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Exploring Sport as a Therapeutic Occupational: Looking Through the Lends of Paralympic Athletes
No full textParticipation in sports and athletics can be categorized in many ways, such as health maintenance, education, play, leisure, social participation, and more. These themes fall within occupational therapy\u27s practice framework. However, minimal research has been completed on the use of sport as a therapeutic practice framework. However, minimal research has been completed on the use of sport as a therapeutic treatment concerning occupational therapy, and it is generally perceived that sport as an intervention should be left to sport-centered professions. Our research is designed to ameliorate this divide and emphasize that sport can (and should) be used as a therapeutic modality within occupational therapy practice. We will utilizing the lived experience of at least one Paralympic athlete to gain a qualitative understanding of the form, function, and meaning of sport in the physically impaired community and grow our knowledge on the barriers that prevent participation in sport. These terms are components of the theory of Occupational Science which will guide our research. Further, we will use other occupational therapy theories and frames of reference to guide our research and shape our outlook on results. The purpose of this project is to investigate how occupational therapists can optimize the use of sport as a therapeutic modality. We will explore objective and subjective aspects of sport as an occupation through the lens of Paralympic athletes
Examining Instructional Spending in Technical Community Colleges for Student Goal Attainment
No full textEmpirical research studies provide a multifaceted understanding of the low graduation rates among community college students. For example, some findings present that the inherent socioeconomic characteristics of community college students are linked with lower graduation rates, such as race, ethnicity, parental education background, gender, college preparedness, financial independence, and household economic status. Other findings suggest that different community college environments and specific local community contexts also affect students’ goal attainment, such as geographic locations and the size of community colleges. Furthermore, research studies posit that neither individual students nor community colleges can solely tackle this complex challenge on their own.
Extant empirical research studies often treat the subcategories of community colleges, such as technical, tribal, and historically black community colleges, as control variables. Thus, empirical research studies focusing on the interaction of specific types of community college and student goal attainment are limited. This paper aims to examine instructional spending, such as academic support for FTE undergraduates, student services per FTE undergraduates, and administrative expenditures per FTE undergraduates in technical community colleges for student goal attainment. Understanding the factors influencing community college student goal attainment is important because AI technology is now leading the impactful transformation in the post-modern industrial production processes. Investing in the training of future workforces equipped with advanced technical skills and capabilities will be critical not only for the sustainable development of local and national businesses but also for maintaining competitive workforces on the global stage. Moreover, along with the increasing demands of localized industry production to booming local businesses, addressing the vexing challenges of unemployment and community thriving, technical community colleges have been strategically positioned in a prioritized role.
Given this, this research paper will employ longitudinal multilevel modeling to examine the central research question of how spending on instruction influences student goal attainment in technical community colleges. Data will be collected from the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System – National Center for Education Statistics.
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=all&ct=1&ic=2&id=180203
Independent variables:
Community College_ID (Community college identifier -Factor)
Technical community College_ID (Community college identity -binary) 0=nontechnical, 1=technical. -Level -2 predictor
Spending on * Instruction (L1 predictor) (variable centered *time) continuous – Level-1 predictor
Dependent variable
Community college student graduation rate (Outcome) – Continuous (2015-2019)
Model:
Intercept-only model
Random-coefficient unconditional growth modeling – adding level-1 predictor (spending)
Random-coefficient conditional growth modeling -adding level-2 predictor (technical community colleges
Examine the effect of compassionate leadership on donor attraction and retention between faith-based and secular nonprofit organizations
No full textResearch studies reveal that donors not only have preferences for the causes they wish to donate to but often shift between subsectors and among different nonprofit organizations (Schmitz, 2021). How to attract new donors and retain the existing ones has been a running topic among scholars, leaders, and practitioners of nonprofit organizations, as it is essential to ensure the sustainable effectiveness of nonprofit program deliveries for societal benefits especially to the marginalized populations in low-income communities.
Numerous research studies offer valuable insights into the research questions of how to attract new donors and retain the existing ones (Bekkers & Wiepking, 2011). In addition, many research studies claim that social identity is critical in shaping charitable giving among donors (Ralph et al., 2022; Nelson & Nelson, 2021). For example, faith-based nonprofits remain the largest recipients over decades compared to secular nonprofits (National Philanthropic Trust). However, how leadership nudges relationships in fundraising to attract and retain donors and influence donors’ selection of charitable organizations remains understudied.
Compassionate leadership, which aligns with the ethical values of servant leadership, transformational leadership, and authentic leadership, is adept at fostering trust and creating a culture of care, support, respect, and togetherness, has garnered increasing attention for its effectiveness in driving organizational performance (Khalid & Parveen, 2024). As nonprofit organizations face inherent resource constraints and rely heavily on external resource supporters, it is necessary to understand the key research questions: 1) What is the effect of compassionate leadership on donor attraction and retention? 2) Is there a significant difference in compassionate leadership influencing donor attraction and retention in terms of distinct social identity between faith-based and secular nonprofits?
Drawn on the compassionate leadership theory proposed by Shuck et al. (2019), this paper aims to investigate the effect of compassionate leadership on donor attraction and retention, as well as the extent of compassionate leadership exercised between faith-based and secular nonprofit organizations. Data will be collected through survey questionnaires developed through the scale instrument of the Compassionate Behavior Index (Shuck et al., 2019) from 500 faith-based and non-faith-based nonprofit organizations. Subsequently, data will be analyzed using multivariate regression analysis and multilevel modeling. The hypotheses generated from the compassionate leadership theory and literature review are as follows.
Hypotheses
H1a: Empathy has a positive relationship with compassionate leadership.
H1b: Integrity has a positive relationship with compassionate leadership.
H1c: Presence has a positive relationship with compassionate leadership.
H1d: Dignity has a positive relationship with compassionate leadership.
H1e: Authenticity has a positive relationship with compassionate leadership
H1f: Accountability has a positive relationship with compassionate leadership
H2: Compassionate leadership has a positive relationship with donor attraction and retention
H3: Organization social identity (faith-based) as a predictor significantly affects the relationship between compassionate leadership and donor attraction and retention.
Methodology
Phase -1: Hypotheses H1a H1f will be testedthrough multivariate regression analysis.
Independent variables:
Six constructs of compassionate leadership (Compassionate Behavior Index)
Dependent variable:
Compassionate leadership
Phase-2: Hypotheses H2 - H3 will be tested through multivariate regression analysis.
Independent variables: Compassionate leadership Organization identity
faith-based/secular human service nonprofit organizations Organization size organization location
Dependent variables Donor attraction Donor retention
Statistical analyses: Descriptive analysis Correlation analysis Multivariate regression analysis Multilevel modeling
Selected References
Bekkers, R., & Wiepking, P. (2011). A literature review of empirical studies of
philanthropy: Eight mechanisms that drive charitable giving. Nonprofit and
voluntary sector quarterly, 40(5), 924-973.
Khalid, K., & Parveen, M. (2024). Compassionate Leadership: As a Support to
Enhance Employees’ Core Self-Evaluation, Retention, and Subjective Career
Success. International Journal of Organizational Leadership, 13(3), 507-528.
Nelson, P. J., & Nelson, P. J. (2021). Faith-Based Identities. Religious Voices in the
Politics of International Development: Faith-Based NGOs as Non-state Political
and Moral Actors, 41-69.
Ramachandran, S., Balasubramanian, S., James, W. F., & Al Masaeid, T. (2024).
Whither compassionate leadership? A systematic review. Management Review
Quarterly, 74(3), 1473-1557.
Ralph, A. K., Fulton, B. R., & Allen, S. (2022). Faith-based public foundations:
Identifying the field and assessing its impact. The Foundation Review, 14(1), 6.
Shuck, B., Alagaraja, M., Immekus, J., Cumberland, D., & Honeycutt‐Elliott, M. (2019).
Does compassion matter in leadership? A two‐stage sequential equal status
mixed method exploratory study of compassionate leader behavior and
connections to performance in human resource development. Human Resource
Development Quarterly, 30(4), 537-564.
Schmitz, J. (2021). Is charitable giving a zero-sum game? The effect of competition
between charities on giving behavior. Management Science, 67(10), 6333-6349
The Role of Independent Board Size on the Financial Performance of Nonprofit Organizations
No full textNonprofit organizations operate under unique governance structures crucial to their organizational performance. They depend primarily on effective governance structures to ensure operational success and improved financial performance (Brown, 2005). The nonprofit board is typically comprised of independent and non-independent board members. Unlike independent board members, non-independent board members are actively involved in the organization\u27s day-to-day operation.
The study\u27s rationale is to fill the literature gap on how independent board members size oversight role affects nonprofit financial performance. Past research indicates that a one size fits all board model does not exist (Ostrower & Stone, 2006; Board Source, 2017). Addressing this gap is essential, as it will advance our theoretical understanding of nonprofit governance and provide practical insights for improving board effectiveness in diverse nonprofit settings.
Research Question: Is there a relationship between independent board size and nonprofit organizations\u27 financial performance?
Hypothesis: The size of the independent board positively influences nonprofit organizations\u27 financial performance.
Using agency theory, the researcher will explore nonprofit organizations\u27 principal and agent relationships. According to this theory, the nonprofit board members are vital in mitigating conflicts between management and stakeholders by overseeing the organization\u27s activities and ensuring accountability (Jensen & Meckling, 1976; Garcia-Ramos & Garcia-Olalla, 2014). However, it is not expressly clear who plays the role of the principal in nonprofit organizations (Fama & Jensen, 1983; Van Puyvelde et al., 2011). A fundamental principle of agency theory is that conflicts may arise when the interests of owners and managers differ (Dalton et al., 2007). The current study seeks to use the independent board members as principals and management as agents.
Methodological approach
The research design will use a Quantitative approach utilizing data from GuideStar. The target population is nonprofit organizations 501(C) 3 registered in the United States of America. The sample population is 120 international Nonprofit organizations in the DMV area categorized by GuideStar\u27s Seal of Transparency levels of platinum, gold, silver, and Bronze.
Independent board size will be the independent variable, while financial performance will be the dependent variable. The researcher will control the foundation year and net assets. Organizations with longer histories may have established financial processes and resources. Furthermore, larger net assets may influence financial performance, necessitating control for this variable.
The data sources will be the IRS 990 forms and GuideStar profiles. The financial performance will be measured using the program expenses ratio, fundraising efficiency from IRS 990 forms, and GuideStar profiles. These metrics are directly aligned with nonprofits\u27 mission-driven nature, as they assess the proportion of resources allocated to programmatic activities and fundraising efficiency and have credibility and widespread acceptance to be used in research and benchmarking purposes (Charity Navigator, 2024; Charity Watch, 2024). Secondly, the simplicity and interpretability of the current metrics make them accessible to key stakeholders, e.g., donors, making it easier for them to make informed decisions and facilitate more transparent communication of financial performance (Bryce, 2017). Data analysis will be carried out using Regression analysis using SPSS Version 29
Measuring the Effect of a Graduate Assistant\u27s Contribution to University Health Center’s Nutrition Services
No full textDemands for university health services have grown considerably, including nutrition/dietetics services. The University Health Center (UHC) at James Madison University (JMU) serves approximately 22,758 students, but it only employs one Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Additionally, JMU employs one RDN for JMU Dining Health and Wellness, and three RDNs make up the Sports Nutrition Staff, although one of them is an intern. According to a survey published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2020, only 8% of RDNs work within academic settings, such as colleges and universities, while most are employed in clinical or acute care environments. At JMU, the academic year 2023-2024 highlighted the demand for outreach programming and resources centered on gastrointestinal health function, mindful holiday eating, Intuitive Eating, food allergy support, and access to an allergy-friendly food pantry. Addressing this demand has presented a considerable challenge for the UHC. This capstone project aims to explore the effect of a graduate assistant (GA) on the nutrition outreach programs and services provided to students, as well as the opportunities for collaboration with other RDNs and health professionals on campus. A key deliverable is to provide a blueprint, and lessons learned to future GAs to allow for a smooth transition and to not disrupt the services provided to students. As part of this project, we assessed the nutritional needs of students and expanded available services, including assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications. Outreach initiatives were driven by student requests and inquiries reported through the Health Center’s Clinical Corner. Data was collected via media engagement, post-program surveys, and direct observational methods. Primary platforms utilized to promote each program included UHC’s Instagram account, Duke’s Weekly, Potty Mouth, and the television monitors located throughout the Student Success Center. Additionally, printed materials such as flyers were disseminated. Initially, social media engagement presented challenges due to a limited follower base and insufficient interaction with UHC’s page. However, throughout the academic year, engagement levels improved due to consistent posts leading up to events. Another limitation identified was program attendance; many students remained unaware of the nutrition services available at JMU. To better connect with the student population, participation in Student Organization Night at the start of each semester proved essential in promoting the nutrition services offered. During 2024-2025, UHC’s Nutrition Services department successfully completed 14 programs, conducted 2 outreach engagements, and led the nutritional component to 3 cooking demonstrations in collaboration with JMU’s University Recreation Center. Additionally, facilitated 1 service presentation for JMU’s ROTC and assisted with 3 SNAP applications. The role of a GA is vital to the growth and development of the services provided by UHC’s Nutrition Department. Following just one semester of programming and outreach, the nutrition department was allocated a dedicated space, Nutrition Suite 1500, to host future programs and events. Providing a blueprint for future GAs to utilize for the continuation of existing programs helps avoid duplication of efforts and allows for further development and success in reaching more students
Rest, Resilience, and the Black Motherscholar: Breaking Free from the Grind Culture
No full textMotherhood is often portrayed as an empowering and transformative experience, celebrated for its inherent joys and profound impact on a woman\u27s identity. However, the post-birth transition, which involves navigating an intricate balancing act of work, family, self-care, and personal aspirations, remains largely under-explored. This gap in understanding leaves mothers, especially Black mothers, to manage these multiple roles without adequate support. The challenge of balancing societal expectations, work demands, and personal well-being often places mothers at the intersection of numerous pressures, compounding their emotional and physical load.
One of the most significant pressures in contemporary society is the relentless cycle of grind culture, which is deeply rooted in capitalist and white supremacist structures. Grind culture values constant productivity and individual achievement, often at the expense of personal health and well-being. For Black women, this culture disproportionately affects them, exacerbating the challenges they already face in navigating the compounded stressors of racism and sexism. As a result, Black mothers are more likely to experience burnout, sleep deprivation, and significant mental, emotional, and physical health disparities. These disparities not only impact their ability to care for their children and families but also hinder their own personal growth and professional aspirations.
This study seeks to examine the lived experiences of Black mothers who balance the demands of motherhood with these systemic pressures. By drawing on the work of scholars such as Dr. Tricia Hersey, Anna CohenMiller, and others, the research explores four key themes: the health impacts of grind culture, the importance of self-care, the role of social support and institutional policies, and the concept of rest as resistance.
The accompanying presentation will take the form of a poster that adapts this research into a self-reflexive approach. It invites participants to explore how grind culture manifests in their own lives and to examine the role of rest and sleep in supporting their health and well-being. Participants will be equipped with practical strategies for self-care, rest, and mental health, and be encouraged to engage in a dialogue about how these elements can resist grind culture. The session will allow participants to reflect on the experiences of Black women and mothers navigating grind culture in various spheres, including at home, at work, and within their communities.
As a result of this poster presentation, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of grind culture on their lives, learn how rest and sleep can resist these pressures, and explore actionable steps to prioritize their own self-care. Additionally, participants will identify specific barriers to rest in their own lives, and develop actionable strategies to reclaim their well-being. The presentation aims to empower attendees to challenge societal norms that contribute to burnout and stress, and to provide them with tools to create healthier, more sustainable routines. By providing these resources, the study aims to foster an environment of greater care, support, and understanding for Black mothers, contributing to more equitable and holistic approaches to well-being in the face of systemic oppression
Exploring Food and Nutrition at a Community-Based Residential Reentry Program
No full textTo identify food and nutrition needs of women enrolled in a residential reentry program, a needs assessment using mixed methods was conducted in the summer of 2024. A survey with current residents of a community reentry program was administered. Two focus groups with residents and individual interviews with graduates and staff were conducted. A graduate student-led data collection and analysis and was trained in qualitative methods and facilitation for the interviews and focus groups. Survey items and discussion guides were designed to explore nutrition-related knowledge and skills, influences on food, and eating patterns, including the food environment, for program residents and graduates.
The average age of surveyed participants (n=9) was 36 years and two-thirds were high school graduates. Participants had resided in the program between 7-12 weeks and 77% indicated they could cook while 88% indicated assisting with meal preparation or clean-up. Two-thirds reported no fruit and/or vegetable intake for the previous day. The food the majority (89%) ate was from the residential program when reflecting on the past week though other food sources included a grocery store, fast food restaurant, work, and/or church.
Based on identified themes among focus groups and interviews, the eating behaviors of residents were shaped by the program structure and food environment. Off-site food procurement and menu planning process, weekly food deliveries, and expectations of residents to prepare food characterized the food environment. Healthful eating supports and barriers were identified. Based on the findings, opportunities to help food and nutrition security would be advantageous by limiting food spoilage, enhancing experiential nutrition education and/or participant cooking skills, and improving the food environment, especially variety and quality. Results could be considered for potential food and nutrition supports needed among those in reentry programs and further used to inform the development and implementation of community-based interventions. Funding was provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance Second Chance Act
Does prehospital blood product administration improve mortality in adult trauma patients?
No full textAbstract: Severe hemorrhage in the setting of trauma is a leading cause of death in the United States. 12 Recent studies are revolutionizing the approach to hemodynamic resuscitation in the prehospital setting. The purpose of this literature review is to determine if prehospital administration of blood products improves mortality when compared to the standard crystalloid-based resuscitation. The studies in this review were obtained on PubMed and narrowed using the search terms “prehospital blood products + trauma.” Three articles were selected based on their pertinence and parameters outlined in our research question. All three articles analyzed concluded that prehospital administration of blood products significantly reduced mortality in the setting of severe hemorrhagic trauma, as defined by injury causing subsequent blood loss resulting in a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg. Prehospital organizations have already begun to update patient care protocols to include the use of blood products. Further evaluation of this topic is needed to adequately define how and when transfusion in the prehospital setting is most beneficial
Does EKG Better Predict SCD Than Traditional Preparticipation Evaluation?
No full textIntroduction: Pre-participation evaluation (PPE) in athletes attempts to reduce the incidence of preventable disease such as sudden cardiac death (SCD) during sports by identifying individuals who may be more susceptible. The objective of this study was to evaluate the question: does electrocardiogram (EKG) obtained during preparticipation evaluation better identify predictors of sudden cardiac death than history and physical exam in adolescent athletes?
Methods: Researchers utilized PubMed for this literature search with MESH terms to narrow down an initial search of 143 results to 3 articles that satisfied research criteria. MESH search terms included sudden cardiac death, electrocardiography, physical examination, and adolescent. Exclusion criteria were studies older than 10 years, studies that did not utilize echocardiogram as the gold standard, studies that did not address the PICO question, or were not either RCT or cohort studies.
Results: All three studies showed superior sensitivity and specificity of EKG over history and physical exam (H&PE). Fudge et al, EKG had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity 100%, while H&PE had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 95%. Grazioli et al, EKG had a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 95%, while H&PE had a sensitivity of 16% and specificity of 98%. Williams et al, EKG had a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 97.5%, while H&PE had a sensitivity of 18.8% and specificity of 75.1%.
Conclusion: Evaluation from history and physical exam performs poorly compared with EKG for cardiovascular screening of adolescent athletes
Near-Peer Feedback: Shaping EFL Teacher Identity and Enhancing Classroom Learning
No full textNear-peer models are well-established within the medical field, with research convincingly supporting their benefits. However, near-peer practices and research exploring these practices are notably scarce in the humanities, particularly in the context of language teaching and learning. This gap in research and practice prompted this qualitative study, which explores the role of near-peer feedback in shaping the identities of pre-service teachers who teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Additionally, the study investigates the impact of near-peer feedback on enhancing student learning in language acquisition.
The participants in this study were students enrolled in the fourth and second years of their Bachelor studies at a Department of English Language and Literature at a university in Southeastern Europe. The fourth-year students were undergoing pre-service teacher education, while the second-year students were enrolled in an integrated-skills course aimed at improving their language abilities, particularly in writing. A total of 110 student reflections were analyzed to gain insights into their experiences with near-peer feedback.
The findings from this research support existing literature on the benefits of near-peer feedback in the medical field while contributing novel insights into its role in shaping teacher identity among pre-service EFL teachers and enhancing learning outcomes for language learners. Moreover, this study lays the groundwork for incorporating near-peer feedback into English language teaching practices and demonstrates its potential for fostering deeper learning and professional growth.
This research project also marks a personal milestone for me as a University of Prishtina (UP) alumnus and current James Madison University (JMU) Graduate student. Collaborating with my former professors on this paper was a great learning experience that bridged the academic worlds of JMU and UP. The project deepened my understanding of near-peer feedback and also provided a meaningful connection between my educational background in Kosovo and my ongoing journey in the U.S. This experience has grown my desire for research and education, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute to this growing area of study