The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 required teacher assistants (TAs) to obtain their child development associate (CDA) credential by September of 2015. TAs who had not obtained their CDA within the required timeframe were either demoted or terminated from their positions. However, with the increase of working parents, the need for quality early childhood education has risen. In this project study, the barriers TAs confront in regards to their decision to continue their schooling to obtain a CDA credential were examined, as were the factors that deterred or prevented them from enrolling in or completing a higher education program. The purpose of the study was to inform the development of a plan outlining how childcare administration can mentor and encourage TAs in the completion of their CDA program. Knowles's theory of adult learning and Kolb's experiential learning theory provided the theoretical basis and framework for this qualitative case study. Cluster random selection was used to identify 9 participants who were interviewed using a semistructured process. Interview responses were recorded, transcribed, and broken down into 6 themes. Findings showed that 7 out of 9 participants experienced barriers to continuing their education, and 8 of the 9 partipants expressed a desire to participate in a mentoring program. Raising the educational requirements and completion rate of TAs positively affects social change through increased quality of instruction, improved teaching strategies, and enhanced and developmentally appropriate support provided to young children.

Thermal degradation during composite fabrication is the main impediment for the wide use of agro-based fibers as filler and reinforcement in engineering thermoplastic composites. Different thermal, chemical and physical techniques (e.g., alkali, steam explosion and retting) aiming to increase the fiber-matrix adhesion or reduce the plant fibers water absorption have been presented in the literature. However, there have been very few attempts to solve the difficulties associated with processing engineering thermoplastics with plant fibers. Most of these attempts involved the use of additives (such as plasticizers and salts) to lower the polymers processing temperature and plant fibers with inherent higher thermal stability (such as Curaua and cellulose). Despite all these efforts, no important progress has been achieved. Therefore, to explore the full potential of wheat straw and expand its use in commercial applications, an experimental study was carried out to develop different methodologies to improve the thermal stability of wheat straw fiber. In this thesis, most attention is given to wheat straw because of the relevance and potential of entering the market as commercial filler today. It is reported here that the thermal stability and chemical composition of wheat straw do not seem to significantly vary with wheat straw type and cultivation region. For example, the main thermal degradation of wheat straw samples starts in a narrow window of temperature which goes from 220.8 to 237.8 °C and from 224.8 to 238.1 °C for air and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively. On the other hand, lignin and inorganic materials are the wheat straw components with the highest relative variation. In addition, it is showed here that silane modification is an efficient method to increase the temperature of degradation of wheat straw. The highest improvements were achieved with chlorosilane modifiers and combinations of alkoxysilane and chlorosilane modifiers. In fact, the silane treated samples have lower thermal degradation during the fabrication of composites with polyamide-6. It is observed here that the extruded and injection molded composites containing silane treated wheat straw samples have significant smaller thermal degradation than those utilizing untreated wheat straw samples. Equally important, it seems that the mechanical properties of the composites are not affected by the addition of silane treated samples in comparison with untreated wheat straw. In addition, another efficient treatment method is presented in this thesis. This method employs ultraviolet light to modify and improve the thermal stability of wheat straw. This method offers important economical and environmental benefits. Significant improvements (e.g., 40 ºC increase on the temperature at 2% of weight loss) were achieved after treatment for short periods of time (up to 15 minutes) and without the use of any pre-treatment or production of toxic by-products. This treatment method represents a novel application for ultraviolet light with potential for industrial use.

Industry data suggests that the U.S. educational system is being challenged to produce more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) graduates and, in particular, engineering baccalaureate degreed students. However, this is not a simple issue of increasing engineering program applicants because academic preparation begins early in the student's academic career, with significant math and science requirements. Even though half of today's undergraduate students are taking classes at community colleges, and 20 percent of baccalaureate degreed engineers started in the community college system, community college students in pre-engineering studies do not transfer to university engineering programs in numbers necessary to decrease the engineering deficit. This dissertation was based on the assumption that, if pathways between two- and four-year institutions were improved through systematic approaches like articulation, the supply of engineers in the U.S. might be positively affected. This dissertation used a case study approach to analyze an articulation process used by a community college and a university to forge a partnership designed to enhance this engineering pipeline. Using systems theory as a conceptual backdrop, the study looked at significant inputs, throughputs, outputs, and outcomes to the articulation negotiation process and analyzed roadblocks to that process. In the summary chapter, the paper addressed practical ways to bridge this gap and provide support mechanisms needed for STEM students to smoothly move from one higher education sector to the next.

Tyrimo objektas - kaimo moterų konsultavimas verslo klausimais. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti konsultavimo poveikį kaimo moterų verslumui ir parengti kaimo moterų verslumo gerinimo modelį. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1) atlikti literatūros šaltinių analizę ir sintezę konsultavimo poveikio kaimo moterų verslumui klausimais; 2) atlikti konsultavimo poveikio kaimo moterų verslumui vertinimo metodų analizę; 3) įvertinti konsultavimo poveikį kaimo moterų verslumui; 4) parengti kaimo moterų verslumo gerinimo modelį ir jo įgyvendinimo priemones. Tyrimo metodai: mokslinės literatūros analizė ir sintezė; lyginamoji analizė; interviu, ekspertinė ir anketinė apklausa; duomenų sisteminimo ir statistinė duomenų analizė; loginė analizė ir sintezė; grupavimo, grafinio vaizdavimo metodai. Pirmoje darbo dalyje pateikta įvairių Lietuvos ir užsienio autorių nuomonė apie konsultavimo ir verslumo sistemą. Antroje magistrinio darbo dalyje pateikiama konsultavimo poveikio kaimo moterų verslumui Lazdijų rajone tyrimo metodika ir instrumentarijus, pristatomi empirinio tyrimo rezultatai. Trečioje dalyje pateikiamos kaimo gyventojų verslumo didinimo galimybės ir pateikiamas integruotas kaimo moterų verslumo didinimo modelis, apjungiantis konsultavimo paslaugų kokybės bei kiekybės vertinimą; numatomos priemonės kaimo moterų verslumui didinti. Sukurtas modelis yra universalus, tinkantis ne tik moterų verslumo didinimui, tačiau ir kitų konsultavimo paslaugų organizavimui. / Object of research – rural women’s consulting business. The aim of the study – assesses the impact of counseling in rural women’s entrepreneurship and prepare model for improving rural women’s entrepreneurship. Objectives: 1) perform an analysis of literary sources and the synthesis of the impact of rural women in consulting for entrepreneurship issues; 2) an advisory effects on rural women’s entrepreneurship in analysis of assessment methods; 3) evaluate the impact of counseling in rural women’s entrepreneurship; 4) Develop a model for the improvement of rural women’s entrepreneurship. Research methods: analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, comparative analysis, interviews and expert questionnaire survey, data filing and statistical data analysis, logical analysis and synthesis, clustering, graphic imaging techniques. The first part presents various Lithuanian and foreign scientist opinion on rural development, entrepreneurship and consulting system. In the second part of lay presents the work of advisory effects on rural women’s entrepreneurship in Lazdijai region survey mythology: instrumentation, exploratory characterization. The third section presents the empirical results of the study are summarized and presented in the integrated improvement of rural women’s entrepreneurship model, bringing together advisory services of quality and quantity assessment. Model is universal, suitable not only to increase women’s entrepreneurship. The results of the study... [to full text]

Thermal degradation during composite fabrication is the main impediment for the wide use of agro-based fibers as filler and reinforcement in engineering thermoplastic composites. Different thermal, chemical and physical techniques (e.g., alkali, steam explosion and retting) aiming to increase the fiber-matrix adhesion or reduce the plant fibers water absorption have been presented in the literature. However, there have been very few attempts to solve the difficulties associated with processing engineering thermoplastics with plant fibers. Most of these attempts involved the use of additives (such as plasticizers and salts) to lower the polymers processing temperature and plant fibers with inherent higher thermal stability (such as Curaua and cellulose). Despite all these efforts, no important progress has been achieved. Therefore, to explore the full potential of wheat straw and expand its use in commercial applications, an experimental study was carried out to develop different methodologies to improve the thermal stability of wheat straw fiber. In this thesis, most attention is given to wheat straw because of the relevance and potential of entering the market as commercial filler today. It is reported here that the thermal stability and chemical composition of wheat straw do not seem to significantly vary with wheat straw type and cultivation region. For example, the main thermal degradation of wheat straw samples starts in a narrow window of temperature which goes from 220.8 to 237.8 °C and from 224.8 to 238.1 °C for air and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively. On the other hand, lignin and inorganic materials are the wheat straw components with the highest relative variation. In addition, it is showed here that silane modification is an efficient method to increase the temperature of degradation of wheat straw. The highest improvements were achieved with chlorosilane modifiers and combinations of alkoxysilane and chlorosilane modifiers. In fact, the silane treated samples have lower thermal degradation during the fabrication of composites with polyamide-6. It is observed here that the extruded and injection molded composites containing silane treated wheat straw samples have significant smaller thermal degradation than those utilizing untreated wheat straw samples. Equally important, it seems that the mechanical properties of the composites are not affected by the addition of silane treated samples in comparison with untreated wheat straw. In addition, another efficient treatment method is presented in this thesis. This method employs ultraviolet light to modify and improve the thermal stability of wheat straw. This method offers important economical and environmental benefits. Significant improvements (e.g., 40 ºC increase on the temperature at 2% of weight loss) were achieved after treatment for short periods of time (up to 15 minutes) and without the use of any pre-treatment or production of toxic by-products. This treatment method represents a novel application for ultraviolet light with potential for industrial use.

This thesis consists of four independent essays grouped in two parts. The first part analyzes the possibility and duration of a Pareto-improving pension reform. The second part considers some economic issues related to the tax avoidance activities. The possibility and duration of a Pareto-improving pension reform.Many countries face large problems in supporting current pay-as-you-go pension systems arising from demographic changes leading to the situation when returns on capital exceed population growth. Inefficiency arises from implicit taxation on pension contributions. In a closed economy, it is even more destructive due to its negative impact on savings and capital accumulation. Although the transition to a fully funded system is a great improvement of the economy, its implementation entails several difficulties if Pareto-efficiency is required. The first essay, “The Possibility of a Pareto Improving Pension Reform in a Heterogeneous Economy”, demonstrates that Pareto-improving transitions from pay-as-you-go to fully funded pension systems nearly always exist. To demonstrate this, I classify existing theoretical results according to the type of reformed economy, the form of pension benefits, and the policy instruments used during the transition. Then, I show that intergenerational heterogeneity should no longer be considered as an obstacle when implementing Pareto-improving pension reforms. To maintain redistributive or insurance mechanisms supported by pay-as-you-go systems, I propose to replace inefficient social security with redistributive tax and transfer payments inside one generation. This would save the economy from the inefficiency related to the implicit taxes on pension contributions imposed by pay-as-you-go systems. The second essay, “Designing Optimal Pareto Improving Pension Reforms: A More Distorted Economy Can be Reformed Faster”, investigates the optimal Pareto-improving debt-financed transition from pay-as-you-go to fully funded pension systems. In particular, I examine the relationship between key parameter values characterizing the preferences, the technology and the size of the initial system, and the necessary time for a Pareto-improving transition. My finding is that a more distorted economy can be reformed faster. This result gives an additional explanation to the success of the Chilean reform, where an initial pay-as-you-go system was the largest and, at the same time, the most distorting.An Economy with Clever Tax Avoidance Providers.In the third essay “The Importance of Income Distribution for the Price of the Tax Avoidance Service”, I design a model with a clever tax avoidance provider, who maximizes a profit by setting the price for the tax avoidance services. Therefore, the price for the tax avoidance service is endogenously defined. In that setup, the change in income distribution is not less important than changes in the tax code, which together are responsible for the tax avoidance demand. The model has a wide range of applications. In particular, I analyze the relation between inequality and the collection of tax revenue. The paper shows that tax revenue as a percentage of GDP might grow with inequality when the tax code is not significantly changed. Moreover, higher inequality implies lower marginal cost of additional revenue. This assay also considers tax base broadening, providing examples where this leads to a reduction in tax revenue.In the fourth essay, “ Tax Avoidance as a Reason for Secession”, I provide an additional explanation for the intentions to secede related to expected changes in the tax codes after the ''break down of a nation''. To demonstrate my points, I use a tax avoidance model designed in the third essay, where active tax avoidance providers make a decision about the price and quantity of their services. Secession gives the avoidance provider the option of setting different prices in separate regions.  As a consequence, the price for the tax avoidance service may fall in the poorer region and the elite of this region would be able to avoid the tax, which is impossible in union. Moreover, regional separation may lead to tremendous changes in the shape of income distribution, forcing new governments to change the tax codes. Thus, the government of the richer region may reduce tax rates in order to enlarge the tax revenue collection. To avoid a breakdown of the state, the government should reduce inefficient spending and tax duties. Promoting democracy or increasing the political influence of poor households may reduce the tendency to separate. / Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan, 2002

Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan, 2002.

Rationale: This study was conducted to help improve mental health care for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) clients as previous research carried out in non-western countries has suggested that western-developed psychotherapies often need to be culturally adapted to become more effective in treating this client group. The aim of this study was to explore how CBT therapists deliver manualised CBT with BME clients and if they make any adaptations, how and to what extent are they implemented. Method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) guided the conduct and analysis of one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with six CBT therapists working in an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. The inclusion criteria for participants was accreditation with the BABCP, completion of an IAPT programme CBT diploma and to be currently working in an IAPT service, at least two years experience as a CBT therapist and at least four cases of completed therapy with BME clients. Findings: Four master themes emerged (1) CBT is based on western principles, (2) The complex nature of CBT, (3) Changing practice of manualised CBT and (4) The influence of therapist factors. Conclusion: The participants experienced many issues in their practice of manualised CBT with BME clients which led them to make changes including adaptations to manualised CBT. They described their current practice as being integrative as they incorporated therapeutic approaches other than pure manualised CBT, making them more flexible and adaptable. The adaptations involved altering the cognitive and behavioural interventions to better suit the individual needs of the client. The adaptations took into account the client’s culture, religion, language, psychological mindedness, acculturation to their host country, education and age. The participants’ confidence in CBT and their self-identity as therapists also influenced their overall practice of therapy. Recommendations for practice are discussed in relation to therapeutic practice, training of therapists, supervision and policy makers.

The aim was to analyze processes selected SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and to suggest possible improvements in the selection processes. In the initial stage, I deal with study of professional literature Czech and foreign authors. I used the information to write a review of the literature. The Part of my work is devoted to the description of the company and also describe the key processes. The findings gave me the possibility of a comprehensive perspective on the issue and used to create a design of the possible improvements in selected processes.

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and English / Die nie-nakoming van onderhoudsbevele is 'n universele problem. Wereldwyd word daar gedurig pogings aangewend om by wyse van wetgewing effektiewer afdwinging van onderhoudsbevele te bewerkstellig. Op 1 Maart 1992 het die wetgewer hier te lande 'n aantal nuwe maatreels vir hierdie doel beliggaam in die Wysigingswet op Onderhoud, 2 van 1991, wat op genoemde datum in werking getree het. 'n Ondersoek is gedoen by die Johannesburgse Landdroshof waar 'n studie gemaak is van 2,248 afgehandelde sake en strek oor die periode 1Maart 1992 tot 31Augustus1995. Die ondersoek bring aan die lig dat die bepalings van genoemde Wysigingswet op Onderhoud, wat gerig is op effektiewer afdwinging van onderhoudsbevele, nie 'n noemenswaardige verbetering in effektiewer afdwinging van hierdie bevele in die praktyk tot gevolg gehad het nie. Dit blyk dat die meeste howe geneig is om belangrike afdwingingsmeganismes soos besoldigingsbeslag bevele en lasbriewe vir eksekusie oor die hoof sien. Kritiek word uitgespreek op sommige van hierdie bepalings en voorstelle word gemaak hoe relatiewe geringe wysigings daaraan effektiewer afdwinging van onderhoudsbevele kan bewerkstellig. Daar word kortliks verwys na die afdwinging van onderhoudsbevele in antler regstelsels en hoe hulle poog om effektiewer afdwinging van onderhoudsbevele te bewerkstellig. / The ineffective enforcement of maintenance orders appears to be a world wide phenomenon. Legislators here and aboard are always attempting to improve the effectiveness of maintenance collection and enforcement methods. Research done at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court involving 2,248 cases covering the period 1 March 1992 to 31 August 1995 reveals that the Maintenance Amendment Act, 2 of 1991, which is aimed at improving the enforcement of maintenance orders had a negligible effect on enforcement mechanisms used by the courts. It appears that most courts are inclined to overlook important collection methods such as garnishee and attachment orders. Criticism is levelled at certain provisions contained in the Maintenance Act, 23 of 1963, as amended. Suggestions are made how relatively simple amendments would contribute to more effective enforcement of maintenance orders. A brief survey is made of attempts by some Western countries to improve the manner of maintenance collection. / Private Law / LL. M. (Law)