COEHD Faculty Works

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/1969.6/87323

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    Improving adolescent psychosocial assessment through standardized patient simulation: An interdisciplinary quality improvement initiative
    (2024-02-29) Monahan, Laura; Eaves, Colleen L.; Watson, Joshua C.; Friese, Jordi; McKenna, Lisa; Estrada-Ibarra, Erika
    Adolescent suicide and mental illness have increased at alarming rates. Healthcare professionals report a lack of skill and confidence in obtaining adolescent histories and managing confidential care due to limited training in residency. Nursing professional development practitioners face challenges of adequately preparing interdisciplinary healthcare providers to assess, identify, and intervene at all points of contact with adolescents. To increase the confidence in clinical communication skills and clinical competency, and to increase the number of social work referrals related to modifiable risk factors for adolescent patients, a Texas pediatric tertiary care center utilized standardized patient (SP) methodology to supplement traditional clinical experiences with communication-focused education based on the Home, Education, Eating, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicidality, and Safety (HEEADSSS) interviewing. This quality improvement (QI) pilot demonstrated the benefits of utilizing standardized patient methodology in communication-focused education based on the HEEADSSS interviewing. Following the SP simulations, confidence in clinical communication skills increased by 13%, clinical competency in performing comprehensive psychosocial interviews increased by 11%, use of HEEADSSS increased by 64%, and social work referrals increased by 89%. This interdisciplinary SP interviewing simulation pilot was beneficial in improving the 36 physician and nursing residents’ ability to conduct psychosocial assessments for risk factors of suicidality among adolescents.
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    The depth and breadth of improvement science: A review of the improvement science in education series
    (2023-08-07) Benedetti, Christopher
    The Improvement Science in Education series, initiated in 2019 by Robert Crow, Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford, and Dean T. Spaulding, seeks to broaden and strengthen the understanding and use of improvement science in education. Interest in improvement science in education has sharply risen in recent years, positioning this series to support the field and those interested in improvement science. This review of the Improvement Science in Education series is organized by brief summaries and discussions of the six currently available books in a suggested order based on their content (not necessarily publication date), followed by a conclusion considering the books’ significance, relevance, and target audience.
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    The voice from users of running applications: An analysis of online reviews using Leximancer
    (2023-01-18) Byun, Hyun; Chiu, Weisheng; Won, Doyeon
    This study aimed to examine users’ experiences of using running applications. A total of 20,243 online reviews posted by running-application users were collected from the Google Play Store. The data were analyzed using Leximancer to conduct the qualitative content analysis. The software identified six themes of running-app users’ experiences: “app”, “use”, “track”, “free”, “ads”, and “support”. Moreover, the results showed that users were generally positive toward the usefulness of running applications’ functions. The findings of this study help designers better understand running application users’ experience and improve running applications’ features in order to optimize users’ exercise experience.
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    Understanding social exercise: Desire and intention to participate in running crews
    (2023-01-29) Won, Doyeon; Kim, Hyung-hoon; Bae, Jung-sup
    The current study investigated the determinants of the desire and intention to participate in an inner-city ‘running crew’ among social runners using a theoretical framework of the model of goal-directed behavior (MGB). Data were obtained from 245 social runners in Korea using an online questionnaire and primarily analyzed with the structural equation modeling technique. The results indicated that the desire to participate in a running crew was influenced most by positive anticipated emotions, followed (in descending order) by attitudes, negative anticipated emotions, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and the frequency of past behaviors. Runners’ behavioral intentions were predicted by desire but not directly related to perceived behavioral control and the frequency of past behavior. Overall, the study emphasized the importance of positive anticipated emotions and behavioral desire, among others, to encourage recreational runners’ participation in social running activities. Given that social runners rely on mobile apps to participate in running crew activities, the current study’s results have practical implications for running crew organizers, sports-branded app developers, and health promotion agencies.
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    A skateboarding experiential learning activity for introductory physics
    (2022-02-28) Zeng, Liang; Zeng, Guang; Guerrero, Oscar; Garcia, George
    Instructors of introductory college physics courses are in a unique position to explain the physics of skateboarding and its associated risks. A field trip to a skate park to explore the law of conservation of energy and measure the impact forces can enhance student analytical thinking skills and their appreciation of physics in everyday life. Through the measurement of the impact forces and student discussions of their own skateboarding experiences, students are better prepared to protect themselves from skateboarding-related physical injuries. Due to its flexible and creative nature, skateboarding has become a popular action sport worldwide. In the United States, the number of skateboarders has increased steadily in the past four decades, with the vast majority of participants being under the age of 18.1 However, a recent paper published in the journal of Research in Sports Medicine highlighted the epidemiology and severity of pediatric and adolescent injuries caused by skateboarding, ranging from hospital visits to trauma with multiple fractures.2 Despite the popularity and inherent danger of skateboarding, there is little research on the physics of skateboarding. Two studies that analyzed the motion and forces pertaining to a skateboarding “ollie” exist, using imaging modeling or video analysis.3,4 Additionally, Feng and Xin showed numerical simulations of a skateboarder pumping energy through body motion.5 Finally, Determan et al. measured the impact force on skateboarders’ feet when they failed to land from a rail slide.6 To date, there has not been any experiment conducted by students to study the physics of skateboarding. In this paper, we demonstrate how to conduct an experiential learning activity. According to Lewis and Williams, experiential learning refers to “learning from experience or learning by doing” and “first immerses learners in an experience and then encourages reflection about the experience to develop new skills, new attitudes, or new ways of thinking.”7 It is an active learning methodology where students put knowledge to use in the context of real-life experience. It also promotes teamwork and communication skills. Specifically, we will study the speed of the skateboard at the end of the flat bank (inclined plane) ramp and assess impact forces during a simulated vertical fall. Materials needed for the experiments include one item from each of the following: high-quality sport skateboard, produce carton box, book, tripod, protractor, 2-m stick, 3M double-sided tape (holding 16 lbs), 2-in Styrofoam padding, duct tape, as well as portable data collection devices including LabQuest®2, motion detector, and force plate.8
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    A mixed methods evaluation of an integrated primary and behavioral health training program for counseling students
    (2022-05-19) Watson, Joshua; Lenz, Alan
    Behavioral health provider shortages continue to grow in the United States, with the need for related services increasing as the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic persists. The implementation of integrated primary and behavioral healthcare (IPBH) practices represents one viable approach to leverage existing resources and maximize the potential for client outcomes; however, best practices for counselors within an IPBH paradigm remain unclear. We report the findings of a mixed method evaluation of an IPBH training program with 45 (36 females; 9 males; Mage = 31.65) professional counseling students who predominately identified with ethnic minority identities (55%), urban residences (66%), and disadvantaged backgrounds (44%). We detected statistically and practically significant changes in self-efficacy (p = .01, d = .55) and interprofessional valuing and socialization (p < .01, d = .76), but mixed findings for variables associated with multicultural competence. Stakeholder interviews and document analysis identified four key facilitators (Financial Support; Facilitated Engagement; Witnessing Collaboration; Holistic Representation of Clients and Client Care) and four barriers (Awareness Raising and Recruitment; Logistics and Coordination; Inconsistent Culture of IPBH; Momentum Maintenance) to program success.
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    Preparing all educators to serve students with extensive support needs: An interdisciplinary approach
    (Taylor & Francis Online, 2022-04-15) Robertson, Phyllis; McCaleb, Karen N.
    Temporal gaps within the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) (gap: 20 months), between GRACE and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) missions (gap: 11 months), and within GRACE-FO record (gap: 2 months) make it difficult to analyze and interpret spatiotemporal variability in GRACE- and GRACE-FO-derived terrestrial water storage (TWSGRACE) time series. In this study, an overview of data and approaches used to fill these gaps and reconstruct the TWSGRACE record at the global scale is provided. In addition, the study provides an innovative approach that integrates three machine learning techniques (deep-learning neural networks [DNN], generalized linear model [GLM], and gradient boosting machine [GBM]) and eight climatic and hydrological input variables to fill these gaps and reconstruct the TWSGRACE data record at both global grid and basin scales. For each basin and grid cell, the model performance was assessed using Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), correlation coefficient (CC), and normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE), a leader model was selected based on the model performance, and variables that significantly control leader model outputs were defined. Results indicate that (1) the leader model reconstructed the TWSGRACE with high accuracy over both grid and local scales, particularly in wet and low anthropogenically active regions (grid scale: NSE = 0.65 ± 0.20, CC = 0.81 ± 0.13, and NSE = 0.56 ± 0.16; basin scale: NSE = 0.78 ± 0.14, CC = 0.89 ± 0.07, and NRMSE = 0.43 ± 0.14); (2) no single model was flawless in reconstructing the TWSGRACE over all grids or basins, so a combination of models is necessary; (3) basin-scale models outperform grid-scale models; (4) the DNN model outperforms both GLM and GBM at the basin scale, whereas the GBM outperforms at the grid scale; (5) among other inputs, the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS)-derived TWS controls the model performance on both basin and grid scales; and (6) the reconstructed TWSGRACE data captured extreme climatic events over the investigated basins and grid cells. The developed approach is robust, effective, and could be used to accurately reconstruct TWSGRACE for any hydrologic system across the globe.
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    America’s youngest kindergarteners’ elevated levels of internalizing problems at school entry and beyond: Evidence from the early childhood longitudinal study
    (Springer, 2012-06-02) Zeng, Guang; Fu, Pingfu; May, Henry; Lopez, Barbara; Suarez-Morales, Lourdes; Voelkle, Manuel; Wang, Chen-Pin; Boruch, Robert F.
    The study investigated developmental trajectories of internalizing problems from kindergarten to fifth grade in young kindergarteners versus older peers in kindergarten, as well as factors that may be attributed to such differential trajectories. Data on a sample of 9,796 kindergarteners from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study were analyzed using individual growth curve models. Results revealed that the younger kindergarteners displayed more symptoms of internalizing problems than their older peers at school entry and that such elevated levels of problems persisted into fifth grade. Protective factors included higher socioeconomic status and favorable parental perceptions of child’s abilities to pay attention and solve problems. These findings are informative for school-based early intervention efforts.
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    Aerobic fitness impacts sympathoadrenal axis responses to concurrent challenges
    (Springer, 2017-01-04) Webb, Heather; Rosalky, Deena; McAllister, Matthew J.; Acevedo, Edmund; Kamimori, Gary
    The combination of mental and physical challenges can elicit exacerbated cardiorespiratory (CR) and catecholamine responses above that of a single challenge alone. Purpose This study examined the effects of a combination of acute mental challenges and physical stress on cardiorespiratory and catecholamine responses. Method Eight below-average fitness (LF VO2max = 36.58 ± 3.36 ml−1 kg−1 min−1) and eight above-average fitness (HF VO2max = 51.18 ± 2.09 ml−1 kg−1 min−1) participants completed an exercise-alone condition (EAC) session consisting of moderate-intensity cycling at 60% VO2max for 37 min, and a dual-challenge condition (DCC) that included concurrent participation in mental challenges while cycling. Result The DCC resulted in increases in perceived workload, CR, epinephrine, and norepinephrine responses overall. HF participants had greater absolute CR and catecholamine responses compared to LF participants and quicker HR recovery after the dual challenge. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that cardiorespiratory fitness does impact the effect of concurrent stressors on CR and catecholamine responses.
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    Obesity-related oxidative stress: The impact of physical activity and diet manipulation
    (Springer, 2015-09-23) Huang, Chun-Jung; McAllister, Matthew J.; Slusher, Aaron; Webb, Heather E.; Mock, Thomas; Acevedo, Edmund
    Obesity-related oxidative stress, the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants (e.g., nitric oxide), has been linked to metabolic and cardiovascular disease, including endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for physiological functions including gene expression, cellular growth, infection defense, and modulating endothelial function. However, elevated ROS and/or diminished antioxidant capacity leading to oxidative stress can lead to dysfunction. Physical activity also results in an acute state of oxidative stress. However, it is likely that chronic physical activity provides a stimulus for favorable oxidative adaptations and enhanced physiological performance and physical health, although distinct responses between aerobic and anaerobic activities warrant further investigation. Studies support the benefits of dietary modification as well as exercise interventions in alleviating oxidative stress susceptibility. Since obese individuals tend to demonstrate elevated markers of oxidative stress, the implications for this population are significant. Therefore, in this review our aim is to discuss (i) the role of oxidative stress and inflammation as associated with obesity-related diseases, (ii) the potential concerns and benefits of exercise-mediated oxidative stress, and (iii) the advantageous role of dietary modification, including acute or chronic caloric restriction and vitamin D supplementation.
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    Research and assessment with LGBTQ+ persons
    (Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 2017-11-22) Goodrich, Kristopher; Luke, Melissa; Watson, Joshua C.
    This Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC) special issue is a culmination of 2 years of collective activities centered on increasing the focus and attention of assessment and research with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, and queer/questioning (LGBTGEQ+) communities. In response to identified gaps in the current assessment and research literatures related to counseling those within the LGBTGEQ+ communities, servant leader scholars representing ALGBTIC and the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) came together in a joint task force to create two sets of standards of care, for assessment and research, for use with these communities. Both sets of standards are included at the beginning of this special issue. Our hope is that these documents serve as a resource and reference for practicing counselors, counselor educators, and their students, for years to come. In addition, this special issue contains eight other articles, informed by the ALGBTIC Standards of Care, exploring ways to understand, inform, or utilize assessment and research more deeply and in ways that are beneficial and supportive of the LGBTGEQ+ communities. Included are a variety of conceptual and research-based articles examining norm reference groups for commonly used assessments, a review of instruments created to measure LGBTGEQ+ affirmation and discrimination, best practices for assessment and evaluation, as well as articles exploring how research can be conducted in culturally sensitive and relevant ways to accurately represent the experiences of LGBTGEQ+ persons and communities. We hope you find the Standards of Care, as well as the additional articles synthesizing the Standards of Care contained in this special issue, to be relevant for your work and that each will provide you some takeaways for whatever your relationship with counseling, assessing, or researching LGBTGEQ+ persons.
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    Development and evaluation of assessments for counseling professionals
    (Taylor and Francis Online, 2017-11-01) Lenz, Alan; Wester, Kelly
    It is imperative that counselors understand how to critically evaluate assessments before using them to make clinical decisions. This evaluation can be conducted through integrating the 5 sources of validity. Each source of validity is discussed, along with methods to appraise psychometric quality, throughout this special issue.
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    A description and comparison of cardiorespiratory fitness measures in relation to pitching performance among professional baseball pitchers
    (MDPI, 2016-02-25T00:00-06:00) Gillett, Javair S.; Dawes, J. Jay; Spaniol, Frank J.; Rhea, Matthew R.; Rogowski, Joe P.; Magrini, Mitchel A.; Simao, Roberto; Bunker, Derek J.
    The purpose of this study is to provide descriptive and comparative information regarding the cardiorespiratory fitness of professional baseball pitchers. Twenty-four (n = 24) major league (ML) baseball pitchers (starters n = 14; relievers n = 10) over seven seasons (2007–2013) were evaluated. A modified Bruce protocol and the CardioCoach™ CO2 metabolic analyzer were used to estimate VO2 max and anaerobic threshold (AT) at the beginning of each season. Performance data from each season was utilized to draw inference about pitching performance. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare Starting (S) and Relief (R) pitchers above/below the group mean for VO2 max and AT. Pearson product moment correlations were also used to examine relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness and performance. Significant differences in performance were discovered between S pitchers above/below the overall group mean for VO2 max. (p ≤ 0.05) and for AT in Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP) (p ≤ 0.05) and Earned Run Average (ERA) (p ≤ 0.05). Significant relationships between VO2 max and Walks per 9 Innings (BB/9) (p ≤ 0.05), Home Runs per 9 innings (HR/9) (p ≤ 0.05), Wins (W) (p ≤ 0.05), Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) (p ≤ 0.01), Strikeouts (K) (p ≤ 0.01), Hits per 9 innings (H/9) (p ≤ 0.01), Strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9) (p ≤ 0.01), ERA (p ≤ 0.01), and WHIP (p ≤ 0.01). Low, but significant, correlations were discovered between AT and WHIP (p ≤ 0.05) and ERA (≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Higher aerobic capacity appears to be more influential for S than R pitchers. Strength and conditioning practitioners should ensure that pitchers, especially S pitchers at the ML level, perform sufficient and appropriate endurance training to support pitching performance.
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    The effect of acute and chronic thermotherapy on type 2 diabetic skeletal muscle gene expression and inflammatory markers
    (Biomedicines; Molecular and Translational Medicine, 2021-09-20T23:00-06:00) Newmire, Daniel; Omoruyi, Felix; Sparks, Jean; Bachnak, Louay
    Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic illness associated with resistance or defective insulin secretion. This study investigated the effects of thermotherapy on cell viability, gene expression, and inflammation in skeletal muscle cell lines. Methods: Healthy and T2D hu-man skeletal muscle cell lines (HSMM and D-HSMM, respectively) were subjected to acute or chronic thermo-therapy (AT or CT, respectively). The CT consisted of a 30-minute exposure to 40°C, three times a week for three weeks; the AT was a one-time exposure. Results: Significant de-crease in D-HSMM cell viability percentage followed the AT; however, no significant change occurred in CT. HSMM yielded the highest elevations of genes following the CT. In D-HSMM, both treatments yielded genes up-regulation. Both treatments significantly down-regulated IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in HSMM. AT significantly decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and upregulated IL-10 and TNF-α levels in D-HSMM, while CT yielded a reduction in IL-4, TNF-α, and an up-regulation of IL-6 and IL-10. Conclusion: Increase in gene expression indicates actin activity, and cellular responses, suggesting an increase in transcriptional regulation. The upregulation of IL-6 and IL-10 in D-HSMM negatively correlated with a decrease in TNF-α and IL-1β, indicating improved adverse inflammatory effects associated with the disease.
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    Predicting Continued Participation in Government-Initiated Public Sports Clubs: The Role of Prior Knowledge and Awareness through Health Communications
    (MDPI, 2021-07-03T23:00-06:00) Won, Doyeon; Kim, Hyung-Hoon; Bae, Jung-Sup
    Physical activity is the most effective preventive medicine in enhancing our physical health and subjective wellbeing. Since 2013, the South Korean government has introduced and developed the public sports club system as a way to promote exercise and the health of the general public. The current study investigated factors underlying the general public’s desires and intentions to join or participate in a public sports club (PSC) using the model of goal-directed behavior (MGB). Data were collected from 254 college students who had prior experience of participating in at least one PSC and were primarily analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results suggest that, among the five MGB determinants, the positive anticipated emotions and perceived behavioral control were significantly associated with participants’ desires, and, in turn, their desires were significantly related to their intention to participate in PSCs. Meanwhile, the respondents’ prior experience was marginally but significantly associated with desire but not with behavioral intention. Prior knowledge (through health communications) was significantly related to attitude, desire, and behavioral intention. Overall, the findings support the use of positive anticipated emotions, perceived behavioral condition, prior knowledge, and desire as indicators of participation behavior in the PSC context, and may aid the development of health communication and interventions aimed at encouraging future participation.
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    The role of age in the physiological adaptations and psychological responses in bikini-physique competitor contest preparation: a case series
    (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2021-06) Newmire, Daniel E.; Webb, Heather E.
    The increased popularity of the bikini-physique competitions has not translated to greater research identifying the influence of age on adaptations during contest preparation. The purpose of this case series was to observe how age may influence the adaptations normally seen during preparation and the exploration of newer protocols to address adaptations more relative to the judging standards. Over a 16-week pre-contest preparation, a 32-y bikini competitor (BC) and 44-y master’s bikini competitor (MBC) visited the laboratory bi-weekly to observe changes in body fat mass (BF), lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD), total body water (TBW); exploratory measures of deltoid cross-sectional area (DeltCSA), gluteus maximus muscle thickness (GMMT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SAT); reproductive hormones estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and energy balance hormones triiodothyronine (T3), leptin and ghrelin; hydration status during contest preparation and the week of competition; resting metabolic rate (RMR); psychometric data related to perceived anxiety, stress, and body image were assessed. No differences between BC and MBC were observed in BF, LBM, BMD, and TBW. Both competitors showed a small loss in LBM. Both BC and MBC showed a contrasting increase in DeltCSA and a loss in GMMT. MBC showed to be slightly more dehydrated (1.025 vs 1.021 g·mL− 1) than BC. Both competitors maintained a euhydration status the day of the competition. No time differences were found between BC and MBC during RMR. BC showed a higher mean difference RMR compared to MBC (2.66 ± 0.75 kcal·kgLBM− 1·d− 1). MBC showed a higher mean difference in LH concentration (84.6 ± 6.01 IU·L− 1), which may be explained by perimenopausal status. MBC had a higher mean difference concentration of leptin (2.51 ± 0.24 ng·mL− 1·kgFM− 1), which was unperturbed by fat loss may be interrelated LH. BC self-reported a higher mean energy intake (15.07 ± 3.43 kcal·kgLBM− 1·d− 1) and higher aerobic training volume (93.26 ± 40.68 min·d). BC and MBC showed similar composition changes, slightly differing metabolic rates, and differing hormonal LH and leptin responses. This finding is in contrast to previous work showing both LH inhibition and leptin diurnal disturbance in younger, female athletes with low energy availability. The exploratory measures may have some benefit for bikini-physique competitors related to the judging criteria. Age did not seem to play a role in contest preparation adaptations.
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    Predictors of sports gambling among college students: The Role of the theory of planned behavior and problem gambling severity
    (MDPI, 2021-02-12) Won, Doyeon; Wang, Xin; Jeon, Hyung Sang; 1969.6/87323Won, Doyeon; Wang, Xin; Jeon, Hyung Sang
    The current study investigated what influences college students’ behavioral intention and behavior towards sports gambling using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework. The study also explored the moderation effect of problem gambling severity in the relationships between TPB determinants, behavioral intention, and sports gambling behavior. Data were collected from 334 college students from four different universities in the U.S. and analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis. The results indicated that attitude was the most critical determinant of college students’ sports gambling intentions, followed by the subjective norms, while both behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of sports gambling behavior. The study also found some meaningful moderation effects of problem gambling severity. Subjective norms were influential on college students with greater problem gambling severity, while attitude was the strongest predictor of recreational sports gamblers. Suggestions on prevention and treatment programs regarding sports gambling and problem gambling are discussed.
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    Beyond the Practical Aspects of Learning to Teach: Mentoring Teacher Candidates Toward the Diverse Needs of Students
    (TxEP: Texas Educator Preparation, 2017-05-01) Reinhardt, Kimberly; 1969.6/87323Reinhardt, Kimberly
    Mentoring teacher candidates toward practices that value culturally responsive pedagogy is essential during clinical placements, yet this aspect of learning to teach can often be eclipsed by the practical aspects of the classroom. This study seeks to understand how mentors conceptualized their role and how this influenced their practices. The analysis drew a purposeful sample of mentors who ranked planning for cultural diversity high in an initial survey; six mentors participated in a semi-structured interview conducted in their own classroom environment. Despite the purposeful sampling, the mentors’ conceptualization of their role did not reflect an overt understanding of the need to address diversity issues with teacher candidates. Development of mentor preparation and on-going support focused on intentional professional development is needed.
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    Enhancing Subjective Well-being Through Physical Activity for the Elderly in Korea: A Meta-Analysis Approach
    (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020-01-07T00:00-06:00) Won, Doyeon; Jun-sup, Bae; Byun, Hyun; Seo, Kwang-bong
    The purpose of the current study was to meta-analytically investigate the psychological impacts of physical activities for the elderly population in Korea. The findings from 21 studies, using the comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) program, indicated that participation in physical activities had a low but meaningful impact on the elderly’s subjective well-being. Of three components of exercise dose, the duration of physical activity was the most influential component, followed by the frequency and intensity of the elderly’s physical activity. Of six subjective well-being measures, self-efficacy was most strongly associated with physical activity, followed by life satisfaction, leisure satisfaction, exercise satisfaction, successful aging, and happiness. Results of moderator analyses indicated that the influence of physical activity was more pronounced as the proportion of males increased. Meanwhile, the influence of physical activity, only duration, was increased as the percentage of participants without a spouse or partner increased. Overall, regular participation in physical activity is one of the effective ways of promoting subjective well-being among older adults in Korea. Relevant guidelines regarding physical activity prescription and behavioral management strategies are discussed.
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    Association between 90o push-up and cardiorespiratory fitness: cross-sectional evidence of push-up as a tractable tool for physical fitness surveillance in youth
    (BMC Pediatrics, 2019-12-31T00:00-06:00) Ajisafe, Toyin
    Abstract Background Despite being associated with health outcomes like abdominal adiposity, depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease risk among youth, largely, clinicians still do not adopt physical fitness testing. A clarion call for increased surveillance was previously issued, in order to address the US population-level lack of knowledge regarding pervasive inactivity among children. Because schools often do not send home annual physical fitness testing results, many lay parents are unaware of their child’s physical fitness or the risk of associated adverse health outcomes. This study investigated associations between musculoskeletal fitness measures (including 90o pushup), cardiorespiratory fitness, and weight status. Methods Two hundred and ten students (9.7 ± 1.08 years; 138.6 ± 9.4 cm; 42.3 ± 14.4 kg) across third through fifth grades were tested for cardiorespiratory (i.e., Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER)) and musculoskeletal (90o push-up, trunk lift, sit-and-reach and curlup) fitness. The relationships between measures of musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory fitness were modeled using a series of linear regression analyses. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and weight status. Significant two-tailed tests were set at p < .05. Results Of the four musculoskeletal fitness measures, only 90o push-up was significantly associated (β = .353; p < .001) with PACER test scores (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness). The related model (R2 = .324; F(4,205) = 26.061; p < .001) accounted for 32% of the variance in cardiorespiratory fitness. 90o push-up was associated with sit-and reach (β = .298; p < .001) and curl up (β = .413; p<= .001) test scores. When individually modeled, 90o push-up (β = -.461; p < .001) and PACER (β = -.436; p < .001) were inversely associated with weight status. Conclusions The 90o push-up test (a measure of upper body muscle strength and endurance) was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, anterior trunk muscle strength and endurance, and lower back and posterior thigh muscle flexibility in youth aged 8-12 years old. Although the current findings do not establish a causal relationship, it is concluded that the 90o push-up test is a tractable tool for physical fitness surveillance by clinicians, parents, and possibly youth themselves.