Assertiveness or Antibiotics?: Self-Assertiveness as a Predictor of Sexual Health

The following study investigated the relationship between various psychological correlates and sexual health. Data was supportive of a significant negative correlation between assertiveness as a personality trait and risky sexual behaviors, indicating that the more confident individuals are in asserting themselves both in general social contexts and within intimate relationships, the less likely they are to be exposed to or engage in high-risk behaviors. The implications for college campuses are significant: future research should explore the effect of scripts and other educational resources on student assertiveness and sexual health. Although our data did not replicate the gender discrepancies found by past research, the effect of gender and sexuality on the expression of assertiveness and other protective factors should be accounted for in future methodology

Guilty by Reason of Vanity?: The Relationship Between Jurors’ Socioeconomic Status and Trial Outcome

The following paper summarizes the implications, processes, and preliminary findings from a research study conducted by an undergraduate psychology student at Lindenwood University. The study experimentally investigated the relationship between a juror’s socioeconomic status (SES) and the likelihood that they would choose to convict a randomly selected defendant. It was hypothesized that a participant of a higher SES would be more likely to convict a defendant than would a participant of a lower SES. To investigate the validity of this hypothesis, participants (N=13) posing as jurors completed an online survey in which they were tasked with evaluating the details of 5 different court cases that had been erased of any identifiable and/or demographic information about the defendant (and victim(s), if applicable) before being asked to submit their final verdict on the case (guilty or not guilty). Data collected from this activity was inputted into the statistical analysis software program IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28), alongside the jurors’ measures of SES, which had been totaled based on participants’ responses to a series of demographic questions, in order to calculate the Pearson’s r correlation statistic for the two variables. SES scores and frequency of jury conviction were found to be positively correlated (r(11) = .04, p = .44), but the findings were not of any statistical significance. Explanations for the study’s lacking statistical power and recommendations for improving the statistical power of future research is discussed

A Hedonic Price Comparison of Manufactured and Site-Built Homes in the Non-MSA United States

This research used the hedonic price technique to focus on a housing characteristic that has been studied infrequently: whether a home is site-built or manufactured. Two hedonic price regression models were used to determine the predictive power of construction type on home price. The first, which controlled for factors found to relate to home prices in previous research, showed a significant difference between the prices of the two types of homes. The second, which also included other variables through a stepwise regression, found that the type of construction had more predictive power than any other explanatory variable in the model

Assessing Housing Affordability In Rural Georgia

Rural areas and the rural South in particular have unique characteristics that render inappropriate many urban-oriented housing affordability approaches, delivery systems, and programs. In addition, a lack of data for smaller communities makes accurate assessments of the housing stock difficult. This paper explores factors that influence housing affordability. A methodology is developed that policy makers in local communities can use with volunteers to collect reliable data and to develop a local housing agenda which meets community needs. Regression analysis using data from four rural Georgia communities reveals that housing quality plays a role in housing expenditures. The paper concludes with strategies for rural community housing assessment and implementation

Perceptions of Peacebuilding in Solomon Islands Post-RAMSI

This In Brief is based on the National Perceptions Survey on Peacebuilding for Solomon Islands commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme under a United Nations Peacebuilding Fund project implemented by UNDP and UN Women (UNDP 2018). The purpose of the study was to provide fresh insight into Solomon Islanders’ perceptions of peacebuilding immediately after RAMSI’s withdrawal. In July and August 2017, 2503 people were surveyed in 24 enumeration areas, which were mainly in and around centres across seven provinces, and included the national capital, Honiara. Limitations to the methodology used included the concentration of target samples in peri-urban and urban areas. While we attempted to mitigate clustering issues around the survey sites, the reported findings should be interpreted in this light. This In Brief summarises some of the survey’s key findings. In particular we highlight the perceived dissipation (but not disappearance) of inter-ethnic tensions and the renewed focus on core development issues among Solomon Islanders. Interested readers should consult the full report

Partnering with Local Employers to Meet Housing Needs

Low- and moderate-wage earners in Georgia have difficulty finding quality, affordable housing. This article describes one way to help the workforce improve their housing situation. Working with an employer to survey a representative sample of their new employees, University of Georgia Housing and Demographics Research Center researchers collected primary data regarding housing needs and preferences. The survey methodology and logistics are described in detail, and a descriptive summary of the data is included. Survey findings reveal valuable information about housing capacity and desire, and can be used to plan effective, educational programs designed to help workers obtain housing

Plantations, not farmlands, cause biotic homogenisation of ground-active beetles in South-Eastern Australia

Following landscape change, species invasions and extinctions may lead to biotic homogenisation, resulting in increased taxonomic and functional similarity between previously distinct biotas. Biotic homogenisation is more likely to occur in landscapes where the matrix contrasts strongly with native vegetation patches. To test this, we examined the distribution of ground-active beetles in a landscape of remnant Eucalyptus open woodland patches where large areas of lower contrast matrix (farmland) are being transformed to high-contrast pine plantations in south-eastern Australia. We sampled beetles from 30 sites including six replicates of five categories; (1) remnants adjacent to farmland, (2) remnants adjacent to plantation, (3) farmland, (4) plantation, and, (5) remnants between pine plantation and farmland. Community composition in the pine matrix was similar to native patches embedded in pine (ANOSIM, Global R=. 0.49, P<. 0.000), which we suggest is due to biotic homogenisation. Remnant patches with edges of both farmland and pine plantation did not represent an intermediate community composition between patches surrounded by either matrix type, but rather a unique habitat with unique species. Farmland supported the greatest number of individuals (. F=. 9.049, df. =. 25, P<. 0.000) and species (. F=. 5.875, df. =. 25, P=. 0.002), even compared to native remnant patches. Our results suggest that matrix transformations can reduce species richness and homogenise within-patch populations. This may increase the risk of species declines in fragmented landscapes where plantations are not only replacing native vegetation patches, but also other matrix types that may better support biodiversity. Our findings are particularly concerning given expanding plantation establishment worldwide

Invisible women: Gender representation in high school science courses across Australia

The visibility of female role models in science is vital for engaging and retaining women in scientific fields. In this study, we analyse four senior secondary science courses delivered across the states and territories in Australia: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics. We compared male and female representation within the science courses by examining the mentions of male and female scientists along with the context of their inclusions in the syllabuses. We find a clear gender bias with only one unique mention of a female scientist. We also find a clear Eurocentric focus and narrow representation of scientists. This bias will contribute to the continuing low engagement of women in scientific fields. We outline possible solutions to address this issue, including the accreditation of scientific discoveries to include female scientists and explicit discussion of structural barriers preventing the participation and progression of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

Student pharmacists' and recent graduates' perception of and interest in independent pharmacy ownership

Objectives: To assess student pharmacists' and recent graduates' interest in independent community pharmacy ownership and compare perceptions of pharmacy ownership among students and recent graduates. Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to student pharmacists currently licensed as interns and pharmacists licensed by examination from January 2010 to October 2012 within the state of Ohio. Results: 355 surveys were completed during the study period, with 200 (56.3%) completed by student pharmacists. Student pharmacists were significantly more interested in pharmacy ownership (p < 0.001) and had significantly higher self-reported likelihood of ownership (p = 0.03) compared to recent graduates. Top ranked advantages to ownership for both groups included professional autonomy, development of innovative services, and amount of time spent in patient care activities. The majority of respondents had been exposed to pharmacy ownership within a course, student organization, or experiential rotation, but felt they needed more training in financial, legal, and regulatory issues. Conclusion: Many student pharmacists and recent graduates are interested in pharmacy ownership. However, the majority of respondents feel it is unlikely they will own a pharmacy in the future. Resources need to be expanded for those interested in this career path.   Type: Original Researc

Student pharmacists’ and recent graduates’ perception of and interest in independent pharmacy ownership

Objectives: To assess student pharmacists’ and recent graduates’ interest in independent community pharmacy ownership and compare perceptions of pharmacy ownership among students and recent graduates. Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to student pharmacists currently licensed as interns and pharmacists licensed by examination from January 2010 to October 2012 within the state of Ohio. Results: 355 surveys were completed during the study period, with 200 (56.3%) completed by student pharmacists. Student pharmacists were significantly more interested in pharmacy ownership (p < 0.001) and had significantly higher self-reported likelihood of ownership (p = 0.03) compared to recent graduates. Top ranked advantages to ownership for both groups included professional autonomy, development of innovative services, and amount of time spent in patient care activities. The majority of respondents had been exposed to pharmacy ownership within a course, student organization, or experiential rotation, but felt they needed more training in financial, legal, and regulatory issues. Conclusion: Many student pharmacists and recent graduates are interested in pharmacy ownership. However, the majority of respondents feel it is unlikely they will own a pharmacy in the future. Resources need to be expanded for those interested in this career path