Digital Commons Network^™

Precision Approaches Improve Community Health, Roger A. Rennekamp, David Buys

Journal of Extension

Recent advances in data science provide Extension practitioners with access to data sorted by zip code, census tract, or neighborhood. Such hyper-local data now allows Extension personnel to assess community needs and assets at a more granular level and focus their work on the people and communities of greatest need. In this article, we introduce an approach we refer to as precision public health. Using such a precision approach to community assessment and, ultimately, programming can save money, increase the likelihood of producing measurable results, and create more manageable workloads for county-based Extension personnel.

Ai Brain Fry In Hospitality And Events: Designing Tech Smart Work That Protects Employee Well-Being, Ken Tsai, Joan Su

ICHRIE Research Reports

Hospitality and event organizations are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as chatbots, virtual concierges, automated marketing, and AI‑driven scheduling to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. Emerging research, however, warns of “AI brain fry,” a pattern of mental fatigue, information overload, and decision difficulty linked to intensive AI use and oversight. Drawing on recent empirical work on AI brain fry, large‑scale surveys of AI users, and industry reports on burnout and AI adoption, this research report synthesizes secondary evidence and applies it to hospitality and event contexts. Three high‑risk scenarios are highlighted: guest‑facing chatbots and escalation fatigue, event …

From Kitchen To Canon: Women And Culinary Recognition Executive Summary, Eulanda A. Sanders, Andra Harris

ICHRIE Research Reports

Despite women comprising a majority of the U.S. restaurant workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in culinary leadership and elite recognition. Using an exploratory, descriptive design that draws on secondary data from the ACS, NRA, U.S. Census Bureau, and the James Beard Foundation, this study maps gender disparities across the culinary career pipeline. Women represent approximately 54% of the restaurant workforce but only 24.8% of chefs and head cooks, with a substantial gender wage gap persisting across the occupation (NRA, 2026; U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). Of 402 James Beard Award winners analyzed, 71.6% were male and 28.1% female. Disparities intensify at …

How Philadelphia Markets Itself As A Fifa 2026 Host City: A Social Media Strategy Analysis, Taylor C. Mickley, Kelly G. Barr, Lali Odosashvili

ICHRIE Research Reports

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, host cities are competing for global attention on social media. This study analyzed 543 Instagram posts from three host cities: Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey from the USA and Monterrey, Mexico. Posts were collected between August and December 2025 during the FIFA World Cup qualifying period for North and Central America and the Caribbean. Content was classified by category and format, and engagement was measured through reactions, comments, reposts, and shares. The findings challenge a common assumption: cities that posted the most did not generate the most engagement. Commercial content such …

Beyond The Lab: A Competency-Rated Model For Building Industry-Ready Hospitality Leaders, Arlene M. Garrick

ICHRIE Research Reports

Hospitality employers continue to report a persistent readiness gap between academic preparation and operational performance. Supervisors cite inconsistent communication, limited cultural intelligence, weak leadership judgment, and subjective evaluation systems as barriers to building strong talent pipelines (Baum, 2015). This report presents the Competency‑Rated Experiential Assessment Model (C.R.E.A.M.), implemented within a live hotel operation at The Lodge at Hocking College to address these challenges. Within eight weeks, students demonstrated measurable improvements in communication clarity, cultural awareness, bias mitigation, and professional judgment. The model provides a scalable, low‑cost framework that hospitality operators and educators can adopt within a 30‑day cycle to strengthen …

The Use Of Job Design Optimization In The Hospitality Industry To Reduce Turnover, Emily Zirbes

ICHRIE Research Reports

Employee turnover remains one of the most persistent challenges in the hospitality industry, where high job demands, limited support, and chronic understaffing contribute to burnout and voluntary exits. This report examines how job design imbalances shaped the resignation of a long‑tenured front desk supervisor at a mid‑sized hotel. Using the Job Design Optimization Tool (JDOT), the analysis evaluates the alignment of job demands and resources across four dimensions: span of control, span of accountability, span of influence, and span of support. Findings reveal that disproportionate accountability expectations and insufficient support create a structurally unsustainable role. The report argues that turnover …

A Look Inside The Nba’S Game-Changing Technical Foul: The Warner Bros. Discovery And Nba Broadcast Rights Dispute And How It Could Have Been Resolved Through Alternative Dispute Resolution, Nicola Coates

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

Despite being “the greatest studio show in sports TV history” and winning numerous Emmy Awards, the TNT Sports icon Inside the NBA was on the brink of disappearing. In 2024, the National Basketball Association (NBA) opted into a $77 billion contract with NBC, Amazon, and Disney’s ESPN, ending its forty-year relationship with Warner Brothers Discovery (Warner Bros. Discovery), the parent company of TNT Sports. Warner Bros. Discovery filed suit, alleging that, by rejecting its offer in favor of NBC, Amazon, and Disney, the NBA breached the parties’ 2014 media rights agreement, which included a right to match third-party offers. The …

Table Of Contents & Masthead, Grace E. Brandt

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Reimagining The Path Forward: Preparing And Promoting The Next Generation Of Arbitrators Through Innovative Mentorship, Disclosure, And Transparency, Homer C. La Rue

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

The article addresses a pivotal moment for the labor-management arbitration profession. As demographic changes and the growing complexity of labor relations coincide with a decline in the number of qualified arbitration professionals, Professor La Rue emphasizes the critical role senior arbitrators play as mentors and gatekeepers for the next generation. The piece explores mentorship models, including the traditional “Legacy Method” and initiatives designed to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as the Ray Corollary Initiative. The article also offers actionable recommendations to advance disclosure and transparency, including: (1) reducing barriers to entry for new arbitrators; (2) establishing a formal mentorship …

Cultural Considerations: A Discussion Of Schematic Information Processing In African Plea Bargaining, Emma Joy Mcarthy

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

Plea bargaining is a prominent form of alternative dispute resolution: it is the method of resolution for nearly 98% of criminal convictions in the United States and is growing in popularity worldwide, including across the continent of Africa. In many ways, plea bargaining reflects traditional restorative justice models practiced in Africa prior to the introduction of adversarial and retributive Western practices. This comment discusses schematic information processing, exploring how cultural influences shape the schemas held by members of African nations in contrast to Western ways of thinking. A deep value for community and an emphasis on relationships is at the …

An Open Door Policy: A Contemporary Analysis Of The Continuing Need For Court-Connected Civil Compulsory Arbitration Programs, Joshua D. Rogers

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

Compulsory arbitration could be a crucial instrument in addressing an impending renewed litigation explosion. In the latter half of the twentieth century, numerous courts implemented court-connected civil compulsory arbitration programs to help address the substantial problems created by historic increases in civil litigation. Without much fanfare, these programs have been successfully operating to achieve the goals envisioned at their creation—improving judicial economy and efficiency. Despite the success and longevity in adopting jurisdictions, compulsory arbitration has peaked in its adoption and has seemingly faded into the background of the alternative dispute resolution conversation. Neglecting or dismissing this vital tool in the …

How Law Schools Can Better Cultivate A Culture Of Engagement And Dialogue, Anton Sorkin

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

For the last few years, a competing culture has developed on university campuses based on what the National Jurist called the “protest generation.” These developments have seeped into law schools, creating not only tensions with the administrations, but also tensions between student organizations seeking to participate in accordance with their mission and purpose. Given the importance of legal education and the role of attorneys in society, this article advocates for law schools to cultivate a culture of engagement and dialogue by establishing private forums where student leaders may work out their differences in a civil and constructive manner. Within these …

Impact And Utilization Of Asl Lab Spaces In University Settings, Nathan J. Dutra, Michele Vincent

Journal of Interpretation

American Sign Language (ASL) is a challenging yet rapidly growing language taught at both secondary and higher education levels. Despite its increasing popularity, there is limited literature on utilizing ASL labs as learning centers. This quantitative study examines the implementation of a new ASL lab at a large four-year university in California. It investigates the factors influencing participation, the motivations behind students' involvement, and their perceptions of the lab's effectiveness. Results indicate significant associations between course modality, instructor influence, and lab participation. The study suggests that ASL labs function as cultural and educational spaces that promote visibility of Deaf culture …

Parkinson’S Report Cards For Rural Communities: Bridging Access To Care For Behavior Change And Fall Risk Reduction, Jamie Haines, Emily Schubbe, Brooke Alexander, Lachane Ballard, Chin-I Cheng

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) in rural communities face delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care, and lower self-efficacy for disease management. A physical therapist designed the Parkinson’s Report Card Program (PRCP) to provide improved access to symptom monitoring, feedback, education, and follow-up support every six months for one year, aiming to enhance disease management when access to specialized care is challenging. This study evaluated the impact of the Report Card Program on non-motor symptoms, physical function, care-seeking behaviors, and self-efficacy in three rural communities in Michigan. Methods: Twenty-eight participants completed assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 1 …

Exploring Burnout Impacting Graduate-Level Faculty And Leadership Within Health Profession Education In The United States: A Systematic Scoping Review, Megan Donaldson, Neeti Pathare, Garry Gilbert, Joshua Cleland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Phenomenon: Full-time academic clinicians who hold faculty appointments in graduate‑level health professions education are expected to fulfill multiple, often competing role demands, including teaching, scholarship, service, clinical practice, and, for some, administrative leadership. These cumulative expectations can place faculty and educational leaders at elevated risk of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, with implications for career longevity, institutional stability, and educational quality. Approach: The objective of this systematic scoping review was to map how burnout has been conceptualized, measured, and associated with organizational and role-related factors among full-time graduate-level faculty and educational leaders in health and medical education (health professions) programs. Eligible …

Impact Of Educational Strategies To Develop Professional Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Students And Therapists: A Systematic Review, Soledad Sánchez-Zamorano, María-Paz Ossandón-Pérez, Samanta Rolack-Jaramillo, Pedro Moruno-Miralles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Professional reasoning (PR) in occupational therapy (OT) is a central theme in the health professions. Understanding how it is taught and which strategies demonstrate a measurable impact is fundamental to strengthening professional training. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence on the reported impact of different educational strategies for fostering PR development in OT students and practitioners. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Databases and journals were searched, including studies published between 2014 and 2024. Eligible articles were quantitative or mixed-methods designs, and the risk of bias was assessed …

Unmet Needs In Hospital Birth: Perspectives From Birthing Individuals And Opportunities For Occupational Therapy, Susan L. Iliff, Emily Bryant Schreiber

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to explore the services mothers receive during hospital‑based labor and delivery and to identify perceived gaps in inpatient perinatal care. A secondary aim was to examine how these unmet needs may represent opportunities for occupational therapy involvement within hospital maternity settings. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used with an anonymous electronic survey. Participants were eligible if they were 18 years or older and had given birth in a hospital within the past five years. Eighty‑one participants completed the survey, which included demographic questions, satisfaction ratings related to standard‑of‑care …

The Role Of Resilience Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel And Its Relationship With Their Adaptive Performance In Riyadh-Saudi Arabia., Abdullah Alabdali, Majed Althagafi, Malak Alharbi, Amera Almutere, Alanoud Almawzan, Nourh Aljaber, Reem Muafa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare workers, particularly Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, are frequently exposed to traumatic physical and psychological events. EMS personnel regularly encounter critical incidents that challenge their resilience, adaptive performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the factors that support resilience is essential to maintaining workforce well-being and performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 EMS personnel employed by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2020 and October 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing resilience, adaptive performance, coping mechanisms, and demographic variables. Results: EMS personnel demonstrated higher resilience levels …

The Investigation Of Ground Reaction Forces To Validate Progression Of Plyometric Exercise: A Pilot Study, Bradley Bechard, Brett Walker, Peter Leno

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Current approaches lack research toward rehabilitation of the lower extremity following injury regarding progression and the effects of ground reaction forces (GRFs) along the kinematic chain. A typical physical therapy protocol demonstrated the patients initially performing non-weight bearing, or open chain exercises followed by walking and running activities. This initial pilot study entertained the need for a more “seamless” progression of exercises to bridge the gap of GRFs when rehabilitating a weight bearing joint from walking-to-running in healthy individuals. Methods. 10 plyometric exercises were chosen for the study following careful review of evidence-based literature and researched protocols for strength …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

A Comparison Of Three Cryocompression Therapies On Patient Satisfaction, Skin Temperature, And Intramuscular Temperature, Valerie W. Herzog, Aaron Petersen, Nancy Weston, Justin Valdez, Kyle Lindley, Samantha Rollins, Zachary Simmons, Baylee Blanchard, Hannah Dickinson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many cryotherapy modalities are available with varying prices. This study compared the effectiveness of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro, the NICE1 System, and a frozen elastic bandage with a non-stick coating layer in lowering intramuscular temperature in recreationally-active individuals. Method:  Twenty-four participants who exercised three times per week and had a posterior lower-leg skinfold thickness of no more than 1.5 cm volunteered to participate in this crossover study with repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the counterbalanced treatment orders and received all three treatments at least 72 hours apart. Skin temperature and intramuscular temperature (measured 1 …

The Impact Of A Board Preparatory Platform On First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates, Shuying Lin, Melanie Lauderdale, Alyssa Bradford, Michael Brown, Kimberly Holt, Madelaine Palen, April Coward, Evan Warnick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, …

The Long-Term Effects Of Covid-19 On Pulmonary Function, Emily Russell, Chris Russian, Kevin Collins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of hospitalizations and significant long-term health consequences. While acute COVID-19 symptoms are well-documented, the long-term pulmonary effects remain incompletely understood, particularly in patients with mild or asymptomatic infections. This review examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pulmonary function, including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and related outcomes such as exercise capacity and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CINAHL Ultimate, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases, yielding 10 articles for review (6 cohort studies, 3 review articles, and 1 systematic review and meta-analysis). Studies were assessed for …

Systematic Review Of Sports Safety Best Practice Implementation In Non-Scholastic Youth Sport Organizations, Katie Sniffen, Hayley J. Root, Richelle M. Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Non-scholastic youth sports organizations offer competitive and recreational activities to millions of children each year but lack centralized oversight for health and safety policy. Despite the benefits of sport participation, there are inherent risks, including cardiac-, concussion-, heat-, and musculoskeletal-related conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand how youth sports safety policies are implemented in non-scholastic youth sport organizations. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the implementation of youth sports safety policies in non-scholastic youth sport organizations in the United States. Methods: A computerized search of Cochrane, CINHAL, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus …

Relationship Between Children’S Screen Exposure And Stress Among Parents Of Primary School Children, Malathi S, Koteeswari Arumugam, Sugasini R, Senthil Selvam, Manju B. Manoharan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The increasing use of digital devices among children has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on child well-being and family functioning. Prolonged screen exposure has been linked to behavioural issues, sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and psychosocial difficulties, which may contribute to increased parenting-related stress. However, limited research has explored the relationship between children’s screen exposure and parental stress. This study aimed to examine the association between children’s screen exposure and parental stress among parents of primary school children. Method: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 45 parents of primary school children aged 6–12 years enrolled at Vels …

Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration Through Occupational Therapy-Led Stress Reduction Intervention During Post Mass Casualty Simulation Debriefing Process, Benjamin Gross, Katherine Jones, Jennifer Radziak, Ralph C. Bay, Sue Dahl-Popolizio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether an occupational therapist (OT) led stress reduction intervention, implemented as part of an interprofessional education initiative, could be integrated into a mass casualty simulation and whether it was effective in reducing self-reported stress among healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used following an interdisciplinary mass casualty simulation involving first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Physician Assistant (PA) students (N=190). After a standard educational debriefing, participants engaged in a 25-minute OT-led stress reduction session consisting of structured, activity-based strategies. A retrospective pretest survey administered …

Balancing The Clinic And The Classroom: Perspectives Of Health Sciences Faculty On Clinical Practice Engagement, Derek B. Charles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of faculty within a College of Health Sciences at a public university who engage in clinical practice. Specifically, it examined the perceived benefits, barriers, and institutional factors that influence faculty participation in clinical care alongside their academic responsibilities. Methods: An online survey was distributed via Qualtrics to full- and part-time faculty members across multiple departments in the College of Health Sciences. Data included Likert-scale responses evaluating perceptions of clinical engagement, as well as open-ended questions eliciting qualitative feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data. Participants’ comments …

Use Of Simulation In Interprofessional Education In U.S. Physical Therapist Programs: A Multiple Case Study, Sarah Ross

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a cornerstone of healthcare professional education, facilitating professions learning about and with each other. Simulation-based learning (SBL) is teaching and learning modality that is frequently used to incorporate IPE into curricula. Current research shows that physical therapist (PT) education programs are increasingly using SBL for IPE purposes. However, there is little research outlining how programs are using simulation.

Method: The data in this study were pulled from a larger qualitative study looking at how US PT programs use simulation because of the heavy emphasis on IPE. Three programs were selected from a pool of volunteers …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

State-Level Implementation Of Health And Safety Policies In Mississippi Secondary Schools, Heather L. Shirley, Valerie J. Moody

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: State-level investigations of health and safety policy implementation in secondary school athletics highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring student-athlete safety that aligns with evidence-based best practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine current state-level implementation of health and safety policies in Mississippi secondary schools from the perspective of athletics/activities directors, athletic trainers, and other school administrators. Methods: In May 2025, a 26-item web-based questionnaire was distributed to 226 athletic directors and 114 athletic trainers across Mississippi secondary schools. The survey assessed participant demographics, access to healthcare resources, emergency action planning (EAP), required coaches’ health and safety training, …