12244 research outputs found
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Top Scholars Awards Presentation
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Book Review: The Architecture of the Playing Field
Full text linkAthletic fields, facilities, golf courses, stadiums, and arenas are at the heart of the sport management industry. Physical activity has been “an essential component” of mankind’s life on Earth since the beginning of time (Elgammal & Abdel-Razek, 2022; p. 26). Throughout history, the methods of hosting athletic events have undergone significant evolution. Dr. Richard Cleary provides a concise yet thorough resource on how the structure of these spaces influences the experience for both participants and spectators. The Architecture of the Playing Field: Shaping Space in Sport comprises four chapters and an Epilogue that utilize architectural design and sociocultural theories to examine “spatial practices in sports with respect to settings, mediated experience, performance, and social contexts” (Cleary, 2025, p. 11). The primary takeaway is that architectural design does not exist in a vacuum. Dr. Cleary combines historical design, sociocultural theory, urban planning, and architectural design theory to demonstrate that playing spaces are more than places where sport is played. Playing spaces are influenced by culture and values, but can also influence the rules governing our sports. This review highlights the effectiveness of Dr. Cleary’s new book and provides additional context to supplement his work
Understanding AI in Education: Perspectives from Midwest School Stakeholder
Full text linkThis research project aimed to delve into the perceptions and comprehension of artificial intelligence (AI) policy and usage among key stakeholders in Midwest schools, including superintendents, principals, teachers, and school librarians. This qualitative study explored the nuanced perspectives and insights of these individuals, shedding light on their understanding, concerns, and attitudes towards the integration of AI technologies within educational settings. Through in-depth focus groups and thematic analysis, the study endeavors to contribute valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI in education, informing policy decisions and educational practices for the benefit of students and educators alike
Economic Status of Texas Grade 8 Emergent Bilingual Students and Reading: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic Investigation
Full text linkIn this investigation, we examined differences in performance on the Texas state-mandated reading assessment for Emergent Bilingual students by their economic status (i.e., in poverty, not in poverty). Archival data were obtained from the Texas Education Agency Public Education Information Management System for Grade 8 students for the two pre-pandemic school years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) and three post-pandemic school years (2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023). A lower percentage of Emergent Bilingual students in poverty met the Grade 8 STAAR Reading Approaches Grade Level standard than Emergent Bilingual students not in poverty. For the Meets Grade Level and Masters Grade Level standards, lower percentages of Emergent Bilingual students in poverty met the grade level standards across all five school years. Of concern were the very high percentages of Emergent Bilingual students who were in poverty
Demography of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys Temminckii) Along a Fishing Pressure Gradient
No full textPassive fishing gear is a threat to the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). The spatio-temporal persistence of this threat and its impacts on M. temminckii populations has not been quantified. I quantified the density of passive fishing gear and the demographic parameters of M. temminckii along a fishing pressure gradient in East Texas streams. Most gear was abandoned and illegally deployed, with densities varying seasonally. Detectability of passive fishing gear declined with increasing gear age, water depth, and volume, but increased with increasing precipitation. Macrochelys temminckii catch per unit effort, abundance, and survival was lower at sites with higher densities of passive fishing gear. This research highlights the prevalence of abandoned passive fishing gear and the significant impacts these devices have on M. temminckii populations in the core of its Texas range
Characterization of Residual Mineral Content of Bauxite Stockpiles in Saline County, Arkansas: An XRD Analysis Approach
No full textThe Saline Mining District of central Arkansas once led U.S. alumina production and hosts extensive bauxite and nepheline syenite deposits. With the depletion of highgrade ore, renewed interest in bauxite stockpiles has focused on critical mineral potential. Previous X-ray Fluorescence studies have identified critical elements in significant concentrations, including uranium (U), thorium (Th), gallium (Ga), molybdenum (Mo), and lanthanides (Ln). This study examines five stockpiles (SP1, Clay, SP2, SP3, and SP4) in Section 20 of the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) Saline County bauxite mine, using Xray Diffraction (XRD) on 25 samples to characterize mineral phases and compare them with preliminary X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data. Gibbsite and kaolinite dominate the mineralogy, with gibbsite showing strong positive correlations with zirconium (r = 0.76) and niobium (r = 0.72). Siderite, a minor mineral phase, appears associated with niobium, zirconium, and titanium, suggesting trace metal affinity. A strong inverse relationship between gibbsite and kaolinite (r = -0.96) indicates differing formation pathways. Anatase and rutile show weak correlation (r = 0.16), implying variable titanium mobility. These findings highlight geochemical heterogeneity and may guide future critical mineral exploration, provided technological and economic conditions support resource development
INITIAL IMPACTS OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS ON IMPROVED EAST TEXAS EQUINE PASTURES
No full textABSTRACT
In Texas, approximately 1.6 million acres support an equine population exceeding 748,000 horses. This study assessed the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments on improved Bermudagrass (BG) and other vegetation (OTH) in overgrazed equine pastures at the Stephen F. Austin State University Equine Center. Treatments included equine manure (H), broiler poultry litter (P), and a commercial 13-13-13 fertilizer (C), with application rates based on pasture requirements.
Initial vegetation cover was evaluated using the Daubenmire cover class method in September 2024, followed by a 60-day undisturbed growing period. Final biomass (g/2ft² converted to lbs/ac) and percent cover measurements were collected in November 2024. The data was analyzed using ANOVA in R Studio (α = 0.10). Biomass analysis revealed significant differences in vegetation type across all pastures except Pasture 3, where no variables were statistically significant. In Pasture 2, poultry litter significantly reduced the biomass of OTH vegetation. Overall, BG exhibited greater biomass compared to OTH across all pastures.
Percent cover analysis demonstrated that OTH vegetation was significant across all pastures, with a significant interaction between H and OTH in Pasture 3 and the combined analysis, suggesting that horse manure promoted OTH vegetation cover. Economically, poultry litter was the most cost-effective treatment, while commercial fertilizer had the highest cost. Although statistical significance was limited, mean biomass and cover values suggested poultry litter improved BG growth, despite notable variability likely due to the small sample size. Further research may help refine biomass estimates and confirm treatment effects
Building Micro-Credential Frameworks: A Strategic Approach for Institutional Success
No full textThe rise of micro-credentials in higher education presents a transformative opportunity for institutions to deliver flexible, workforce-aligned learning experiences. This article explores key strategies for implementing micro-credential frameworks that align with institutional goals while ensuring quality, scalability, and employer recognition. Drawing from existing models and institutional case studies, the article outlines five critical factors for success: (1) aligning micro-credentials with institutional priorities, (2) conducting market and audience analysis, (3) ensuring academic quality and rigor, (4) leveraging technological infrastructure, and (5) fostering external partnerships. The discussion highlights best practices from leading institutions and offers actionable recommendations for practitioners looking to launch or expand micro-credential programs
Harnessing Faith for Relational Harmony: A Black Christian Couple’s Journey through Relational Spiritual Knowing
Full text linkThis scholarship centers on the experiences of Black married Christian couples, exploring how spirituality profoundly enriches and transforms their relationships. Building on Martin Buber\u27s philosophy of the “I-Thou” relationship, which emphasizes genuine spiritual engagement, the research highlights how this Black married couple draw on their faith to navigate marital challenges. For Black married Christian couples, spirituality often forms the foundation of their relationships, guiding them through life’s complexities. This work seeks to move beyond traditional teachings, embracing a more expansive view of spirituality that honors the rich, multifaceted nature of Black Christian marriages. Through the Relational Spiritual Knowing framework, this scholarship provides tools to strengthen spiritual bonds, enhancing marital quality. Employing autoethnography, the research examines how sanctification, communal coping, and religious coping foster love, resilience, and understanding within these marriages. By focusing on the experiences of Black married Christian couples, this work underscores the transformative potential of spirituality in every aspect of their relationships. It offers strategies for overcoming relational dissonance and emphasizes how spiritual practices like humility and openness can strengthen both personal and professional bonds, leading to deeply fulfilling marriages
An Accountability Myth: A Critical Analysis on High-stakes Testing in U.S. Schools
No full textHigh-stakes testing has become synonymous with the United States (U.S.) education system. This began in the early 1900’s through the form of intelligence testing which was developed by several U.S. psychologists. Since then, high-stakes testing has taken on many forms. Popular policies such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Race to the Top, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) have all taken aim at increasing academic achievement and holding schools accountable through high-stakes, standardized tests. Even through its varying forms, high-stakes tests have continued to perpetuate inequalities. Considering this, the current study examines how the rhetoric used in describing intelligence testing compares to the rhetoric used within the current policy on high-stakes testing being implemented in U.S. schools. Knowing that the afore mentioned high-stakes testing policies have pushed the message of improving educational outcomes for all students, this research also explores the effect(s) the emphasis on high-stakes testing has had on the closure of the achievement gap between white students and students of color in U.S. public schools. Assessment will always be an important element of education but, it does not have to dictate a student or school’s worth as it has in the past