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Assessing the Influence of Leadership Practices on Healthcare Job Satisfaction: A Quantitative, Non-Experimental Correlational Study
No full textThis quantitative, non-experimental correlational study investigated the impact of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership practices on job satisfaction among healthcare employees in the United States, with burnout as a mediator. This research addressed a critical issue: declining job satisfaction amid rising burnout, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing data from 145 participants via the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey, and Job Satisfaction Survey, the study analyzed correlations and mediation effects. Key findings revealed that transformational leadership significantly enhanced personal accomplishment and reduced depersonalization, while transactional leadership lowered emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, whereas laissez- faire leadership showed no significant impact. Job satisfaction factors, such as the Nature of Work, were positively influenced by transformational and transactional leadership. Nevertheless, overall predictive power remained low, and burnout mediation was non-significant across leadership styles. Grounded in Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the results aligned with the literature on leadership’s role in morale but highlighted context-specific limitations in U.S. trauma hospitals, suggesting the need for larger samples in future research. The study offered practical insights for healthcare leaders to enhance well-being, though gaps in ethical leadership analysis and sample size variability warranted further investigation
Balancing Data Accessibility and Privacy: Machine Learning Approach to PII Detection in Electronic Health Records
No full textThis constructive research study examined the development of a scalable, context-aware machine learning (ML) framework for detecting personally identifiable information (PII) in unstructured electronic health records (EHRs). The research problem addressed the absence of reproducible, data-driven methods capable of balancing privacy preservation and data accessibility while maintaining compliance with legal frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study focused on healthcare organizations and researchers who face challenges protecting sensitive health data while facilitating secure data sharing for clinical and analytical purposes. The study's purpose was to construct, implement, and evaluate a privacy-preserving artifact guided by the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) framework. The research design integrated natural language processing (NLP) with unsupervised and hybrid ML algorithms, including term frequency–inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) vectorization, singular value decomposition (SVD), and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN). A transformer-based named entity recognition (NER) module utilizing Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) to validate clustering outputs. The research data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database, a publicly available and de-identified dataset licensed through PhysioNet (Johnson et al., 2016).The experimental code and replication scripts are available at: https://github.com/NU-Academics/PII-Detection or Bert & Regular_Expression PII Detection - Colab. The model was trained and evaluated in Google Colab using BigQuery integration to ensure compliance with PhysioNet's data-use requirements. Empirical results showed that at a sample size of 5,000 records, the model achieved a precision of 0.955 and a recall of 0.466. When scaled to 10,000 records, precision remained high at 0.854, while recall improved to 0.580. Clustering validity indices confirmed coherent separation between PII-dense and non-PII clusters (silhouette coefficient ≈ 0.38–0.45; Davies–Bouldin Index ≈ 0.95–0.99). Approximately 61 percent of the records were labeled as noise, indicating that the model effectively isolated high-risk text regions while minimizing false positives. The study concluded that unsupervised NLP methods can reliably identify latent PII patterns within de-identified clinical narratives, achieving performance comparable to that of supervised models with lower computational costs. These findings demonstrate that scalable ML frameworks can reconcile the privacy–utility balance in EHR analytics. The research recommends incorporating hybrid explainable AI components, such as SHAP and LIME, to improve interpretability and extend future validation to institutionally governed datasets containing unredacted identifiers under Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight
Cognitive Asymmetry: Language, Learning, and Intelligence in American Classrooms
No full textCognitive Asymmetry: Language, Learning, and Intelligence in American Classrooms is not an argument about superiority, nor a manifesto against educators. It is an examination of misalignment. Across the United States, multilingual students routinely demonstrate neural patterns associated with enhanced executive control, conflict monitoring, perspective shifting, and social cognition. At the same time, instructional authority in classrooms is typically organized around monolingual norms—linear language processing, surface fluency, and narrow definitions of academic performance. The result is an asymmetry between cognitive capacity and institutional authority that quietly shapes expectations, placement decisions, and instructional design
Exploring Retention through Student Motivation and Engagement in Martial Arts Education: A Qualitative Narrative Study
No full textHigh attrition rates among beginner martial arts students pose a persistent challenge for martial arts organizations and limit the long-term physical, psychological, and educational benefits of sustained training. The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to explore former martial arts students’ perceptions of barriers to retention and to examine how motivation and engagement influenced their decision to discontinue training prior to achieving the rank of black belt. Guided by Vroom’s expectancy theory, this study sought to better understand the relationship among initial motivation, instructional experiences, and attrition. Data were collected through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with 10 former adult martial arts students who met the study’s eligibility criteria. Participants were recruited through social media, word-of-mouth referrals, and community outreach. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis in NVivo®. Member checking and reflexivity were employed to enhance credibility and trustworthiness. The findings revealed that attrition resulted from a convergence of three compounding categories of barriers: Psychological and Emotional Barriers, Expectations-versus-Reality Barriers, and Systemic and Contextual Barriers. Although initial enrollment was often driven by deeply personal motivations—particularly trauma-related self-defense needs—these motivations were insufficient to sustain engagement when instructional practices, curriculum relevance, and organizational stability failed to align with participant expectations. The study contributes to a multidimensional retention model and offers implications for trauma-informed instructional practices, curricular relevance, and systemic reliability. These findings provide actionable guidance for improving retention strategies and inform future research on motivation, engagement, and persistence in martial arts education
Beyond Barriers: Strengthening Family Engagement in a Title I Elementary School
No full textFamily engagement is associated with improved student outcomes; however, sustaining meaningful engagement remains challenging in high-poverty Title I elementary schools in historically underserved rural communities. The problem addressed in this study was the difficulty schools face in maintaining consistent family engagement despite its benefits for students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how educators and a school administrator at a high-poverty Title I elementary school described family engagement practices, contextual barriers to participation, and student outcomes when families were consistently connected to the school. Ecological systems theory and the theory of overlapping spheres of influence guided the study. This single instrumental qualitative case study employed semi-structured interviews with educators and a school administrator, as well as a document analysis of school-based artifacts related to family engagement. Data were analyzed through a systematic coding process to identify patterns across participant perspectives and documents. Findings indicated that engagement was strengthened through relational trust, accessible two-way communication, culturally responsive practices, and shared leadership, all of which were supported by community partnerships. Participants described barriers such as work schedules, transportation limitations, and financial constraints as structural rather than motivational. Participants also described connections between consistent engagement and improved student motivation, attendance, behavior, and academic effort. The conclusions suggest that meaningful family engagement in high-poverty Title I elementary schools is achievable when schools prioritize trust, reduce access barriers, and implement responsive, context-aligned practices
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Attrition
No full textThe problem addressed in this study was the high attrition rate in early childhood special education teachers. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to understand experienced early childhood special education teachers’ strategies to reduce attrition. The theoretical framework chosen for this study was social constructivism. The population for this study was experienced early childhood special education teachers in the United States. The final sample size was 12 current and former early childhood special education teachers with five or more years’ experience in Washington State. The individual semi-structured interviews were conducted via an online platform interview either with Zoom or in person. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed through Zoom interview software. The data was then coded for themes with the help of NVivo software. The analysis approach used was thematic analysis which assisted in the discovery of 12 categories and six themes that answered the two research questions. The findings revealed multiple quotes from the participants with an abundance of positive reflections and reasons why these ECSE teachers stayed in the profession for more than four years. The study recommended avenues for early childhood teacher retention which included mentorship with an experienced team of early childhood special education teachers, constructive administrative support, a positive team culture, and professional development that is relevant for the early childhood special education teacher. The study noted that teachers need to be prepared academically, have an internship with continued mentoring, good workplace conditions, and positive administrative support
The Impacts of Intergenerational Trauma on African Americans and their Perspectives on Seeking Mental Health Treatment
No full textThis qualitative ethnographic study addresses the negative impact of intergenerational trauma on African Americans' perspectives on seeking mental health treatment in the U.S. The objective was to understand how cultural norms and practices shape perspectives on mental health and to explore how the history of intergenerational trauma can reduce willingness to seek mental health support. The study focused on African American adults aged 21 and over, using purposive sampling to select 14 participants who understood cultural values, customs, or beliefs and could serve as representatives. Social learning theory served as the foundation for this research. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews to obtain information on the negative impacts of intergenerational trauma. A narrative analysis was utilized for this study to identify key themes in each participant's experience. The research findings revealed a variety of themes, including effects of intergenerational trauma on African American communities, how cultural norms and practices shape mental health perspectives, and the impact of the history of intergenerational trauma. The findings of this research study identified several barriers resulting from intergenerational trauma, including mistrust of healthcare systems, financial hardship, limited access to care, and a lack of culturally competent providers. The results also highlighted the complex and sometimes contradictory roles that cultural factors play in shaping mental health perspectives and behaviors within African American communities. Based on these findings, this study offers three recommendations for practice. First, for African Americans to develop trust in the healthcare system, resources must be accessible, affordable, and tailored to their needs. Second, to minimize stigma, silence, and secrecy around help-seeking and mental health discussions, additional community spaces should be established to facilitate dialogue about the benefits of mental health services. Third, African American communities should focus on reshaping their self-narrative, prioritizing self-perception over societal views
Teachers’ Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) for Title 1 Schools: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
No full textThe disproportionate use of exclusionary discipline practices against African American students contributes significantly to the preschool-to-prison pipeline, highlighting the need for equitable alternatives. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) has been promoted as a framework for reducing exclusionary practices by emphasizing prevention, consistency, and equity. This qualitative phenomenological study explored teachers’ perceptions of PBIS implementation, its effectiveness in addressing disproportionate discipline, and the challenges that limit its fidelity. Semi-structured interviews with 8 preschool teachers from Title 1 schools were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software and implementation science as a guiding framework. Findings revealed that teachers valued PBIS interventions and incentives as tools for prevention but noted inconsistent implementation across classrooms, insufficient resources and staffing, and a lack of culturally responsive professional development. Teachers also emphasized the ongoing disproportionate impact of exclusionary discipline on students of color, describing their roles as navigating bias, advocating for fairness and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen equity through PBIS. Implications for practice include the need for ongoing professional learning centered on equity, and collaborative engagement among educators. The study contributes to the literature by elevating teacher voices in understanding the complexities of PBIS implementation and by highlighting the conditions necessary for PBIS to fulfill its potential as a tool for equity in discipline and as a means of disrupting the preschool-to-prison pipeline
The Newfound Servant Leader in High-Risk Construction: Leadership Practices Molding Sustainability, Effectiveness, and Human Retention
No full textThe commercial electrical construction industry operates within a high-risk and highly competitive environment, consistently facing challenges that hinder financial stability and organizational efficiency, thereby limiting growth opportunities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of servant leadership in enhancing profitability within the high-risk commercial electrical construction industry. The research leveraged a mixed-methods design, integrating a qualitative case study and a quantitative survey approach to capture employees’ perceptions and their influence on financial outcomes. The participant pool comprised 13 participants representing multiple organizational levels within a high-risk electrical construction firm. Data were collected during structured interviews and surveys. Thematic analysis using NVivo software revealed convergent patterns linking servant leadership behaviors to enhanced employee empowerment, improved communication, and more effective decision-making. The quantitative findings reinforced these themes. While the study had limitations, including a small sample size and constraints on generalizability beyond the study context, the findings confirm that leadership grounded in empathy and reciprocity enhances operational and financial outcomes. The results indicate that Servant Leadership is a pragmatic, financially relevant leadership style for the high-risk construction sector. This research offers valuable strategies and tactics for industry leaders to traverse the complexities of their business, improve profit margins, and contribute to broader economic growth
Identifying Novel Critical Success Factors that Ensure Adoption of Medical Equipment: A Quantitative Multivariate Analysis Study
No full textHealthcare organizations often experience challenges implementing complex medical technology due to end-user reluctance and limited adoption of full device capabilities. These challenges are frequently associated with insufficient prioritization of critical success factors that support effective clinical implementation. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify and prioritize critical success factors influencing successful medical device adoption and to determine whether perceptions differed across professional roles within a healthcare vendor organization. A nonexperimental quantitative design was employed using survey data collected from 102 participants representing multiple professional roles within a hospital patient monitoring division of a medical device vendor in the United States. Twenty-seven critical success factors were categorized into technological, organizational, and environmental domains. One-way multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to assess differences in perceptions across roles, and descriptive analyses were used to rank factor importance. Results indicated no statistically significant differences across roles, suggesting strong organizational alignment. The highest-ranked factors were organizational and included project communication, adequate resources, project planning, project mission clarity, and leadership competence. These findings support the integration of organizational-focused strategies to improve medical device adoption. Recommendations for future research include validating the framework across additional healthcare settings and research designs