the patient care experience. Not clearly defined, nor empirically measurable, the “art” of nursing is taking on increasing importance as a component of satisfaction with the patient experience. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to review the literature in order to find common themes influencing determination of the art of nursing on patient satisfaction in acute care settings. Fourteen studies were selected and reviewed after a search of CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFOCINAHL databases. Four themes that emerged: building a relationship with the patient; conducting a thorough assessment of the patient; meaningful communication with the patient, and availability of nurses for their patients. The findings suggest that the art of nursing, as grounded in the demonstration of nursing care behaviors, is a component of patients’ satisfaction with the provision of care. This evidence-based knowledge is transferable to efforts in modifying nursing practices that exemplify patient-centered care.

In 1780, during the final leg of the American Revolutionary War, Esther Reed penned the broadside “Sentiments of an American Woman.” It circulated in Philadelphia, persuading citizens to turn over their last dollars to the cause. Reed’s broadside called to action the women of Philadelphia; they knocked on doors, campaigned with words, and stepped firmly into the “man’s world” of politics and revolution. Reed’s words were so effective that women in cities across the colonies took to raising money as well. Using New Historicist and feminist reading strategies, this study compares and contrasts Reed’s rhetoric to Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, another revolutionary propaganda piece of the era. I argue that the two pieces differ in key aspects due to Paine’s existence in the public sphere and Reed’s in the private. From her position in the private sphere, Reed was able to produce a provocative piece of rhetoric that stands out against other female literature at the time.