Digital Commons Network^™

Assessment Of The Psychometric Properties Of The Mask Usability Scale: A Measure Of The Perceived Usability Of N95 Respirators Among Healthcare Students And Staff, Lorna Kwai Ping Suen, Wai Hang Kwok, Ignatius Tak Sun Yu, Sony Nai Yeung So, Kin Cheung, Paul Hong Lee, Lily Yuen Wah Ho, Ka Yan Ko, Sukki Ho, Simon Ching Lam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To test the reliability and construct validity of the Mask Usability Scale in healthcare students and staff. Design: A methodological study involving repeated measures. Methods: The study included two batches of participants: (1) 283 university nursing students and (2) 1753 participants composed of students (61%) and clinical staff (39%). All participants underwent N95 respirator fit tests and user seal checks. They also responded to the Mask Usability Scale, which comprises 11 items evaluated using Likert scales. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and item–total correlation test. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The …

Flexible Furniture To Support Inclusive Education: Developing Learner Agency And Engagement In Primary School, Julia E. Morris, Wesley Imms

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To ensure quality and equitable education requires an understanding of how all learners function within a learning environment, and the ways in which teachers’ pedagogy can support inclusive practice. Drawing on research from a rural school in Western Australia, this paper identifies how furniture can be used as a tool to support student agency and opportunity to meet individual learning needs. Across two years, the study employed a single-subject research design to explore the impact of differing furniture arrangements on students’ agency and engagement, as well as teacher pedagogies. It used both quantitative and qualitative repeated measures with 9 teachers …

The Relationship Between The Mental Health Of Refugee Parents And Their Children: An Investigation Of Australian Longitudinal Data, Katie Tills, Justine Dandy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the relationship between parent and child mental health, including parents’ general psychological distress, among refugees resettled in Australia. We utilised longitudinal data from a sample (N = 602 children and 377 parents) of recently settled refugees from the Building a New Life in Australia Survey). Parent psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were measured by the Kessler 6 and PTSD-8, respectively. Harsh and Warm parenting behaviours were also measured to explore the mechanisms underlying the parent-child mental health relationship. Child mental health was measured using the SDQ. Using path analysis, we found that increases in parent psychological …

Receptiveness Of The Kindytxt Universal Early Literacy Texting Program By Parents From Low, Medium, And High Socioeconomic Communities, Susan M. Hill, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Nicola F. Johnson, Lennie Barblett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The home literacy environment (HLE) plays an important role in children’s early literacy learning. Texting programs are an increasing feature of family literacy interventions that support parent engagement in their children’s learning. Unlike face-to-face interventions, texting programs can offer sustained parental support at low cost and large scale. Messages can be translated into other languages, saved and shared, thus potentially widening the influence on children’s HLEs. Most early literacy texting programs target families from disadvantaged communities, yet research suggests all families may benefit from guidance on supporting their children’s early literacy. This study examined the receptiveness of a universal early …

Barca Nostra: Photography, Tourists, Travel And Refugees, Panizza Allmark

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The relic of the Mediterranean’s deadliest shipwreck, in which around 1000 migrants perished at sea in 2015, was resurrected as an art installation displayed at the 58th Venice Art Biennale titled Barca Nostra (Our Boat), by artist Christoph Büchel in 2019. The shipwreck was placed on a wharf near a café at the festival without an accompanying descriptive text. It was considered disrespectful, as it is a display of a site of tragic Black deaths for white middle-class spectatorial consumption. It served as a site for tourist selfies. It also serves as a memorial and sparks debates about migration and …

Some Comply While Some Defy: Elementary Teachers’ Responses To Leadership Mandates On Reading Comprehension Instruction, Reid J. Smith, Pamela C. Snow, Tanya A. Serry, Lorraine S. Hammond

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: We report the qualitative findings from a survey of elementary teachers regarding reading instruction. The purpose is to extend on quantitative findings in a previously described survey to gain a more in-depth understanding of Australian elementary teachers’ approaches to the literacy block in their schools: how this is used, who makes instructional decisions, and how teachers respond to these. Method: A web-based survey was used to collect data from Australian elementary teachers about their perspectives regarding reading comprehension instruction. Of the 284 respondents, 182 (64.1%) provided free-text comments in response to open-ended questions. Responses were coded and analyzed for …

Undergraduates’ Lifestyle And Suboptimal Health Status (Shs): A Cross-Sectional Study In The Ha’Il Region Of Saudi Arabia, Bandar Alsaif, Collins Otieno Asweto, Sehar Un Nisa Hassan, Mohamed Ali Alzain, Mohammed Elshiekh Saeed, Ahmed Kassar, Kamal Elbssir Mohammed Ali, Mouna Ghorbel, Rafat Zrieq, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background University students in Saudi Arabia are embracing some of the negative traits of the fast-paced modern lifestyle, typified by unhealthy eating, low physical activity, and poor sleep habits that may increase their risk for poor health. Health and holistic well-being at the population level are among the priorities of the 2030 vision of a vibrant society in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The current study thus aims at determining the prevalence and predictive factors of Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) among university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 9,026 undergraduate students between 31st May and 15th June 2023. …

Weight Stigma Amongst Nurses And Nursing Students: A Scoping Review Of Direct And Comparative Evidence, Mahshid Fonoudi, Beverley Ewens, Amanda Towell-Barnard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To map both direct and comparative research on weight stigma amongst nurses and nursing students by identifying the extent, range and nature of studies and identify the gaps in this area. Design: Scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Data Sources: Seven databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library, in addition to Google Scholar and Open Access Theses and Dissertations were systematically searched in August 2023. Methods: Inclusion criteria comprised nurses or nursing students as participants, weight stigma as the concept and any context. After uploading all search results into EndNote …

Investigating The Environmental Awareness And Attitudes Among Fisher Folks In Ghana: A Sustainability Threat, Nana Akua Okyerewa Djandoh, Enock Swanzy-Impraim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Environmental concerns, such as human alteration, pollution, and the effects of climate change, have had a significant impact on the survival of beaches worldwide. In Ghana, beaches face numerous threats stemming from human activities, such as deforestation, construction, sand mining, open defecation, and disposal of waste into the sea. Moreover, other factors such as strong winds, high waves, and the effects of climate change contribute to beach vulnerability. This paper is part of a broader study that investigated the environmental attitude and behavior of the Fisher Folks along coastal beaches in the Winneba Municipality in Ghana. Although the broader study …

Exercise Parameters To Consider For Achilles Tendinopathy: A Modified Delphi Study With International Experts, Yoann Demangeot, Seth O’Neill, Francis Degache, Amandine Rapin, Umer Asgher, Hakan Alfredson, Rachel Chester, Ruth L. Chimenti, Robert Jan De Vos, Adrian Escriche-Escuder, Kenneth Farnqvist, Bas Habets, Nicola Maffulli, Stig Peter Magnusson, Peter Malliaras, Myles C. Murphy, Craig R. Purdam, Jonathan D. Rees, Ebonie K. Rio, Igor Sancho, Alex Scott, Karin Gravare Silbernagel, Vincent Gremeaux, Francois C. Boyer, Redha Taiar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To assess the level of agreement among experts on the heel raise exercise parameters that influence midportion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) rehabilitation outcomes. An international expert panel in AT rehabilitation was invited to complete a three-round Delphi survey. In the first two rounds, experts were asked to review a pregenerated list of exercise parameters (based on the heel raise exercise) and rate their perceived influence on rehabilitation outcome, using a 5-point Likert scale. For each parameter, consensus criteria for major influence on rehabilitation were (a) median≥4, (b) ≥75% of scoring 4 or 5 and (c) IQR≤1. The third round …

From ‘Raise The Age’ To ‘Raise The Awareness’: How Knowledge Affects Public Opinion Of The Minimum Age Of Criminal Responsibility In Western Australia, Suzanne Rock, Natalie Gately, Piero Moraro, James L. Finney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in Western Australia is 10 years old. While the negative impacts of early contact with justice systems have been well-documented and have resulted in calls to raise the age, research had not examined the public views of MACR in Western Australia. This article presents a novel examination of the knowledge and perceptions of the MACR with a sample of the West Australian public (n = 69). Findings from the semi-structured interviews revealed low levels of knowledge about the MACR, some reacted with surprise when provided with the information. Participants’ views shifted in that …

Students As Digital Designers In Engineering, Matthew Daniel Christie, Belinda Von Mengersen, Martin Levins, Carol Puddicombe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This chapter examines the integration of digital technologies in Engineering education contexts from primary to secondary school classrooms. It outlines a progression of learning experiences integrating digital tools, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, programming platforms, and data analysis applications, into Engineering education modules so that students can build their technological proficiency and creativity. The chapter emphasises using real-world scenarios, such as the design of a smart garden or bridge-building projects, to make engineering principles more tangible. It explores the role of signature pedagogies and the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL) in structuring curriculum and instructional strategies to …

The Impacts Of Covid-19 Restrictions On Care-Givers Of People With Cognitive Impairment And Their Support Needs: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review, Loretta Baldassar, Thi N. M. Nguyen, Bronte Jones, Catriona Stevens, Lukasz Krzyzowski, Silvia Lozeva, Simone Marino, Maria G. C. Du Plooy, Johanne Eldridge, Osvaldo P. Almeida, Manonita Ghosh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions/lockdowns have caused significant physical and psychological consequences for people with cognitive impairment who are heavily dependent on their care-givers. However, little is known about the impact on care-givers, the factors that exacerbate their situation and what supports they need. The aims of this paper are threefold: (a) to examine the impact of COVID-19 physical restrictions on both formal and informal care-givers of people with cognitive impairment; (b) to identify attributing factors influencing this impact; and (c) to recognise their support needs. Further, this paper informs future research, policy and practice. Guided by the Joanna …

Data-Driven Layout Design For Smart Remanufacturing: A Flexible Optimization Model And A Case Study, J. A. Afari, A. Gosavi, J. Hu, R. J. Marley

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Abstract: In remanufacturing, a vital segment of the sustainable, low-carbon circular economy, existing versions of the traditional unequal-areas facility layout problem (UA-FLP) model face significant limitations in designing layouts. To be specific, in the process of minimizing the material-handling cost (MHC), these models also alter departmental dimensions, often diverging from construction specifications. This poses a difficulty, as critical equipment required for remanufacturing, e.g., sorting and cleaning machines, have unalterable dimensions, which implies that departmental dimensions cannot be changed from specifications provided. To address this, a novel Flexible Envelope UA-FLP (FE-UA-FLP) model is proposed in this work for designing layouts wherein …

Transplant Surgeon Fuzzy Associative Memory (Tsfam): Model For Capturing Surgeon Perspective, Rachel Dzieran, Cihan H. Dagli, Robert J. Marley

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

AI-driven healthcare decision-making is multi-faceted, requiring complex logic to adapt to evolving policies and societal demands. Effective change implementation by healthcare providers and multidisciplinary organ transplant teams depends on adaptive decision-making. The proposed Transplant Surgeon Fuzzy Associative Memory (TSFAM) model introduces a novel approach to Human-AI Teaming, keeping human expertise central while dynamically adjusting to changing requirements. TSFAM employs fuzzy logic to manage imperfect data and human ambiguity, integrating the transplant surgeon perspective with the AI deep learning decision-making tool, creating a resilient solution in this critical domain. By embedding adaptive capabilities into the architecture, TSFAM exemplifies the adaptability of …

A Tribute To The Life And Work Of Jess Chua, James J. Chrisman, Zhenyu Wu, Alfredo De Massis, Pramodita Sharma, Lloyd P. Steier, Franz W. Kellermanns, Josip Kotlar, Emanuela Rondi, Bingbing Ge, Chevy-Hanqing Fang

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Jess Chua was a leading scholar in the field of family business and a major contributor to Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice both as an author and editor. His significant contributions to the field were acknowledged by the Web of Science, which listed him among the world's most highly cited researchers in Economics and Business in 2017, 2019, and 2020. In this memorial editorial, we pay tribute to him by discussing his influence on the field through his academic work, mentoring, long-term collaborations with other scholars, and the kindness he and his wife, Eva Kan, showed to his colleagues and students.

Dialogic Drawing: A Pedagogical Tool To Promote And Monitor Learner Engagement, Amelia Ruscoe, Leanne Lavina

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This project presented a unique opportunity to apply an evidence‑based method, Dialogic Drawing, to the longstanding challenge of understanding and monitoring the learner engagement of young children as they begin their school journey. Early childhood is a critical period in which children are not only adjusting to the routines and expectations of school but are also forming their identities as learners. Yet monitoring engagement during this phase is complex. Young children’s developing language and literacy skills prompt educators to think holistically about how children might come to understand and share in their thoughts and feelings about school and learning. While …

Existential Resilience In The City, Shane Ray Epting

Arts, Languages and Philosophy Faculty Research & Creative Works

Severe weather continues to challenge cities worldwide. Typhoons, wildfires, floods, and extreme temperatures test urban systems, communities, and governments at all scales. To combat such effects, resilience has emerged as a term geared towards increasing their ability to address impacts, strengthen infrastructure, and deal with cleanup measures. Although this business sounds straightforward to non-philosophers, ethical and existential elements remain out of view for the sciences and require investigation. This article fleshes them out. The first step is to identify relevant stakeholder groups and competing interests. The second is discovering equitable ways to bring professionals and city dwellers together to develop …

Usability Testing Of A Bystander Bullying Intervention For Rural Middle Schools: Mixed Methods Study, Aidan Midgett, Diana M. Doumas, Claudia Peralta, Matthew Peck, Blaine Reilly, K.B. Butler

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Targets of bullying are at high risk of negative socioemotional outcomes. Bullying programming in rural schools is important as bullying is more prevalent in those schools compared to urban schools. Comprehensive, school-wide bullying programs require resources that create significant barriers to implementation for rural schools. Because technology-based programs can reduce implementation barriers, the development of a technology-based program increases access to bullying prevention in rural settings. Objective: We aimed to conduct usability testing of a bystander bullying intervention (STAC-T). We assessed usability and acceptability of the STAC-T application and differences in usability between school personnel and students. We were …

Evaluating Empathy And Understanding In Caregivers: Pre And Post Dementia Simulation Participation, Lukas Wenz

Research Honors

Abstract Background: The prevalence of dementia is rising globally. Individuals with dementia rely on informal caregivers for long-term support. Research supports that empathy enhances caregiver well-being. Significance: Caregiver burden can lead to burnout, negatively affecting care quality. Enhanced cognitive empathy reduces burnout and improves caregiver relationships. Investigating interventions that enhance caregivers’ empathy is essential. Purpose: This study evaluates the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT), an immersive simulation program, in increasing empathy and understanding among dementia caregivers. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were recruited via online advertisements and word of mouth. Participants completed a demographic survey and the Empathy …

Transitions After College And Athletics, Kate Christian

Research Honors

The transition away from college athletics is a significant marker for student athletes. Yet much existing research has focused on Division 1 athletes, leaving Division 3 underexplored. This study looks at the challenges athletes learn to navigate leaving two major institutions simultaneously—-college and athletics. By looking at how sports operate as a near-total institution, it reveals how athletes are socialized into their sport and structure their life around athletics. To study this transition, I utilize semi-structured interviews with former D3 athletes from Illinois Wesleyan University. While many athletes recounted feeling a loss of identity, they also reflected on how their …

Beyond Policy: Overcoming Challenges In Prosecuting Gender Persecution At The International Criminal Court, Yvonne M. Dutton, Milena Sterio

FIU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Executive Compensation: The Role Of Human Capital And Geographic Preferences, Panagiotis Giannakis, Dorothea Roumpi, Lauren E. Aydinliyam, John E. Delery

Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Human capital is crucial for sustainable competitive advantage, and certain workforce groups have a greater impact than others. The top management team, responsible for directing firm strategy and structure, is one such group, and executive turnover can be detrimental for a firm. While existing literature often suggests that executives change jobs primarily for higher pay, this is not always true. Drawing on human capital research and the geographic preference theory, we examine how an executive’s human capital and geographic preferences affect changes in compensation during job transitions. Using a sample of 351 executives who moved among S&P 500 companies from …

Peaking Today, Taking It Easy Tomorrow: Daily Performance Dynamics Of Working Long Hours, Lieke L. Ten Brummelhuis, Charles Calderwood, Christopher C. Rosen, Alison S. Gabriel

Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Underlying the “ideal worker” image that pervades many organizational cultures is the assumption that working longer hours equates to higher performance, despite recovery research that suggests that long work hours might actually impair future work performance. In an effort to reconcile these differences in how long work hours are thought to relate to job performance, we develop and test a conceptual model in which daily boosts in same-day performance associated with working longer hours could be offset by lower next-day performance. More specifically, we examine if working a longer day than usual reduces sleep, which has the potential to diminish …

A Case Study Using The Transparency Framework And Artificial Intelligence To Promote Effective Writing And Student Success In A Writing-Intensive Course, Elizabeth A. Brown, Maria Kronenburg, Ashlee Steeley, Diana Tagbor

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Program evaluation data suggest that undergraduate students struggle with writing in a clear and concise manner and appropriately citing. Faculty implemented the plan-do study-act cycle to pilot the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) project framework and to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and discuss approaches to using AI, along with the TILT framework, in a writing-intensive course to identify the pros and cons of using ChatGPT in an online classroom. The TILT framework reinforces adult learning by helping students clearly understand the assignment's purpose and establish a clear relationship between assignment and students' professional lives. Faculty encouraged …

Examining Low-Income Caregivers' Knowledge And Comprehension Of The Dental Caries Process, Melissa Sullivan, Denise C. Mckinney, Deanne Shuman, Qi Zhang

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose Dental caries among young children remains a public health concern in the United States (US). Children of caregivers with low oral health literacy (OHL) tend to have greater unmet dental needs and poorer oral health status. The purpose of this study was to examine the understanding of pediatric dental terms associated with the dental caries process among low-income caregivers.

Methods This study included 14 caregivers with children enrolled in a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in the Southeastern US. Through structured phone interviews, the validated Oral Health Literacy Inventory for Parents (OH-LIP) was used …

A Qualitative Analysis Of College Students' Interest In Mhealth Solutions, Leslie Hoglund, Craig M. Becker, Cara Tonn

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

This study explores college students' perceptions of an AI-driven mHealth application designed to promote well-being. With rising mental health challenges in academic settings, students increasingly seek digital tools that provide holistic support for physical, mental, and financial health. Through focus groups, this qualitative study examines students' preferences for personalized health tracking, educational content, and flexible reminders within a private, supportive community. Key findings emphasize students' desire for a balanced, all-in-one app that integrates health and wellness tools without overwhelming them with notifications. Students also highlighted the importance of social media integration for outreach, though concerns were raised about potential stress …

Leveraging Custom Gpts For Formative Assessment And Feedback, Nari Kim, Jason Vickers, Shaimaa Alyehaibi, Chikezie Ozuzu, Xinyue Ren, Suhasini Kotcherlakota

STEMPS Faculty Publications

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, the use of custom generative pre-trained transformers (Custom GPTs) in formative assessments opens new opportunities for improving student learning and engagement. Custom GPTs increase cognitive and emotional engagement by providing timely, context-sensitive, and tailored responses based on unique learner profiles. This paper aims to investigate how custom GPT-driven formative feedback can enhance individualized learning experiences and improve student performance. This paper will discuss the promise of this AI tool, the challenges associated with its application, and recommendations for educators and academics looking to use these technologies for formative assessments.

Designing Tpack-Driven Mobile Learning With Digital Citizenship For Biology Education: Insights From Ngt And Ism Approaches, Cik Jamaliah Abd Manaf, Shakinaz Desa, Muhamad Ikhwan Mat Saad, Helen Crompton

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The rapid digitization of education and the complexity of scientific content demand the integration of digital citizenship in TPACK-based mobile learning for Biology. This study aimed to identify and prioritize relevant digital citizenship practices using a Design and Development Research approach. In Phase One, the Nominal Group Technique with 10 experts evaluated eight proposed practices. Phase Two employed Interpretive Structural Modeling with nine experts to structure hierarchical relationships. Seven practices were retained, with Ethical Use of Digital Resources as the top-level driver. The resulting framework supports ethical and discipline-specific mobile learning models, promoting responsible digital engagement in Biology education.

Lived Experiences Of Marginalized Pre-Service Teachers' Technology Ownership And Acquisition Of Digital Skills, Jerolyn Brown, Tian Luo

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Aim/Purpose

Despite increasing access to technology, persistent disparities in digital competence and self-efficacy remain among marginalized pre-service teachers, often exacerbated by systemic inequities and the digital divide. This research explores the gap in knowledge of the lived experiences of marginalized pre-service teachers’ (PST) prior access to technology and their current perceptions about educational technology integration.

Background

Grounded in Sociocultural Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study seeks to answer how marginalized pre-service teachers perceive prior and current technology ownership and related skill acquisition, what beliefs and intentions they have for future classroom technology integration, and what systemic disparities …