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Source of professionalism and knowledge among sport industry professionals in India with limited sport management higher education
(2024-05) Manjunath, Sandhya 1991-; Dr. Kimberly Miloch; Dr. David Nichols; Dr. Laura Trujillo-Jenks
A comprehensive review of the literature reveals that sports industry research is progressing in every country worldwide at its own pace. However, there is very little research evidence about the Indian sports industry and the country's limited higher education sport management programs. While India has some of the most ardent sports fans and events in the world, sport management education programs and the development of a proper curriculum in India are still in their nascent stage especially in comparison to the United States and Europe. This quantitative study investigated the current standards of education in India and the source of knowledge and competencies of existing professionals in the Indian industry. Sports industry professionals were randomly selected to complete the COSM survey on Qualtrics and rate their perceived knowledge and professionalism on a Likert scale. Respondents answered questions involving their competencies, experiences, educational backgrounds, years of experience in the sport industry. MANOVA was used to measure the degree to which the various independent variables impact the current knowledge and competencies of India's sports industry professionals. The results support an educational strategy that values informal learning methods by recommending for the inclusion of experiential learning in sport management curriculum. Furthermore, the results also align with work-based learning theories by supporting an experiential learning environment and emphasizing the critical role that real-world experience plays in developing professional competencies. Specifically for the Indian sport industry and curriculum enhancement, the study recommended inserting experiential learning experiences, internships as a requirement for graduation before entering the sport industry. Additionally, this study also emphasizes on collaborations with local, national, and international sport events and organizations such as the Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Sports Affairs, Indian Premier League, Indian Soccer League, FIBA, BCCI and collaboration with established university curriculums in countries like USA, Australia, and Europe in the form of semester abroad, study abroad, or online classes. This quantitative study may contribute to the limited academic literature available to Indian sports practitioners. Additionally, it may synthesize knowledge from previous work on professionalism and curriculum development providing a springboard for new research that will fill the existing knowledge gaps.
Comparing gait biomechanics and function in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy when wearing OSKAR AFO-footwear combination versus standard AFO-footwear combination: An exploratory study
(2024-05) Pierce, Teresa Long 1960-; Alyssa LaForme Fiss; Hui-Ting Goh; Martin Rosario; Mark Geil
A majority of ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) wear ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) when walking. Current literature recommends a segmental approach to orthotic prescriptions that optimizes foot, ankle, and lower leg alignment to achieve optimal kinetics and kinematics during stance and gait. However, there is little evidence to support this approach. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare gait biomechanics and function in children with spastic CP when wearing ankle foot orthoses-footwear combinations (AFOFCs) fabricated using the Optimal Segment Kinematic and Alignment Approach to Rehabilitation, or OSKAR, versus standard AFOFCs. Ten participants, ages 7 to 13 years, from local pediatric clinics in a large suburban area participated in the study. Each participant wore both types of orthoses in a randomized order and biomechanical data was collected with three-dimensional gait analysis. Function was assessed for each condition using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC), and the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Satisfaction with the different orthoses was evaluated with the Orthotic and Prosthetic User Survey (OPUS). Peak knee extension improved in eight of ten participants; however, values were not significantly different between the two orthotic conditions. Participants with a hyperextended gait pattern exhibited peak knee extension values closer to typical in the OSKAR condition compared to participants with crouch gait. Pediatric Balance Scale scores were significantly higher when wearing the OSKAR AFOFCs but all other functional scores (SWOC, 6MWT) were comparable between conditions. Although not statistically significant, mean participant satisfaction scores on the OPUS were slightly higher in the OSKAR condition. Generalizations of study results are limited due to the small sample size and future studies with more participants are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of OSKAR AFOFCs. When examining gait variables, grouping participants based on gait pattern could provide more useful information. Findings from this exploratory study suggest that functional balance may be improved when wearing AFOFCs designed using the OSKAR method.
What are the perceptions on fostering and sustaining prior learning assessment in Texas institutions of higher learning
(2024-05) Mencacci, Shelly Poor 1967-; Fredrickson, Rebecca; Trujillo-Jenks, Laura; Dunlap, Karen,; Dutton, Catherine
This study examined the multifaceted influences on the prior learning assessment (PLA) landscape in Texas. Drawing from legislative changes, higher education policies, economic factors, technological advances, demographic shifts, and public awareness, it evaluated how these forces shaped PLA practices in institutions of higher learning. Legislative amendments affected institutional accountability, while policy governed PLA practices in public colleges and universities. Economic conditions drove demand for PLA as individuals sought expedited degree completion and career advancement. Technological advancements influenced PLA delivery methods and assessment tools. Demographic changes necessitated institutional responses to diverse student populations. Moreover, public awareness and perception played a role in enhancing PLA program participation among students and employers. This analysis sheds light on the dynamic interplay of forces shaping the PLA ecosystem in Texas through a qualitative case study of two Texas public institutions of higher learning. Through conduction of this research, modern practices emerged which informed today’s leaders about innovative ways to meet the unique needs of learners. The study results indicated that Texas institutions utilized PLA as a strategy to engage with adult learners offering them flexibility to acquire, evaluate, and validate knowledge according to their own schedules and preferences. Modern PLA methods in Texas institutions of higher learning included competency-based education (CBE) and the arcane PLA portfolio method.
Synthesis and characterization of novel copper(I) and silver(I) mixed ligand complexes
(2024-05) Hitt, Britney; Omary, Manal; Beatty, John; Salazar, Gustavo
This thesis is a study of the synthesis and characterization of different novel mixed ligand coinage metal complexes. It discusses one main project divided by three chapters covering the synthesis, structure, and characterization of copper(I) and silver(I) complexes, photophysical properties, and detection limits of volatile organic compounds. Chapter one discusses the introduction to trinuclear pyrazolate complexes of d10 coinage metals, metal-ligand bonding, N-donor azolate ligands, mixed metal-ligand complexes, factors affecting photophysical properties, copper(I) halide clusters, and potential applications such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), solar cells, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and potential gas/vapor sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Chapter two involves the different synthetic routes, solvent-mediated and solventless, of copper(I) and silver(I) mixed-ligand complexes and their characterization by melting point, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, photoluminescence, and 1H NMR. Chapter three will be a conclusion of the compiled results from chapter two and their potential applications.
A narrative analysis of the partner of a patient who has undergone a prostatectomy
(2024-05) Ford, Meredith A; Damon Cottrell; Liu, Fuqin; Misty Richmond; Darpan Patel
The purpose of this study was to explore the storied narratives of the partners of those who have undergone a prostatectomy due to prostate cancer. Cancer affects the quality of life of the family by causing complex feelings and lifestyle changes that can be overwhelming; however, with prostate cancer being a couple’s disease, it may have a substantial effect on the partner. This study aims to shed light on the experiences and needs of the partner of those who have undergone a radical prostatectomy (RP). Using the narrative analysis methodology of qualitative research, interviews with eleven participants were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide. Six overarching themes explained the relationship changes and the barriers of the participants. They did not feel well educated on the impact an RP would have on their relationship and intimacy. Participants shared the impact an RP had on their relationship and intimacy. Fear from the loss of control was clear, and participants expressed a desire for support and a need for information. They vocalized elevating their partner’s needs and protected the affected partner. The biggest barrier they expressed was the lack of support and information on how this treatment would impact them. Medical professionals, especially nurses at the forefront of care, are invaluable in educating partners about the impact that the RP would have on their relationship. Resources and support should be offered to the partner.