5105 research outputs found
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The Hidden World of Evil: Documenting Serial Killers Through the Centuries, an Evolution.
No full textThe following is an analysis of the phenomenon of serial killers from their development over time, and why it mattered due to how they operated on society. Cases reported from the past to present century were read and analyzed in search of recurring psychological patterns, changes in methods of inspecting cases and the effects of cultural, technological transformation on both felons as well as those who trailed them. The site is a product of my professional interest in the area of criminal psychology and forensic analysis and reflects my objective to provide myself and other interested professionals, academics, law enforcement authorities, forensic security service agencies with a comprehensive source of information. The study recognized a long overdue longitudinal evaluation which coupled past and present serial killers, stressing the necessity for an interrelated approach to criminal containment and profiling (Miller, 2014). Characteristics of investigation strengths of the investigation included its broad interdisciplinary focus and use of extensive historical data, whereas challenges involved ethical issue documentation. The research also took into account modern phenomena including the rise of digital forensics and increased interest in true crime media, along with nature vs nurture discussions on criminality. In the end, this capstone aimed to unveil not a sensational but an informative narrative about serial killers – so that attention could be drawn to how knowledge can equip early identification and intervention by those who encounter these personalities before they steel themselves into more advanced criminal justice systems
Post Traumatic Stress Disorders Within the Hmong Community
No full textThe paper will provide an overview of who the Hmong folks are, the history of PTSD as well as some background knowledge of the mental health, and comparing them together. This paper will also dive a bit deeper to explore more about mental health in the Hmong community
Physiological Demands of Virtual Reality Exercise Games: An Analysis of Energy Expenditure and Exercise Intensity
No full textVirtual reality (VR) technology offers potential as an exercise modality, yet comprehensive physiological assessments using gold-standard methodology remain limited. This study investigated the physiological demands of three VR fitness games, Beat Saber, Punch Fit, and RUN, by examining exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and time spent above American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) intensity thresholds. Thirty-two college students (ages 18-32, M = 23.9 ± 3.1 years) completed maximal exercise testing to establish VO₂max, followed by a VR gaming session. Physiological responses were measured using portable indirect calorimetry and heart rate monitoring. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant differences between games, with large effect sizes (ηp² = 0.251-0.488). RUN elicited significantly higher responses than Beat Saber and Punch Fit across all measures: mean intensity (60.5% vs. 43.2-46.6% VO₂max), heart rate (140.2 vs. 116.3-124.4 bpm), and energy expenditure (8.30 vs. 5.70-6.31 kcal/min). Beat Saber and Punch Fit produced equivalent responses despite different mechanics, suggesting biomechanical movement patterns predict intensity better than game genre. All games met ACSM guidelines for health-promoting activity. Upper-body dominant games (Beat Saber, Punch Fit) produced moderate intensity comparable to brisk walking, while RUN approached vigorous intensity thresholds. Effect sizes increased at higher intensity thresholds (ηp² = 0.271 to 0.376), indicating game differences become more pronounced at vigorous intensities. This research provides the first comprehensive physiological comparison of VR games using rigorous methodology, establishing evidence-based parameters for VR exercise prescription and supporting VR as a legitimate moderate-intensity exercise alternative for appropriate populations
Education Policy, Funding, and Student Achievement: Uncle Sam’s Curse
No full textQuality education has a profound impact on future opportunities, and access to adequate funding and resources significantly influences the quality of education. This qualitative case study investigated the intersection of education finance policy, funding equity, and student achievement. To do so, interviews were conducted with three elementary school principals employed in one high-poverty American Midwestern public school district whose students posted gains on standardized tests despite comparatively meager district funding. Participants\u27 perceptions and lived experiences as principals in districts with high concentrations of poverty were explored through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which invited them to discuss their experiencesmanaging the school budget and navigating the complexities of meeting students\u27 needs and improving student performance. Findings suggested that need-based funding infusions enable improved student outcomes; changing policy landscapes, funding guidelines, and spending authority can constrain principals\u27 ability to adequately address students\u27 needs.
Findings further underscored the potential advantages of district-controlled spending and centralized resourceallocations, as well as the shortcomings associated with principal-controlled spending and site-level resource distribution. Although financial investments in education are generally correlated with improved academic achievement, transformative student progress can be achieved through sustained attention to progress monitoring, data-based teaching, encouraging a teacher growth mindset, and hiring high-quality teaching staff. While correcting funding formulas and addressing unfunded policy mandates is necessary to ultimately ensure educational equity, this research contributed to education practice and policy discussions by centering on the voices of school leaders. It offered evidence-based recommendations for maintaining stronger schools and facilitating improved student performance in school settings, even when resources are scarce
Episode 9: Beyond the Diagnosis: Vulnerability and Voice in Mental Health featuring Brendan Downes
No full textIn this powerful episode, ABSN student Brendan Downes opens up about his journey into nursing and the transformative lessons he’s learned from working in mental health care. Brendan shares how shifting from talking at patients to truly talking with them changed his approach to care, and how moments of vulnerability and recovery have deepened his understanding of the nursing profession.
Through honest reflections on balancing clinical demands with emotional presence, challenging assumptions, and growing as a communicator, Brendan offers meaningful insights for nursing students and professionals alike. Whether you’re new to psych nursing or just need a reminder of why this work matters, this conversation is a must-listen
Episode 72: Brian Friedrich: Christ holds all things together...
No full textPresident Brian Friedrich returns to the One Heart podcast to talk about the state of higher education, how CSP is weathering storms, and the impact philanthropy makes for our students
Increasing Teacher Retention
Full text linkThis paper examined research into various strategies educational leaders can employ in order to retain teachers in their schools. Teacher retention has become an important issue in contemporary education as schools attempt to deal with a shortage of teachers. This teacher shortage puts a strain on student learning, the district, and the rest of the staff. By retaining teachers in the beginning stages of their careers, schools can combat the teacher shortage and reap the benefits of having more experienced and effective teachers in their buildings. This research included quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and quasi-experimental studies, which produced three main themes. First, there are organizational and structural supports that can aid in the retention of teachers. Second, building positive and supportive relationships among teachers and between teachers and principals can positively impact teacher retention. Third, there are specific strategies included in induction programs that help schools retain teachers. These three themes work together to meet the needs specific to beginning teachers. Understanding the needs of beginning teachers can help educational leaders implement strategies to aid in teacher retention and understand the components of those strategies that make them effective
Episode 3: The First Time I Felt Like a Nurse
No full textIn this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Professor Dannette Mathis, a seasoned nurse with 11 years of experience and a beloved faculty member at Concordia University, St. Paul. Dannette shares the unforgettable story of the moment she truly felt like a nurse—when clinical skills met human connection and purpose came to life.
Together, we explore the deeper meaning behind the profession—how nursing goes far beyond procedures and protocols. It’s about seeing the whole person, being present in sacred moments, and remembering the “why” that keeps you grounded through it all.
Whether you\u27re a student, new grad, or seasoned nurse, this episode will inspire you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the heart of your calling
Closing the Autism Employment Gap
Full text linkThis literature review explored how educators can better support transition-aged autistic youth in preparing for, obtaining, and sustaining meaningful employment to improve adult life outcomes. The purpose of this review was to synthesize current research on evidence-based practices that address the persistent employment gap faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 21 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. These studies examined critical factors such as student motivation, transition planning, social communication, executive functioning, self-advocacy, and collaboration with families and community agencies. Common themes highlighted the importance of student-centered planning and the use of a strength-based lens to develop employability skills. Preparing students for employment requires a balance between targeted, evidence-based direct instruction and opportunities to generalize skills in real-world settings. Findings emphasized the need for greater family involvement and stronger integration of external agencies within school-based transition services. Overall, the research suggests that a multifaceted, individualized approach grounded in self-determination theory is essential for improving employment outcomes. Conclusions indicated that transition planning must be reframed as an opportunity to empower students to lead self-determined adult lives, rather than merely fulfilling procedural requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Underlying Causes Linking Foster Care and the Criminal Justice System
Full text linkThis research expands on the ongoing statewide crisis within the foster care system that needs to be properly addressed to benefit future and current foster youth. Research has found a connection between foster care and prison, often referred as the “foster-care-to-prison-pipeline.” This study aimed to explore the impact of trauma experienced by current and former foster youth through a life course lens looking at crucial areas of development using a mixed methodology supported by theoretical theories that explored the connection between foster care and the criminal justice system. The results showed that current and former foster youth face many adversities once they enter care and as they exit care. These adversities when not properly addressed during care can place current and former foster youth at a higher risk of encountering law enforcement. The study concluded that there is a need for a comprehensive overhaul of the foster care system with a review of its current policies and procedures that need to be supported by trauma-informed and person-centered practices. In addition, current and prospective professionals along with foster care providers need proper training and education in being able to identify and properly support foster youth.
Keywords: Foster youth, foster care system, criminal justice system, foster care provider