Digital Commons Network^™

Handbook Of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies, Thomas St. James O'Connor

Consensus

Richards, P. S., Allen, G. E. K., & Judd, D. K. (2023). Handbook of spiritually integrated psychotherapies. American Psychological Association. ISBN: 9781433835933

July 25, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review Of Genomic Risk Factors, Diagnostic And Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies, Zohor Azher

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social communication and delayed language development, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing abnormalities. The genetic background of ASD remains incompletely understood due to significant genetic heterogeneity and complexity. This review aims to present current insights into the genetic landscape of ASD, focusing on both common and rare genomic variations. We describe candidate genes associated with ASD, as they are involved in synaptic function and neuronal signaling, making these findings potential therapeutic targets. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating comprehensive clinical assessments with advanced genetic investigations to enhance …

The Effect Of Training Exercises Using An Innovative Device On Developing Skill Performance Among Female Foil Fencers, Fatimah Abed Malih, Rimah Mohammed Zuwair, Noor Hatem Al-Haddad, Ardo Okilanda

Modern Sport

The researchers turned to modern technology and artificial intelligence by integrating equipment into the training process. This integration aimed to optimize time and reduce boredom and physical strain in both the instructional and training processes of fencing, through the development of exercises utilizing a device designed to regulate the distance between the feet during advance and retreat movements, with the goal of reaching higher levels of skill performance. This led to the following research question: Does training with the aid of an innovative device positively influence the development of skill performance? The researchers employed the experimental method due to its …

Scouting Motivational Traits And Their Relationship With Leadership Behaviour Among Scout Team Leaders In The Directorate Of Education, Baghdad Al-Karkh Iii Sector, Hasan Abdul Kareem Hanoun Hussein Al-Maliki, Ahmed Maad Salman Al-Harbi, Hadeer Falah Abd Al-Sahib, Abdul Kareem Hanoun Hussein Ubaid Al-Maliki

Modern Sport

This study explored motivational traits and leadership behaviour within the context of Scouting, aiming to deepen understanding of the relationship between these two pivotal variables in shaping effective Scout leaders. The research sought to assess the levels of motivational traits among Scout troop leaders and to analyze the dimensions of their leadership behaviour, with a particular focus on identifying the nature and extent of the correlation between them. To achieve these objectives, the researchers adopted a descriptive survey methodology deemed suitable for the nature of the study. A sample of 75 Scout leaders was selected from the Directorate of Education …

Cognitive Representation And Its Relationship With The Performance Of The Side Kick And Back Kick Skills Among Taekwondo Juniors Aged 12–14 Years, Hind Basim Eidan, Intisar Awaid Ali

Modern Sport

Taekwondo is considered one of the athletic activities that contribute significantly to the holistic development of the individual by fostering the acquisition of knowledge and experience. Contrary to the common misconception that it is merely a form of combat or physical confrontation; taekwondo involves movements that engage both physical and mental activity. This interplay supports the balanced and comprehensive development of the practitioner, thereby enhancing individual efficiency and performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive representation and the performance of the side kick and back kick skills among junior taekwondo athletes aged 12 …

An Analytical Study On The Performance Of The Video Assistant Referee (Var) System In The Iraq Stars Football League, Mais Mahmoud Salman Al-Azzawi, Raghda Hassan Ibrahim Al-Azzawi, Félix Arbinaga, Maryam Abdul Jabbar Khudhur

Modern Sport

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a technology designed to review on-field decisions through video footage in order to correct clear and critical refereeing errors. It enables the replay of key moments in slow motion to determine the correct final decision, with communication between the video officials and the referee conducted via headset. The system operates under the principle of "minimal interference, maximum benefit," intervening only in essential situations. This study aimed to assess the current implementation of VAR in the Iraq Stars Football League during the 2023--2024 season. To achieve this objective, the researchers employed a descriptive survey method …

The Effect Of Specialized Water-Based Exercises Accompanied By Music On Learning Freestyle Swimming Skills Among Female Students, Mawaheb Hameed Al-Jubouri, Odai Tareq Hassan

Modern Sport

The present study aimed to design specialized water-based exercises accompanied by music for teaching freestyle swimming skills to first-year female students at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences for Women, and to examine the impact of these exercises on learning outcomes. The research problem centers on the need to enhance the learning process by adopting modern instructional methods that lead to more efficient and engaging learning in less time and with less effort. To address this, the researchers proposed using a novel approach involving aquatic exercises synchronized with music, noting the need to make swimming lessons more engaging …

False Confidence And Behavioral-Psychological Balance And Their Relationship With Rational And Irrational Thoughts Among Futsal Players, Sherin Laibi Manati, Aseel Naji Fahd, Sundus Burhan Adham

Modern Sport

This study aimed to examine the levels of false confidence, behavioural psychological balance, and rational and irrational thoughts, as well as to investigate the relationships among these variables in futsal players. To achieve this objective, the researchers developed scales for measuring false confidence and behavioural psychological balance, while the standardized scale for rational and irrational thoughts, developed by Aseel Naji, was adopted for use in the current research. The researchers employed the descriptive method using a correlational approach, as it was deemed the most appropriate for the nature and objectives of the study. The research population consisted of players from …

The Impact Of An Ai-Supported Smart Hiit Program On Cardiovascular Fitness And Physical Performance, Maysaa Redha Ghanem

Modern Sport

In recent years, there has been growing interest in training programs that enhance physical fitness and overall health. Among the most prominent is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which has demonstrated effectiveness in improving cardiovascular efficiency and boosting physical performance within a relatively short period. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), it has become possible to develop smart training solutions that rely on the analysis of biometric and physiological data to deliver personalized programs tailored to individual needs. AI algorithms can analyze users' biological and physical data and generate training regimens based on physiological responses, opening new avenues for improving …

The Effect Of An Electronic Refereeing Program On Selected Officiating Cases In Basketball Among Female Students, Mariam Luwaa Abdel Fattah, Marwa Luwaa Abdel Fattah, Marwa Saadi Mahmoud, Luma Sameer Hamoudi

Modern Sport

The researchers proposed the use of a ready-made electronic program that includes refereeing scenarios designed to engage students in enhancing officiating performance, in an effort to guide them toward correct officiating. The study incorporated refereeing cases drawn from the fourth-year college curriculum. Accordingly, the research problem centres on whether modern technologies influence the development of officiating performance among students. The aim of the study was to utilize an electronic program that illustrates violations, infractions, and refereeing signals in basketball, and examine its effect on improving performance. The researchers employed the experimental method using two groups---experimental and control---on a sample of …

Designing A Model Of Essential Motor And Physical Abilities As An Indicator For Selecting Track And Field Athletes Specialized In Jumping (Ages 13–15), Marouj Tahseen Jaed

Modern Sport

The significance of this study lies in designing a model for evaluating motor and physical determinants as a scientific tool to assist coaches and experts in selecting young athletes aged 13-15 years according to precise criteria aligned with the demands of jumping and leaping events. The current research aims to develop an evaluative model that contributes to establishing quantitative and qualitative standards that can be relied upon in guiding selection and training processes, thereby enhancing the early development of athletic talent. The study specifically sought to design a model targeting the most critical motor and physical abilities as indicators for …

[Excerpt From] Harmony By Design: Navigating Work And Life In Healthcare, Sharon M. Weinstein, Marla J. Vannucci, Katie Boston-Leary

Sigma Publications: Book Excerpts

Harmony by Design: Navigating Work and Life in Healthcare reimagines how we approach well-being in a fast-paced, high-pressure world. Rather than striving for a rigid sense of balance, this book introduces a more flexible and fulfilling concept: harmony. It's about aligning your values, goals, and daily actions to create a life that feels whole and sustainable.

Authors Sharon M. Weinstein, Marla J. Vannucci, and Katie Boston-Leary blend practical tools with thoughtful reflection, drawing from the latest nursing competencies and real-world challenges to help readers manage stress, lead with empathy, and build meaningful careers without sacrificing personal well-being.

What sets this …

Hearing The Call: The Need For An Evangelical Theology Of 'Intentional Christian Community' And Consecrated Life At Taylor University In The 21st Century, Hank Voss

Presentations

Taylor University's Life Together Covenant calls the university "a covenant community of Christians . . . intentionally joining together for academic progress, personal development, and spiritual growth." This paper presented at the 2025 Intentional Christian Communities Explorer's Gathering argues for a theological understanding of Taylor University's intentional Christian community as a consecrated Christian sodality with a specific second-order commitment, a community rule, symbolic vestiture, leadership structures, and a specific charism for the larger church.

Coach’S Eye Program For Providing Immediate Feedback And Its Role In Developing Dribbling Skills With Directional Changes In Basketball, Hanaa Abbas Abdullah, Sarah Hikmat, Liqaa Abdullah

Modern Sport

The significant advancements in learning, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, have led to noticeable improvements in the educational process. AI is considered one of the most prominent modern technologies employed, especially in the field of physical education. The research problem emerges from the researchers' practical experience as instructors at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. Through their teaching of basketball, they observed that the learning process struggles to keep pace with modern advancements-particularly in providing feedback to learners. Delays in delivering feedback negatively impact students' performance and their development of the dribbling with direction change …

Classroom Enrichment-Based Energy-Exhaustion Games And Their Impact On Developing Selected Social Skills And Physical Attributes And Reducing Hyperactivity And Attention Deficit In Gifted Students, Nihad Mohammed Alwan, Ali Sadiq Dhiyab, Doaa Muhib Al-Din Ahmed, Farah Alaa Jafar

Modern Sport

The significance of this research lies in exploring the impact of energy-exhausting games through enrichment classroom activities on the development of specific social skills and physical attributes, as well as reducing hyperactivity and attention deficit among gifted students aged 13. The research problem emerged from the question: To what extent can energy-exhausting games, when implemented through enrichment classroom programs, contribute to enhancing selected social and physical traits and minimizing hyperactivity and attention deficit? This study aimed to (a) identify the levels of specific social skills in the sample, (b) identify the values of specific physical attributes in the sample, (c) …

Insufficient Pap Smear Results In Transgender Male Patients, Ella Choi, Patricia L. Mara Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

(Arise) Achievements In Research, Inquiry And Scholarship Exhibition 2025, Office Of Undergraduate Research

(ARISE) Achievements in Research, Inquiry and Scholarship Exhibition

Conference held at John A. Delaney Student Union on July 25, 2025

Mental Health In Prisons: Examining Variations In Disorders Across Custody Levels, Ariel Bysiek

Dissertations and Theses

The United States has a significantly large prison population with the number of people currently in a correctional facility being 1.9 million. Concern has been increasingly growing related to treatment of individuals in prison, particularly when it comes to solitary confinement. Many people believe that solitary confinement is unnecessarily cruel and debilitating to AIC's mental health. Studies have found contradicting information as to whether solitary impacts mental health. Part of the reason for this contradiction stems from the lack of measurement systems that are appropriate for AICs. The measures used in studies are meant for the general population, not individuals …

Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions Of Creativity In Education, Merve Topak-Jamsran

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between pre-service teachers’ self-reported creativity and their appreciation for students’ creative characteristics. The researcher replicated Kettler et al.'s (2018) "Teacher Perceptions of Creativity in the Classroom" study of in-service teachers. Specifically, the relationship among pre-service teachers’ creative self-efficacy, self-reported personal creativity, perceived importance of promoting creativity, and their preference for student characteristics in the classroom was investigated. Data were gathered using a web-based questionnaire e-mailed to pre-service teachers in educational preparation programs in a southern U.S. state. The study sample were 92 pre-service teachers who had completed at least one practicum or who were currently …

Speed Endurance Training Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques (Polar H10) And Its Effect On Selected Components Of Physical Fitness And Tactical Behavior, Akram Hussein Jabir Al-Janabi, Mustafa Jasim

Modern Sport

The regulation of training loads, particularly for speed endurance, is crucial for optimizing physical fitness in football players. This is achieved by balancing external load components such as intensity, volume, and rest with internal load, as measured by heart rate. Such regulation has a precise impact on the level of specific physical fitness. This study focuses on the regulation of speed endurance training during the specialized preparation period, using artificial intelligence to assess its effects on selected physical fitness components and tactical behaviour in football players. The study utilizes Polar H10 sensors, which function effectively under various environmental conditions and …

Perceptions Of Department Chairs And Program Directors Of Ethnic Studies In The California State University System: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study, Christopher Jarrett Cox

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation study is to explore the conditions of Ethnic Studies departments and programs in the California State University (CSU) system nine years after the release of the CSU Ethnic Studies Task Force report released in 2016. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods analysis, this dissertation revisits several questions from the original CSU survey to assess the effectiveness of Ethnic Studies units in the CSU. Respondents to the survey included 13 of the 58 recognized department chairs and program directors for Ethnic Studies units among the 23 campuses of the CSU system, and interview participants included 5 …

Perception Of Quality Of Life, Brain Regions, And Cognitive Performance In Hispanic Adults: A Canonical Correlation Approach, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Jesus Rivera-Sanchez, Lorena Velazquez-Alvarez, Rosa V. Pirela, John Blangero, Jose E. Cavazos, Michael C. Mahaney, Joseph D. Terwilliger, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

The quality of life (QoL) perception has been studied in neurological diseases; however, there is limited information linking brain morphological characteristics, QoL, and cognition. Human behavior and perception are associated with specific brain areas that interact through diffuse electrochemical networking. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the brain region volume (BRV) correlation with the scores of Rand’s 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and cognitive domains (memory and dementia status). We analyzed data from 420 adult participants in the Maracaibo Aging Study (MAS). Principal component analysis with oblimin axis rotation was used to gather redundant information from brain parcels …

Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services Among Young African American Same-Sex-Oriented Men, Anthony Earl Fox

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2018 suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 (CDC, 2018). Suicide and other factors like HIV, depression, and oppression may serve as barriers to seeking counseling among African American same-sex-oriented men ages 18-26. Due to a previous gap in the literature regarding barriers to seeking counseling, this study may support counselors in finding ways to address the disparity in counseling utilization among this population. Grounded in queer and social identity theories, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if adverse childhood experiences, current civic unrest, HIV, …

Engagement, Motivation, And Interest In K-12 Science Education, Neil T M Bailie

Masters Projects

Interest, motivation, and engagement amongst science students is declining. This decline is primarily due to a loss of interest, motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived utility value (Bathgate & Schunn, 2017; Britner, 2008; Kraft, 2017). With crucial topics such as climate change and the legitimacy of vaccines coming under scrutiny, it is vital for our society that we keep our secondary students actively engaged and motivated with the science that they are learning in the classroom (Kolenatý et al., 2024; Schlopsna & Scheersoi, 2024). The main goal of this project was to create a complete unit curriculum covering the topics of the …

The Relationship Between Hand Grip Strength And Cognitive Function In Middle-Aged And Elderly People In China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based On Charls Data, Haiwei Li, Jing Zhang, Peipei Cheng, Liwei Guo, Xuemei Sui M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

This study explores the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function in China’s middle-aged and elderly population. We employed a cross-sectional design using data from 4535 participants aged ≥ 45 years from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study national dataset. The relationships between HGS and various dimensions of cognitive function, as well as the association between HGS and cognitive impairment, were investigated using ordinary least squares regression models and logistic regression models. Dose–response relationships between HGS and cognitive impairment were modeled using restricted cubic spline curves. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness …

Be Mindful: Examining A Brief Mindfulness Intervention On Educator Well-Being, Oceann S. Gittens

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Teaching is currently rated as one of the topmost stressful occupations. Concerningly, chronic levels of stress can lead to poor mental and physical health, occupational burnout, and teacher attrition; all of which have a negative impact on student outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are commonly used to combat occupational stress by enhancing educator well-being. There is compelling evidence to support these types of interventions with teachers. However, the length of many MBIs may make them prohibitive for the average educator to participate in them. The literature suggests that a briefer format may be just as effective at reducing stress, but more …

Qualitative Thematic Analysis Of Crisis Communications From The Digital Pulpits Of Megachurches During Covid-19, Ralph Dustin Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative thematic analysis multi-case study was to explore how secular crisis communication theories were adopted and modified by theological themes in U.S. megachurches during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic related lockdowns. Image Repair Theory (IRT), Discourse Renewal Theory (DRT), and Rhetorical Arena Theory (RAT) were examined alongside Christian themes (Theodicy, Radical Love, Physical Care, and Nontraditional Stakeholder Scope). Thematic analysis of sermon transcripts from 18 megachurches showed that IRT modified: high-attribution tactics were minimal; denial (via IMRA theodicy) defended the Church Universal (CU); evasion justified Church Local (CL)actions; and offensiveness reduction (esp. Transcendence) …

Adhd In Youth With Major Depressive Disorder In The Texas Youth Depression And Suicide Research Network (Tx-Ydsrn): Clinical Correlates And Moderators, Blake M Upshaw, Samuel D Spencer, Caitlin M Pinciotti, Vadym Zhyrov, Abu Minhajuddin, Ace A Castillo, Allyssa Abacan, Holli Slater, Rachel A Walker, Joseph C Blader, Sarah L Martin, Jeffrey D Shahidullah, Jair C Soares, Robert Andrew Harper, Madelyn Guerra, Lynnel C Goodman, Wayne K Goodman, Sarah M Wakefield, Madhukar H Trivedi, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Depression is a major public health concern with a 19% lifetime prevalence in youth, often precipitating other concerns, including suicidal behavior, poor school performance, and worsened peer relationships. ADHD is also common among youth and frequently presents alongside major depressive disorder (MDD), with this comorbidity associated with increased impairment. More research is needed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of this comorbidity (MDD + ADHD), especially as it relates to youth with MDD and no ADHD (MDD - ADHD). The present study examined the clinical correlates of MDD + ADHD in youth and the presence of an ADHD diagnosis as …

Adaptive Bayesian Clinical Trials: The Past, Present, And Future Of Clinical Research, Donald A Berry

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/Objectives: Decision-analytic Bayesian approaches are ideally suited for designing clinical trials. They have been used increasingly over the last 30 years in developing medical devices and drugs. A prototype trial is a bandit problem in which treating participants is as important as treating patients in clinical practice after the trial.

Methods: This article chronicles the use of the Bayesian approach in clinical trials motivated by bandit problems. It provides a comprehensive historical and practical review of Bayesian adaptive trials, with a focus on bandit-inspired designs.

Results: The 20th century saw advances in Bayesian methodology involving computer simulation. In the …