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An Analysis of Sport Science Practices and Standards in Collegiate Football
Get PDFThis dissertation presents the findings of a survey that identifies the sport science practices and standards utilized in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football programs. In total a fifty-two item survey instrument was administered that examines seven sections, including (i) demographics, (ii) current sport science practices, (iii) advanced technology, (iv) decision-making processes, (v) health and wellness, (vi) budget and resources, and (vii) comments. All generated numerical data was organized into a statistical analysis program, SPSS Statistics v 29.0.2.0 (© IBM Corporation). Correlations were conducted on data gathered from Likert Scale questions, using Spearman test. Additionally, comprehensive non-numerical subjective data was organized by emerging themes according to thematic analysis principles. In total twenty-six (n = 26) respondents completed the survey. All respondents obtained a bachelor’s degree, while twenty-two (84.62%) received a master’s degree and two (7.69%) reported obtaining a doctoral degree. All respondents measured muscular strength, followed by 96.15% assessing speed. Primarily, respondents reported measuring physical fitness variables on a weekly basis (n = 10; 38.46%). Nineteen (73.08%) respondents reported they do not integrate sport science tests into the strength and conditioning warm-up periods, while seven (26.92%) do. Among those respondents that incorporated sport science tests into the warm-up period, the most common method was RSI testing (n = 4; 57.14%). Majority (84.62%) of respondents noted that they implemented camera/laser-based technologies within their sport science protocols (n = 22). Overall, this research enables both practitioners and researchers the ability to understand the current state of the field to identify unique aspects of sport science
After His Likeness: The Holy Trinity And Creation of Humanity
Get PDFThis dissertation presents a comprehensive theological and interdisciplinary examination of the Holy Trinity (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and its influence on human creativity, ethical development, and identity, as rooted in the Genesis creation narrative. Employing exegetical analysis of Genesis 1:26-27 alongside systematic theological synthesis, lexical‐theological study of צֶלֶם (ṣélem, image) and דְּמוּת (dəmûth, likeness), and historical‐doctrinal reflection on Chalcedonian definitions of the hypostatic union and kenosis, it develops a triadic framework that aligns the divine mind, heart, and will with human cognition, emotion, and volition. The study reveals that the threefold act of divine creativity (i.e., the Father’s generative speech, the Son’s affirming delight, and the Spirit’s sustaining motion) is mirrored in human creative processes that entail conception, motivation, and execution, each bearing moral responsibility grounded in divine love and purpose.
A nuanced distinction between the Imago Dei, as the original divine blueprint imparted to humanity, and the Imago Similitudo, as the moral enactment fractured by sin, sets the stage for the Imago Amoris: the image of love fully realized in Christ’s self‐emptying union of divine and human natures. Christ’s kenotic limitation of omniscience, embodiment of compassionate love, and perfect obedience model the path of believers’ sanctification. The dissertation concludes by demonstrating how this triadic pattern informs key dimensions of Christian life and ministry (i.e., Scripture engagement, preaching, ethics, counseling, prayer, marriage, and ecclesial mission), inviting believers to renew their minds, hearts, and wills in conformity with the triune God. By integrating creation, fall, and redemption into a unified theological framework, this work contributes a comprehensive understanding of human origin, vocation, and participation in the eternal communion of divine love
Comparing The Effects of Numerical versus Syllable-Based Pedagogy on Kindergarten Academics
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of numerically based and syllable-based pedagogical approaches on kindergarten students in a school located in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida. The Kodály Method, a well-established and effective music education strategy, offers numerous classroom benefits. Teachers can utilize both numerically based and syllable-based approaches within the Kodály framework. However, additional data are required to ascertain whether these approaches can enhance academic performance among kindergarten students. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of syllable-based music training on kindergarten reading scores and numerical-based music training on kindergarten math scores. The initial results showed that there was no significant difference in reading or math scores according to music lessons. However, additional analysis, including evaluation of the pre- and post-test data for the numerically based group, produced statistically significant positive math scores
Mosquitoes: The 5 C’s of Developing Disease- Commensals Changing to Consequential Pathogens
Get PDFHotter, longer summers and changing weather patterns in the United States are bringing more than just sweat and discomfort. In May 2025, a summer heat wave of 107⁰F hit Austin, Texas, and in humid Houston and San Antonio, Texas, temperatures felt over 100⁰ for several days. Normally, these temperatures don’t come until July and August. With temperatures reaching these marks early and heavy rains coming, mosquito activity and ranges expand. Many state and federal health officials report a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses across the US and globe in the last five years
Emotion Behind Casual Sex
No full textHealth institutions have reported that women of middle-age continue to enjoy sexual activity. As such, women who engage in casual sex may or may not have developed emotional attachments to their partners, which may impact sexual gratification. Attachment theory proposes that attachment style is either secure or insecure, such as anxious or avoidant. This study investigated the relationship between insecure attachment style and sexual gratification among women between 40-50 years of age who engaged in casual sex. To answer these questions, the Adult Attachment Scale (AAQ) questionnaire was used to measure anxious and avoidant attachment, the Experience in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-R) was a subscale utilized to measure attachment style, and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W) measured sexual gratification. The resulting scores for 105 participants showed a statistically significant negative correlation between insecure attachment style and sexual gratification. A multiple regression analysis showed that anxious attachment did not significantly moderate the relationship between casual sex engagement and sexual gratification, while avoidant attachment style did significantly moderate that relationship. The study provided a meaningful exploration into how insecure attachment styles affect intimate relationships in adulthood, which laid the groundwork for future studies to explore the patterns stemming from childhood relationships with caregivers
Exploring the Deficiencies of Business Improvement Programs: A Qualitative Look Into Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, Eos, and Developing Hybrid Opportunities
No full textThis qualitative case study researched the deficiencies of three established business improvement programs: Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), to discern the possibility of a tailored hybrid improvement program. Utilizing data collected through semi-structured interviews from the experiences of twelve business leaders representing different industries. All of the leaders had five or more years of direct experience with one or more of the business improvement programs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, applying Constructivist Grounded Theory. The analysis found that Continuous Improvement empowered employees and nurtured incremental changes, but it struggled with ongoing leadership commitment and strategic alignment. Six Sigma provided data-driven quality improvement, but it lacked flexibility and consideration for personnel. EOS provided vision and leadership, but was also inflexible in its processes and could be costly for smaller organizations. The research was grounded with ideas from the Self-Determination Theory, Organizational Culture Theory, and various biblical principles. The findings of this study support a customizable hybrid improvement program, one that can increase employee engagement, augment processes and production, and support organizational transformation. This research adds to the limited academic literature on EOS and hybrid improvement approaches, providing practical applications for business leaders seeking solutions in an ever-evolving marketplace
Reclaiming Eve: The Importance and Benefits of Women in Leadership
No full textDespite considerable progress in women\u27s career representation, global barriers remain rooted in gender discrimination through the lens of historical, cultural, and theological traditions. Imposing invisible obstacles such as the glass ceiling and sticky floors are entrenched biases that obstruct upward career advancement. Amid these challenges, the diverse talents and unique perspectives of women often remain overshadowed by their male counterparts in perceptions of quality leadership. This study aimed to explore the connection of the sins in the Garden of Eden narrative to the origins of and ongoing disqualification of women as unfit to lead. The study aimed to reaffirm gender identity and ignite further discussion to improve candidacy credibility, strategic professional development practices, and influence more acquired roles globally for women to change the organizational landscape of effective business and leadership. Lastly to provide a persuasive argument around the origins of continued biases that permeate societal decision-making. This research emphasizes the established misinterpretation and underestimation of the competence of women. The thematic analysis reaffirmed women belonging at the decision-making table but fundamental to molding organizational inclusivity, innovation and sustainability. The study parallels organizational barriers and doctrine elevating the leadership aptitude of women as resilient, ethical and strategic. The findings appeal to abandoning outdated standards of leadership and fully embrace women as integral to the leadership standard
Sex Offender Treatment Programming Effectiveness and Application in Rural and Remote Alaskan Communities
No full textThe purpose of this project was to improve the problem of reintegrating sex offenders who have not benefited from rehabilitative sex offender treatment programming into rural and remote communities in western Alaska and provide guidance to policymakers to address the problem. Sexual violence remains a social problem in modern society, marked by inconsistent definitions and under-reporting, and is often difficult to prosecute. A disproportionate number of sexual offenses occur in 128+ rural towns and remote villages with fewer than 1000 residents. In response to limitations on resources and logistics, the Department of Corrections\u27 Division of Pretrial, Probation, and Parole has developed guidelines that establish different standards of supervision based on an offender\u27s residence in an urban or rural area of the state. Supervision case plans for sex offenders focus on treatment status. However, treatment availability differs across geographical regions. Policymakers have little applicable data on which to base appropriate supervision standards to enhance community safety. Barriers to the successful application of sex offender treatment programming are identified and explored through interviews with probation officers who work directly with treatment providers and programming managers within the Division of Health and Rehabilitative Services. A larger group of probation officers assigned to sex offender caseloads provided feedback through participation in a focus group. Probation officers within the Division of Pretrial, Probation & Parole who regularly interact with sex offender caseloads provide their perspectives on public safety regarding conflict in supervision policy and practice with treatment needs through a survey. Policy recommendations are formed using the data collected to support the positive reintegration of sex offenders into rural and remote Alaskan communities while addressing public safety concerns
Educational Leaders\u27 Developmental Support of Medical Learners: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
No full textThis hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of educators supporting the professional development of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows in ACGME-accredited programs in the United States through the lens of adult development theory. The central research question asked: What are the lived experiences of educators in supporting the professional identity formation of their trainees? Purposeful, criterion-based, snowball sampling was used to recruit PEM program directors with specialty training in pediatrics or emergency medicine. Data were triangulated through developmental reflexive questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and follow-up letter writing, and analyzed using van Manen’s methodology. Program directors described a duty to cultivate both clinical skills and professional identity to ensure future care for acutely ill and injured children. Professional development is optimized when learners engage authentically with mentorship and available resources. Fellowship emerged as a dynamic, reciprocal learning environment in which fellows, faculty, and program directors mutually shape each other’s personal and professional growth. The study offers implications for institutional and national policy and proposes a new integrated theory for supporting trainee development in high-stakes clinical settings
Exploring the Relationship Between Perceived E-working Experience and Autonomy in IT Professionals
No full textAs remote work reshapes the professional landscape, understanding how e-working conditions influence the need for autonomy, a core component of motivation and well-being, is increasingly important. This quantitative, correlational study explored the relationship between perceived e-working experience and the psychological need for autonomy among 120 U.S.-based information technology (IT) professionals. Participants completed an online survey comprised of the E-Work Life (EWL) Scale (Charalampous et al., 2023; Grant et al., 2019) and two autonomy subscales from the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Work Scale (BPNSFWS) (Olafsen et al., 2021). Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) (Ryan & Deci, 2000, 2017, 2020) and job characteristics theory (JCT) (Hackman & Oldham, 1976), the study examined how overall e-working experience and four key dimensions—productivity, organizational trust, flexibility, and work-life interference—related to autonomy. Results showed a significant positive correlation between overall e-working experience and autonomy (r = .62, p \u3c .01), with each dimension also showing positive correlations: productivity (r = .47), trust (r = .56), flexibility (r = .55), and work-life interference (r = .47). Regression analysis identified trust (β = .34, p \u3c .001) as the strongest predictor of autonomy, followed by flexibility (β = .24, p = .005) and work-life interference (β = .19, p = .030); productivity was not significant (β = .06, p = .482). These findings contribute to research on psychological need fulfillment in virtual settings and offer insight into designing autonomy-supportive remote environments that may enhance retention and satisfaction among IT professionals