bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Complex Case of Noncredit Credential Innovation in Public Universities
Authors: Degner Kai E. , MacDonald Sarah K. , Lubin Melissa M.
Published: September 2021

Four-year public institutions of higher education (IHEs) face increasing pressure to innovate with noncredit credentials. The chapter aims to develop leaders' mental models for navigating unique complexities associated with offering programs that do not award academic credit. First, a review of noncredit literature and organizational science principles explains that noncredit programming is often unaligned with IHE organizational culture and structure. Then, two metaphors for leaders' roles in overcoming barriers to innovation are introduced and critiqued: Buller's organic leadership concept and Christensen and Eyring's higher education DNA concept. Complexity leadership theory is next presented as a mental model to understand three complementary leader roles for fostering innovation with a complex organizational environment. Finally, the chapter's case features three vignettes from public IHE continuing education leaders that exemplify the complexities related to pursuing noncredit credential innovation. Strategies and discussion questions are included.
Clemson University's Teacher Learning Progression Program
Authors: Rapa Luke J. , Marshall Jeff C. , Madison Stephanie M. , Flathmann Christopher , Knijnenburg Bart P. , McNeese Nathan J.
Published: September 2021

This chapter provides an overview of Clemson University's Teacher Learning Progression program, which offers participating middle school science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) teachers with personalized advanced credentials. In contrast to typical professional development (PD) approaches, this program identifies individualized pathways for PD based on teachers' unique interests and needs and offers PD options through the use of a “recommender system”—a system providing context-specific recommendations to guide teachers toward the identification of preferred PD pathways and content. In this chapter, the authors introduce the program and highlight (1) the data collection and instrumentation needed to make personalized PD recommendations, (2) the recommender system, and (3) the personalized advanced credential options. The authors also discuss lessons learned through initial stages of project implementation and consider future directions for the use of recommender systems to support teacher PD, considering both research and applied implications and settings.
Digital Badging at Scale at Penn State University
Authors: Raish Victoria , Gregg Andrea , Holsing Cathy
Published: September 2021

In this chapter, the authors discuss two examples of digital credential implementations at Penn State University. Penn State University is a large R1 with a main campus located in Central Pennsylvania. The purpose of this chapter is to situate the broader digital credential movement within one example of how it has played out in higher education. Within this one example, the implementations between the University Libraries and College of Engineering have similarities and differences. This chapter demonstrates that the purpose and goals of a digital credentialing program heavily influence decisions made from the beginning of the effort through maturation. Outside forces that impact what a digital credentialing effort looks like will be discussed such as administrative requirements and concerns over visual identity. Finally, this chapter provides thoughts on where digital credentials are headed within higher education.
Business Education in Japan
Authors: Ikegami Jusuke J. J.
Published: September 2021

In Japan, the most prominent players in business education are corporations because they provide on-the-job training to their employees, particularly new graduates. However, with the low growth of the Japanese economy after the collapse of the bubble economy around 1990 and the recent drastic changes in the international environment, it is necessary to reexamine business education. To cope with the drastically changing environment, many Japanese companies are evolving their education model to emphasize off-the-job training in addition to on-the-job training. The main target of such training now includes senior executives, in addition to junior- to mid-level executives. Business schools play a role in educating senior executives. Although major Japanese companies utilize top business schools overseas, Japanese business schools are still the major education providers. This chapter discusses the recent changes, prospects, and issues concerning Japanese business schools.
The Digitalization of Pakistan's Universities?
Authors: Malik Mehreen , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Allen Matthew M. C. , Ahmad Mansoor
Published: September 2021

Higher educational institutes today need to focus on identifying the requirements of industry as well as the market, so that they can help students develop the necessary skills and enable them to work with intelligent machines in today's era of the 4th industrial revolution which is also termed digitalization. Digitalization has increased pressure on educational institutions to update their existing curricula and course contents. It is important to note that, while industry as well as educational institutions in the developed world are rather quick on embracing such trends, developing economies often lag behind. Universities in developed countries are mostly on the path towards a hybrid way of teaching, while those in developing countries, such as Pakistan, frequently struggle to make these changes. This chapter seeks to provide suggestions and recommendations for the higher education sector, including universities and policymakers. It identifies the role that the higher education sector must play in preparing and upskilling future employees for Pakistan's digital future.
A Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm for the Green Vehicle Routing Problem in the Dynamic Environment
Authors: Messaoud Elhassania , El Idrissi Adiba El Bouzekri , Alaoui Ahmed Elhilali
Published: September 2021

The main goal of this research is to combine the dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP), in which new information is received along the day, and the green vehicle routing problem (GVRP), which determines the routes of vehicles to serve a set of customers, while minimizing the total amount of the greenhouse gas. In this study, the customers must be serviced at their locations by a set of vehicles in real time by minimizing the carbon dioxide CO2. For that, the authors present the technique employed to estimate the amount of CO2 emissions and integrate it into the proposed mathematic model. Then they develop the resolution approach based on ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm and a large neighborhood search (LNS) algorithm. The effectiveness of this approach is tested on a set of the static and dynamic green problems instances.
Melanoma Detection by Meta-Heuristically-Optimized MLP Parameters Using Non-Dermatoscopy Images
Authors: Mukherjee Soumen , Adhikari Arunabha , Roy Madhusudan
Published: September 2021

This paper represents a scheme of melanoma detection using handcrafted feature set with meta-heuristically optimized multilayer perceptron (MLP) parameters. Features including shape, color, and texture are extracted from camera images of skin lesion collected from University of Waterloo database. The features are used in two different ways for binary classification of the data into benign and malignant class. 1) The extracted features are ranked on their relevance using ReleifF ranking algorithm and also converted into PCA components and ranked according to their variance. Best result is obtained with 50 best ranked raw features with accuracy of 87.1%. 2) All 1,888 features are fed to an MLP with two hidden layers, with number of neurons optimized by two different metaheuristic algorithms, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA) separately. The latter method is found to be more efficient, and an accuracy of 88.38%, sensitivity of 92.22%, and specificity of 83.07% are achieved by PSO, which is better in comparison with the latest research on this dataset.
Exploring EFL Learners' Willingness to Communicate in Multimodal Videoconferences
Authors: Hung Shao-Ting Alan , Huang Heng-Tsung Danny
Published: September 2021

The current study explored how the participation in multimodal videoconferencing sessions affected one of the affective factors: willingness to communicate (WTC) in second language learning. Participants from the experimental group took part in three 30-minute communication tasks via videoconferencing that included interactions in textual, audio, and visual modes while their counterparts completed the same tasks face-to-face. Instruments included an adapted WTC scale, semi-structured interviews, and learner reflections. The results showed that learners in the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of WTC than those in the control group, suggesting that multimodal videoconferencing increased learners' WTC. Next, qualitative findings indicated that learners' WTC in multimodal videoconferences was influenced by the support from multimodal texts and the affordances of multimodal interaction. EFL professionals are recommended to create multimodal environments to not merely foster learners' negotiation of meaning but also promote WTC through diverse patterns of interaction.
An Extended Fuzzy C-Means Segmentation for an Efficient BTD With the Region of Interest of SCP
Authors: Subba Reddy K.  , Rajendra Prasad K.
Published: September 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary source to diagnose a brain tumor or masses in the medical sciences. It is emerging to detect the tumors from the scanned MRI brain images at early stages for the best treatments. Existing image segmentation techniques, morphological, fuzzy c-means are wildly successful in the extraction region of interest (ROI) in brain image segmentation. Proper extraction of ROIs is useful for regularizing the regions of tumors from the brain image with effective binarization in the segmentation. However, the existing techniques are limiting the irregular boundaries or shapes in tumor segmentation. Thus, this paper presents the proposed work extending the FCM with the spatial correlated pixel (RSCP), known as FCM-RSCP. It overcomes the problem of irregular boundaries by assessing correlated spatial information during segmentation. Benchmarked MRI brain images are used in the experiment for demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Methodological Case Study Approach for Detecting Business Model Enablers in Copycat Ventures
Authors: Haertel Christian , Pohl Matthias , Bosse Sascha , Häusler Robert , Nahhas Abdulrahman , Staegemann Daniel , Volk Matthias , Turowski Klaus
Published: September 2021

The approach of copying business models to create a successful company is discredited as non-innovative and propagated as a low-risk variant of entrepreneurship although a simple so-called copycat would only increase competition in the market and not guarantee success. Hence, the question of which characteristics of a business model enable success of such developed businesses arises. This paper presents a methodical approach to the analysis of enablers in business models based on case study research. With the validation of the approach using the business model canvas, a study among e-commerce companies is conducted, and success factors for copycats are identified. The methodological concept can also be applied to other industries and can deliver detailed results using more complex business model tools.
2011 appropriate use criteria audit of an echocardiography lab in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Oni Opeyemi O. , Adeoye Moshood A. , Adebiyi Adewole , Aje Akinyemi , Oyebowale Olaniyi , Adebayo Saheed O. , Adesina Julius O. , Ogah Okechukwu O. , Bamgboye Eniola A. , Dairo M. David , Iseko Iseko I. , Emeka Godwin J.
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death worldwide. Since its discovery in the 20th century, Echocardiography (ECHO) has become one of the pivotal tools in assessing cardiac structure and function. With the increase in requests for ECHO, there has risen an unwanted problem - inappropriate requests for ECHO. There has therefore arisen the need to audit ECHO labs for the appropriateness of ECHO requests. The patients referred from the outpatient clinics and in-patient wards for ECHO from June 1st, 2015 till September 30th, 2016 were recruited. Their request form data, clinical information, and ECHO results were analyzed as appropriate. The 2011 appropriate use criteria for Transthoracic ECHO was utilized. The most common indication out of the 2174 ECHOs reviewed was hypertension (16%), closely followed by hypertensive heart disease (12.4%). The percentage of appropriate, inappropriate, and uncertain indications according to the 2011 appropriate use criteria (AUC) for transthoracic echocardiography were 41.4%, 31.1%, and 0.1% respectively. Less than ten percent (9.3%) of the indications could not be classified by the 2011 AUC while 18.1% of the ECHOs had no indication. When indications of Hypertension, Hypertensive Heart Disease (HHD) and heart failure were compared, heart failure was significantly associated with eccentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), larger LV mass, lower BMI, larger cardiac dimensions, reduced ejection fraction, lower trans mitral A velocities than the other two indications. Concentric LVH was showed a trend towards being most in those with HHD (p= 0.072). The percentage of appropriate indications was low in this study as compared to others, largely because of large inappropriate indications. There is a need to ensure appropriate indications are filled for ECHO request forms. The 2011 AUC may need to be reviewed to expand the appropriate group of indications.
Vitamin D and iron deficiencies among Saudi children and adolescents
Authors: Al-Hussaini Abdulrahman A. , Alshehry Zahir , AlDehaimi Abdulwahid , Bashir Muhammed Salman
Published: September 2021

Background:

Although several studies have reported on the prevalence of micronutrients in Saudi Arabia, most frequently vitamin D and iron, they are either old or hospital- or primary health care center-based. The objectives of our study were to provide more updated data on the prevalence rate of micronutrients deficiency among the Saudi general pediatric population and to determine if there is an association between micronutrients deficiency and undernutrition.

Methods:

The present study is part of a cross-sectional mass screening study, “Exploring the Iceberg of Celiacs in Saudi Arabia” conducted among school-aged children (6–16 years) in 2014–2015. A sample of 7,931 children aged 6–16 years was randomly selected. We identified thin children [body mass index (BMI) z-score <−2 SD, for age and gender], using the WHO reference 2007. A case-control study was performed, where the sera of 182 thin children (cases) and 393 normal BMI children (controls) were tested for levels of iron, ferritin, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and copper.

Results:

The prevalence of thinness was 3.5%. The two most common micronutrients deficient among Saudi children with normal BMI were iron (20%) and vitamin D (78%). Vitamin D levels were significantly higher among boys as compared to girls (39.6 nmol/L vs. 31.15 nmol/L; P < 0.001). Deficiency of copper, zinc, and selenium occurred in 0.25%, 1%, and 7.4% of the children with normal BMI. Comparisons between the cases and controls did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D and iron deficiencies are still common forms of malnutrition in the Saudi community, that have remained unchanged over the past 20–30 years, while the intake of trace elements (zinc, copper, and selenium) is adequate as evident by normal serum levels in the vast majority of the investigated children. We could not observe a correlation between undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Fuzzy Neural Networks based on Fuzzy Logic Neurons Regularized by Resampling Techniques and Regularization Theory for Regression Problems
Authors: de Campos Souza Paulo Vitor
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a novel learning algorithm for fuzzy logic neuron based on neural networks and fuzzy systems able to generate accurate and transparent models. The learning algorithm is based on ideas from Extreme Learning Machine [36], to achieve a low time complexity, and regularization theory, resulting in sparse and accurate models. A compact set of incomplete fuzzy rules can be extracted from the resulting network topology. Experiments considering regression problems are detailed. Results suggest the proposed approach as a promising alternative for pattern recognition with a good accuracy and some level of interpretability.
Approximation in the Zygmund and Hölder classes on
Authors: Saksman Eero , Soler i Gibert Odí
Published: September 2021

We determine the distance (up to a multiplicative constant) in the Zygmund class
$\Lambda _{\ast }(\mathbb {R}^n)$
to the subspace
$\mathrm {J}_{}(\mathbf {bmo})(\mathbb {R}^n).$
The latter space is the image under the Bessel potential
$J := (1-\Delta )^{{-1}/2}$
of the space
$\mathbf {bmo}(\mathbb {R}^n)$
, which is a nonhomogeneous version of the classical
$\mathrm {BMO}$
. Locally,
$\mathrm {J}_{}(\mathbf {bmo})(\mathbb {R}^n)$
consists of functions that together with their first derivatives are in
$\mathbf {bmo}(\mathbb {R}^n)$
. More generally, we consider the same question when the Zygmund class is replaced by the Hölder space
$\Lambda _{s}(\mathbb {R}^n),$
with
$0 < s \leq 1$
, and the corresponding subspace is
$\mathrm {J}_{s}(\mathbf {bmo})(\mathbb {R}^n)$
, the image under
$(1-\Delta )^{{-s}/2}$
of
$\mathbf {bmo}(\mathbb {R}^n).$
One should note here that
$\Lambda _{1}(\mathbb {R}^n) = \Lambda _{\ast }(\mathbb {R}^n).$
Such results were known earlier only for
$n = s = 1$
with a proof that does not extend to the general case.

Our results are expressed in terms of second differences. As a by-product of our wavelet-based proof, we also obtain the distance from
$f \in \Lambda _{s}(\mathbb {R}^n)$
to
$\mathrm {J}_{s}(\mathbf {bmo})(\mathbb {R}^n)$
in terms of the wavelet coefficients of
$f.$
We additionally establish a third way to express this distance in terms of the size of the hyperbolic gradient of the harmonic extension of f on the upper half-space
$\mathbb {R}^{n +1}_+$
.
COVID-19 Pandemic: An Islamic Analysis
Authors: Chowdury Saeyd Rashed Hasan , Alam Prof. Dr. Md. Shamsul , Numani Prof. Dr. Abu Jamal Md. Qutubul Islam , Göktaş Prof. Dr. Vahit
Published: September 2021

The study's purpose is to analyse the prevention of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the light of the Holy-Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh)’s Sunnah. Just as a Pandemic, disaster, or calamity in the world has some external causes, it also has some internal and subtle reasons. Islam considers the plague as a punishment in a natural and broad sense; simultaneously, Islam believes this epidemic to be a test and a warning for the believer. Besides, Islam thinks that dangers and calamities happen according to Almighty Allah's judgment. Islam always gives the idea of a healthy-capable human group. There are 'Kitabut Tib' or medical chapters in almost all Hadith texts regarding the importance of health and treatment. The golden branch of Islam was the development of a particular scripture called the Prophet in Tibet. If there is a Pandemic in a specific area, Islam prescribes quarantine and lockdown. Modern medical systems embraced this warning fourteen hundred years ago as the only way out. In this context, Muhammad (pbuh) said people would not enter the area affected by the pandemic. Besides, people will not go out of where the epidemic has spread [1]. The damage caused by the outbreak could have been drastically reduced if the hadith teachings had been implemented at this critical time in the Coronavirus's presence. To survive the Coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) always says to stay clean. Islamic law orders a Muslim who believes that he is immaculate at every stage of his life.  The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: Cleanliness is a part of faith [2]. There are various dispositions of the Shari'a that have been prescribed as a means of attaining holiness. According to medical science's advice, Islam advises taking treatment and taking precautionary measures in a Pandemic of any disease.
Investigation of Physical Properties of Fe(III) Containing Metal-Organic Polymers
Authors: Ershova A. Yu. , Sha Minggong
Published: September 2021

In this work, we studied the properties of a specially synthesized organometallic coordination polymer - a porous coordination polymer with biocompatible structural elements based on oxoclusters of iron muconate (III). The samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis combined with differential scanning calorimetry, and the study of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption of a sample obtained by a modified solvothermal technique. It is shown that most of the pores of the sample have an average radius of 18,8 Å ~ 1,88 nm. Also, as a result of the study, it is necessary to conclude that the synthesized material has a developed surface area - it is 512,1 m2/g and the pore volume is ~ 0,48 cm3/g. It should be concluded that such materials are promising as components for a new generation of various kinds of functional materials with improved or unique characteristics. It is obvious that further research in this area is important from both fundamental and applied points of view.
Aprendizados no Curso de Residência Agrária: Juventude Rural, Agroecologia e Educomunicação
Authors: Candido Anderson Bezerra , Gonçalves Claudio Ubiratan
Published: September 2021

O curso de residência agrária: Juventude Rural, Agroecologia e Educomunicação contou com a formação técnico profissional de 46 (quarenta e seis) estudantes pertencentes a áreas de conflitos agrários no estado de Pernambuco. O curso teve seu início no ano de 2014 e término no ano de 2017. Fez parte do Programa Nacional de Educação Reforma Agrária-PRONERA e contou com a parceria da Comissão Pastoral da Terra-CPT Nordeste II, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-UFPE, Ministério do Desenvolvimento Agrário-MDA e Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária-INCRA. Buscaremos relatar e analisar as contribuições do curso para a vida dos educandos a partir dos planos de aulas, relatorias de atividades realizadas, relatos dos educandos arquivados em mídias digitais e entrevistas com educadores e agentes pastorais.  Observando o andamento e pós-curso conseguimos observar mudanças nas relações sociais, novas formas de organização, criação de hortas comunitárias, comunicação com outras comunidades que estão em processo de luta pela terra, busca por novos saberes e conhecimentos agroecológicos e soberania alimentar.
Atlas ambiental de Montes Claros
Authors: Ventura Glorimar da Silva
Published: September 2021

Resenha - Atlas ambiental de Montes Claros (2020).
Pelvic Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain and Dysfunction Following Laparoscopic Excision of Endometriosis: Case Report
Authors: Hunt Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Background: Pelvic pain and abnormal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tension frequently are present in individuals with endometriosis and often persist even after surgical excision of the endometriosis lesions. Physical therapists are educated in improving muscle tone and function for individuals who have sustained injury, have had surgery, or have required rehabilitation for various pelvic health conditions. More scientific evidence is needed to support the benefits of physical therapy (PT) interventions for individuals with a history of endometriosis. Case Description: The 50-year old female patient presented in this case report underwent laparoscopic excision of endometriosis, yet she continued to experience discomfort in her left lower abdomen and vaginal area after surgery. Within a four month period, the patient participated in ten sessions of pelvic physical therapy that included manual therapy, instruction in relaxation techniques, and a home program. Outcomes: At the time of her discharge from physical therapy, the patient reported a reduction in symptoms on the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7) and was able to resume activities that she had not previously tolerated because of abdominal and pelvic pain. Discussion: Identifying effective interventions for patients that have received surgical management is important. Pelvic physical therapy may help individuals avoid surgery and eliminate or reduce the use of medications. Because of the positive outcomes of this case report, it is recommended that when endometriosis is suspected or diagnosed, a pelvic physical therapy evaluation should be considered. Further research is needed to assess physical therapy as part of the standard of care for women with suspected or diagnosed endometriosis.
Organizational Socialization: Experiences of Junior Faculty in Athletic Training Education Programs
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie , Nottingham Sara , Coleman Kelly
Published: September 2021

Background: New faculty members become oriented to their new positions through numerous methods, such as institutional mechanisms as well as networking with various individuals. The process of acculturation is often complex, and best understood from a socialization framework. Role transition for the faculty member is often accomplished through professional socialization, or the experiences prior to beginning a faculty position. However, role transition also continues once the newly minted doctoral student is catapulted into employment. This dynamic, on-going process is often seen as organizational socialization. Objective: We sought to understand how Athletic Training faculty members navigate role transition, from doctoral student to faculty member during the pre-tenure years. Procedures: 19 junior Athletic Training faculty members completed semi-structured interviews to discuss their role transition and inductance into higher education. Data were analyzed following a general inductive approach. Credibility was secured through triangulation, peer review, and interpretative member checks. Results: We found that several organizational mechanisms were in place to support this time of role transition: 1) interviews, 2) orientation, 3) professional development activities, and 4) role consistency. Also, internal motivation and individual inquisitiveness supported this transition, as the junior faculty often solicited feedback or advice from others in their department to evaluate what was expected of them and how to succeed while performing their roles.
Incivility Among Radiography Educators in the United States
Authors: Clark Kevin , Wagner Jessyca
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Medical imaging education must nurture a civil environment for both students and educators. Because faculty incivility can potentially compromise learning and interfere with workplace productivity, this study examined the perceptions of incivility among radiography educators in the United States. Methods: A survey research method was designed to examine the severity and frequency of incivility among educators teaching in radiography programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT). Using a scale of 1 to 4, the participants in this study considered their perceptions of faculty incivility among radiography educators within their respective departments. Results: Civility has been demonstrated as a perceived problem in this survey. A total of 240/1,333 educators completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 18%. Only 40.4% (97/240) of the participants in this study perceived that the severity of incivility was not a problem. The majority of the participant perceived civility to be an issue with 23.8% (57/240) reporting a minor problem; 39/240 (16.3%) said it was a moderate problem; and 47/240 (19.6%) believed faculty incivility is a major problem among radiography educators in the United States. Interestingly, severe uncivil faculty behaviors did not occur as often as behaviors classified as less severe. A very weak negative correlation was found between perceived severity of faculty incivility and age of radiography educators, indicating age increased as the perceived severity of faculty incivility slightly decreased and vice versa. Conclusions: Faculty incivility is perceived to be occurring among radiography educators in the United States. This study provides a foundation for future research to address various aspects of incivility among imaging sciences and radiation therapy educators in the United States.
MBTI® Type and Interprofessional Communication in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
Authors: Smith Laura , Curtis Christin , Perry Morgan , LoVasco Laura , Yorke Amy , Talley Susan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) improves patient outcomes and health care by use of appropriate communication. Personality factors may affect communication in interprofessional collaborations. The purposes of this study were to identify common Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality types of entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students along with gender difference and to make recommendations as to how the MBTI® assessment can used to help develop the interprofessional communication competency domain among student physical therapists. Method: Thirty-two entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students in the first semester of their third year of study completed the paper based, MBTI® Form M Self-Scorable. Results: Most personality types were represented; the most common were ISTJ (n=5) and ENFJ (n=4). Significant gender differences were found in the Introversion/Extraversion and the Thinking/Feeling dichotomies, but no differences were found related to age. Conclusions and Recommendations: The MBTI® may be an effective tool for students to engage in self-evaluation and improve awareness of how personality types may influence communication and teamwork in IPE activities, thereby incorporating this into deliberate behavioral changes. Recommendations for integrating these findings into classroom teaching styles includes: 1) fostering tools and techniques for communication in interprofessional teams 2) deliberate practice in provider–patient interactions, and 3) self-reflection and practice.
Impact of International Immersion Experiences in Occupational Therapy Education: A Retrospective Survey
Authors: Salls Joyce , Provident Ingrid , Dolhi Cathy
Published: September 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an international education experience on participants’ self-perceived personal growth, international perspective, and intellectual development using a modified version of the International Education Survey (IES). Method. Seventy-one participants, representing occupational therapy practitioners and students from multiple universities, completed the survey. Results. Mean scores were highest for impact in the area of International Perspectives (M= 5.32), followed by Personal Development (M=4.65), and Intellectual Development (M=4.05). Additionally, 100% of the participants responded that all university students should be encouraged to engage in international education experiences (M=6.66). Qualitative comments related to the impact of their experiences revealed increased awareness and appreciation for cultural differences, a feeling of personal growth, and a reshaping of both personal life priorities and professional responsibilities. Study limitations include the relatively small sample size, variability of length of participants’ international experience, as well the variability in the number of immersion experiences reported. Conclusions and Recommendations. Engaging students in international immersion experiences during academic preparation had a positive impact on participants’ self-perceived cultural competence. Future research should explore the impact of the length of time and number of international experiences on practitioners’ perceptions of cultural competence as well as the impact of immersion experiences on professional practice.
Athletic Training Student and Student Aide Clinical Task Allowance in the Secondary School Setting
Authors: Winkelmann Zachary , Huggins Robert , Eberman Lindsey
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Athletic training student aides (SA) are minors in high school that participate in an athletic training experience under the supervision of secondary school athletic trainers (SSAT). The NATA published an official statement on the proper supervision of SAs related to task allowance. As SSATs may also supervise athletic training students (ATSs), it is important to understand the differences in both. Therefore, the objective was to explore the training, task allowance, and perspectives of SAs and ATSs by SSATs during clinical experiences. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey for this study. SSATs (n=3,567) from the ATLAS database were recruited and 614 participants (age=39±11years, years credentialed=12±9years) completed the study. An online survey was developed to reflect the NATA official statement for task allowance and supervision of SAs and ATSs. Dependent variables included requirements and task allowance of the SA and ATS based on supervision (direct, autonomous, and restricted), and the personal perceptions from SSATs. Results: 76.5% of SSATs reported having SAs involved in their clinical practice. Less than 50% of SSATs implemented recommended trainings related to emergency preparedness, first aid, and patient privacy. When exploring task allowance, most SSATs were following best practice guidelines for job-related tasks. Additionally, SSATs were allowing ATSs to perform more tasks autonomously as compared to SAs. Conclusions: SSATs are mostly following best practice recommendations for task allowance, whereby they are providing supervision to SAs in the appropriate areas and not allowing certain duties. However, 100% compliance was not met, thus increasing risks to patients and the profession. SSATs should improve training and preparedness for the SAs involved in their clinical practice Additionally, SSATs are allowing ATSs to perform job-related tasks autonomously or with directed supervision during clinical experiences with the exception to administrative tasks and autonomous clinical-decision making.
Perceptions of the Impact of Non-contact Boxing on Social and Community Engagement for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Humphrey Casey , Howell Dana , Custer Melba
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To explore the perceptions of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) on their experiences within a community based, non-contact boxing program. Specifically, this study considered how these individuals perceived non-contact boxing to influence their social and community engagement and factors influencing ongoing participation in this program. Method: This was a phenomenological case study that utilized qualitative methods for data collection including semi-structured interviews and observation. Colaizzi’s method was used for data analysis. A convenience sample obtained from a boxing club that offered PD specific boxing classes was used. The sample included 10 participants (3 female, 7 male) ranging in age from 52 to 84 years. Participants typically attended a 75 minute boxing class two to three times per week. Results: The exhaustive description of the phenomenon was that individuals with PD have a strong desire to maintain the life they had prior to their diagnosis and chose activities, such as non-contact boxing, which supported their ability to sustain that lifestyle. Two themes were identified which included 1) “The people I’ve met here and spent time with will be friends forever” and 2) “I don’t have to be Muhammed Ali. It’s not about that.” Conclusions: This study provided a basic understanding of the subjective experiences of individuals with PD who participated in non-contact boxing. Findings demonstrated that non-contact boxing facilitates the growth of supportive relationship for individuals with PD. The study also found that individuals with PD believe non-contact boxing provided a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits which facilitated their ability to maintain participation in valued activities.
Empathy and Regard: Perspectives Held by Graduate Students of Rehabilitation Sciences
Authors: Metz Alexia , Christoff Allison
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Empathy and regard are understood to be critical to high-quality health care. The purposes of this study were: 1) to increase the representation of the rehabilitation sciences within the literature, 2) to refine the distinctions between empathy and regard, and 3) to examine the relation between empathy and regard within the context of two medical conditions with disparate amounts of associated stigma (cerebrovascular accident [CVA] and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV/AIDS]). Method: Utilizing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Professions Student version and the Medical Condition Regard Scale, levels of empathy and regard were assessed twice in first-year graduate students of clinical doctoral programs in occupational therapy and physical therapy and a master’s speech-language pathology program, once each in the contexts of CVA and HIV/AIDS. Results: Findings indicate that students of the rehabilitation sciences have empathy levels similar to published levels for students in other health professions; empathy and regard are distinct characteristics, where when assessed in the context of a stigmatized condition, empathy was similar but regard ; and empathy and regard positively vary with one another in the context of a stigmatized medical condition Conclusions: This study suggests that there may be unmet potential for training in empathy and a need for increased education on stigmatized medical conditions to enhance regard.
Student Experiences with Engagement in a Nursing and Physical Therapy Interprofessional Education Simulation
Authors: Koplow Sarah , Morris Melissa , Rone-Adams Shari , Hettrick Heather , Litwin Bini , Soontupe Lisa , Vatwani Archana
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Interprofessional Education (IPE) incorporated into healthcare discipline instruction has been shown to be successful in improving the understanding perceptions of complimentary professions. The purpose of this mixed method study was to measure differences in perceptions of early Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with participation in a immersive interprofessional education experience. Method: Students completed a pre and posttest survey consisting of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and several short answer qualitative questions. Cohorts of BSN and DPT students participated in a computerized mannequin simulation experience or a hybrid simulation. Results: Students indicated they learned about each other’s scope of practice and recognized the benefits of teamwork through collaboration. Conclusion: Students showed increased knowledge of the other profession, appreciated the opportunity for interprofessional learning, and were interested in having more IPE simulation learning experiences.
The Utility and Value of The Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online Resource During Work-integrated learning: A mixed methods study.
Authors: Preston Elisabeth , Chapple Cathy , Mayland Elizabeth , Ada Louise , Hale Leigh
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the use and value of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during work-integrated learning in naïve physiotherapy students. Method: A mixed methods study design was used. Participants: Forty-four final year physiotherapy students participating in neurological work-integrated learning units of study participated in this study. Intervention: Students had access to the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during their 6-week neurological work-integrated learning unit of study, which includes video footage and written information about 25 practical skills related to the physiotherapy management of stroke. Outcome Measures: Use of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource was examined by recording the number of hits on the resource, the number of students who accessed it, the number of times each student accessed it, and the time it was accessed. Students’ perception of the value of the resource was explored through semi-structured interviews. Results: There were 46 hits on the resource, by 13 (30%) students during the neurological work-integrated learning unit of study. Ten students accessed the resource twice or more. Double the number of hits occurred outside of work hours compared with during work hours. Qualitative analysis revealed five themes regarding the low usage of the resource by students: content of the resource; learning style; learning behavior and expectations; technical issues; and practical issues. Conclusion: Use of the resource was low, with only a small number of students using the resource on a few occasions. Value of the resource could not be clearly established.
Knowledge Levels, Attitude and Beliefs of Men towards the Digital Rectal Examinations (DRE): A study in Trinidad
Authors: Onuoha Philip , Mootoo-Ramdeen Gloria , Romany Melany , La Fleur-Roseman G , Roopnarine J , Diaspia-Murrell D , Martin-boucaud K , Hypolite P
Published: September 2021

Background: Trinidad and Tobago have been ranked as having one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the Caribbean. Prostate cancer was identified as the most common cancer in men, with a higher mortality than any other cancer. At least 1 in 9 men in Trinidad and Tobago will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge levels, attitudes, and beliefs of men aged 40 years and over regarding digital rectal examination (DRE). The investigators considered this crucial following the scourge of prostate cancer in Trinidad and Tobago and an apparent lack of the use of the DRE, a noted method of screening for the condition for early detection. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken using 216 men who were at least 40 years old and who gave their informed consent; these men were attending a central mall in Trinidad in the month of April 2018 when the data was collected. Data was collected using the researchers’ designed, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 20. Result: Results indicate that most men (95.8%) are knowledgeable/very knowledgeable about DRE. Similarly, most (64.6%) of the men have favourable/very favourable attitudes towards DRE while 59.3% of them indicated that their beliefs have little or major influence regarding their participation in DRE. It also showed that the men’s beliefs are associated with their ethnicity (pDiscussion/Recommendation/Conclusion: The findings suggest that perhaps the attitudes and beliefs of men aged 40 years and over attending this mall are better predictors of intentions than their knowledge. This needs to be explored further given the need to curb the prevalence of prostate cancer amongst men in Trinidad and Tobago.
Feasibility of a Readiness Exam for Predicting Radiography Program Success: A Pilot Study
Authors: Webster Tammy , McBrien Sarah , Mehrer Gregory , Sayles Harlan
Published: September 2021

Background: Research investigating predictors of academic success in rigorous health science education is valuable for curricular intervention for identified at-risk students. Various predictors of success have been investigated, but the literature is insufficient when examining anatomy and physiology readiness scores as they correlate to radiography curricular success. This pilot study assessed the correlation between readiness exam scores and programmatic course GPA to determine if the scores could be used as a metric for identifying academic success resources for incoming students. Cohorts of the radiography program at a midwestern health sciences center demonstrated a longitudinal trend of difficulty with anatomy and physiology programmatic coursework. Therefore, researchers set out to investigate whether or not readiness exam scores, in addition to the metrics they were already utilizing, could be used as a tool for early academic remediation. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if the anatomy and physiology readiness exam scores would be reliable indicators of programmatic success in anatomy and physiology program coursework. Design: This investigation occurred in two phases: a retrospective correlational phase and a quasi-experimental phase. Methods: Retrospective data from cohorts that matriculated between 2013 and 2017 (n=91) was collected and de-identified. Data included prerequisite grade point average (GPA) and grades from anatomy and physiology course taken during the program. During the quasi-experimental phase, a sample of students (n=18) completed a readiness examination. The scores from this examination were correlated with prerequisite GPA and program anatomy and physiology GPA. Results: Data analysis revealed prerequisite GPA and the anatomy and physiology section of the readiness examination to be strong and moderate predictors of programmatic anatomy and physiology course grades, respectively. Conclusion: Predictors of curricular success in a radiography program’s anatomy and physiology coursework are essential factors to consider in relation to admissions practices, curricular prerequisite standards, and on-boarding of new students, especially those identified as at-risk.
Effects of Resistance Training on Smoking Abstinence Self-Efficacy in Sedentary Smokers
Authors: Richardson Scott , Alvar Brent , Dodd Daniel , Nair Uma , Seltzer Ryan
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is prevalent with 40 million Americans smoking and one in five deaths attributed to this behavior. Aims: This study examined effects of a resistance training (RT) program on smoking abstinence self-efficacy. Methods: Forty (40) participants were randomized into intervention or control groups. Smoking abstinence self-efficacy, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking behavior were measured. Results/Findings: RT group presented with statistically significant greater increases in self-efficacy compared to control. RT group participants also presented with non-significantly greater decreases in smoking behavior and withdrawal symptoms compared to control. Conclusions: This study demonstrates effectiveness of RT in improving smoking abstinence self-efficacy.