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Reimagining Community Education with First Responders: Lessons from a University–Fire Department Partnership
Get PDFDrawing on a partnership between a university and a city fire department, this session will discuss the opportunities and challenges of doing community education with first responders
Pathways to Success: Latina Perspectives on Experiential Learning in Education
Get PDFThis round table discusses Latina women’s experiences in education, focusing on their roles as students, workers, and family roles as mothers, daughters, and wives highlighting their challenges and opportunities
Implications of Ozempic: A Semaglutide with Peptide (GLP)-1 Receptor Agonists Misused for Cosmetic Weight Loss
Get PDFOzempic, classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is a semaglutide primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. It operates by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), thereby prompting insulin secretion and reducing glucagon levels. Administered via weekly injections, it aids in regulating blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin production from the pancreas. Originally designed to assist diabetics in controlling their blood sugar, it was later discovered to be effective in promoting weight loss as well. However, individuals using Ozempic for weight loss may face elevated risks of experiencing gastrointestinal issues. This conclusion stems from comprehensive research analyzing insurance claims spanning from 2006 to 2020, involving over 5,000 patients across the United States. The findings highlighted a range of health complications, including biliary disease, gastroparesis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions among those using Ozempic for weight loss. Notably, a 2023 Tebra Survey revealed a significant demand for Ozempic for weight loss, with 22% of Americans seeking prescriptions from their physicians and 15% having personally used it for weight management. Additionally, 47% of respondents reported knowing someone who had used Ozempic for similar purposes. These statistics underscore the imperative for healthcare providers to educate patients regarding appropriate medication use and associated risks. Moreover, the study underscores the necessity for further research initiatives and public awareness campaigns to address the hazards associated with the misuse of pharmaceuticals for off-label purposes for cosmetic usage
Evidence-Based Practices as the Antidote to the Reading Crisis: A Case Against Alphabetic Phonics
Get PDFThe ongoing reading crisis in the United States necessitates a shift toward instructional practices that are firmly grounded in empirical research. This manuscript critiques the use of Alphabetic Phonics, not only for its reliance on multisensory techniques but also for its incorporation of instructional features that contradict the principles of Structured Literacy and explicit instruction—such as learning without failure, discovery learning, and loosely guided exploration. Drawing from decades of research, including findings from the National Reading Panel (2000) and contemporary meta-analyses, the paper argues that effective literacy instruction must prioritize direct, systematic, and evidence-based methods. The discussion examines how the instructional philosophy and program design of Alphabetic Phonics fail to provide the clarity, structure, and feedback needed by struggling readers, particularly those with dyslexia. Additionally, the manuscript critiques recent legislative decisions that permit at-risk educational funding and state licensure credentials to support programs lacking rigorous research validation. Ultimately, this work calls for literacy policies and instructional decisions to be anchored in evidence-based practices to ensure effective reading instruction for all students
A Cognitive Analysis of Role-Playing Game Immersion: Developing an Integrated Model
Get PDFThis paper proposes a theoretical model of immersion in role-playing games that combines elements of several previously developed models. Immersion is analyzed through the lens of cognitive psychology, and factors that may impact immersion are derived from the cognitive analysis. These factors are combined with elements of the Bowman-Sandiford and hierarchical models to produce the Integrated Role-Playing Game Immersion Model. The paper ends with a discussion of the model and how it may be used to guide future research, with some examples of possible research
Milking Insights: An Ethnographic Examination of Fairlife\u27s Instagram Content
Get PDFThe dairy industry is currently facing challenges in meeting the ongoing needs of a growing population while meeting the increased demands for dairy products, which have resulted from the growing demand for protein-based dairy products. Simultaneously, the dairy industry faces several challenges in improving consumer perceptions of dairy production as they gather much of their information about the dairy industry, including crisis information, from mass media and social media sources. Therefore, we sought to use a short-term ethnographic approach to explore the content presented on @fairlife’s Instagram, including categories of products promoted; emerging themes of content presented; consumer interactions and engagement; and @fairlife’s presentation during and after the Fair Oak’s crisis (a major animal welfare scandal). We analyzed 732 posts posted on the Instagram account between January 25, 2014, and March 6, 2024, with 161 being videos or reels, 506 single photos, and 65 carousels. We found 45,750 comments and 206,510 likes among the 732 posts with a total response (engagement: likes and comments) of 253,260. We found that 2% ultra-filtered milk is presented the most on @fairlife’s Instagram profile. We identified 12 emerging themes with the most prominent being seasonal or holiday related. Most comments included positive words with Fairlife being the most frequently used word. Consumers were initially disappointed in Fairlife after the crisis, but consumer sentiment eventually shifted, which could have been the result of the company’s strategic crisis communication efforts. Additionally, we found that @fairlife maintains its audience interest beyond product promotions
Exploring Perceptions of Ohio Residents on Agricultural Issues
Get PDFAgricultural issues are the topics that attract public attention and impact the sector. This study investigated the salient agricultural issues and perceptions on those issues among Ohio residents. The study employed agenda setting theory to understand how media shapes public perceptions of agricultural issues in Ohio. A quantitative method was used, and a survey instrument was developed after an environmental scan of selected sources to identify five issue categories. From the responses of 515 Ohio residents, the findings suggest that environmental issues, particularly water quality, were the most important among participants. Food quality followed, focusing on aspects like safety, quality, and sustainability. Climate change, animal welfare, and government policy ranked third, fourth, and fifth in importance, respectively. Participants presented a moderate level of awareness about climate change, with a greater emphasis on the conservation of public lands and forest management. In terms of government policy, the recognition of the need to balance economic and environmental interests was observed with a desire for farmland preservation. Additionally, participants perceived food as expensive, with moderate in quality and healthiness. While perceptions of climate change issues were moderate, they acknowledged that the role of human behavior in environment management is paramount. Participants’ perception of livestock treatment indicated their concerns for animal welfare. The perceptions toward government policies reflect the recognition of the economic importance of the agricultural sector, yet there is apparent dissatisfaction at the same time. These findings served as a foundation for targeted interventions, stakeholder collaborations, and policy enhancements in addressing agricultural issues
Retail Availability of Delta-8 THC Near Schools, Fort Worth, Texas, 2021
Get PDFDelta-8 THC (D8) is an intoxicating compound linked to poisonings and hospitalizations, and no federal laws prohibit its sale to minors. We examined retail D8 availability near public schools (n=231) in Fort Worth, Texas, where D8 sales are minimally regulated. Between September-October 2021, trained data collectors collected D8 availability data from 1,178 retailers with alcohol, tobacco, and/or consumable hemp licenses. We examined differences in product availability for retailers near (within 0.5 miles) schools vs. not near schools. There was a higher prevalence of retailers selling D8 near (vs. not near) schools (12.4% vs. 8.2%; chi-square test 5.84,
Shifting from Technology Transfer to Learning Facilitation in Extension: An Empirical Analysis
Get PDFExtension has traditionally been recognized as a leader in delivering research-based information to meet the needs of local stakeholders and their communities, often through a linear model commonly referred to as the transfer of technology. For many reasons, linear extension has been criticized for its top-down approach, which focuses on the transfer of technology while neglecting client involvement and participation. Critics have called for reforms in extension systems globally, particularly in developing nations, to make them more stakeholder-driven and accountable to stakeholders in general. This study provides an empirical examination of the primary facilitation needs associated with extension professionals using the Borich approach. An extension leadership team (n = 19) located in the United States served as the panel of experts for the process. The group identified both the importance and perceived skill level of extension professionals in their state on 22 facilitation competencies. A mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS) was calculated to identify areas of developmental need. Communication and interpersonal skills were identified as most important. Helping design/adapt a program to meet local needs was identified as the competency with the highest existing skill level. Based on the MWDS analysis the greatest facilitation developmental needs include stakeholder engagement and training, mentoring, and coaching skills. Transitioning from linear, top-down education and technology transfer to facilitative and stakeholder engaged practice will require fundamental shifts in extension. This research provides a foundation for such efforts and a set of empirical findings to inform future efforts