Texas A&M International University: Research Information Online (RIO)
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Influence of a Wellness Course on Meaning-in-Life and Anxiety of Counselors-in-Training
No full textThis study examined how a special wellness course affects perception of meaning-in-life and state-trait anxiety of Hispanic counselor trainees. A quantitative analysis showed an increase in participants’ perception of meaning-in-life and a concurrent decrease in anxiety. Participants’ self-reports revealed how their perception of meaning-in-life and anxiety levels changed over the course of time. Together, the results confirmed a strong inverse relationship between meaning-in-life and anxiety. The implications and applicability of the study were discussed
Twitter and Food Well-Being: Analysis of #SlowFood Postings Reflecting the Food Well-Being of Consumers
Get PDFThis study examines how hashtag #SlowFood postings on social media site Twitter reflect the food well-being of consumers. 4102 tweets containing the hashtag #SlowFood were identified. Using interpretive content analysis, only 210 food-content messages in English language, from consumers were selected coded and interpreted. Displays of positive emotions and activities related with the slow food consumption on social media were found. By studying how consumers share their food well-being on social media, this research contributes to the understanding of food well-being and how it is practiced online
El campo periodístico entre continuidad y cambio durante la transición política en Bolivia (2007-2017)
No full textLa llegada al poder del presidente Evo Morales en el año 2006 implicó no solamente una descomposición de los partidos tradicionales de la ‘democracia pactada’, sino trae también consecuencias para el campo periodístico y las interrelaciones entre la política y la prensa. Con la teoría de los campos sociales de Bourdieu, se aplica un enfoque relativamente joven en la comunicación social para comprender la tensión entre autonomía y heteronomía del campo periodístico en cicunstanicas de alta inestabilidad. La investigación se concentra, por lo tanto, en una descripción compacta del campo periodístico, por cuanto se analizan conjuntamente las relaciones de poder en el campo y el posicionamiento de organizaciones mediáticas individuales con base en su capital económico y cultural. Para ello, el estudio recurre tanto a los datos financieros de las organizaciones mediáticas como a indicadores de calidad y prestigio periodístico. El estudio demuestra que las dinámicas en el campo periodístico entre 2007 y 2017 dependen fundamentalmente de factores que no son inducidos por el nuevo gobierno. Esto deja entrever que la propia lógica del campo periodístico representa estructuras producto de la historia y que no se pueden determinar, así como desde afuera.Palabras clave: campo periodístico; prensa; capital; poder; Bolivia
Physiological adaptations following a four-week of high-intensity functional training
No full textBackground/Aim. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a popular mixed-modal program that utilizes both resistance and aerobic based exercises. The aim of this study was to examine the physiological effects of the HIFT programing on physically active men (10) and women (10) over a four-week period through the measure of the aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and maximal weight lifted. Methods. The participants first completed a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test. After 48-hours of rest, the subjects completed the anaerobic capacity test via the Wingate protocol. Following the Wingate test, the subjects performed a 1-repetition maximum test for squat, snatch and clean at the offsite training location. After the pre-measurements were obtained, the subjects entered a four-week the HIFT intervention and returned to the lab for all post-measurements. Results. Significant improvements were observed in male and female: VO2 max (Pre: 46.7 ± 2.6, 33.7 ± 1.7 mL/kg/min; Post: 49.0 ± 3.0, 35.0 ± 1.8 mL/kg/min), Peak Wingate Power (Pre: 1206 ± 106, 708 ± 44 W; Post: 1283 ± 88, 809 ± 38 W) Mean Wingate Power (Pre: 680 ± 46, 704 ± 48 W; Post: 434 ± 15, 458 ± 18 W; p \u3c 0.05), back squat (Pre: 128.8 ± 8.8 kg, 44.1 ± 6.8 kg; Post: 142.7 ± 9.8, 54.3 ± 6.2 kg) clean (Pre: 82.5 ± 6.2, 24.1 ± 3.4 kg; Post: 92.7 ± 5.8, 33.2 ± 3.3 kg) and snatch (Pre: 59.3 ± 4.4, 20.9 ± 1.7 kg; Post: 69.1 ± 5.3, 25.0 ± 2.3 kg; p \u3c 0.05), respectively. No gender influence on interaction was observed over time (p \u3e 0.05). Conclusion. The HIFT demonstrated the rapid physiological improvements in strength, aerobic and the anaerobic capacity following a four-week intervention in the physically active participants
An IoT-based risk warning system for smart libraries
No full textPurpose: When integrating smart elements offered by emergent technologies, libraries are facing the challenges of technological renovation and maintaining their operation using emerging technology. Given the importance of smart library, new technologies are needed in building new libraries or renovation of existing libraries. The purpose of this paper is to propose a risk warning system for library construction or renovation in the aspect of risk management. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed Internet of Things (IoT)-based system consists of sensors that automatically monitor the status of materials, equipment and construction activities in real time. AI techniques including case-based reasoning and fuzzy sets are applied. Findings: The proposed system can easily track material flow and visualize construction processes. The experiment shows that the proposed system can effectively detect, monitor and manage risks in construction projects including library construction. Originality/value: Compared with existing risk warning systems, the proposed IoT-based system requires less data for making dynamic predictions. The proposed system can be applied to new builds and renovation of libraries
Warm-Hearted Love in a Cold World: Sexuality, Nature, and Modernity in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles and D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Get PDFWhile examining Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles and D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, the importance of the themes of sexuality and nature is apparent. In this thesis, the exploration of sexuality and nature being at odds with different incarnations of modernity is argued. Sexuality, in this thesis, is referring to sexual behaviors and activity. Nature is referring to both the untamed and calm wilderness. Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles displays sexuality and nature being at odds with modernity as science. In Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, sexuality and nature are at odds with industrial modernity. In regards to Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, this thesis primarily focuses on sexuality, nature, and modernity as presented in its central characters, Tess Durbeyfield, Angel Clare, and Alec d’Urberville. Tess is presented as a sexual being who has connection to nature but is misread and objectified by Angel and Alec. Tess’s treatment can be further understood by focusing on gender relations in the Victorian Era. In viewing Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, this thesis focuses on sexuality and nature as two parts of a whole that are at odds with modernity. The characteristics of sex and nature are seen in Constance Chatterley and Oliver Mellors, while Clifford Chatterley embodies industrial modernity. By examining these two novels, I establish the relationship between Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Lady Chatterley’s Lover and how Thomas Hardy influenced D. H. Lawrence when writing about sexuality, nature, and modernity
American Patriotism in the Marvel Avengers Film Series (2008-2018): An Analysis of Captain America and Iron Man
Get PDFThe idea that patriotism can be reinforced through imagery and oration has been discussed by scholars within the political science literature. Film is one medium scholars have used to examine patriotic sentiments. In this thesis I provide an analysis of the Marvel Avengers film series (2008-2018), focusing on Captain America and Iron Man, and how each represents a different form of American patriotism. I argue that Captain America represents Lincolnian patriotism, which places an emphasis on a commitment to American ideals and the duty one has in upholding them. Iron Man, in contrast, represents the dominant tradition, which is centered on the narrowly self-interested individual and a belief in the benefits of technological advancement. I conclude noting the limitations to understanding Captain America and Iron Man as representatives of American patriotism. Ultimately, I hope to demonstrate how an analysis of these two superheroes in the Marvel Avengers film series helps scholars and viewers think critically about American patriotism
The relationship between perceived coaching behaviors, competitive trait anxiety, and athlete burnout: A cross-sectional study
No full textAthletes possibly experience a great deal of stress which may cause anxiety and burnout. Athletes’ perceptions of their coaches’ behaviors influence their performance and psychological well-being. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between athletes’ perception of their coaches’ coaching behaviors and burnout, and also to examine the medication effects of competitive trait anxiety on the relationship. A total of 368 collegiate athletes participated in the study, and their ages ranged from 20 to 26 years old (Mage = 21.21 years, SD = 1.07 years). A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling are utilized to analyze the data. Trait anxiety in athletes had a significant correlation with athlete burnout as well as significant pathways. Controlling coaching behaviors were significantly related to athletes’ competitive trait anxiety, whereas autonomy-supportive coaching behaviors were not significantly related to trait anxiety. A significant positive pathway from controlling coaching to trait anxiety was observed. The bootstrapping results indicated a significant and indirect pathway from controlling coaching to athlete burnout via competitive trait anxiety. Given that controlling coaching behaviors affected trait anxiety and, in turn, burnout, it is concluded that coaches should provide less controlling coaching to reduce anxiety and burnout in athletes
Factor-based structural equation modelling: Going beyond PLS and composites
No full textPartial least squares (PLS) methods offer many advantages for path modelling, such as fast convergence to solutions and relaxed requirements in terms of sample size and multivariate normality. However, they do not deal with factors, but with composites. As a result, they typically underestimate path coefficients and overestimate loadings. Given these, it is difficult to fully justify their use for confirmatory factor analyses or factor-based structural equation modelling (SEM). We addressed this problem through the development of a new method that generates estimates of the true composites and factors, potentially placing researchers in a position where they can obtain consistent estimates of a wide range of model parameters in SEM analyses. A Monte Carlo experiment suggests that this new method represents a solid step in the direction of achieving this ambitious goal