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Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Building Swimming Skills In A Community Based Program For Black Youth: An Evaluation, Tyler Lennon Md, Mph, Ashley Hayes Mph, Leonardo Barrera Mph, Amy Hill Ms, Mph, Andy Miner, Michelle Macy Md, Ms

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Black youth in the United States disproportionately experience fatal drowning at rates up to five times higher than their white peers. Eliminating these inequities requires new approaches that address historical and structural barriers of learning to swim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-week long swimming component of a community-based discovery program to empower Black youth in Evanston, IL. Participants were Black youth ages 8-10 years enrolled in summer 2023 and 2024. Swim skills were assessed by instructors using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC). Caregiver surveys, collected post-intervention, also assessed perceived changes in swim …

An Innovative Approach Addressing Childhood Drowning: Making Use Of Collegiate Aquatic Facilities And Expertise, Gennette Cordova, Natasha Lloyd, Chezik Tsunoda

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The silent epidemic of childhood drowning, and the racial disparities associated with it require scalable and innovative approaches that both break cycles of exclusion and circumvent our societal tendency to overlook drowning as a matter in need of urgent resolution. No More Under, a Seattle-based water safety organization whose mission is to eradicate childhood drowning, has launched the Swim Safely Series. The series is a national program uniquely poised to overcome the various barriers associated with racial and socioeconomic drowning disparities by tapping into underutilized collegiate aquatic spaces and merging water safety with mentorship and social intervention.

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

Tableau Part Ii - October 2025, Rubab Shahzad

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

Part Two of Introduction to Tableau. Learn to make cool visualizations using Tableau. A hands-on opportunity where we will go over calculated fields, hierarchies, unions, dashboards, and stories.

Prior experience with Tableau is recommended

Measuring The Impact Of Hurricane Incidence On Agricultural Production Risk Using Insurance Data, Hunter D. Biram, Micah Cameron-Harp, Jesse Tack

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Hurricanes are considered among the most destructive natural disasters in the United States. The exposure of agricultural production systems to hurricanes varies between regions in contrast to global risks like commodity price volatility and international trade policies. The regional differences in hurricane exposure may lead to heterogeneity in crop insurance premium rates. This work aims to measure the impact of hurricane incidence on production losses for crops grown in the Mississippi Delta. We leverage a county-month panel of insurance losses spanning 2002-2021 from the US Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency, and daily data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric …

Minority Farmer And Rancher Delinquency And Local Cultural Climate: Evidence From Farm Service Agency's County Office Committees, Lawson Connor, Bruce L. Ahrendsen, Charles B. Dodson, Logan Moss

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Farm delinquency is linked to many negative indicators of farm survival, including increased risk of bankruptcy and farm failure. Minority farmers and ranchers (MFR) have been found to exhibit higher rates of delinquency on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans compared to their non-Hispanic White male counterparts. These findings persist even after accounting for economic/financial factors expected to predict loan repayment performance. In this study, to further explore the existing discrepancy between loan default rates for MFR and White, non-Hispanic borrowers, we look more broadly than financial indicators and introduce MFR representation on the FSA County …

Chacahoula 2025, Volume 92, Alayna Pellegrin

Chacahoula

The 2025 issue of Chacahoula includes December 2024 and May 2025 graduating classes, as well as stunning photography student life on the banks of Bayou Desiard. With features covering students, faculty, and staff, this year's time capsule preserves an academic year in the life of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

The Impact Of Public Relations Strategies On The Effectiveness Of Epidemic Management In Jordan: A Case Study Of Covid-19, Hazem Jamil Al-Rahahleh

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to explore the impact of public relations strategies on the effectiveness of epidemic management in Jordan, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. The study employed the descriptive-analytical method, which is based on the systematic description and interpretation of social and media phenomena. The findings revealed that public relations play a pivotal strategic role in managing health crises by building public trust, preparing communication plans, and formulating awareness messages in coordination with relevant authorities. The study recommended the need to enhance the training of public relations personnel in managing communication during health crises, to continue diversifying …

Western Australian Regional Development Trust Annual Report 2024-25, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Western Australian Regional Development Trust Annual Reports

The Trust is an independent statutory advisory body to the Minister for Regional Development, established under the Royalties for Regions Act 2009 (Act).

The functions of the Trust are to provide advice and make recommendations to the minister:

• for the purposes of sections 5(2) and 9(1) of the Act; and
• on any other matter relating to the operation of the Fund that is referred to it by the minister.

In addition to its monitoring and advisory role, the Trust also works to engage and enhance relationships with key regional stakeholders and influencers to promote greater collaboration and innovation in the …

A Co-Design Approach To Integrating Gender Into The Cacao Value Chain In Davao City, Philippines, Mia Barbara Aranas, Aileen Lapitan, Mitchiko Lopez, Nico Jayson Anastacio, Canesio Predo, Mara Faylon, Emmanuel Flores, Claire Estelle Cruz, Anjelyn Joy Enong

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The specific needs and challenges of women and their contributions are often not integrated when developing interventions and policies targeted to improve agricultural value chains. Therefore, this study developed a codesign approach to creating solutions to improve gender relations in agri-food value chains. Specifically, it focused on the cacao value chain in Davao City, which is located in the southern Philippines. Co-design is a highly participatory approach in which solutions are designed with, and not just for, the people who have lived experiences of the problems being addressed. The approach emphasizes understanding gender-related barriers and opportunities to inform government interventions …

From Infection To Restoration: A Case Study On Dental Extraction In The Maxilla Anterior, Melanie Ramirez

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

A dental implant is a restorative surgical procedure that serves as a solution to replace missing teeth that imitate the function, sensation, and appearance of natural teeth. The objective of this dental case study is to examine the diagnosis, treatment, and post-operation of a patient with a history of tooth loss and infection in the anterior maxilla. This case follows a 55-year-old patient, Jorge Marquez, name changed for confidentiality, who presented a severe tooth abscess on tooth #10 on the anterior maxilla which had previously undergone root canal treatment (Figure 1B). Radiographic evaluations illustrated the severity of the abscess the …

The Future Of The Arab Media Industry In Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Technologies: A Foresight Study (2024 To 2034), Mohammedwesam Amer Dr, Abdullah Mohammed Atbiqa Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study explores the future of the Arab media industry from 2024 to 2034 in light of the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It identifies key media sectors likely to be affected by AI—such as content creation, news production, editing, and audience engagement—and proposes strategies for effective implementation. The study employs a descriptive survey methodology grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire from a purposive sample of 264 respondents across 18 Arab countries, including academic elites and media professionals working with Arab media institutions. Findings reveal …

Emotional Development In Infancy, Claire Sanford, Samantha Gott

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Developmental science has documented that infants’ emotional reactions are shaped by individual dispositions and their environment. This study investigated fear responses along with patterns of brain development in infants 6 to 10 months. Nine infant-mother dyads participated, with each infant observed twice (18 visits). An electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to analyze brain activity during resting-state and fear-eliciting conditions. Infant fear vocalizations were evaluated and coded during two conditions, i.e., an unfamiliar object (an electronic toy-spider), and an unfamiliar adult approaching. Results indicated infants’ fear vocalizations were stimuli-specific, with more fear expressed towards approaching strangers than the novel object. Findings also …

The Relationship Between Self-Reported And Observer-Rated Maternal Anxiety During Mother-Infant Interactions, Annalisa Tran, Jacqueline Hammack

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Research pertaining to maternal anxiety and mother-infant interactions is a rapidly growing field. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-reported maternal anxiety ratings and observer-rated maternal anxiety scores. Thirty-nine motherinfant dyads participated in a four-minute free-play session via Zoom. The Parent Anxiety measure from the Coding Interactive Behavior scale was used to measure observed maternal anxiety. The General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale was used to measure self-reported maternal anxiety. No significant association was found between self-reported maternal anxiety and observed maternal anxiety. An exploratory analysis was conducted to compare self-reported maternal anxiety and observed maternal sensitivity. …

Exploring Infant Toy Interactions In Free Play Environments, Emma Bermudez, Jacqueline Hammack

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Infants’ interactions with toys play a crucial role in their early cognitive and motor development, yet much of the research on this topic has been conducted in controlled laboratory settings, which may not accurately reflect the diversity of toys and interactions infants experience in their natural environments. This study uniquely examined these interactions in a home setting by utilizing an online video conferencing platform. This study investigated how toy properties influence manual infant-object interactions during dyadic tabletop free play, where mothers selected the toys for the session. Within the confines of this study, results show that infants spend significantly more …

Use Of A Novel Plant Essential Oil-Based Insecticide For Insect Control In Household Gardens And Lawns, Mia Michnik, Alysa Suissa, Liah Brussolo Cremona, Annalise Wellman, Nicholas Nifakos, Alexander Spanoudis, John M. Harlin

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Insecticide use has increased as population and agricultural demand for crops grows. Commercial insecticides contain active ingredients that are often harmful to humans and the environment. A viable alternative to this concern is developing and using insecticides with low toxicity and minimum risk to the environment. In this study, we sought to empirically assess the effectiveness of an insecticide based entirely on plant essential oil active ingredients, which contain complex secondary metabolites. Our results show that a concoction of several plant essential oils was effective in killing a wide range of household garden insect species and bedbugs, encompassing five orders …

Bioarchaeological Analysis Of Three Individuals Excavated From Palikè Di Mineo, Sicily, August M. Stone, Madison Rieth, William Burnett

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

This study presents the analysis of three individuals excavated from the area of Palikè di Mineo, Sicily in May and June of 2023. The archaeological area contained numerous burials, but this study focuses on two adult male and one subadult (child). Burials are estimated to be from the Imperial Period of the Roman Empire (20 CE - 360 CE). Information collected includes age, sex, stature, and taphonomy of the individuals. Burial style, artifacts, and position of the burials are used to present data on the possible conditions of life in ancient Sicily. This article contributes data to the greater discussion …

Artist Statement, Shreyansh Patel

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents, Editorial Team

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

08.11.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

F and A rates

ORED Research Reception

NSF Audit Final Resolution and Compliance Updates

The Legal System For Influencers On Social Media Platforms: A Comparative Study, Ahmad Ibrahim Ballal Dr, Najem Riyad Al-Rabadi Dr, Ma’Moun Rashed Al-Huneiti Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study explores the legal regulation of social media influencers through a comparative analysis between French and Jordanian legislation. The research problem lies in the absence of a clear and comprehensive legal framework regulating influencers' growing role in shaping public opinion. Using the comparative analytical method, the study examines relevant legal texts and regulatory approaches in both jurisdictions. The findings highlight significant differences, with France enacting a specific law to govern influencer activities, while Jordan still relies on general legal provisions. The study recommends drafting a dedicated Jordanian law that outlines influencers' legal responsibilities and balances freedom of expression with …

Representations Of The Other In Hamas's Media Discourse During The "Al-Aqsa Flood" Operation: A Rhetorical Analytical Study, Enad Mamdouh Al-Zaben, Sabah Al Harahsheh Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to determine how the Hamas movement represented the "other" in its media discourse during the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation. To achieve this goal, the study relied on the qualitative analytical approach, specifically rhetorical discourse analysis. The study sample included all Hamas's media spokesman speeches, between October 7, 2023, and January 1, 2024, numbering 11 speeches. The study results showed that Hamas's media discourse focused on portraying two main groups: "us" and "them." The "us" group included the Palestinian people in all their spectra. They were referred to using terms with positive connotations such as: "the steadfast," "the one …

Preventing Injuries In Cdl Drivers: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Jerika Eumecha Arnsworth, Cassandra Nelson, Lee Ann Hoffman

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Commercial drivers are at heightened risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged sitting, inadequate ergonomic environments, and limited access to health education. This doctoral capstone project aimed to address these challenges through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a five-week educational program focused on improving ergonomic awareness and occupational health among CDL drivers. Grounded in the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, the program was implemented in collaboration with a small commercial logging company in Texas and featured weekly modules on hydration, preparatory movements, assistive technology, seating posture, and mental health.

A needs assessment revealed limited ergonomic knowledge among participants and a …

Spirituality And Perceived Insider Status: A Study Of Organizational Commitment Of African American Female Leaders In Fortune 1000 Companies, Toni Y. Stubbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the relationships among spirituality, perceived insider status, and organizational commitment among African American female leaders within Fortune 1000 companies. Using a cross-sectional design, the research gathered data from 119 participants through online surveys that included the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), the Perceived Insider Status Scale (PIS), and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Analyses included Pearson correlations and mediation modeling to address the research questions. The results revealed a strong, statistically significant relationship between perceived insider status and organizational commitment. Although spirituality did not directly predict organizational commitment, it demonstrated a small but significant mediating effect between …

Tides, Tourists, And Tails: Exploring Human-Wildlife Overlap On The Homer Spit, Alaska, Serena Seiler

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Coastal areas present unique challenges for human-wildlife coexistence due to their shared use by people and marine species. The Homer Spit in Homer, AK (59.6481° N, 151.5299° W) is a projection of land into Kachemak Bay on which lodging, restaurants, campgrounds, RV parks, fishing, and a variety of coastal activities exist or occur, especially during the summer months. Two of the most popular nearshore marine mammals that attract visitors are sea otters (Enhydra lutris) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). These two species spend time swimming, foraging, and resting around the Spit, potentially resulting in co occurrences with humans. Using a …

Commodity Diversification, Technological Innovation, And Market Dynamics: Insights Into Beef Cattle Production And Feeder Cattle Basis In The United States, Nik Berg

All Theses

The beef cattle industry plays an important role in the agricultural economy, contributing to both domestic food supply and global trade. The United States is one of the world's largest producers of beef, with production systems varying widely across regions largely due to differences in available resources and market structures. Market conditions, technological advancements, and policy interventions shape the way producers operate, making research into these factors essential for both industry stakeholders and policymakers.

Producers are continuously adapting to changing economic conditions, environmental challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. By analyzing these factors, researchers can provide insights to support informed decision-making …