In the first chapter, I investigate how external analyst forecasts influence managerial earnings decisions. Using shifts in analyst composition effected by brokerage mergers as a source of exogenous variation, I establish a one-to-one response of firm earnings to analyst forecasts. This response is driven by accounting accruals, consistent with short-termist earnings management. I find that the market perceives these accruals as costly to the firm. I present a model where this behavior emerges as a rational equilibrium, confirmed by a calibration that mirrors a one-to-one forecast-earnings relationship. Calibration outcomes align with real-world earnings and forecast patterns. In the second chapter (co-authored with Harrison Hong and Jeffrey Kubik), we estimate the cost to capital of climate policy. Many US states have set ambitious renewable portfolio standards (RPS) that require utilities to switch from fossil fuels toward renewables. RPS increases the renewables capacity, bond issuance, maturity, and yield spreads of investor-owned utilities compared to municipal producers that are exempted from this climate policy. Contrary to stranded-asset concerns, the hit to overall firm financial health is moderate. Falling cost of renewables and pass through of these costs to consumers mitigate the burden of RPS on firms. Using a Tobin’s 𝒒 model, we show that, absent these mitigating factors, the impact of RPS on firm valuations would have been severe. In the third chapter (co-authored with Lukas Fischer), we identify a source of peer group influence that is plausibly orthogonal to information provision, yet nonetheless affects economic decision-making: the shock to an equity analyst of their undergraduate college football team winning the NCAA Championship Game. We find that analysts’ forecasts respond positively to their undergraduate school’s football team winning the NCAA final. We then show that the shock of ‘winning’ spreads within an analyst’s brokerage, positively influencing the forecasts of their colleagues. Brokerages where the degree of this diffusion is greater have lower female representation in their analyst teams, as well as lower ESG scores.

Context: Two-dimensional (2D) video analysis of frontal-plane dynamic knee valgus during common athletic screening tasks has been purported to identify individuals who may be at high risk of suffering knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tear or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Although the validity of 2D video analysis has been studied, the associated reliability and measurement error have not. To assess the reliability and associated measurement error of a 2D video analysis of lower limb dynamic valgus. Design: Reliability study. Participants: 20 recreationally active university students (10 women age 21.5 ± 2.3 y, height 170.1 ± 6.1 cm, weight 66.2 ± 10.2 kg, and 10 men age 22.6 ± 3.1 y, height 177.9 ± 6.0 cm, weight 75.8 ± 7.9 kg). Main Outcome Measurement: Within-day and between-days reliability and measurement-error values of 2D frontal-plane projection angle (FPPA) during common screening tasks. Interventions: Participants performed single-leg squat and drop jump and single-leg landings from a standard 28-cm step with standard 2D digital video camera assessment. Results: Women demonstrated significantly higher FPPA in all tests except the left single-leg squat. Within-day ICCs showed good reliability and ranged from .59 to .88, and between-days ICCs were good to excellent, ranging from .72 to .91. Standard error of measurement and smallest detectable difference values ranged from 2.72° to 3.01° and 7.54° to 8.93°, respectively. Conclusions: 2D FPPA has previously been shown to be valid and has now also been shown to be a reliable measure of lower extremity dynamic knee valgus. Using the measurement error values presented along with previously published normative data, clinicians can now make informed judgments about individual performance and changes in performance resulting from interventions.

The purpose of this study is to compile a concise and non-technical report of the Texas statutes and court decisions concerning school injuries.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Background: The 19th Iteration of the World Transplant Games was hosted in Durban, South Africa in 2013. This biennial, international, multisport event showcases the talents of transplant athletes, whilst demonstrating the benefits of organ transplantation. To date, limited research is available on transplant athletes. This study aimed to determine the injury profile of transplant athletes who presented to the Durban University of Technology Chiropractic Treatment Facilities during the 2013 World Transplant Games. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive cohort study analysed the data collected at the Chiropractic Treatment Facilities at the 2013 World Transplant Games. For inclusion, each WTG Form required completion, reflecting all the elements of that participant’s chiropractic consultation. The data recorded on the World Transplant Games Form generated the data analysed in this study. The data described the frequency (frequency tables), nature and management of injuries treated at the Chiropractic Treatment Facilities during the 2013 World Transplant Games. In order to determine relationships cross tabulations were used. Results: There were 964 athletes registered for the 2013 World Transplant Games, of which 153 presented to the Chiropractic Treatment Facilities (an utilisation rate of 15.9%). A total of 259 consultations by the athletes (n = 223; 86.1%) and non-athletes (n = 36; 13.9%) were recorded. The majority of the treated athletes were White (n = 91; 59.5%), males (n = 109; 71.2%), in which kidney transplant recipients accounted for 37.3% (n = 58) of the total number. Track athletics had the highest injury rate (34.5% of all reported injuries). Athletes sustained injuries to 14 different anatomical regions, with the thigh (26.9%) and shin/calf (20.5%) being the most frequently injured. The majority of injuries (n = 164; 66.4%) were “overuse” injuries, with myofasciitis, muscle strains and thoracic facet syndrome being the most frequently obtained diagnoses (25.5%, 16.6% and 6.5% respectively). The most frequently employed treatment modalities were those of massage (32.1%), ischemic compression (16.3%) and manipulation (13.4%). It was noted that the most injuries sustained (88.3%) were not severe enough to result in an inability to continue current or future participation. Conclusions and Recommendations: Transplant recipient athletes injuries concur with the literature on non-transplant athletes, indicating that solid organ transplantation does not predispose the athlete to different or more serious injuries which would require different management protocols by health care personnel treating these athletes. Further investigation into individual sports is encouraged, to develop accurate, effective injury management and preventative strategies to more appropriately diagnose and treat injuries incurred by transplant athletes and then to prevent them from recurring. An informed healthcare approach towards event organising and athlete treatment will improve preventative strategies and athlete management.

This study identified factors that influenced men to coach women's basketball. The CCFQ, designed to determine relative importance of each of nine factors in career selection, was completed by 78 male head coaches of women's NCAA II basketball. Data was analyzed using univariate analysis with repeated measures, t-tests, and ANOVA. These coaches indicated fulfill need for competition, help female athletes reach full potential, and serve as role model as significant influences. Moderate influences included personal attributes of athletes, job attributes, and career advancement. Job availability, belief in own success, and income were not considered influential in career selection. Few differences were indicated between demographic sub-groups on any factor. Factors associated with well being of athletes had the greatest influence.

Texas 5A high school and junior college athletic directors' perceptions concerning graduate courses and competencies relating to athletic director performance were investigated. Graduate courses needing emphasis for prospective directors, most and least beneficial graduate courses, perceptions of values of graduate courses, and selected skills necessary for performance of duties were ranked. Significant differences of perceptions of values of graduate courses between 5A high school and junior college athletic directors were found using chi square. Significant differences between graduate course areas and competency areas in Communications, Technical, Business and Public Relations were found utilizing a t-test. 5A athletic directors receive adequate preparation in Communications. Junior college athletic directors receive adequate preparation in Business and Public Relations.

Training of young athletes. The effect of athletic training on a sportsman's personality. Objectives: The main objectives of this work was analysed effect of athletic training in the athletic group from athletic club TJ Jäkl Karviná during their sport's developement. We researched what athletic training have effects on a personality of sportsman and how is structured group by sociometry investigation. Further we evaluated training, tests and functions of training system in these group. Methods: In our work we used empirical methods of pedagogical research. We investigated position of athletes in these group within questionary and sociometry test. For analysis we used all accessible training notations, tests and videorecordings. Results: We came to a conclusion that expertly guideed training has positive influence on the personality development of sportsman and his incorporation to the society. Controlled and planned training contributed to better sports performance and showed up like as positive for stimulation of condition, health state and universal development of human. Keywords: athletic training, sports group, sociometry, control of sport training, group profile, education of athletes

Title: Process of motional abilities for under 16 ice hockey players in preliminary term Author: Bc. Branislav Lobotka Supervisor: doc. PhDr. Jiří Suchý, Ph.D. Objective: The aim of this thesis was to design and implement a training program for development of motor skills of junior ice hockey players and it's subsequent verification in practice during preparation period 2011/2012. This thesis is based and builds on author's Bachelor thesis, in which the author analysed fitness preparation of juniors in preparation period 2010/2011. In the thesis are both fitness programs compared and analysed. As for scientific research, the author worked with hockey team HK Dukla Trencin. Conclusions and hypothesis are listed in the conclusion of the thesis. Methods: In thesis was used method of research, the method of observation, methods of literary sources, method of interview and method of measurement and testing. Results: The obtained results should form a basis for further development of fitness plans for junior ice hockey players' preparation periods. Key words: ice-hockey, athletic phase, motional abilities, U16 ice-hockey players, training, tests.

In our work we analyzed the performance of the members 14-15 years old of the sport centres (SpS) 2014 . We compared the members of SpS with school population from the study of Pávek (1977). The basic motoric tests were 50 m run, standing long jump, the medicine ball throw 2kg and the 12 minute run. The memberes of SpS 2014 were significantly better than school population from the study of Pávek (1977). We compared the meberes of SpS with the athletes of ČSTV (1982). The athletes of ČSTV (1982) were significantly better than the meberes of SpS 2014 in motoric tests: standing long jump and 12 minute run. Furthermore, we found that general physical performance of sprinters specifically reflected in their athletic performance. Keywords athletics, sports centers, testing, general physical performance, athletic performance, identification of talent

Title: Athletics in physical education from the perspective of grammar school students Aim: The aim of this thesis is to determine how grammar school students in selected regions view athletics in physical education classes and their relationship to the sport as a whole and its individual disciplines. Methods: The thesis is based on the quantitative research conducted among grammar school students of third and fourth grades in selected regions of the Czech Republic. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed in Microsoft Excel and SPSS programs. Basic descriptive characteristics were identified and then processed into tables and charts. Results were verified in a manner based on the nature of the variables, using either the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney non-parametric test or Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Tests were conducted at 5%, resp. 1% level of significance. Results: Athletics are perceived as negative by 40.1 % of responding students - with girls prevailing over boys in this group. The perception of athletics is mostly influenced by teachers of physical education, but also depends on the level of physical activity. Classes for the most part emphasize learning skills in various athletic disciplines, but grading still often reflects only the performance. The preferred...