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Are There Speed Limits in Doctor of Physical Therapy Education? Future Research Directions
No full textThe increasing prevalence of accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, which condense the conventional 3-year curriculum into a 2-year format, has emerged with limited national discussion and debate and without substantive educational research support. This novel approach challenges the traditional 3-year DPT educational framework. This perspective draws historical parallels between the challenges and unintended consequences that arose from the acceleration of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation protocols with early return-to-play and the current shift toward accelerated DPT education. While advocates argue that accelerated programs offer advantages over traditional 3-year DPT curricula, there is insufficient evidence to support these claims or to determine whether these benefits outweigh potential drawbacks. Using Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation framework, this perspective explores key questions and potential concerns regarding accelerated DPT programs. This perspective critically examines the potential impact of reducing the duration of DPT education on program and graduate outcomes, including National Physical Therapy Exam pass rates, clinical readiness, and broader educational experiences. It also raises questions about the potential effects on student well-being and mental health. The perspective emphasizes the need for rigorous, data-driven educational inquiry and recommends comprehensive data collection to evaluate the effects of accelerated DPT programs on a wide range of important variables. This perspective emphasizes the importance of prioritizing student learning and development by exploring potential unforeseen risks associated with accelerated DPT curricula. It advocates for a student-centered approach to educational research, ensuring that any changes to program length support both the depth and quality of learning. Through systematic investigation, the profession can determine whether safeguards are necessary to maintain the integrity of DPT education, ensuring that students receive the comprehensive training they need without compromising educational excellence in the pursuit of speed
The impact of youth leadership programs on West Virginia youth resilience skills
No full textThe purpose of this research is to examine the impact that youth leadership programs have on WV youth resilience skills, as measured by the Wagnild Resilience Scale (RS). This research adds to the current body of knowledge by focusing on a specific set of resilience skills as measured by The Resilience Scale (RS): purpose, perseverance, equanimity, self-reliance, and existential aloneness. To determine the impact of youth leadership programs and/or organizations on resilience skills, WV youth ages 13-18 were given the Resilience Scale Assessment. This research is a non-experimental, comparative study looking at the differences in Resilience Scale scores between WV youth that participate in youth leadership programs/organizations and those that do not. Additionally, the study looked at different variables among those youth that do participate in youth leadership programs/organizations to see if those attributes have an impact on Resilience Scale scores. The findings of this research do not align with existing research and does not support the idea that youth leadership programs and/or organizations have a significant impact on WV youth Resilience Scale scores
Directional Poetics: An Interview with Ed Simon on Pittsburgh, Appalachia, and the Memories of Geography
Full text linkAn Interview with Ed Simo
From Decay to Redemption: Exploring the Theological and Rhetorical Dimensions of C.A.W. Clark’s “The Worms Got Him”
Full text linkThe essay explores Reverend Caesar Arthur Ward Clark\u27s sermon, The Worms Got Him, as a remarkable representation of the black preaching tradition and a nuanced rhetorical masterpiece. Clark\u27s vivid description of the Herod family graveyard, intricately woven with historical and biblical references, engages the audience in a nearly physical and moral journey. Through deft use of honed rhetorical techniques, Clark immerses the listeners in a journey through history and the Herodian graveyard, allowing them to witness the Herodian dynasty\u27s moral decay personally
A computational fluid dynamics approach to analyze the virtual impactor in pneumatic aerosol jet printing
Full text linkAerosol jet printing (AJP) is a 3D printing, advanced manufacturing process that generates an aerosol mist appropriate for fine printing small, low-volume electronic parts. The pneumatic aerosol jet printing technology’s virtual impactor is the focus of this study. In this technology, high velocity nitrogen gas aerosolizes various inks in the atomizer. The aerosolized stream of ink is then transported to a virtual impactor (VI) to become dense and concentrated as it begins to enter the deposition head for high precision electronics printing. AJP faces challenges in large-scale adoption due to challenges related to overspray, instability, ink clogging etc. There is discrepancy in the knowledge of the sources that cause such issues. Computationally simulating the pneumatic aerosol jet printing environment provides insights into unapparent ink flow behavior that may contribute to printing inefficiencies in the system. While the pneumatic atomizer and deposition head are sufficiently simulated and analyzed, the VI lacks the same focus. Therefore, simulating the VI environment provides a comprehensive understanding of the pneumatic AJP technology.
This is accomplished by 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and simulation of the VI system in ANSYS Fluent. First, an initial characterization of the system is completed by creating a 3D CAD model based on x-ray images of the VI by Optomec and a subsequent CFD analysis using a turbulent k-epsilon model. Second, design investigations and corresponding CFD simulations are conducted by altering critical design parameters in the system such as the impactor and collector lengths, impactor to collector diameter ratio, and aerodynamic transport channels (ATC) count and diameter. The initial characterization study revealed that the VI experiences nonuniform flow removal, flow circulation, and increased EGF port velocity
Big data analytics in inventory management in healthcare supply chain
Full text linkIntroduction: As healthcare organizations increasingly have relied on digital transformation to meet growing demands for efficiency and cost reduction, big data analytics have emerged as a key tool for optimizing supply chain performance. Inventory management, which accounted for up to 50% of total hospital operating costs, remained one of the most critical and complex areas in the healthcare supply chain. Traditional inventory methods often led to stockouts, waste, and inefficiencies. The integration of big data tools such as predictive analytics and enterprise resource planning systems presented an opportunity to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing big data analytics compared to traditional inventory management methods on inventory efficiency in healthcare, focusing specifically on decreased stockout rates, reduced inventory waste, and lower supply chain costs.
Methodology: This study utilized a qualitative literature review combined with a semi-structured interview. Twenty-three peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2024 were analyzed, and one expert interview with a healthcare supply chain manager was conducted to support the literature findings with real-world experience. Data was gathered using PRISMA guidelines and included U.S.-based sources from academic databases and professional associations.
Results: One study showed that the use of big data analytics significantly improved inventory efficiency. Key metrics included a reduction in stockouts by up to 20%, a 30% reduction in inventory levels through Vendor-Managed Inventory systems, and cost savings of up to 25% annually. The interview highlighted the advantages of ERP systems like Infor in enabling better access to data, improving staff efficiency through handheld use, and enhancing forecasting. However, challenges such as inconsistent lead times, labor force education, and underutilization of technology were also identified.
Discussion/Conclusion: Big data analytics improved inventory tracking, forecasting, and cost management in healthcare settings. However, implementation success was heavily dependent on capital investment, workforce training, and organizational readiness. The findings were largely positive but not universally conclusive due to ongoing operational barriers. Further research was recommended to evaluate the long-term impact of analytics integration and to address persistent challenges in healthcare supply chain management