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Balancing Act: Does Humility Modulate the Associations Among Anxiety, Achievement Motivation, and Social Comparison in Athletes?
No full textRecent studies have demonstrated that performance anxiety, social comparison orientation, and achievement motivation can influence athletes’ performance. However, the factors that could modulate these relationships warrant further clarification. To fill this gap, we examined the potential moderating role of humility to explain these associations. College student athletes, recruited via email or in-person, completed an online study with measures assessing performance anxiety, social comparison orientation, achievement motivations, and humility. We hypothesized that: 1) achievement motivation is related to performance anxiety (positively related to fear of failure and negatively related to hope for success); 2) social comparison orientation is positively related to performance anxiety; 3a) humility moderates the relationship between social comparison orientation and performance anxiety; 3b) humility moderates the association between achievement motivation and performance anxiety. This study will promote a clearer understanding for athletes and coaches about how these constructs may relate to athletic performance
Bio-indicators of Urban River Health: Exploring Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in the San Antonio River and Salado Creek Admist Extreme Hydrological Events
No full textAquatic macroinvertebrates inhabit various water bodies and are important biotic indicators of environmental quality, given their differing tolerance levels to pollution and habitat disturbances. This project investigates aquatic macroinvertebrates in the San Antonio River and Salado Creek that could be used to evaluate the effects of extreme hydrological events and human activities on urban rivers. Climate change impacts river hydrology by affecting the frequency and intensity of rainfall and increasing air temperatures. Anthropogenic activities and urban land conversions increase impervious surfaces, modify vegetation cover, and consequently alter surface runoff, which disrupts river ecosystems. Our research specifically focused on indicator taxa residing in shallow rifles, which are particularly sensitive to hydrological changes. We analyzed their abundance, species composition, and associated river parameters to assess their ecological responses. Our findings aim to enhance our understanding of the bio-indicator potential of specific taxa within these urban river systems
The Hidden Role of Drugs in Nazi Germany
No full textThis research examines the often-overlooked role of drugs in Nazi Germany, particularly the use of methamphetamine—specifically in the form of a pill called Pervitin—by German soldiers during World War II. It explores how trauma from World War I and the economic struggles of the Weimar Republic contributed to a society where drug use became normalized, ultimately paving the way for stimulants to be militarized. The German military distributed Pervitin to soldiers to enhance endurance, reduce fatigue, and possibly increase aggression, shaping their behavior and decision-making in high-stress combat situations. In conducting this research, I analyzed historical sources and military records to assess the broader impact of wartime stimulant use, particularly its effects on combat performance and moral detachment. Additionally, this research places Nazi Germany’s drug policies in a global context, comparing military stimulant use among the Germans, the Allies, and the Japanese. By exploring the connection between war and drug use, I argue that the role of stimulants in warfare is a significant but often overlooked aspect of military history
Influence of Skin Tone on Heart Rate from Wrist- and Chest-Worn Fitness Trackers
No full textAs activity monitor use is becoming more commonplace among individuals of various skin tones, the need to determine agreement between wrist- and chest- worn heart rate devices in those with lighter and darker skin tones needs to be further evaluated. Fifteen participants had skin tone measured with survey and spectrophotometry, and engaged in five different 5-min bouts of exercise. There were no significant differences in HRs at rest (p=0.309), jogging (p=0.751), biking (p=0.839), circuit (p=0.059), and arm crank (p=0.649). There was a significant difference in HRs while walking (p=0.015), with right wrist (121.7±10.6 b/min) significantly higher than chest (107.8±18.9 b/min). There were no significant correlations between melanin and percent error for the right/left wrist HRs (p\u3e.05), or for upper arm melanin and right/left wrist HRs (p\u3e.05). This study was in agreement with Koerber et al. (2022), where four studies noted no effect of user skin tone on accuracy
Se Habla ABA: Four Mexican Women Promoting Behavior Analysis
No full textIn this paper, we, four Mexican women in the field of behavior analysis, share our personal journeys, collaborative efforts, and the establishment of a professional organization focused on promoting standards for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Mexico. With diverse backgrounds, three of us with doctoral degrees and one of us currently enrolled in a doctoral program, and a collective clinical and/or research experience ranging from 13 to 23 years, we have overcome barriers and joined forces to contribute to the advancement of ABA. We explore the common values, goals, and motivations that brought us together in our mission to advance ABA in Mexico and emphasize the importance of collaboration and collective action for positive change. Drawing from our experiences, we offer insights and recommendations to guide and support aspiring behavior analysts, particularly women, as they navigate their own professional paths. By sharing our stories and lessons learned, our aim is to amplify the voices of Latinas in behavior analysis and inspire future generations to embrace the field. We believe that our experiences exemplify the strength, resilience, and passion of Mexican women in science. Through our collective narrative, we hope to foster greater diversity, inclusivity, and representation in the field of behavior analysis, particularly among Mexican women
Market Timing and Managerial Talent
No full textMarket timing is a well-documented phenomenon in financial markets. This paper tests whether managers with heterogeneous talents and qualities affect capital issuance timing differently. I find that skilled managers raise more capital (especially equity) when the market is overpriced, compared to unskilled managers. However, capable managers are less willing to issue equity when firms have high growth potential and are reluctant to share their future success with newcomers. Additionally, I found no significant effect of managerial ability on the relationship between market misvaluation and subsequent corporate investment. Overall, consistent with the market timing hypothesis, the results suggest that talented managers are more likely to time the market, but they do not increase corporate investment in response to additional funding
Influence of Produced Water Runoff on Surface Water: A Statistical Analysis of Water Quality in Petronilla Creek
No full textThis case study research investigates the potential influence of produced water (PW), a byproduct of oil and gas (O&G) activities, on surface water quality. The study involved two sites along Petronila creek, located in Nueces County, with historical oil and gas presence. Data from nearby monitoring stations containing various water quality parameters typically associated with produced water, including total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO4), and specific conductance was used to perform a statistical analysis of spatial and temporal trends. Spatial comparisons were made between both sites and upstream, tributary, and downstream roles to test for variances in water quality composition. Temporal analysis was used to indicate direction of concentration over time. Correlations testing was also conducted to establish tributary influence further downstream and estimate potential rainfall dilution effects. Results showed that there were significant increases in analyte concentrations from the tributaries going into Petronila creek at both site 1 (inland site) and site 2 (coastal site), suggesting impacts from PW runoff from nearby O&G plays. However, results also showed the highest concentrations overall were located downstream at site 2, suggesting that other factors, such as tidal or saline groundwater influences, may be at play as distance from the coast decreases. While indirect indicators of iii produced water may help trace potential links to PW, it is difficult to rule out other sources without more direct tracers, prompting recommendations for more targeted analyses
Applied Behavior Analysis in Mexico: Efforts and Challenges in Public Policy, Advocacy, and Autism Intervention
No full textBehavior analysis has a long tradition in academic institutions in Mexico. However, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) remains an underdeveloped component of public policies in healthcare, education, and welfare. This paper aims to assess the current state of ABA in Mexico, including its practice, recognition, regulation, and integration into public policies. An overview of the Mexican healthcare and education systems is provided as ABA services should be integrated into these structures. There is a specific focus on the management of developmental disabilities (DD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for which ABA has been historically used. Recent advancements in Mexican legislation regarding the protection of people with DD and ASD and their right to receive effective attention and treatment are discussed. Also discussed are recent efforts for the creation of a professional association aimed at recognizing the effectiveness of ABA when designing empirically validated interventions. The potential impact of ABA services on public policies regarding healthcare and education in Mexico is highlighted. Finally, challenges are identified and recommendations are made to expand the reach of ABA in Mexico
Introduction to the Special Issue on Public Policy Advocacy in Behavior Analysis: Chronicles from Behavior Analysts to Guide Future Public Policy Advocacy Action
No full textBehavior analysts continually assess the needs of clients and the community at large. Some behavior analysts have educated themselves and become public policy advocates at the local, state, national, and international levels. Across the world, behavior analysts are meeting with legislators to educate them on behavior analytic solutions to societal problems, including but certainly not limited to why people need behavior analytic services. Incorporating a behavior analytic perspective into policies supports best practices in many areas and creates a more humane, positively reinforcing environment for all. Papers published in this special issue of Behavior Analysis in Practice on public policy advocacy demonstrate how such work has positively affected society across the globe. Such work has involved credentialing and regulation of behavior analysts, funding for ABA services, and increasing service capacity. Authors discuss their public policy advocacy efforts, share lessons learned, and discuss implications for future efforts. Many behavior analysts may be unaware of the importance of being involved in public policy and advocacy and how they can make a difference for the benefit of society. Behavior analysts are urged to learn from the work described and adapt and apply it in their community