Copyright (c) 2010 Atlanta University Center All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu Recent documents in DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center en-us Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:40:19 PDT 3600 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/83 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/83 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:34:48 PST Wilbur Herschel Sullivan http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/82 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/82 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:14:38 PST The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic behaviors and demographic changes among Somali refugees resettled in metropolitan Atlanta. Specifically, the study investigated the fertility rates and marriage patterns of selected Somali refugees prior to resettlement in the United States, and fertility rates and marriage patterns after migration and resettlement. Also, the study examined the impact that war and trauma had on the participants' fertility and marriage behaviors. The study is significant because it describes demographics from a feminist perspective, in which the participants had the opportunity to discuss their decisions about fertility and marriage in their own words. The primary methodology used in this study was based on a new paradigm in demographic studies known as critical demography (Horton, 1999) in which qualitative measures take precedent over traditional demographic methods, which are driven by quantitative measures. Twenty-one face-to-face interviews were administered to obtain the oral histories of the women's decisions about fertility and marriage. Findings from the research suggested that the fertility rates of participants averaged around 4 children per woman and marriage patterns of participants were that all women were married at least once and that the institution of marriage is highly regarded in Somali culture. Sabrina Lampley Jordan http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/81 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/81 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:14:36 PST This proposed study examines the relationship between career advisement services and the employment seeking efforts by ex-offenders in Atlanta, Georgia. The study samples are fifty adult men living in Atlanta, Georgia. The study uses the Kendall's tau and Spearman's rho tests with an experimental design to measure the sample. Its projected findings are forecast to be consistent with prior research in the following manner: finding a relationship that exists between career advisement services and employment seeking strategies for participants of this study. Implications for social work suggest that new policies from the federal level will need to be instituted to strategically force employers to hire ex-offenders in order to decrease the recidivism rate which causes the U.S. penal system to be overcrowded. Limitations to this study are the relative small sample size. Tildon J. Wright http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/80 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/80 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:40:55 PST This embedded mixed methods study explored school social workers' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of current truancy interventions, which truancy interventions are most effective in reducing truancy among African American high school students, and what makes the truancy interventions effective. The study population included school social workers from the state of Georgia who had at least one year of school social work practice with African American high school students. The independent variables were parental involvement, professional development for teachers, mentoring, collaboration with community partners and filing truancy petitions with the juvenile courts. To carry out the study, a questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data and focus groups were facilitated to collect the qualitative data. Descriptive analysis (mean, central tendency) was used to analyze the quantitative data with a paired t-test to determine any significance between the degree of importance and effectiveness of the truancy interventions in general. Discussion was used to analyze the qualitative results of the study. The findings of the study reveal that all of the truancy interventions were generally rated as important and effective truancy interventions. However, mentoring was rated specifically, as the most effective truancy interventions to reduce truancy among African American high school students. Implications for policy and social work practice are discussed. Garrick White http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/79 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/79 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:51:57 PST This study examines the post relationship effects of African American males who were verbally abused by their African American fathers. The participants, n200, were randomly selected, and via survey, identified a sexual preference as either heterosexual or homosexual. The participant's ages range between 15 and 64. The study was based on the premise that African American males who were verbally abused by their African American fathers were likely to demonstrate aggressive, hostile and violent behavior in academics, homes, and intimate relationships. A statistical and correlation analysis approach was used to analyze data gathered from the 200 African American male participants. The researcher found that there were significant relationships between African American males and verbal abuse in academics, homes, and intimate relationships. The researcher found that homosexuals were more likely to respond aggressively and violently in instances were verbal abuse occurred. The major conclusion drawn from the findings suggest that verbal abuse experienced by African American males in childhood is likely to be demonstrated in their own adulthood behavior. Donald Walker http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/78 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/78 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:51:55 PST Rhonda Ware-Brazier http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/77 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/77 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:33:34 PST This mixed method study explored the social and economic risk factors for 70 persons living and working with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHAs) in The Bahamas. The study examined the impact of stigma, unemployment, and family interactions on the lives of PLWHAs. A 66-item questionnaire and five structured interviews capture PLWHAs perceptions of their experiences as persons living with HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas. The study utilized thematic, content analysis and descriptive statistics to analysis the data. The study results are as followed: perceived stigma negatively affects disclosure in the work place; PLWHAs experienced economic changes due to unemployment; the effectiveness of PANCAP workplace policies were undetermined base on the study results; families of PLWHAs are struggling to remain intact; and HIV/AIDS education was not successful in changing their sexual behaviors. The implications for policies, social work practice, curriculum, and HIV education was defined based on the study on the study results. Subsequently, recommendations were made for a culturally appropriate approach to the training of practitioners and HIV preventative messages. Finally, it promotes the development of holistic programs that are effective and empowering to women. The programs must be grounded in a broad social context that embraces both genders. Darlene Rolle-Cargill http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/76 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/76 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:02:25 PST The resistance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia to antimicrobial agents has become a major medical and public health problem. The frequent treatment of S. maltophilia borne infections with the same anti-microbial agent over a period of time inherently results in the pathogen developing resistance to the drug. A polyclonal antibody cocktail, D-Squared David L Scott 01 (D2-DLSO1) was used to recover surface exposed immunogenic polypeptides (SEIP's) from the cell walls of S. maltophilia. Bioinformatics strategies (Blast analysis, sequence alignment hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity plots) were performed to identify epitopes of ferric enterobactin receptor (Fep A) homolog in S. maltophilia. Data showed that D2-DLSO1 recognized regions along the Fep A peptide sequence that was confirmed in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. The amino acid sequences of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Fep A Iron receptor could serve as a target for the development of anti S.maltophila IgG that are useful in protection against infections caused by S. maltophilia and other Gram negative bacteria. Individual S. maltophilia surface exposed immunogenic polypeptides were evaluated in growth inhibition studies and ELISA was used to determine applicability as targets for immunological neutralization. The data suggest that serial dilution (100-fold increments) of D2-DLSO 1 antisera (1 02 dilutions) representing ljig/ml showed significant binding ofD2-DLSO1 to S.maltophilia antigens as compared to controls. The data indicated that D2-DLSO1 inhibited the proliferation of S. maltophilia and several Gram negative bacteria. However, D2-DLSO1 did not show any inhibition of proliferation on Gram positive bacteria (Staphiococcus. aureus), suggesting that there are no common conserved sequences among Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Human monoclonal antibodies (DLS-10/ DLS-1 1) recovered from transgenic mice were capable of inhibiting the proliferation of S. maltophilia in vitro. These monoclonal antibodies showed potential of being excellent therapeutic agents for infections caused by S. maltophilia and possibly other Gram negative nosocomial pathogens. Freeman Earl Smalls http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/75 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/75 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:29:47 PST African American women traditionally have lower rates of suicide than women of other races; however, over the past 20 years the rates of suicide have increased in the African American community. The purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of religiosity and spirituality as coping strategies for African American women. Findings show that there is a correlation between higher levels of religiosity and spirituality and lower levels of suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depression. It was hypothesized that higher levels of religiosity would be more positively correlated with lower levels of suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depression than spirituality. Conversely, it was found that spirituality accounts for more of the variance associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depression. Miesha N. Rhodes http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/74 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/74 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:58 PST A series of DNP (2,4-dinitrophenyl)functionalized polypyrrole polymers that are specific to antibodies and immune receptors on cell have been synthesized and characterized (See Figure). This is a terpolymer composed of three monomers; monomer 1 (M1, pyrrole), macromonomer 2 (M2, pyrrole with pendant ethylene glycol) and macromonomer 3 (M3, pyrrole with pendant DNP). These polymers are expected to be useful for controlling receptor binding and cell activation, and with eventual application in biosensors. Conductivity measurement indicate that the terpolymers are conductive, without adding external doping agents conductivity values of 5 x 1 06 S cm '(at 25 °C) were obtained. Binding studies with anti-DNP IgE studies are promising, fraction of binding sites occupied vs. concentration indicates specific and efficient binding at nanomolar concentration. Therefore, DNP functionalized polypyrrole are excellent materials for preparing nanowires in biosensors for detecting biomarkers. We have also determined that these polymers are biocompatible. Nanowires are currently being fabricated using the functionalized conductive polymers. In addition to synthesis and characterization, the thermal properties of the functional polymers will be discussed with regards to the fabrication of nanowires for biosensing applications. Darkeyah Godel Reuven http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/73 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/73 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:06:41 PST This study describes the relationship between family structure, socio-economic status, and self-esteem among African American college students. There is evidence that supports the existence of a positive relationship between socio-economic status and parental involvement. The most common measures of socio-economic status, parental education, and family income have shown to be strong predictors of children's educational success. The study suggests that there is no statistically significant relationship between the family structures and self-esteem among African American students. Furthermore, this study also reveals that there is not a statistical relationship between the family structure and self-esteem of African American college students. Shannah C. Pinkston http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/72 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/72 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:44:58 PST This study describes and analyzes the institutional response of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to clergy sexual misconduct between 1991 to 2005. Through the analysis of organizational proceedings, interviews, archival documents and historical references, qualitative case study methodology is used to investigate two research questions: 1. What has been the response of the UUA to clergy sexual misconduct?; 2. What theology/ideology guide(s) the UUA's institutional response to clergy sexual misconduct? The research findings indicate that increased inclusion of female clergy, influenced by the women's movement, Unitarian Universalist women's advocacy, and the sexual revolution were some of the factors that influenced the UUAs institutional response to clergy sexual misconduct. The research identifies obstacles that have impeded more aggressive support of victim/survivors' leadership and opens a space for the emergent identities of victim/survivors. Data gathered suggests there is a critical need for more rigorous theological reflections to foster transformational dialogues. By providing examples of how the UUA is working to eradicate clergy sexual misconduct, this dissertation demonstrates how faith communities can achieve safe congregations, and empower victim/survivors, while moving toward a new restorative justice paradigm. New arid fresh voices, perspectives and analyses are introduced to develop a richer understanding of clergy sexual misconduct and one faith community's response to this growing problem. Qiyaman Aisha Rahman http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/71 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/71 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:20:48 PST Sabrenia M. Parker http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/70 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/70 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:58:52 PST The purpose of this study is to detail the availability and use of faith-based mental health services in Fulton County, Georgia. Specifically, this study examines mental health service availability and use patterns that influence African-American's use and with satisfaction with urban mental health services. What emerged from the mixed methods study that consisted of a survey, GIs map, and illustrative case study was a preference for culturally relevant mental health services but a disparity between service availability and accessibility. According to the results from the case study, the first hypothesis supports that consumers (and service providers) in the sample believe that faith-based organizations (FBO's) are more culturally sensitive to their needs. However, the second hypothesis, that FBO's increase access and utilization of mental health services to African American consumers and their families, are equivocal. According to data from the survey and GIs mapping, FBO's provision of mental health services is fragmented within and between FBO's and county-level systems of care. Finally, while GIs analyses confirm that FBO's are geographically closer to each other than local Fulton County mental health service providers; the survey results show that FBO's rarely share resources. FBO's provide referrals to county-level systems of care, but specific numbers of individuals that are referred by the sample population remains unknown. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications for social work policy, practice, and research. Panya R. Nash http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/69 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/69 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:27:27 PST Lignin is a biopolymer mainly formed from the trans-isomers of the three precursors: p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohols, and sinapyl alcohol. Lignin components are analyzed by a twenty year old novel technique called GCXGC. Twenty-three lignin standards were injection into one-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectroscopy using 5 different column polarities. Dispersion Zone Density coefficient was developed to screen 40 predictive plots generated using two models derived from the retention indices. Ten predictive plots were chosen using the DZD coefficient which produced the best separation for the multifunctional lignin standards. The lignin standards were identified and characterize using the GCXGC. The quantitative analysis of the authentication of GCXGC analysis show better separation then the initial prediction for both models. CE-ESI-MS was the other method used for the analysis of lignin standards and Milled Wood Lignin. Roderquita K. Moore http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/68 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/68 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:07:12 PST This study analyzed whether African American students in the Atlanta University Center schools were knowledgeable about public health policies and programs concerning abused and neglected children. Two hundred and one (201) participants were selected utilizing convenience sampling. The study surveyed males and females of which 91% were African American students. A survey questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The findings of the study indicated that a majority or 57.2% of the students were not knowledgeable about public health policies for abused and neglected children. However, a majority of the students indicated that they were knowledgeable about public health problems and programs for this population. A majority or 84.1% indicated that they were not abused and neglected as children, but a significant percentage or 15.9% indicated that they were abused and neglected. When the chi square test for significance was applied, the null hypothesis was accepted indicating that there was no statistically significant evidence at the .05 level of probability that the students were abused and neglected when they were children. Zauditu Esther McCants http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/67 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/67 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:06 PST This study was conducted as a qualitative research project at an Urban Southwest Atlanta Elementary School. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of teachers as it related to the independent variable, Success for All reading program, as impacted by the dependent variable student achievement, in an urban. During the study the researcher investigated the relationship of the teacher perceptions and Success for All as it related to student achievement. The study also investigated whether or not there was a strong probability that Success for All reading program was likely to significantly address the existing problems at the inner-city elementary school. All six of the participants utilized in the study were drawn from a population of 35 teachers in a school which consisted of kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants were chosen on the basis that they had successfully implemented the Success for All reading program for two consecutive years. The problem that existed at the Urban Southwest Atlanta Elementary School was poor educational achievement in reading. The school identified ranked as low performing due to the fact that out of 11 target areas, the school met only 33% of its 2006-2007 Top Priority Student Performance Goals set by the superintendent. The qualitative data in the study was obtained from teacher responses related to the Success for All reading program. The data gathered were obtained over the course of the 2008-2009 school year through the use of one on-site, after school in-depth interview session as well as researcher field notes. In the end, the researcher documented that all six participants who participated in the one time in-depth interview session shared related views on the question regarding the benefits of cooperative learning. All participants had concerns regarding the other four questions: including the staff development experience as it related to the Success for All reform model and whether or not it was beneficial in terms of helping to increase student achievement in reading; the scripted lesson approach utilized in Success for All when compared to other instructional methods that were previously taught; if the observations and evaluations received had been advantageous in terms of improving instructional delivery; and if the Success for All method of instruction had caused students to be more academically successful, and engaged than in the past. The researcher concluded that the differences in the participants' responses were directly linked to the participant's experience teaching, as well as the number of years experience teaching the Success for All Reform Model. Sheila Lyle Maxwell http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/66 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/66 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:47:06 PST This study investigates the lives of female sufferers of the Holocaust and American slavery by comparing the different experiences of female and male imprisonment. Critics' viewpoints on African-American slavery versus the Holocaust genocide were used to write this study. Lastly, it will be noted from renowned authors, their perspective of enslavement being much more torturous to women than men. A historical-analysis approach will be used to record the lives of the women discussed. Diaries, biographies, and reputable sources such as scholarly journals are to be employed to verify and document the events of the Holocaust and American slavery. The conclusion drawn from the research supports the idea that the aspects of female daily life in bondage consists of vulnerability to rape, forced motherhood, humiliation, sexual bargaining, pregnancy, abortion and fear for one's children. Cerise C. Marshall http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/65 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/65 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:30:10 PST This study addresses the questions of what factors impact diasporas' involvement in the development of their homeland and how diasporas demonstrate their support for that development by analyzing the Cape Verdean diaspora in the United States and its relationship with the homeland, Cape Verde. I contend that diasporas maintain different levels of engagement with their homeland. This connection changes over time, based on conditions in the host country and the homeland, thus affecting the level of intensity of diasporas' engagement with the homeland. The research findings complicate how we conceptualize political mobilization and community organizing. They incorporate informal social and political networks as viable ways for diasporas' involvement in homeland development, into the existing theories on diasporas, development, and the impact of remittances and brain drain. In the Cape Verdean case, informal transnational activities and networks are alternatives for this unskilled diaspora community that lacks the resources to flourish otherwise. This study also adds the Cape Verdean case to the broader scholarship on contemporary African diasporas. The factors conducive to diaspora investment in homeland development include: stable homeland government, policies that are inclusive of diaspora political participation and business investments, and diaspora support through diplomatic relations with host country. Since its independence, Cape Verde has emerged as an example for other African nations, with a stable democracy and steady economic growth, while introducing policies inclusive of its diaspora. Most Cape Verdeans in the U.S. have not yet adapted to the Western system of group mobilization and political participation through formal networks. Through elite interviews and a survey of the masses, I found that most Cape Verdeans are not registered voters and do not vote in the U.S. or Cape Verde, and even those eligible for U.S. citizenship, often opt not to apply. Although most Cape Verdeans in the U.S. do not participate in electoral politics and formal organizations, they demonstrate their connection with the homeland through social and cultural events, such as weddings, funerals, and sporting events. In these informal spaces, they engage in discussions and form opinions on issues related to socio- economic and political conditions in the homeland and host country. Within the few social and cultural organizations that support the homeland through fundraising and cultural events, the survey findings revealed there is an antagonistic relationship between the masses and leaders of these organizations. The masses demonstrated lack of trust in the leaders, while organizational leaders argued there is a great level of apathy among the masses. It might take one or more generations of academically trained Cape Verdeans to change this pattern, transforming the community from an unskilled to a skilled diaspora. Terza Alice Silva Lima-Neves http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/64 http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/64 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:40:29 PST This study examined the discourse of selected Hip-Hop artists and the biographical aspects of the works. The study was based on the structuralist theory of Roland Barthes which claims that many times a performer's life experiences with class struggle are directly reflected in his artistic works. Since rap music is a counter-culture invention which was started by minorities in the South Bronx borough of New York over dissatisfaction with their community, it is a cultural phenomenon that fits into the category of economic and political class struggle. The study recorded and interpreted the lyrics of New York artists Shawn Carter (Jay Z), Nasir Jones (Nas), and southern artists Clifford Harris II (T.I.) and Wesley Weston (Lii' Flip). The artists were selected on the basis of geographical spread and diversity. Although Hip-Hop was again founded in New York City, it has now spread to other parts of the United States and worldwide. The study investigated the biography of the artists to illuminate their struggles with poverty, family dysfunction, aggression, and intimidation. The artists were found to engage in lyrical battles; therefore, their competitive discourses were analyzed in specific Hip-Hop selections to investigate their claims of authorship, imitation, and authenticity, including their use of sexual discourse and artistic rivalry, to gain competitive advantage. The conclusions drawn from the findings suggest that although Hip-Hop lyricism was originally established as an alternative to physical violence, social and psychological factors such as competition, masculinity, class struggle and ideology often lead to conflict and hostility. In addition, the artists' economic successes were not necessarily tied to their educational background, but were based on their assumed role as representatives of the oppressed. This representation enables its conveyer to serve as a voice for the voiceless through his/her artistic expression. Discourse in Hip-Hop (whether musical or cultural) is an area of African- American culture in which further study would be valuable in order to fully appreciate the valuable artistic contributions of inner-city youths. Unfortunately, these new artists are often misunderstood. Unlike famous mainstream artists such as Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, James Baldwin and Langston Hughes, Hip-Hop artists are agents of cultural productivity who are less appreciated simply because they operate in the arena of popular culture. Augustus W. Jordan III