Digital Commons Network^™

A Review Of Endoparasites Found In Order Pelecaniformes And Order Ciconiiformes Birds Of Southeast Florida, Kaya C. Wells

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to investigate the parasite diversity for common wading birds from four families, Pelecanidae, Ardeidae, Threskiornithidae and Ciconiidae found in southeast Florida which includes Broward, Monroe, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. This study also determined gaps in the literature for the selected species. A total of 116 papers were used to create host-parasite and parasite-host checklists for the nineteen wading bird species selected from the four families, twenty-eight of these studies occurred within the state of Florida. Statistical analyses demonstrated strong correlations between the number of papers found for each species and the number of …

Cytokine Profiles In Peruvian Pinnipeds And Their Relationships With Environmental Stressors, Mykenzee L. Munaco

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Large colonies of two vulnerable, sympatric pinniped species, Peruvian fur seals (Arctocephalus australis Peruvian subpopulation; PFS) and South American sea lions (Otaria byronia; SASL), reside and reproduce in Punta San Juan, Peru (PSJ) where they are exposed to stressors such as environmental contaminants and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Cytokine concentrations can be indicative of an animal’s health and immune function by allowing for immunoresponse characterization as Th1 or Th2 dominant. Utilizing an archived pinniped plasma collection of samples from 2009-2019 (n=148), 13 cytokines were analyzed in PFS and SASL: GM-CSF, IFN-γ, KC-like, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, …

An Occupation-Based Approach To Postpartum Care: A Pilot Questionnaire, Alexis B. Hawks

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Abstract: This study examined the patterns of responses of postpartum mothers using an online, pilot questionnaire via an online survey. The aim of this study to add to the body of literature on postpartum occupational disruptions and assess the need for occupational therapy intervention as a standard of care following childbirth.

Design: Postpartum mothers (n=113) up to one year following the birth of their baby/babies were recruited via social media to respond to a self-administered survey, the Postpartum Occupational Disruption Questionnaire. Items included statements pertaining to ADLs, health management, and physical disruption. Occupational disruption was classified on a four-point scale …

Animal Assisted Therapy And The Improvement Of Mental Health Of Elderly In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Shania Mathew, Shania Mathew

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Optimization Of Light Spectrum During Coral Grow-Out, Daisy N. Ponce

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Direct and indirect anthropogenic stressors have led to a global decline of coral populations. Coral restoration aims to mitigate this loss and facilitate reef recovery. In particular, the sexual propagation of corals ex situ allows for the production and outplant of genetically diverse coral recruits on the reef. However, optimization at ex situ coral nurseries is required to scale-up production. This project aims to investigate and develop methods that reduce the duration of grow-out ex situ by determining the optimal light spectrum under which to rear for sexual recruits of the tropical scleractinian coral species Pseudodiploria strigosa and P. …

The Effect Of Water Flow Rates On The Survival And Growth Rates Of Three Caribbean Bouldering Coral Species Juveniles In An Indoor Versus Outdoor Environment, Ian Michael Johnson

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems for the world’s oceans and humanity; however, they are threatened by climate change, disease, and local anthropogenic stressors, and need assistance to recover. Traditional reef restoration efforts (fragmentation and outplanting are helping but are limited in effectiveness by not increasing genetic diversity. Ex situ sexual propagation for corals provides new, genetically different coral recruits. However, this process is laborious, expensive and time consuming, especially at the scale required to effectively contribute to the widespread recovery. To lower costs, two key parameters that require optimization to hasten the growth of coral recruits are water flow and …

The Influence Of Personality Type On Patient Outcome Measures And Therapeutic Alliance In Patients With Low Back Pain, William J. Hanney, Fahim Dhalla, Chase Kelly, Alicia Tomberlin, Morey J. Kolber, Abigail T. Wilson, Paul A. Salamh

HPD Articles

Background: Low back pain (LBP) has been shown to have various biological, psychological, and social factors that affect prognosis. However, it is unclear how personality may influence self-reported outcome measures and therapeutic alliance (TA). Methods: Eysenck’s personality inventory was used to assess personality, while the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Global Rating of Change (GROC), and the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) measured patient progress and relationship strength. All outcome measures were formulated in a single survey that both the therapist and patient completed electronically. Results: Sixty-seven patients with LBP and twenty-two …

Heavy Metals Within The Hawaiian Islands Archipelago As Evidenced In The Hawaiian Monk Seal And Their Prey, Yvanna M. Strait

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The Hawaiian monk seal (HMS) is an endangered, endemic seal native to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). During the 21^st century, members of the HMS population have established residency within the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). This habitat shift may increase exposure of the animals to greater anthropogenic (urban industrialization, agricultural practices, and military activity) and natural (volcanic activity) heavy metal contaminants. Induced coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) analysis compared 16 heavy metal concentrations in HMS bone segregated by region, age, and sex. In additions, metal concentrations from potential prey items from the southern extent of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands …

Lymphedema Management For Those Living With Spinal Cord Disorders To Address Caregiver Burden, Nia L. Bolen-Daniels

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The following capstone project focused on the creation of a booklet that identified the needs determined by caregivers and providers. The booklet includes beneficial resources to aid in reducing caregiver burden for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) with lymphedema needs with a concentration of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) population. This capstone project’s primary goal was to understand the caregiver’s perspective and their needs to assist with any gaps identified to further aid them and their providers.

Accommodated Gymnastics Program For Atypically Developing Children, Ashtin Callahan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Incorporating An Occupational Therapy Perspective In A Pediatric Early Developmental Clinic, Olivia Mahoney

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Clinical Research Capstone At The National Institutes Of Health Clinical Center, Deborah J. Kofsky

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Geriatric Interest Plan For Individuals With Dementia: Improved Quality Of Life, Alexis T. Francois

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone experience was to identify the specific needs to improve the quality of life for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2022a), 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older have dementia. It is imperative for people living with this disease to be actively involved in meaningful activities that can reduce their negative symptoms. People with dementia constitute 40% of patients with significant depression (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022a). The common risk factors that increase the likelihood of depression in these adults include social isolation and loneliness, lack of exercise, and functional limitations that …

Physical Wellness Programming For Community-Dwelling Seniors In Local Senior Center For Improved Social, Physical, And Mental Well-Being, Steven A. Dinnen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The capstone project was creating an eight-week physical wellness program for community-dwelling seniors at the Senior Sunshine Center, a local senior center, that improved the social, physical, and mental well-being of those participating. The project population is community-dwelling senior adults over 55 who participate at the Sunshine Senior Center, and the focus areas are program development. The capstone project adds to the limited research about physical activity programs created by occupational therapists for community-dwelling older adults. Lastly, it highlights the importance of physical, mental, and social well-being for community-dwelling older adults. My capstone goals were met by using a pre …

Fall Prevention & Vision Therapy Program For Inpatient Rehab, James P. Ryan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Falls and vision impairments are common areas of concern for many adult and geriatric individuals currently residing in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. While most facilities have a fall prevention program in place, many are inadequate at determining a patients true fall risk and reducing the number of falls sustained by these populations. Through the creation and consistent implementation of an evidence-based fall prevention and vision therapy program via screenings, assessments and patient specific interventions the number of falls sustained by these populations within an inpatient rehab facility was reduced over a three month period compared the three months prior to the …

Entering Terra Incognita: Adapting Psychotherapists To Work During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Monika Zielona-Jenek, Agnieszka Izdebska, Emilia Soroko

The Qualitative Report

Sudden historical events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may critically change the circumstances in which psychotherapy is conducted. The objective of this study was to analyze Polish psychodynamic psychotherapists’ experiences of working with patients at the onset of the pandemic and hence to understand the process of their coping with the external reality challenges. 183 Polish psychotherapists (160 women and 23 men) aged 26-66 years (average 38) completed a survey about their therapeutic work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed in accordance with Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Five general themes were identified: (1) Facing a taboo; (2) …

Why Didn't I Make It Digital: Indonesian Teachers’ Perception Of Dialogical-Based Online Teaching And Socio-Emotional Connections, Elok Putri Nimasari, Slamet Setiawan, Ahmad Munir, Suhartono Suhartono

The Qualitative Report

While it is widely acknowledged that educational technology has been used as an online learning modality, socio-emotional aspects are still in crisis during the post-COVID-19 era. Theorized in Alexander’s dialogic teaching and Delahunty's socio-emotional connection, this phenomenology study addresses two Indonesian teachers’ perceptions of dialogical-based online teaching and socio-emotional connections. The data were empirically garnered from semi-structured interviews and teaching documents. Findings shed some lights on four macro parameters of socio-emotional aspects within dialogic-based online teaching framework: transformation of pedagogical content, learning interaction, sense of community, and identity formation. The present study theoretically and practically contributes to sociocultural dimensions of …

Exploring The Role Of Mentorship In Occupational Therapy Home Health, Lauren E. Coutinho

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored the role of mentorship in occupational therapy (OT) home health through the focus areas of administration and program development. The capstone site was Embrace Rehab Healthcare, a private outpatient rehabilitation home health company that recently launched services. The population served was adults and older adults and services offered were occupational, physical, and speech therapies. While the main focus area was administration and assisting with various administrative tasks that beginning a new healthcare company entails, my project for this capstone experience was developing a mentorship toolkit for clinicians who are new to working in this setting, as …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Pain Management Within The Chiropractic Setting, Samantha J. Royer

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This Capstone Project sought to explore and identify occupational disruption along with occupational therapy’s (OTs) role within a chiropractic setting that is treating patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The Survey of Occupational Disruption (SOD) and The Modified Barthel Index were two measures used to identify if and where occupational disruption occurred within Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Results from this needs assessment revealed three prominent areas of IADL disruption (hobbies, exercise, and sleep). OT's role, process, and referral path were identified along with educational material for what pain is as well …

The Dynamics Of A Full-Time Academician: Teaching, Scholarship & Service, Jalissa Nicole Black

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Academia by definition is “an environment or community concerned with pursuing research, education, and scholarship” (Oxford Languages, n.d.). In higher education, such as graduate-level studies, academia is a system fostering the growth in knowledge and practicality of students aiming to be of professional standing, however, academia from a full-time faculty member standpoint is to also be a life-long learner and pursuer of knowledge as well. My doctoral capstone experience (DCE) took place under the guidance of Christina Kane, EdD, MS, OTR/L, a full-time faculty member at Nova Southeastern University where she acts as Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Academic Professor, and Advisor …

A Social And Emotional Learning Program For School-Aged Children, Jenna T. Maurer, Jenna T. Maurer

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The present study focuses on the core difficulties related to social and emotional functioning and communication in children who face sensory differences and learning difficulties. Despite their desire to interact with others, children experiencing social and/or emotional impairments often lack the necessary skills to engage effectively. The existing literature strongly supports the significance of early social and emotional development, as these foundational skills contribute to further learning and overall life success. In this study, a social skills program was developed by a student under the mentorship of a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner. The aim of the program was to enhance …

Improving Sleep Quality In Human Trafficking Survivors, Shanon Ninan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Prevention Of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Musicians, Cristina Lucia Torres

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Efficacy Of Group-Based Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Decreasing Post-Stroke Depression To Improve Functional Outcomes, Lindsay Marie Folsom

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Expanding The Occupational Therapy Oncology Rehabilitation Program At James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Annalisa M. Rodriguez

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Paradoxical Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (Tnf-Α) Inhibitor-Induced Psoriasis: A Systematic Review Of Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, And Treatment., Aditi Chokshi, Michelle Demory Beckler, Anita Laloo, Marc M. Kesselman

HPD Articles

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors have been shown to be well tolerated among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. Meanwhile, more recently, clinical practice and research efforts have uncovered increasing cases of psoriatic lesion development tied to initiating treatment with a TNF-α inhibitor. The underlying mechanisms associated with this occurrence have yet to be fully elucidated. A review and analysis of cases of paradoxical psoriasis currently published in the literature is warranted. In addition, exploring possible mechanisms of action and potential treatment options associated with favorable outcomes is much needed. A systematic literature review was performed utilizing …

Bioinspired Polymers: Transformative Applications In Biomedicine And Regenerative Medicine., Hossein Omidian, Renae L. Wilson, Niloofar Babanejad

HPD Articles

Bioinspired polymers have emerged as a promising field in biomaterials research, offering innovative solutions for various applications in biomedical engineering. This manuscript provides an overview of the advancements and potential of bioinspired polymers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomedicine. The manuscript discusses their role in enhancing mechanical properties, mimicking the extracellular matrix, incorporating hydrophobic particles for self-healing abilities, and improving stability. Additionally, it explores their applications in antibacterial properties, optical and sensing applications, cancer therapy, and wound healing. The manuscript emphasizes the significance of bioinspired polymers in expanding biomedical applications, addressing healthcare challenges, and improving outcomes. By highlighting these …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Equine-Assisted Therapy For Veterans With Ptsd., Carleigh Emanuel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a group program for veterans with PTSD who had completed the equine-assisted therapy program at Horses & Heroes in Leavenworth, KS. The group program was designed to promote long-term outcomes and generalization of skills after completion of the initial program. The group program utilized meaningful activity, opportunity for social engagement with like-minded peers, further development of the horse-human bond, and consistent exposure to the therapeutic environment of being outside and around horses. Participants reported an overall improvement in their satisfaction with social engagement and well-being after participation in group sessions. This program …

Therapeutic Gardening Program For Adults In A Behavioral Health Facility, Tam-Dan Nguyen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

A therapeutic gardening program was implemented to promote a holistic occupation with sensory-rich components to increase the physical and emotional skills of adult clients in an inpatient behavioral heath setting, which is needed to prepare for community reintegration. The program was implemented for adult clients in the facility, and also adapted to meet the needs of clients in the Specialty Care Unit.

A Transitional Program From Elementary To Middle School, Savannah S. Shontere

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

I created a program to promote a smooth transition from elementary to middle school for the students at Bradenton Christian School (BCS). Following my literature review and needs assessment, the program was designed to provide students with the tools and strategies needed to feel prepared for middle school, foster friendships, and advocate for themselves and their peers. Following the program implementation, I created educational resources for the faculty at BCS to continue the program in the future.