Key vulnerabilities to HIV among men who have sex with men in Ghana

In Ghana, prevalence of HIV among MSM is significantly higher than that of the general population. Substance use and transactional sex in the urban settings of Ghana have been identified as risk behaviors that exacerbate chances of transmission for this vulnerable group. This thesis draws upon the findings of two companion studies that were conducted in Kumasi, Ghana by Boston University researchers in 2012. The objectives of the studies were to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviors and attitudes regarding substance use and transactional sex among younger and older MSM in Kumasi, Ghana. In the first study 99 MSM between the ages of 15 to 29 years old participated, of whom 55 attended focus group discussions (FGDs) and 44 participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs). In the second study 44 participants aged 30 years or older participated including 20 in IDIs and 24 in FGDs. Condom use was found to be inconsistent across all ages and most commonly attributed to reduced caution while drinking alcohol. Transactional sex was high among both young and older MSM, but younger MSM were more likely to be on the ‘receiving’ end of the transaction with the older men providing money and gifts. For both groups the internet was identified as a key method to contact prospective sexual partners suggesting the need to include social media in future HIV prevention interventions

Master\u27s Project: Strengths, Engagement and Voices: A Story of Community

This project focused on the rural town of Cambridge, VT and the perceptions, ideas, and efforts of some of its members to create a sustainable and thriving environment for the entire community. The project built on previous community engagement efforts and utlized community engagement practices that centered on relationships and focused on community conversations by sharing stories, identifying community strengths and needs, and creating a social network to support positive change. The project also included my participation in a local government appointed Community Engagement Team. Over the course of a year, these efforts yielded insights about community engagement processes and practices while supporting Cambridge community members to identify a variety of challenges and opportunities to create a more vibrant and sustainable community

Stevens\u27 Aging matters: Finding your calling for the rest of your life (Book Review)

A review of Stevens, R. P. (2016). Aging matters: Finding your calling for the rest of your life. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans. 160 pp. ISBN 978080287233

Assis\u27 Identity in conflict: The struggle between Esau and Jacob, Edom and Israel (Book Review)

Assis, E. (2016). Identity in conflict: The struggle between Esau and Jacob, Edom and Israel. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns. 214 pp. ISBN 9781575064178

The Effect of Poly-Aluminum Silicate Sulfate Retention of Colored Papers

The purpose of this thesis experiment was to study the effect of Poly-Aluminum Silicate Sulfate (PASS) on the retention of colored papers. This was performed to reduce the usage of Melamine Formaldehyde based retention aids due to their negative environmental impacts as well as to reduce the usage of Sodium Aluminate, a cationic additive and pH buffer, due to it\u27s negative fade impact on colored papers. This was accomplished using PASS as the retention aid mechanism and caustic soda as well as soda ash as pH buffers and cationic additives. Paper was made under alkaline conditions. Colored pigments were utilized to accomplish a critical color match. This study was shown that by using the PASS product instead of the Melamine Formaldehyde/Sodium Aluminate combination that increased britt jar retention higher first pass retention on the papermachine, increased fade resistance, improved cost efficiency, and better environmental aspects were achieved. The retention studies were performed with the dynamic drainage jar (britt jar) and the papermachine at Simpson Paper Company in Vicksburg, Michigan. Retention values improved for the papermachine study as compared to the laboratory setting. Color-matching values were determined using the FMC-II method which is very similar in measurement technique to the L.a.b. values determined directly by the computer. Fade values were determined using a weatherometer

Addressing Student Nurses\u27 Concerns in End of Life Care

Recently, there has been a great deal of attention to the fact that there are few learning opportunities regarding end-of-life (EOL) care in nursing undergraduate education. One purpose of this research study was to provide an educational seminar for nursing students with information necessary to communicate with patients at the end of life and their families. The educational intervention consisted of an interdisciplinary panel discussion, a brief segment of a video, a case study with small group discussion, and an optional reflective activity. A quasi- ~; experimental, pretest and posttest design was used in a baccalaureate-nursing program in Northern California. A Wilcoxon analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores measuring student comfort and confidence levels. This seminar was an effective and creative strategy to integrate EOL content without making extensive changes to an existing nursing program