This research studied two predominantly rural counties in Virginia to understand whether residents have equal access to uncontaminated drinking water by socio-economic status. Statistical associations were developed with the total value of each residence based on county tax assessment data as the independent variable to explain levels of nitrate, the presence of bacteria (total coliform and Escherichia coli), and specific household well characteristics (well age, well depth, and treatment). Nearest neighbor analysis and chi-square tests based on land cover classifications were also conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of contaminated and uncontaminated wells. Based on the results from the 336 samples analyzed in Louisa County, rural residents with private wells may have variable access to household drinking water free of bacteria; particularly if lower-value homes in the community tend to be older with more dated, shallower wells. This study also suggested that, in Louisa County, the presence of water treatment devices was also significantly related to total home value as an index of socio-economic status. Analysis of the 124 samples taken from household wells in Augusta County did not result in any significant associations among selected well characteristics, total home value, and water quality. Lower community participation in Augusta County as a result of a more expensive water quality testing fee may have contributed to the lack of hypothesized relationships in that county's case study. / Master of Science

This research aims to investigate how socio-economic factors influence the vulnerability of women to engage in sexual services and potential trafficking in Gauteng, South Africa. This province is South Africa’s most prosperous one with an enormous flow of migrants and is therefore of interest to investigate. Moreover, it is certainly intriguing to examine more into South Africa's measures against human trafficking; additionally, it is interesting to investigate further here because of the signature by South Africa of the Palermo protocol and look further and deeper into if this signature has helped decrease the crime. This research seeks to untangle the complex web of factors contributing to vulnerability. By examining the socio-economic and potential other dimensions of human trafficking in South Africa, the aim is to gain a deeper understanding of how these factors interact, perpetuating a cycle of victimization and further raise crucial awareness of the subject. This research has adopted a abductive qualitative content-desk study to be most appropriate for the research and in order to do at least harm as possible to the victims by using already published documents and reports. Furthermore, theories and approaches such as Radical Feminist Theory, Rational Choice Theory, Human Rights-Based Approach and V-Dem Approach have been used in order to answer the objective as successfully as possible. The conclusion of this study points at the fact that women’s lower societal position, along with patriarchal influences, cultural practices and state corruption impact human trafficking and the vulnerability for women making them fall a victim of the crime. Recommendations that have been made in the paper are further studies on the subject and an idea of universal legislation regarding human trafficking, which could be similar to Agenda 2030 and finally some urgent measures in Gauteng.

<p> In this investigation, a model is developed to explain the loss of farmland to other uses in Central Ontario in the period 1951-1971. Furthermore, it attempts to identify the socio-economic characteristics of operators involved in the loss of farmland process, as well as ascertaining the factors responsible for the change in land use.</p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

<p> This study examines 43 farms in Seneca Township, and considers a number of social and economic factors which may influence farm management and levels of farm performance. </p> <p> A model of the farm manager is formulated to serve as a basic research directive. Data are obtained by means of farm interviews. Multiple regression analysis is used to estimate a standard production function, and to group farmers into performance categories, on the basis of production function residuals. Farmers of each performance group are compared in terms of relevant biographical characteristics, attitudes, farm decisions, and pertinent farm practices. </p> <p> It is concluded that major variations in farm performance can be explained in terms of differences among farmers in personal and family aspirations, differences in past and present economic opportunities, and differences in the extent to which farm adjustment and equilibrium levels of production have been achieved. </p> <p> Little evidence was found of important differences in managerial competence among full-time farmers. </p> <p> Location with respect to soil type, and associated differences in cost-return ratios appear to have some bearing upon the investment behaviour of farmers. This question however, warrants further investigation. </p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

<p> This thesis explored the feasibility of using a decision-making approach to explain changing agricultural land-use patterns in the rural-urban fringe. The change in farm ownership to a non-farmer user was assumed to reflect a change in land use. A basic objective was to identify and describe the types of elements which composed the farmers mode of perception of the decision-making context. Variations in the modes of perception were then related to an array of socio-economic characteristics of the landowner. </p> <p> The investigation confirmed the utility of the decision-making approach and confirmed the importance of the land appreciation component to the decision context. The selling price which the farmer appraised his property at was critical in determining whether the property was sold. Empirical analysis suggested a significant relationship between the selling price and the economic viability of the farm operation.</p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

The purpose of this study was to determine if specific characteristics of male students in a low socio-economic urban setting predispose them to successful high school completion. Rather than focusing on dropouts, this research focused on male students who are successful high school completers. They were compared to one another in order to find correlations among variables which made them successful in completing high school. While research exists detailing the reasons students choose to drop out of school, the factors that lead to successful graduation from high school have yet to be determined. This research addresses that gap. This study addresses two research questions: (a) are there common factors among male students from a low socio-economic urban setting which predispose them to successful high school completion and (b) what are the common factors among male students from a low socio-economic urban setting which predispose them to successful high school completion? The information found in the review of related literature and research indicated that the variables (preschool education participation, sports/extracurricular activity participation, family configuration, participation in faith-based organizations, parents’ educational attainment, sibling educational attainment, attendance, parental employment, participation in vocational studies, and participation in tutoring programs for high stakes exit exams) were appropriate for this study. An instrument was piloted to obtain information on the variables. Forty male students were randomly selected from 240 male students who graduated from Meridian High School during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years. After collecting and analyzing the data using binomial distribution and chi-square analysis, the researcher drew several conclusions. Preschool participation, sibling educational attainment, attendance, family configuration, participation in a faith-based organization, parent educational attainment, parent employment, vocational program participation, and extracurricular activity/sport participation were reported by participants at statistically significant frequencies which could not be attributed to chance. The chi-square values indicate nine of the fiftyour possible variable pairs have statistically significant correlations. Conclusions and recommendations based on the findings of this study indicate that certain characteristics of students do contribute to high school completion. This study should be replicated with a larger sample in other locations to validate the findings.

No description available.

No description available.

Today, regular school attendance is an important factor in school success (Rothman, 2001). Research has shown a direct correlation between good attendance and student achievement (Dekalb, 1999). Poor attendance has been linked to poor academic achievement (Ziegler, 1972). With the increase in accountability for school districts in Virginia surrounding the Standards of Learning (SOL) test and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation of 2001, educators are faced with a significant challenge to reduce the rate of absenteeism to increase students' achievement in school. “Students who are absent from school receive fewer hours of instruction; they often leave education early and are more likely to become long term unemployed, homeless, caught in the poverty trap, dependent on welfare and involved in the justice system” (House of Representatives, 1996 p. 3). Researchers have sought to find factors that contribute to student non-attendance (Odell, 1923; Reid, 1999; Mitchell, 1993). This study investigates the impact of student attendance, socio-economic status and mobility on student achievement of third grade students in two Title I schools in a Southeastern Virginia School District, with grades PK-3, as determined by the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) English and math tests scores. / Ed. D.

No / . The placement of welfare advice services in family practice to assist patients with health-related social and economic issues (e.g. disability benefits) has gathered momentum over the last decade in the UK. This expansion of primary care raises a number of issues for practices hosting these services. Objectives. To gain the views of advice workers and primary care staff about the issues raised in hosting a welfare advice service across 30 practices in inner city Bradford. Methods. Views were obtained through focus groups with six advice workers, and primary care staff in 14 practices. A questionnaire was also posted to all practice managers asking their opinions about the service. Results. The focus groups highlighted a number of advantages for patients, including improvements in health and quality of life through increased income and reduced stress from social and economic issues. For practice staff, the service provided a resource to refer patients for welfare advice, reducing the time spent dealing with welfare issues, thereby reducing workload. This was confirmed in the questionnaire to practice managers where 72% said the service had saved time for GPs and reception/office staff. The advice workers raised concerns about the perceived level of commitment to the service from some staff at some practices. Practice staff were particularly concerned about the need for feedback about referrals. Conclusion. Providing welfare advice in family practice can act as a valuable resource for primary care staff helping to address their patients health-related social and economic needs.