Effectiveness of Gaming Systems on Balance in Older Individuals

Balance training using gaming systems, called exergaming, is a rising trend for reducing fall risk in older individuals. Previous studies have conducted research pertaining to gaming systems and traditional balance training, however there is a lack of comparison between gaming systems. This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of two gaming systems, the Wii Fit and Xbox Kinect, as compared to traditional balance training. This study was performed with subjects (N=5) over the age of 65, in good health, randomly placed in one of the three balance training groups: Wii Fit (n=2), Xbox Kinect (n=2), and Traditional balance training (n=1). Tests for balance were conducted before a six week control period, after the control period, and after a six week intervention period. The study showed decreased fall risk in subjects who performed exergaming balance training as compared to the individual who performed traditional balance training

Persistence to Graduation: Is It the Money, High School Preparation, or First Semester College Matriculation?

This research study examined the relationship between persistence to graduation within six years and selected variables including financial aid awarded, high school GPA, ACT composite scores, SAT combined scores, and first-year first-semester GPA. It is well documented in research literature that high school preparation, college entrance examinations, and freshman year academic performance play a significant role in degree completion; however, studies on the impact of financial aid have not been as abundant. The researchers developed the College Persistence – Financial Aid Coding Technique System (CP-FACTS) to explore the influences of finances on degree attainment. In this study, a documentary research approach was used to collect existing data for first-time full-time freshmen who graduated within six years at a private Historically Black University. A correlational research design was employed to determine the level of significance and descriptive statistical analyses were used to describe, summarize, and interpret the data collected. The results revealed that persistence to graduation within six years was significantly related to the frequency of financial aid awards, high school GPA, SAT combined scores, and first-year first-semester GPA. Persistence to graduation within six years was not found to be significantly related to ACT composite scores for the population in this study

Persistence to Graduation: Does Financial Aid Matter?

This mixed methods research study used a QUAN-QUAL Model to examine the impact that various factors have on student persistence to graduation in postsecondary education. A documentary research approach was used to collect existing data for first-time full-time freshmen in the Fall 2008 Cohort who graduated within six years at a private Historically Black College or University. A correlational research design was employed to determine if a significant relationship existed between the dependent variables—Persistence to Graduation within Six Years and Final GPA at Time of Degree Completion and independent variables. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to describe, summarize, and interpret the data collected. A case study research approach was used to gain an in-depth understanding into the real-life experiences of a small group of students who did not graduate within six years and who were still persisting toward degree attainment. Selected findings revealed that persistence to graduation within six years was significantly and positively related to the number of occurrences of financial aid awarded. As the number of financial aid occurrences decreased, the number of years to graduate decreased. Alternatively, an increase in the number of financial aid occurrences resulted in an increase in years to graduate

The speaking vocabulary of 454 third grade children.

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit

Unusual Digital Patterns In EPS: Evidence On The Association Between Earnings Management And Company Characteristics

Prior studies (Thomas, 1989; Das and Zhang, 2003) provide evidence of earnings manipulation to achieve cognitive reference points in EPS.  The current study extends this line of research by examining the relation between unusual digital patterns in the right EPS position and specific firm characteristics.  Results suggest that the propensity to manage earnings to effect desired EPS results is particularly associated with company size and to a lesser degree with operating performance and the level of debt leverage employed

Do 2 with VCU: A Community Engagement Initiative

Do 2 with VCU will be a day-long Expo highlighting volunteer activities and opportunities with up to 100 community partners. VCU faculty and staff will be encouraged to collaborate with these community partners by using their 16 hours of community service leave provided by VCU. The Expo will culminate with a Keynote Speaker for this inaugural event. This year we have selected author and activist, Elaine Brown; she will deliver an address on the importance of community activism and service which will be marketed to the greater Richmond area. This project was designed around Theme IV of the VCU Quest for Distinction: “Become a national model for community engagement and regional impact.

Preliminary Evidence Of SFAS No. 130's Effect On Gains Trading In The Insurance Industry

Gains trading represents a form of earnings management whereby appreciated marketable securities are sold at a gain while those with a loss are retained. By not requiring unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities to flow through income, SFAS No. 115 failed to close the door on this type of earnings management. With SFAS No. 130, however, these unrealized gains and losses must now be reported prominently in a financial statement as a component of comprehensive income. By examining the level of gains trading for a sample of companies in the insurance industry both before and after the implementation of SFAS No. 130, the current study provides evidence suggesting that this form of earnings management subsided subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 130