STRENGTH, DURABILITY AND MICROSTRUCTURE INVESTIGATIONS OF CONCRETE CONTAINING EMPTY PALM OIL FRUIT BRUNCH ASH (EPO-FBA)

Understanding of the internal arrangement of the constituents of structural concrete, at the microscopic level, and its strength behavior, as well as its ability to result in durable concrete, are necessary in order to enhance its innovative and sustainable application. This paper presents the results of investigation conducted to ascertain the strength characteristics, microstructure configuration and durability traits of concrete with its ordinary Portland cement (OPC) fraction replaced partially with empty palm oil fruit brunch ash (EPO-FBA). The compressive strength properties were assessed with 150 x 150 x 150 cube specimens while 100 x 100 x 100 cube specimens were used to assess the durability properties. An insight into the morphology and the microstructure of samples with EPO-FBA was obtained through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that EPO-FBA is a good supplementary cementing material up to 10% replacement level, however, the samples with EPO-FBA showed a significantly improved compressive strengths development and good durability characteristics at latter ages, at the replacement level beyond 10%.

Designing a Character Strengths Development Program for Youth Living in Violent Contexts

This paper describes the design and piloting of a Character Strengths Development (CSD) curriculum for Glasswing International’s after-school program. The CSD curriculum was designed to be implemented in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, countries that make up the Central American Northern Triangle (NTCA) and have extremely high rates of violence and criminality. Development of the CSD curriculum included 3 stages: a consultativeprocess with youth, review of relevant literature and design of the curriculum, and piloting of the methodology. Students’ perspectives were engaged throughout the development process to ensure the curriculum was relevant to the lives of youth living in violent communities. The curriculum is the first to be built on the Virtues in Action framework in NTCA countries. Lessons learned are shared for CSD program design and implementation in other contexts with high levels of violence.

Strengths in action: A pilot study of a strengths development programme within tertiary education utilising the Clifton StrengthsQuest™ & narratives of strengths interviews

This paper focuses on the experience of two sub-sets of students who took part in a pilot study which explored the effectiveness of StrengthsQuest® (Clifton and Anderson, 2004), together with StrengthsQuest coaching and Narrative of Strengths interviews within the Bachelor of Social Practice and the Bachelor of Nursing at Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand. The pilot study was primarily focused on whether or not identification and appreciation of strengths could contribute to students’ education as social workers and nurses, and aid them in making choices about career direction. We also enquired into whether the programme we devised could be a starting point for the development of a strengths-based approach within social work and nursing education.Students reported that by becoming aware of their talents their confidence increased and they became more appreciative of what they had to offer in their personal and professional lives. They also reported improvements in study, shaping their career choices and personal breakthroughs. The strength of student feedback indicates that there is value in the integration of a strengths-based approach into social work and nursing education.

Exploring the strengths development of Taiwanese international students during the cultural transition process : a grounded theory study

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] According to the Open Doors report, the number of undergraduate international students increased from 407,529 to 764,495 in the U.S. from 1990-91 to 2011/12 academic years (Open Doors, 2012). One of the missions of U.S higher education is to encourage the enrollment of international students for academic, cultural, and economic purposes (Sumer, Poyrazli, and Grahame, 2008). With the growing attention on international students, there is gap in the current literature that calls for strength-based approach. The aim of this study was to develop a model illustrates the strengths development of Taiwanese international college students in the cultural transition process by using grounded theory research design. The strengths developmental model emerged from the study provided us a better understanding of (a) how the strengths were utilized and (b) how their strengths take place in the cross-cultural experiences from their perspective, also (c) gain a better idea of the appropriate services and environment for international students.

Defining Levels of Learning for Strengths Development Programs in Pharmacy

The Clifton StrengthsFinder™ is an online measure of personal talent that identifies where an individual's greatest potential for building strengths exists. This paper describes a framework for strengths education in pharmacy which includes introductory, intermediate and advanced levels of learning. The use of the StrengthsFinder™ assessment and supporting workshops aids student pharmacists, pharmacy residents and practitioners in identifying and refining their talents and connecting talents to roles in the profession. Additional learning strategies support a learner's progression to intermediate and advanced levels of learning, which focus on the application of strengths in teams, leadership, and organizational development. By articulating and recognizing levels of learning around strengths-related content and skills, strong instructional design is fostered. Optimal design includes development of a sequence of learning opportunities delivered over time, a roll-out plan and consideration of the instructional resources required.