Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Re-Imagining Technical Communication Concepts Through A Social Work Lens: A Case Study And Content Analysis Of The Department Of Aging And Rehabilitative Services, Jonas Kee

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This thesis highlights how traditional technical communication concepts such as social justice rhetoric, disability studies, and user experience (UX) are re-imagined through the lens of Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) professionals. In this thesis, I present information gathered from a content analysis focused on four documents used within the DARS office, a survey, and interviews administered to DARS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors. This thesis analyzes the documents, survey, and interview questions through the experiences of DARS professionals, clients, and external stakeholders. This thesis concludes with business and pedagogical implications regarding the field of UX and how to effectively …

Reduction Of Seclusion And Restraint Among Children And Adolescents In An Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital: A Health Policy Analysis, Huma Moez

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Background: Seclusion and restraint (SR) or restrictive intervention in inpatient/ acute psychiatric hospitals, emergency departments, crisis stabilization units, residentials, or group homes is a pressing and an immediate concern in mental health settings, particularly for children and adolescents, for whom SR rates are higher. The Joint Commission and other national organizations have made significant strides in prioritizing the reduction and elimination of SR among children and adolescents due to its negative physical and psychological consequences.

Objective: This DNP project will aim to provide the results of a policy analysis to present evidence-based techniques and a resulting re-envisioned policy recommendation to …

Implementing Online Educational Modules To Introduce Specialty Disability Care To Students In Undergraduate Nursing Programs, Keegan Brunner, Molly Helton

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

In 2016, 1 in 4 adults reported living with a disability in the United States; however, few nursing schools include education about how to best care for these individuals in their curricula. Studies have found that when nurses and other healthcare workers have better attitudes toward patients with disabilities, it leads to better health outcomes. The literature suggests that education and exposure are the most effective ways to increase positive attitudes toward disabled communities. This study offered Equity Access modules titled “Disability and Healthcare” and “Accessibility” developed by Duquesne University to pre-professional health students planning on pursuing Nursing degrees at …

There's A Map For That: Showcasing Alternate Study Spaces During A Library Renovation, Kristen S. Shuyler, Emily D. Blake

Libraries

Before JMU's Carrier Library closed for renovation and expansion, the library's Communications & Outreach team created a new map to promote alternate study spaces in over 30 buildings across campus.

An Interview With John Stevens, John Stevens

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

John Stevens is a retired PM/WRA Program Manager with extensive experience running multi-million-dollar conventional weapons destruction (CWD) programs in Vietnam, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkans, and Ukraine. Since December 2014, Stevens has been re-employed as a Senior CWD Advisor with PM/WRA. In this capacity, he conducted fresh CWD assessments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Senegal, Serbia, and South Korea.

An Interview With Harry “Murf” Mccloy, Harry (Murf) Mccloy

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Harry “Murf” McCloy, is a retired US Marine Colonel who transitioned from military service to become a pivotal figure in humanitarian demining with PM/WRA in the US Department of State. Heading the US State Department’s first demining program in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996, McCloy became the State Department’s Senior Demining Advisor in 1998, holding this position until his retirement in 2007. He continues to work parttime in the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement and has played a crucial role in the strategic oversight and execution of mine action programs across forty-six countries, significantly enhancing safety and establishing essential …

Advancements In Mine Action: Enhancing Remote Reporting And Analysis Through Innovative Technologies, Rory Collins, Lionel Fragniere, Mateo Dulce Rubio

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This paper examines the innovative initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) in advancing humanitarian mine action (HMA) through remote reporting and analysis technologies. It provides an in-depth analysis of key initiatives, including the development of a mapping tool in Gaza, the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) for efficient data management in improvised explosive devices (IED) threat mitigation globally, and the utilization of advanced remote sensing and machine learning technologies in Syria and Afghanistan. Through these use cases, we demonstrate how innovative technologies can be incorporated into HMA to increase …

Phase Ii Testing Of Uav/Sensor Systems For Humanitarian Mine Action In Ukraine, Edward Crowther, Natalia Shepel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted the Phase II trials of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/ sensor systems for humanitarian mine action (HMA) in Ukraine in May 2024. Seven organizations participated, four of which were Ukrainian. Each organization brought systems with differing combinations of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms, sensors, and data processing, and were tested against a trial area set up in central Ukraine by UNDP. Run at the request of the Ministry of Economy, Phase II trials involving Ukrainian and international organizations yielded promising results. They demonstrated that combining technologies to detect both metal and plastic explosive remnants …

Dealing With Hidden Danger: Capacity Development Of Lao Pdr’S Unexploded Ordnance Sector, Kiengkay Ounmany

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) suffered from the heaviest bombing in its history during the Second Indochina War (1955–1975). Two decades after the war, the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Clearance Programme (UXO Lao) was established with financial and technical assistance from United Nations (UN) agencies and donor countries. The development of Lao PDR’s national UXO clearance capacity has been within the framework of multilateral and bilateral cooperation. The Lao PDR government is prepared to take ownership of the program, but additional capacity development is essential in the areas of strategic planning and funding mobilization if it is to meet …

Basic Identification Of Ammunition In Ukraine Guide: Version 6.0, Senior Lieutenant Perederii, Tony Salvo, Drew Prater

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Ordnance identification is a critical tenet of any competent munition clearance operation, whether it be civilian or military. Ordnance identification information for first responders, especially safety procedures, is vital when shielding civilians from danger. This is even more important when the munitions being cleared are explosive remnants of war (ERW) from on-going conflict. To that end, Version 6.0 of the Basic Identification of Ammunition in Ukraine1 has been released and has some important updates to help ensure clearance personnel and first responders can help keep civilians safe.

The Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (Extracct): A Roadmap For Reducing Preventable Death Among Civilian Casualties Of Explosive Injury, Hannah Wild, Aparna Cheran, Abby Willging, Christelle Loupforest, Sebastian Kasack, Tim Gargan, Barclay T. Stewart, Adam Kushner

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In a previous issue of The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction, we introduced the rationale underpinning the need for increased emphasis on point-of-injury care as well as enhanced engagement between humanitarian mine action (HMA) and emergency care services for civilian casualties of explosive ordnance (EO).1 The initial working group under which this conceptual foundation was developed was called the Mine Action Trauma Care Collaborative. In the intervening months, that initiative was reconceived as the Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT) to encompass the broad range of EO and explosive weapons (EW) that inflict harm on civilians in conflict and post-conflict …

No Silver Bullet: Environment And Climate Funding In Mine Action, Christelle Mestre

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Funding requirements, needs, and models are evolving to reflect the growing focus on environment and climate considerations in the mine action sector. This article examines current funding practices for environmental considerations within the sector and beyond, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that looks at the broader impact of mine action. It underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, national mine action strategies, and awareness-raising efforts among donors and investors about the environmental and climate-related benefits of mine action. The article argues that while there’s no silver bullet, the integration of environmental and climate considerations into mine action can secure …

Innovative Finance For Mine Action: Needs And Potential Solutions, Danielle Payne, Camille Wallen, Chris Loughran

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Chronic underfunding has significantly impacted the mine action sector, undermining its stability and predictability. This funding shortfall hampers both the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. This trend is further compounded by the nature of today’s operating environment in mine action; as new conflicts emerge while others are characterized by their protracted nature, the demands on the sector are multiplying. These conflicts not only prolong the threat of landmines but also introduce new hazards, such as the rising use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by non-state armed groups. With the nature of conflicts evolving, the variety of threats grows, necessitating a …

Greening Mine Action In Armenia As A Component Of Sustainable Development In The Economy Of The Country, Vaghinak Sargsyan

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Contamination in Armenia stems from the long-term conflict with Azerbaijan, affecting four out of eleven regions in Armenia: Tavoush region, Syunik region, Gexarquniq region, and Vayots Dzor region. The contamination covers an area of more than 42 km2, with more than 10 km2 confirmed hazardous areas and over 31 km2 suspected hazardous areas. Land affected includes pasture (66 percent), arable (22 percent), and forest (12 percent). There are 805 registered victims of landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) incidents. Additionally, among the 120,000 displaced Karabakh Armenians, more than 700 are survivors of landmines and ERW, many of whom find …

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 28.3, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Coach-Created Motivational Climate On Athletes’ Mental Health And The Mitigating Effects Of Psychological Safety And Psychological Resiliency, Shir Wasserman

Dissertations, 2020-current

With the growing importance of athletes’ mental health in sport, there is an escalating need for understanding the multifaceted nature of the concept, including related individual and environmental factors (Nixdorf et al., 2023). Previous studies suggest that athletes’ engagement with their social environment can potentially influence their mental health outcomes (Reis, 2001). Additionally, studies examining the coach-athlete relationship have consistently affirmed the significance of this connection to various athlete-related outcomes, including aspects of mental health and overall well-being (Jowett & Shanmagum, 2016). Therefore, this study explored the relationship between coach-created motivational climate, athletes' mental health, and the mitigating effects of …

Transgender And Gender Non-Conforming (Tgnc) Leaders And Leadership, Galen J. Talis

Libraries

The author presents highlights from a paper accepted at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting. A 12-minute videorecording is also available.
Gender and leadership research has traditionally employed a binary framework, overlooking the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) leaders and forcing leaders of all genders and intersectional identities into a dichotomous frame. This paper reviewed interdisciplinary literature using a robust search strategy in three academic databases and Google Scholar, as well as across eight leadership studies journals. Sixteen sources involving 440 leaders’ experiences were found. The author conducted a thematic analysis to explore how TGNC leaders’ experiences challenge …

Parental Stress And Perceived School-Based Support Amongst Parents Of Children With Autism, Julia Unger

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience stress due to the wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges their child may exhibit (Ali Nathwani et al., 2021; Goldrich Eskow et al., 2018). Children with ASD receive school services that can be impactful on their performance (Goldrich Eskow et al., 2018; Rosen et al., 2019); however, parent perspectives are also impacted by services (Zagona et al., 2019). Overall, current literature contains gaps in the exploration of patterns between school services, ASD child presentation and severity, and parental stress and perceptions. This study intends to explore the relationship between …

Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions Of Supporting Students With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Jordan Phipps

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can occur through the age of 18, there is minimal research on how to support adolescents in the school setting. This study examined teacher perceptions at a local middle school on trainings they have received, supports in place for students, and a potential identification system for students at risk. Data were collected through completion of a Qualtrics survey (n=4) and a brief interview (n=1). It was found that teachers mainly received trainings through professional developments. While they have used information they have learned through trainings, they did not feel prepared to support students nor did …

Exploring Sexual- And Gender-Minority Adolescent's Use Of Online Spaces As A Potential Socio-Ecological Protective Factor, Courtney Hassan

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of online resources for support in SGM youth with the goal of informing the potential use of these supports as tools for suicide prevention in this population. Six students from a high school in a large school district in Southern New Hampshire who identify as LGBTQ+ participated in a focus group exploring what their lived experiences are in the context of using online spaces for support, as presented using a socio-ecological model. Qualitative data from the focus group session was analyzed using thematic analysis and eight themes emerged from the …

Teaching Reading Comprehension To English Language Learners In A System With A Low Proportion Of Language Minority Students, Chutikarn Cotham

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

This study investigated reading instruction for English language learners (ELLs) by examining teachers' experiences and perspectives on teaching ELL students reading comprehension in an educational system with a low proportion of language minority students. The study addressed the prevalent concern of reading comprehension difficulties among ELLs and the need to bridge the gap between research-based strategies and practices in public schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four educators actively engaged in teaching ELLs at the upper elementary through high school levels. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several themes that were sorted into four main categories: training, curriculum, experience, and …

School Psychological Practices Within Personality Assessment Of Non-Binary Youth, Christian Fary

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The following analysis provides the school psychology community with a discussion pertaining to the assessment of personality, particularly with Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary students. This student population faces greater mental health concerns and faces a higher amount of discrimination. Emerging research has shown that this population faces a higher risk for developing both mood disorders and harmful behaviors to themselves. The use of personality assessments provides practitioners with a vast look into many facets of mood, personality, and behavior. These measures can look deeper into behavior, especially internalizing behaviors, which can be useful for students with depression and other mood …

Teacher Wellness: Cognitive-Behavioral, And Mindfulness Techniques (Cbm), Jacob Nadler

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of participating in a teacher wellness program on teachers’ self-reported stress, well-being, mindfulness, and burnout. Participants included a small group of teachers from a primary school and elementary school in a small school district in rural Virginia. Self-reported stress as it relates to inadequate school-based support and teaching-related demands decreased from pre- to post-test completion, however none of these changes were significant. Teacher subjective well-being as it relates to school connectedness and teaching efficacy increased slightly yet was not significant. Teacher mindfulness defined by aspects of calmness, clarity, and kindness …

Investigating Help-Seeking Behaviors Of Adult Children With Parents With Mental Health Conditions, Logan Dasher

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

This study intended to address the topic of mental health and help-seeking behaviors in college-aged children of a parent with a mental health condition. For this study a locally developed survey was administered on three different days with six different sessions that participants were able to sign up for. Participants were all volunteers from a preexisting subject pool at one southeastern public university who received course credit for participating. In total, 34 college-aged children signed up and completed the entirety of the survey. From their response, descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were run and open-ended qualitative questions were explored for …

The Impact Of Minimally Processed High Fat Meals On Postprandial Glucose, Lipids And Metabolic Index In Pre-Diabetics, Oluwafemi Ayoola

Masters Theses, 2020-current

There is an increasing global prevalence of prediabetes, commonly diagnosed through increased fasting glucose (GLU). Elevated levels of GLU and triglycerides (TRG) have also been linked with more severe diabetes-related complications. Even a single high-fat meal (HFM) may result in adverse metabolic outcomes, in healthy individuals and prediabetics, which are a better predictor of disease risk than measuring fasting levels. Therefore, reducing these metabolic outcomes after a typical HFM often consumed in the Western diet is of critical importance to reduce chronic disease risk. The aim is to determine whether incorporating polyphenols and dietary fiber into an HFM would reduce …

Sustainable Curation: Preserving The Furious Flower Poetry Center Conference Recordings, Layne Carpenter, Bodeene Amyot Cairdeas

Libraries

JMU Libraries has partnered with the Furious Flower Poetry Center to preserve and provide public access to the decennial Furious Flower Conference recordings. These video recordings feature prominent black poets who participated in the 1994, 2004, and 2014 conferences and will include footage from the upcoming 2024 conference. In support of this work, our team integrated ArchivesSpace, Preservica, and Aviary to steward, curate, and preserve the collection. The integration, which requires cross-departmental collaboration, allows us to harmonize metadata with ArchivesSpace as the system of record. As with all projects of this scope, our team has encountered numerous obstacles yet in …

Professional’S Perspectives For Supporting Alternatives To Drug Culture For Adolescents, Emily L. Davis

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perspective’s professionals have around providing adolescents using substances with an alternative to drug culture. For this study, a semi-structured interview was conducted as the method of collecting phenomenological data. To capture a broad understanding of professional’s viewpoints and understanding of drug culture, professions across the area of mental health support in both the school and community-based setting were considered. In total, three school-based professionals and four community-based professionals participated in the research. Professionals ranged from school counselors, school administrators, mental health professionals, community-based substance use therapists, and health educators. The …

Program Evaluation Of The James Madison University School Psychology Students Of Color Succeeding Mentoring Program, Sa'mone Moore

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The James Madison University (JMU) School Psychology Program created the Students of Color Succeeding in Psychology (SoCS) Mentoring Program during the summer of 2022 with the help of school psychology professors and four racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) school psychology graduate students. The SoCS Mentoring Program was created to develop a mentoring relationship between current REM JMU school psychology graduate students and REM JMU school psychology alumni who were practicing school psychologists. The program hoped to provide mentoring to create community and professional relationships while also providing space for REM students and practitioners to converse about experiences that may occur …

Facilitating Parental Scaffolding Of Joint Book Reading With Toddlers, Tiffany Pempek Rahl

Dissertations, 2020-current

Developmental research confirms the importance of early parental language input for building children’s vocabulary and language skills (Hart & Risley, 1995). While reading with a caregiver is a common way for language input to occur, the approaches parents utilize often fail to capitalize on techniques for improving language and pre-literacy skills (Huebner & Meltzoff, 2005). The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of embedding tips for scaffolding parent reading strategies into a children’s book. Thirty-eight parent-child dyads participated in a 2-week intervention. Families were randomly assigned to receive either a book with embedded tips (experimental condition) or …

Antiracism In Higher Education: An Integrated Psychological Perspective, Rhea E. Nesbitt

Dissertations, 2020-current

Antiracism is a complicated and important term with prominent, influential voices claiming that systemic equity and the reconfiguration of white identity are the central solutions to eradicating American racism. Within the profound sociocultural effects of the existing antiracist rhetoric, there is vagueness, conflict, and incoherence. Language serves as a fundamental aspect of human experience, facilitating individual meaning-making and comprehension. Effective communication hinges on the ability to articulate subjective experiences and justifications clearly, a challenge evident in discussions surrounding antiracism. Despite advocating for antiracism as crucial and unending work, scholars recognize significant hurdles, including unclear responsibilities for implementation and entrenched structures …