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Generative AI and the Role of Educators in the Creative Arts
No full textEducators have always had a hand in our future; influencing and nurturing those who will make that future. There is no doubt that AI will also have an influence, but AI is still in its formative years. These early years are precious because they allow experimentation before AI becomes entrenched in our society. The three projects in this second part of the AI issue of Tradition-Innovations in Art, Design, and Media Higher Education, Generative Algorithm for Art and Architecture: A collaborative interdisciplinary course structure nurturing transdisciplinary GenAI-supported design, Teaching Creatives to be Provocateurs: Establishing a Digital Humanist Approach for Generative A.I. in the Classroom, and The Voice Actor and Their Double: Working as a voice actor and teaching voice acting in the age of A.I. voice cloning are focused on leading that experimentation.
The brave educators who submitted these projects have not built walls around their classrooms, hoping the traditional methods of art & design education will thrive within while blocking new developments out. Instead, they have allowed themselves to be vulnerable by testing generative AI alongside their students, simultaneously guiding their experiments and building a shared framework for understanding
Implementation of an Evidence-Based Program to Reduce Fall Risk of Older Adults in Nevada
No full textAs Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, we completed a service-learning project to deliver a free evidence-based fall prevention program to senior residents of Nevada. “Stepping On” is a 7-week fall prevention program from the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging that is designed for older adults who are at risk or fearful of falling or for those who want to increase their awareness of fall prevention strategies. The program includes learning balance and strengthening exercises, discussing fall prevention strategies, and collaborating with community partners and healthcare professionals. The first objective of this service-learning project was to offer the program to metropolitan and rural communities as well as through a virtual platform to improve access to this type of program. We also planned to measure the unique strengths and limitations of each platform through qualitative measures. This objective was measured through participant attendance, student critical analysis where we compared our experiences in leading each program, and feedback from participants, guest experts, and community partners. The project’s second objective was to advance our professional growth as DPT students, which was attained through written self-reflection. We each assessed our professional development in the context of the core values established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
There were initially 47 participants between the three platforms. By the end of the seventh week, 77% of the original participants remained. The highest percentage of completion was noted in the Pahrump platform, while the lowest percentage was amongst the Las Vegas platform. Through this project, we acquired leadership skills, improved our communication, adapted our teaching styles towards older adults, and recognized the importance of contributing to the communities’ specific needs. Out of the nine APTA core values, the three that were the most commonly reflected on were duty, collaboration, and compassion and caring. We additionally identified areas for improvement by analyzing our limitations, acknowledging constructive feedback from participants and guest partners, and recognizing areas for future work to enhance future programs. Overall, this service-learning project achieved its primary aims of improving access to an evidence-based fall prevention program in addition to facilitating our professional growth and development as DPT students
Introduction of the Anatomy Academy Program To Children in a Rural Elementary School
No full textChildren in rural communities experience health and education disparities. Early exposure to health promoting habits can positively impact future health habits. Healthcare providers who grew up in rural areas are more likely to practice in rural areas. Doctor of physical therapy students and physical therapists implemented Anatomy Academy, a service-learning program aimed at promoting healthy living and introducing healthcare occupations, to elementary students in a rural area as this program had previously only been implemented in urban areas. The Biomedical Institutional Review Board at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas approved this study. A 40-minute lesson was delivered weekly for seven weeks by four doctor of physical therapy students and two physical therapists to fourth grade children at a rural Nevada elementary school. A cohort study design was used to collect data from the children using a twenty-question survey. Incomplete or unmatched pre/post surveys were not included in the final analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 27. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to compare pre- and post-survey data among all participants. Where significant differences were found, descriptive statistics to determine the actual changes in survey responses were analyzed. The data analysis included 43 completed surveys and excluded 32 incomplete or unmatched surveys. Significant differences were noted in the subjective responses to “How much do you like to learn about anatomy?” (pre-score 60.5% favorable response, post-score 90% favorable response, p=.001), “Do you have an interest in becoming a healthcare worker?” (pre- 11.6% yes, 41.9% no, post-51.2% yes, 16.3% no, p=.003), and “How much screen time do you get per day?” (pre-48.8% \u3c 2 hours, post-62.8% \u3c 2 hours, p=.013). For objective responses, we noted significant increase in correct responses to the following questions: “Where is the first place digestion starts to occur?” (pre-32.6%, post-74.4%, p=.003), and “How many minutes per day should you and other children do physical activities?” (pre-23.3%, post-55.8%, p=.0004). Study participants reported increased interest in health care and increased knowledge of some anatomy and health habits content following Anatomy Academy. The study was limited to fourth grade students at a rural elementary school in Nevada, so results may not be generalizable to other areas or populations. Student reflections on their Anatomy Academy experiences were collected through a Qualtrics questionnaire after weeks one and seven to allow doctor of physical therapy students to expand on the professional and interpersonal growth obtained throughout their opportunity, while also tying their experiences to the American Physical Therapy Association core values. A Qualtrics questionnaire was administered to stakeholders of the elementary school to assist with examining intervention outcomes and Anatomy Academy program perceptions. Physical therapists and doctor of physical therapy students can provide children in rural communities with knowledge about health promotion and fitness through programs such as Anatomy Academy, possibly creating opportunities for future healthcare leaders in rural areas where healthcare providers are limited. Future research in other rural areas is warranted
Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices to Improve Treatment for Patients with Neck Pain: A Pilot Study
No full textPurpose: To determine physical therapists’ barriers to implementation and subsequent maintenance of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for treating neck pain from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) neck pain Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) over the course of six months.
Materials and Methods: Participating physical therapists were trained on the EBPs of treating neck pain through a live 90-minute webinar followed by a hands-on, in-person 90-minute session. Clinics were supplied with all necessary equipment and reference guides. Assessment of participant maintenance to neck pain EBPs included data collection from a baseline Knowledge Check survey prior to educational sessions, an Implementation survey at two months post educational sessions, and a Maintenance survey at six months post educational sessions.
Results: 75% of the participants stated that they maintained the use of the recommended EBP guidelines six months after the educational sessions. When participants were asked how often they used the EBPs taught six months previously, 25% responded with, “about half of the time,” 50% responded with, “most of the time,” and 25% responded with, “always.”
The most commonly reported barriers were a high patient caseload, perception that patient outcomes were not improving, availability of one-on-one time with patients, and too short of patient treatment sessions to be able to implement EBP-related interventions for neck pain effectively. Participants who stated they had a high self- efficacy were more likely to perform mobilizations and use the recommended EBP modalities
Modulating Cortical Excitability to Improve Functional Movements in Individuals with Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textPurpose/Hypothesis: Persons with patellofemoral pain (PFP) often exhibit increased knee valgus during functional tasks that is traditionally addressed by strengthening weak hip musculature. However, research related to this topic has revealed altered cortical reorganization in individuals with PFP contributes to dysfunctional movements and underscores the critical role of central neural control in this condition. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that alters cortical excitability to enhance neuroplasticity. Research using tDCS priming supports its feasibility as a possible treatment for other musculoskeletal conditions. However, its application specifically targeting the corticomotor function of the gluteal musculature in individuals with PFP has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of tDCS plus exercise to affect frontal plane kinematics during functional tasks in persons with PFP. We hypothesized that with tDCS priming, exercise would be more effective at improving frontal plane kinematics when compared to sham stimulation paired with exercise in persons with PFP.
Participants: Ten persons with unilateral or bilateral PFP. If bilateral PFP was the presentation, the involved limb was determined as being the more symptomatic side for a longer period of time. (6M/4F, age=28.2±6.88 yrs, BMI=26.83± 6.67).
Materials and Methods: Participants attended 2 sessions in which tDCS or sham stimulation was delivered using a bihemispheric montage with the anode over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the affected limb. During these conditions, participants performed four different hip strengthening exercises. Before and after each session, participants performed 5 functional tasks (single leg squat, single leg landing, single leg hop, forward step down, and lateral step down) on the symptomatic leg recorded in a frontal plane view. Pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) was also recorded. Kinematics were measured for each task, including trunk lean angle (TLA), hip and knee frontal plane projection angles (FPPA), and dynamic valgus index (DVI) at peak knee flexion. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures and post-hoc pairwise comparisons was employed to compare the kinematics, while a Friedman test was used to compare VAS across the 3 conditions (pre-intervention, post-tDCS, and post-Sham).
Results: No significant difference in TLA, hip FPPA, knee FPPA, or DVI was found among the 3 conditions during single leg squat, single leg hop, forward step down, and lateral step down (p\u3e0.05). While knee FPPA was significantly lower post-Sham compared to pre-intervention during single leg landing (pre-intervention=7.73°±5.95°; post-Sham=3.70°±6.18°; p=.018), this change was less than calculated standard error of measurement. VAS scores were not different among the 3 conditions (p=.147).
Conclusions: A single session of tDCS with exercise was ineffective at improving frontal plane kinematics and reducing pain while performing functional tasks in persons with PFP when compared to exercise alone.
Clinical Relevance: Additional studies are needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential outcomes associated with tDCS in persons with PFP
Cost Benefit Analysis of Anesthesia Providers within Gastroenterology Outpatient Practices
No full textAnesthesia delivery in ambulatory and office-based settings has seen significant growth in the last 25 years. The advances in effective short-acting anesthetic drugs, combined with the rise in demand for minimally invasive surgery, allows for an increase in the number of surgical procedures to be achieved outside the hospital setting. Ambulatory anesthesia promotes patient health by reducing recovery times. It also contributes to sustainability by lowering costs otherwise associated with overnight hospital stays. Patient preferences for minimally invasive outpatient surgery, and faster recovery times have spurred an increased demand for business relationships between modern medical practices and anesthesia providers. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are qualified to administer ambulatory anesthesia in all settings.
However, there is a general lack of understanding of the costs and benefits related to anesthesia within small businesses. This DNP author’s decade of experience within Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) instructs that ASCs lack decision-making tools for the cost-effective addition or subtraction of anesthesia providers. This project aims to answer the question: “What financial framework would empower the modern Gastroenterology outpatient marketplace to effectively add CRNAs to the medical team?”
The purpose of this project is to transform ASC profitability and sustainability by proposing a framework including costs/benefit analysis, tipping points, sensitivities, and service requirements for employing CRNAs. Analysis will result in empowering ASCs to make evidence-based decisions regarding how patient throughput contributes to CRNA profitability for small businesses
Exploring Intention Mapping and Action in Pursuit of Emotional Storytelling for Musicians
No full textThis document presents a novel approach to music education by integrating acting pedagogies, specifically the concepts of Intention and Action, to enhance the expressive capabilities of musicians. Rooted in the methodologies of Konstantin Stanislavski, Sanford Meisner, and Michael Chekhov, this research seeks to bridge the gap between traditional music education, which often emphasizes technical execution, and the need for emotional expressivity and storytelling in musical performances.
The role of the musician as a \u27human instrument,\u27 capable of conveying complex human emotions and narratives through music is explored in this document. Drawing from acting techniques, the document proposes methods to help musicians internalize and express emotions more authentically, thus elevating their communicative power. The introduction of Intention Mapping or Actioning in musical performances is examined, where specific intentions are assigned to musical phrases, transforming technical execution into emotionally charged expression.
The document discusses the impact of these acting methodologies on teaching approaches and student experiences in music education. It suggests that this interdisciplinary approach can lead to more holistic development, emphasizing not just technical skills but also emotional intelligence, empathy, and narrative understanding.
Furthermore, it delves into the psychological theories underpinning these methods, including the James-Lange theory and cognitive appraisal theory, to understand how intentions stimulate emotions. The role of mirror neurons in the performer-audience interaction is also explored, highlighting the empathetic resonance that can be achieved through this approach.
In conclusion, the document argues that the integration of acting methodologies in music education can transform performance dynamics, leading to more emotionally resonant and communicatively effective musical experiences. This innovative approach has the potential to reshape teaching methodologies and expand career opportunities for musicians, making them more versatile and expressive artists. The document calls for further research into the cognitive and emotional processes underlying this interdisciplinary approach, paving the way for its broader application in the arts
This is My Place: The Academic Library as a Retention Resource
No full textThis dissertation project addressed the gulf between the persistence rates of students in underrepresented minority (URM) and non-URM communities. To this end, a multisite exploratory qualitative case study focused on the experiences of students in academic libraries was conducted. The project applied a sense of belonging as an interpretive framework based on prior research which relates belonging to improved academic success outcomes among URM students. Previously, libraries’ capacity to support URM students’ sense of belonging had not been systematically analyzed. The three articles that constitute this dissertation, a literature review and one article on each of the two sites, a university pseudonymously referred to as Southwestern University (SWU) and a community college referred to as Southwestern Community College (SWCC), described the interplay of institutional context and student characteristics in the dynamics of URM students’ belonging. They each support the overarching finding that academic libraries are a retention resource by fostering URM students’ sense of belonging
Development of Methylammonium Lead Tribromide for Detectors of Ionizing Radiation
No full textOrganic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, such as MAPbBr3, have garnered significant interest in recent years as a potential material for radiation detection due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties, low-cost solution growth, and easily tunable stoichiometry. As a result, perovskites have emerged as a promising low-cost option for spectroscopy and nuclear imaging applications. However, several challenges must be addressed to develop MAPbBr3 for ionizing radiation detection. This dissertation presents the development of MAPbBr3 for radiation detection through three interrelated components. First, an improved crystal growth method was designed and studied to address the large size and high-quality crystals needs of radiation detectors. This method has significantly advanced the growth of MAPbBr3 single crystals, yielding crystals with fewer trap sites and better performance. These crystals have been thoroughly tested and exhibit exceptional purity, thermal stability, and enhanced optical and electrical properties. Their X-ray detection sensitivity is notably higher than existing materials and meets the requirements of radiation detection. Second, Cl-doping with MAPbBr3 was studied to enhance material properties necessary for radiation detection. MAPbBr3 single crystals with varying amounts of Cl doping and their chemical, optical, electrical, and radiation detector performance were evaluated. The results showed that Cl doping successfully enhanced the electrical properties of the crystal, resulting in improved electrical resistivity. Gamma-ray and X-ray detection were achieved, and the X-ray sensitivity of 4% Cl-doped MAPbBr3 single crystal was found to be 155 times better than the currently widely utilized α-Se X-ray detector material. Lastly, the effect of electrode selection on detection performance was investigated by preparing semiconductor devices with various metal combinations. The results showed that chromium and nickel are excellent electrode selections and have demonstrated improved X-ray sensitivity. Although certain challenges remain, the methods and developments presented in this dissertation demonstrate the exceptional potential of MAPbBr3 for detection of ionizing radiation