Northern State University

ABSTRACT Since ChatGPT’s public release in late 2022, discussion in marketing education has focused on applications of AI in teaching and learning. Less attention, however, has been given to the essential role that wellestablished marketing theory and sound pedagogy play in guiding these applications. This paper introduces the LEO Framework – a pedagogical model to help business educators integrate AI into course design in ways that advance student learning. The conceptual framework connects disciplinespecific theory with educators’ preferred pedagogical approaches, enabling them to align AI use with clear educational goals and equip students to learn more deeply in an AI-enhanced environment.

This study examined artificial intelligence (AI) perceptions and adoption patterns among 129 Ohio school psychologists at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year. Results indicated substantial AI engagement, with 79.1% reporting workplace AI use within six months and 43.4% using it weekly or daily. Primary applications included generating recommendations (61.9%) and creating summaries (54.6%). Despite widespread adoption, significant ethical implementation gaps emerged: practitioners disclosed AI use 29% of the time, and 6.7% routinely obtained informed consent. While 76.5% found AI helpful, only 45.9% expressed trust in the technology. Comparisons with mid-year data revealed stable adoption rates suggested a potential ceiling effect. Findings highlight needs for comprehensive training, organizational policies, and systematic approaches to ethical AI integration in practice.

Abstract The study of relationships between traits is essential for understanding the behavior of variables of interest and advancing breeding programs. In popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta (Sturtev) L.H. Bailey), popping expansion (PE) is considered the primary quality trait, but knowledge about the impact of agronomic traits and Fusarium spp. infection, known to directly damage grain integrity, is still limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of a set of agronomic traits and Fusarium severity on popcorn PE. Four trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A randomized block design with three replications was adopted, evaluating 127 S7 popcorn lines and collecting data on 14 variables. In each trial, phenotypic and genotypic correlations were estimated, and path analysis was performed using PE as the dependent variable. Correlations between kernel width (KW) × 100‐grain weight (W100), number of leaves (NL) × number of leaves above the ear (NLAE), and grain yield (GY) × prolificacy (PR) were high and consistent. KW and severity of Fusarium ear rot (SFER) showed the strongest negative genetic correlations with PE (−0.48 to −0.66 and −0.50 to −0.71, respectively), with direct effects confirmed by path analysis. GY exhibited a positive direct effect on PE in most trials, while the low correlation between these variables was attributed to indirect effects. These findings highlight the potential of grain morphology and resistance to FER as selection criteria to improve PE and suggest possibilities for simultaneous gains through integrated selection strategies.

Purpose This paper aims to address workplace discrimination faced by autistic adults and proposes the Inclusive Support for Autistic Adults in the Workplace (ISAAW) framework to foster inclusion. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory, Organizational Support Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm, the framework aims to mitigate the Golem Effect – a self-fulfilling prophecy where low expectations lead to reduced performance. ISAAW integrates strategies to build self-efficacy, enhance perceived organizational support and adopt a strength-based approach to neurodiversity, creating an environment where autistic employees can thrive while organizations benefit from their unique talents and perspectives. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a theoretical framework. The methodology involves synthesizing three established theories – Social Cognitive Theory, Organizational Support Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm – to create the novel ISAAW framework. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review examining self-fulfilling prophecies (particularly the Golem Effect), autism in the workplace and inclusion strategies. They developed their framework by identifying theoretical intersections and practical applications, resulting in a model that combines building self-efficacy, enhancing organizational support and adopting a strength-based neurodiversity approach to combat workplace discrimination against autistic adults. Findings The paper finds that autistic adults face significant workplace discrimination, with only 22% labor force participation compared to 81% for neurotypical individuals without disabilities. The authors determine that the Golem Effect (where low expectations lead to reduced performance) negatively impacts this population. Their ISAAW framework addresses this by integrating three theoretical approaches to create supportive workplace environments. Key findings suggest that organizations implementing this framework can expect increased workplace performance, stronger retention, reduced discrimination and higher job satisfaction among autistic employees. The authors note that implementation requires organizational commitment to all framework components rather than selective adoption. Originality/value The paper offers originality through its novel ISAAW framework, which uniquely integrates three established theories to address workplace discrimination against autistic adults. Unlike previous research that focused on isolated accommodations, this framework provides a comprehensive, practical approach to mitigate the Golem Effect specifically for autistic employees. The value lies in its holistic strategy that benefits both employees and organizations by transforming workplace culture to celebrate neurodiversity rather than merely accommodating it. By addressing the significant employment gap for autistic adults (22% vs 81% participation rate), the framework provides actionable strategies for organizations to tap into the unique strengths and perspectives of this underused talent pool.

Hearing loss is a significant communication issue that impacts relationships, safety, and mental and physical health. There is an increased risk of dementia as well as increased mortality associated with untreated hearing loss. Hearing aids are one of the main treatments for hearing loss, but they are frequently not used. Cognitive impairment, osteoarthritis of the hands, cost and complexity are some of the reasons that hearing aids do not get utilized. But research has shown that involving family members and care partners in trainings on how to use hearing aids may increase use of them. The goal of this project was to determine if an educational intervention, using multiple learning modalities, could increase knowledge about hearing loss and hearing aids and augment hearing aid use, specifically by offering training to those with hearing loss and their care partners. A single-group pretest posttest quasi-experimental project was done to measure knowledge gain, and a follow-up survey was conducted to determine if hearing aid use increased. The results showed that both knowledge and reported hearing aid use did increase after the educational intervention. This demonstrates that educating caregivers and family members could be a useful option to prevent the health and safety issues associated with untreated hearing loss.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) significantly contribute to morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and elevated healthcare costs, underscoring the crucial need for prevention to ensure patient safety. Despite ongoing mitigation efforts, CAUTI prevalence remained a concern in our facility at the time of this study. Catheter insertion and maintenance bundles, a recognized framework utilizing teamwork, collaboration, and focused interventions, were implemented to reduce CAUTIs and improve patient safety. This study evaluated the effectiveness of these bundles in reducing CAUTIs and catheter utilization to identify best practices for enhanced catheter management and care quality.

Purpose: Improved communication and job satisfaction among staff are essential for those working in high-stress critical care environments like the cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab). The purpose of this investigation was to utilize the quality improvement initiative Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) to improve attitudes and job satisfaction in the Cath Lab. Method: A total of 30 subjects participated in a TeamSTEPPS educational intervention. After obtaining informed consent, a demographic survey, a pre- and post-test TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T-TAQ) and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) were administered. The post-test included open-ended questions for feedback that were analyzed using manifest content analysis. Results: Qualitative findings indicated improvements in attitudes towards teamwork and job satisfaction. The qualitative results highlighted effective communication strategies promoted teamwork and patient safety. Teamwork ultimately improved by empowering staff to provide the best care, and positive teamwork impacted job satisfaction. Results of the quantitative analysis showed no significant difference between the mean T-TAQ and JSS scores on pre- and post-tests after the TeamSTEPPS educational intervention. Study limitations included a high leadership turnover, a small sample size and less than 4 months between the pre- and post-tests. Conclusion: This project highlights the critical role of teamwork and strategic communication in enhancing job satisfaction and ultimately better patient care in the interventional service areas, giving valuable insights for future practice and research in this area.