This thesis will explore the relationship between war crimes trials and communication for development by utilising the Gibril Massaquoi trial as a case study. Mr Massaquoi, a Sierra Leonean national accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Second Liberian Civil War, was residing in Finland, and therefore tried by Finnish authorities under universal jurisdiction. The growing importance of universal jurisdiction - the practice that allows States to prosecute individuals accused of international crimes independently from nationality and the location where the crimes were committed – raises important questions of process ownership, localisation, and social change.  Universal jurisdiction cases are often prosecuted in temporally and geographically distant countries from where the alleged crimes were committed. Whilst they are extensively debated in legal studies, this thesis will analyse the matter through a communication development lens.  With a focus on those few selected journalists that had the opportunity to witness the trial for its Liberian stretch, I will use their experiences to draw lessons learned and future avenues to explore for cases of this nature from a communication for development approach.

The world is facing significant challenges as a result of societal practices. Many of those challenges are agricultural in nature and include worldwide food insecurity, intensified greenhouse gas emissions resulting in climate change, major losses in biodiversity, substantial pressure on natural resources, and increasingly antimicrobial-resistant pests and diseases. To address these challenges, the workforce of the agricultural system must continue improving, collaborating, innovating, and transforming at a global scale. The diversity of agricultural challenges calls for a diverse workforce with science skills as well as cultural competencies. Agricultural educators and practitioners are consistently concerned with strengthening the relationship of youth and agricultural career choice. The field of agricultural education is also working to ensure that youth who choose agriculture have the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to address agricultural challenges. However, youth have steadily chosen careers outside of agriculture, leaving thousands of jobs available. Researchers have explored many reasons why youth may not choose agriculture, though few have considered aspects of identity or have explored factors that impact perceptions and thoughts of agriculture in depth. The overall purpose of this research was to explore how aspects of identity, including occupational identity status, inform agricultural career interest and choice; and to understand youth perceptions and thoughts of agriculture within a four-week agricultural education program. The purpose was achieved using research questions and objectives for each individual study. Data were collected using inventories, surveys, group interviews, and blog post assignments to describe participants. Data analysis included thematic analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. Findings show that the participants often had a more negative perception of agriculture prior to the program and expanded their view of agriculture after learning more about the industry. There are many factors that shape perceptions of agriculture, including identity characteristics, learning experiences, and contextual factors. The findings have implications for the field of agricultural education and the entire agricultural industry. At the conclusion of each study within this research, recommendations for agricultural educators, practitioners, and researchers were made. The recommendations include developing and implementing agricultural education programs that serve underrepresented populations in agriculture and conducting research to investigate ill-explored areas that emerged as findings from the research. / Doctor of Philosophy / The world is facing many problems in the agricultural industry. These problems relate to food, land, and climate – amongst others. These problems must be addressed; and to do so, there must be a workforce in the agriculture industry that is skilled and competent. Agricultural educators and practitioners are tasked with preparing the agricultural workforce and have a continuous mission to encourage youth to choose agricultural careers. A problem is that youth are largely not choosing agricultural careers, and many jobs in agriculture go unfilled. Researchers have explored reasons why youth largely choose careers in other industries; the reasons include different factors such as opinions of parents and the exposure to agricultural careers. This research explores additional reasons why youth may not choose a career in agriculture and explores previously known reasons in the context of the 2019 Virginia's Governor's School for Agriculture program. The overall purpose of this research is to explore additional reasons for career choice in agriculture, including aspects of identity. The overall purpose of this research was also to explore youths' perceptions and thoughts of agriculture in-depth. The purpose was achieved by asking a series of research questions and by stating a series of objectives. The research questions and objectives were addressed using data collection methods of group interviews, blog post assignments, inventories, and surveys. The data that was collected was analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. The findings from this research show that there are many reasons why youth who were participants of the 2019 Virginia's Governor's School for Agriculture program think about and perceive agriculture. The reasons relate to identity characteristics, learning experiences, and contextual factors. These reasons also influence how youth choose to be involved in agriculture. The findings have implications for the field of agricultural education and the entire agricultural industry. For each article within this research, recommendations for agricultural educators, practitioners, and researchers were made. These include expanding the reach of agricultural education and further exploring findings that emerged from the research.

Human disturbance is a serious threat facing shorebirds, and reducing disturbance presents a significant conservation challenge. It requires an understanding of the complex factors that influence both shorebird biology and human behavior related to shorebirds and coastal environments. This thesis used information from ecological and social science fields, along with the applied knowledge of conservation practitioners to build a more holistic understanding of human-shorebird interactions, specifically related to human disturbance of migrating shorebirds. Further, this research provides practical solutions for better managing these interactions. To accomplish this, we used the Delphi technique, an iterative group communication process, to bring scientists and managers together to develop a shared definition of "human disturbance to shorebirds" and a list of priority disturbance categories that affect migratory shorebirds. Next, we collated and synthesized literature on human disturbance during migration and drivers of human behavior related to disturbance or potential management actions. Then, through manager interviews, we examined how shorebird management decisions are made during migration and explored how managers balance the needs of shorebirds and public use of their sites. The disturbance definition and priority disturbance categories, literature synthesis, and manager interviews were used to create a best practices guidance document for reducing human disturbance to migratory shorebirds in the Northeastern U.S. Finally, we conducted a survey of beachgoers to evaluate a shorebird conservation outreach campaign and examined the factors that influence pro-shorebird behavior change. This research demonstrates how integrating social and ecological information and expert opinion can inform conservation and management. / M. S. / Recreational use of beaches and other coastal environments may negatively impact beach wildlife, such as shorebirds. Reducing the impacts of these potential human disturbances presents a significant challenge to shorebird conservation. This thesis used information from ecological and social science fields, along with the applied knowledge of conservation practitioners to build a more complete understanding of human-shorebird interactions, specifically related to migrating shorebirds. Further, this research provides practical solutions for better managing these interactions. To accomplish this, we used the Delphi technique, an iterative social science method, to bring scientists and managers together to develop a shared definition of “human disturbance to shorebirds” and a list of significant human activities that may negatively affect migrating shorebirds. Next, we collected and synthesized information on human disturbance during migration and aspects of human behavior related to disturbance or potential management actions. Then, through interviews with land managers, we examined how shorebird management decisions are made during migration and explored how managers balance the needs of shorebirds and public use of their sites. The disturbance definition, literature synthesis, and manager interviews were then used to create a management guidance document for reducing human disturbance to migrating shorebirds in the Northeastern U.S. Finally, we conducted a survey with beachgoers to evaluate a shorebird outreach campaign and examined the factors that influence people to adopt more pro-shorebird behaviors. This research demonstrates how integrating social and ecological information and guidance from experts can contribute to shorebird conservation.

Hokie BugFest is an annual free event designed by the Entomology Department at Virginia Tech to translate the importance of entomology to the public. The event has grown from 2,000 attendees in 2011 to over 8,000 attendees in 2017. Entomology faculty, staff, graduate students and alumni partner with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia 4-H, and other entities to provide an educational experience to the public. The goal of this outreach event is to showcase entomological research, increase public awareness, elevate the appreciation of entomology, develop better public perceptions of insects and other arthropods, and educate participants about pesticide safety and pest management practices. Although many institutions host entomology outreach events like Hokie BugFest (Frazier, 2002; Hamm and Rayor, 2007; Hvenegaard et al., 2013), little research has been conducted to compare the impact of these activities. Whether these events impact public attitudes toward insects and other arthropods is also lacking (Pitt and Shockley, 2014). Several studies have been conducted in other states to investigate public attitudes toward arthropods and pesticides (Baldwin et al., 2008; Byrne et al., 1984; Frankie and Levenson, 1978; Hahn and Ascerno, 1991; Potter and Bessin, 1998); however, research is missing in Virginia. In order to contribute to this literature, three surveys were developed. One survey focused on investigating entomology outreach events similar to Hokie BugFest. Results revealed that event structure, attendance, funding sources, and popular exhibits impact the hosting institution and the surrounding communities. The other two surveys focused on gauging the impacts Hokie BugFest has on youth and adult attendees. Results indicated the event has a positive impact on attendee perceptions of insects, other arthropods, and pesticides. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Each year, the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech hosts Hokie BugFest, a free event designed to emphasize the importance of entomology to the public. The event began in 2011 and has grown from 2,000 attendees to over 8,000 attendees in 2017. Hokie BugFest is collaboratively organized by Entomology faculty, staff, graduate students and alumni who partner with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia 4-H, and other entities to provide an educational experience to the public. The goal of this outreach event is to showcase entomological research, increase public awareness and appreciation of entomology, and educate attendees about pesticide safety and pest management practices. Although many institutions host entomology outreach events like Hokie BugFest, little is known of the impact of these activities and how they influence public attitudes toward entomology. Information is available for other states concerning public attitudes toward arthropods and pesticides, however is lacking in Virginia. In order to contribute to this body of work, this study focused on investigating entomology outreach events similar to Hokie BugFest. Results revealed information on event structure, attendance, funding sources, popular exhibits, and impacts on the hosting institution and surrounding communities. This study also focused on gauging the impacts of Hokie BugFest on youth and adult attendees. Results indicated the event has a positive impact on attendee perceptions of insects, other arthropods, and pesticides.

Yes / The abstract nature of physical chemistry and spectroscopy makes the subject difficult to comprehend for many students. However, bridging arts and science has the potential to provide innovative learning methods and to facilitate the understanding of abstract concepts. Herein, we present a high-school project based on the conversion of selected infrared absorbances of well-known molecules into audible frequencies. This process offered students a unique insight into the way molecules and chemical bonds vibrate, as well as an opportunity to develop their creativity by producing musical pieces related to the molecules they synthesized. We believe that experiencing chemistry from an alternative viewpoint opens up new perspectives not only for student learning but also for the decompartmentalization of scientific and artistic disciplines. / This project was supported by the Royal Society (Partnership Grant no. PG\170122 to NPEB and NG and University Research Fellowship no. UF150295 to NPEB) and the Academy of Medical Sciences/the Wellcome Trust/the Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy/the British Heart Foundation springboard Award [SBF003\1170 to NPEB].

Yes / Alternative forms of information dissemination have always been a crucial part of many radical forms of activism and organization. Arguably the most famous is the ‘zine - popularized in the punk/anarchist subculture of the 1980’s and 90’s, ‘zines were the antithesis of mainstream magazines, journals, and periodicals. They were an extension of the D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) attitude that flourished within the subculture, reflecting a more informal and individualistic approach to the dissemination of information and ideas without the rigid formalities of mainstream literature. With the emergence of a new countercultural led by millennials, ‘zines have once again found popularity, taking advantage of the Internet to spread information even further than before through digital means. Although all ‘zines are different due to the individualistic and free nature of the format, most are often educational texts that also incorporate other forms of writing and media to help engage its audience with its content in a more exciting and entertaining way. Unfortunately, it appears that ‘zines have yet to find a foothold in academia as they have in social justice and activist groups – this is a shame, as there is a wealth of possibilities for the application of a ‘zine format for the dissemination of information to non-specialist audiences. This paper explores the idea of utilizing ‘zines as an alternative approach to public outreach in archaeology. This will include documenting and reflecting on the current progress of a ‘zine being developed by myself and other archaeologists about anarchist approaches to archaeological theory and practice. I will examine how practical it is to adopt this method for outreach, compare it to the more "traditional" methods of dissemination (journals, conferences, etc.), and reflect on my personal experiences with creating an archaeological 'zine of my own.

This study assessed effectiveness of the Dunn-Seiler Museum's Omeka Virtual Platform by comparing student learning after virtual and hands-on informal outreach activities. The research, conducted in two Mississippi middle schools, focused on students’ (N=99) content gains and affective responses when engaging with fossil specimens that illustrate shifts in sea levels in Mississippi’s geological past. Data were categorized into three sections: content, affective response, and drawing portion. This mixed-methods research encompassed scoring student tests, coding student drawings, and identifying stable themes through teacher interviews. Analysis of pre-and post-tests for Control (hands-on) and Experimental (virtual specimens) groups revealed no significant differences in content gain or affective response when the data were aggregated for Control versus Experimental groups. Five themes emerged from qualitative analysis of teacher interviews, including teachers’ perceived importance of classroom novelty. Findings indicate that virtual fossil specimens offer a comparable experience to hands-on specimens in the context of museum outreach.

La microfinanza e le donne sono sempre state intrinsecamente legate ( Mody 2000; Yunus 2002) . Ci sono tre principali argomenti che sostengono l'idea di avere come target di riferimento privilegiato le donne (Mayoux 2001): il principio della parità di genere , l'obiettivo della riduzione della povertà , e l'efficienza delle istituzioni di microfinanza. La tesi, sviluppata in tre articoli, mira a sottolineare l'importanza del genere femminile nel settore della microfinanza, secondo tre diversi punti di vista: la prima ricerca si propone di studiare l'influenza delle donne nella forza lavoro delle istituzioni di microfinanza (MFI) sulla performance finanziaria in tempi di crisi; il secondo studio prende spunto dal dibattito intorno alla relazione tra mission drift, performance finanziaria e outreach delle MFI, e considera le donne come target privilegiato, e il terzo documento vuole fornire una review della letteratura sull’ empowerment delle donne, sottolineando l'importanza del contesto, le criticità e i suggerimenti per la ricerca futura . I primi due documenti sono quantitativi , mentre il terzo è teorico . / Microfinance and women have always been intrinsically linked (Mody 2000; Yunus 2002). There are three main arguments which support the idea of targeting women (Mayoux 2001): the principle of gender equality, the microfinance aim of poverty reduction, and the MFIs’ efficiency. The thesis, developed in three papers, aims at highlighting the importance of the female gender in the microfinance industry, according to three different points of view: the first research aims at studying the influence of women in the workforce of microfinance institutions (MFIs) on the financial performance in times of crisis, the second study takes its cue from the debate around the relationship between mission drift, financial performance and outreach of MFIs, and considers women as privileged target, and the third paper wants to provide a review of the literature on women empowerment, underlining the importance of context, the downsides and suggestions for future research. The first two papers are quantitative, while the third one is theoretical.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Introduction: National community health worker (CHW) programmes are to an increasing extent being implemented in health systems globally, mirrored in South Africa in the ward-based outreach team (WBOT) strategy. In many countries, including South Africa, a major challenge impacting the performance and sustainability of scaled-up CHW programmes is ensuring adequate support from and supervision by the local health system. Supervisory systems, where they exist, are usually corrective and hierarchical in nature, and implementation remains poor. In the South African context, the absence of any guidance on CHW supportive supervision has led to varied practices across the country. Improved approaches to supportive supervision are considered critical for CHW programme performance. However, there is relatively little understanding of how this can be done sustainably at scale, and effective CHW supervisory models remain elusive. Research to date has mostly positioned supervision as a technical process rather than a set of relationships, with the former testing specific interventions rather than developing holistic approaches attuned to local contexts. This doctoral study was exploratory in nature, seeking to generate an in-depth and contextualised understanding of the supervision phenomenon in one specific district in the North West Province (NWP) in South Africa. Using co-production methodology in an iterative approach, the study culminated in the formulation of a supportive supervision framework with CHWs and other frontline actors. Methods: The study was based on a holistic conceptual framework of supportive supervision, which was viewed as comprising three core functions ‒ accountability, development and support ‒ embedded in a complex and multi-level system of resources, people and relationships. To address the study objectives, the research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. Three studies were conducted in a phased process: study 1 comprised a qualitative description of policy and practices in two districts related to the supervision of WBOTs; study 2 identified the main actors and mapped the supervisory system of WBOTs in the district, using social network analysis (SNA); and study 3 involved a qualitative exploration of workplace and interpersonal trust factors in the district and the supervisory system of WBOTs in the district. These three studies provided inputs for a workshop aimed at developing recommendations for a district-level, WBOT supportive supervisory framework. Four published papers reporting on the research conducted are presented in this thesis. It should be noted that the research was conducted during a turbulent political and administrative period in the NWP, when the WBOT programme changed from being a flagship programme for the country to one in crisis. This shifting context needs to be borne in mind when the findings are viewed and interpreted. Results: The study identified weaknesses in both the design and implementation of the supervisory system of WBOTs, with the absence of clear guidance resulting in WBOTs and PHC facilities performing their roles in an ad hoc manner, defined within local contexts. The study documented evidence of high internal cohesion within WBOTs and (where present) with their immediate outreach team leaders (OTLs). However, the relationships between WBOTs and the rest of the primary health care (PHC) and district health system were characterised by considerable mistrust – both towards other workers and the system as a whole. This occurred against a backdrop of increasing OTL vacancies, and the perceived abandonment of WBOT training and development systems and career opportunities. These findings are not dissimilar to those reported previously on the WBOT programme in South Africa and in programmes in other low-resource settings. Nevertheless, through its in-depth, exploratory and participatory approaches, this study provides additional insights into the phenomenon of supportive supervision. Firstly, in conceptualising supportive supervision as a set of ‘bundled’ practices within complex local health systems, the findings reflected the complexity of everyday realities and lived experiences. Secondly, through the embedded nature of the research and the phased data-collection process, the study was able to observe the impact of wider health system contexts and crises on the coalface functioning of the WBOT programme. Thirdly, the study emphasised how supportive supervision depends on healthy relational dynamics and trust relationships, and, finally, how a co-production approach can translate broad guidance, experience and theoretical understanding into meaningful, local practice owned by all the actors involved. Ultimately, the process of engagement, building relationships and forging consensus proved to be more significant than the supportive supervision framework itself. Conclusion: The lack of explicit, coherent and holistic guidance in developing CHW supportive supervision guidance and the failure to address supervision constraints at a local level undermine the performance and sustainability of CHW programmes. Effective supportive supervisory systems require bottom-up collaborative platforms characterised by active participation, sharing of local tacit knowledge and mutual learning. Supervisory systems also need to be designed in ways that promote relationships and generate trust between CHW programmes, other actors and the health system.

No description available.