Digital Commons Network^™

Proliferation And Osteogenic Differentiation Of Dental Stem Cells In A Nanofibrous Hydrogel, Kristina Antuna, Jerry Ennolikara

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Background: Cleft palate is the second most common congenital defect in the US. This genetic disability can be extremely debilitating affecting individual’s speech and facial growth. Bone tissue engineering emerged as a potential option for the repair and regeneration of the bone in the defect area. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament derived stem cells (PDLSCs) encapsulated in a self-assembling, nano-fiber hydrogel scaffold, Puramatrix™. Methodology: PDLSCs were cultured in Puramatrix™. The cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric WST assay at 1, 2, 3 and 5 day intervals. Cell viability …

Quantitative Measurement Of Learning In Caenorhabditis Elegans In Response To An Engineered Nematicidal Bacterium, Pallavi Velagapudi, Krunal Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Despite their global prevalence, there are very few strategies to prevent infections due to parasitic nematodes. Recent studies have shown that bacteria engineered using the principles of synthetic biology may serve as an alternative approach to intoxicating nematodes. While these engineered bacteria were initially shown to be relatively efficacious in intoxicating the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the nematodes quickly learned to avoid the engineered bacteria through aversive associative learning. In this study, we sought to use nematode learning assays to quantify the ideal amounts of toxin and attractant required to reduce aversive learning of C. elegans towards the engineered …

Realizing Identity Through Reflection: Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself, Sierra Sandler

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This oral presentation investigates pronoun choices and environmental imagery in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself through direct analysis of stanzas. In exploring why Whitman wrote what he wrote, using such diction as “I”, “me”, “myself”, “you”, and “Walt Whitman”, this presentation analyzes the poem in hopes of teaching others what they can learn from his writing, as well as their own. With the influence of Transcendentalism pushing Whitman to view his life on a much larger scale, he reveals facets of his character that each add a different layer to how he perceives himself and how he wants to be …

Stress, Cognitive Functioning, Mind Wandering, And Mindfulness: A Latent Variable Examination, Edward Zacka, Lindsay Craig

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Stress is a common facet of daily life. Unfortunately, a clear pattern of a negative impact of stress on a variety of cognitive functions has emerged. For instance, psychological stress has been shown to impair working memory (Banks & Boals, 2016; Klein & Boals, 2001) and perceived stress and PTSD symptoms have been linked to poorer self-report everyday cognitive functioning (Boals & Banks, 2012). Mind wandering—or thoughts unrelated to the current task —increases as a result of daily stressors and increases in mind wandering lead to decreases in cognitive functioning (Banks & Boals, 2016). Mindfulness meditation training improves working memory …

Towards The Development Of A 3-D Aortic Valve For Hydrodynamic Evaluation, Mahnoor Asif

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Aortic Valve Disease occurs when an individual’s aortic valve does not function at its optimum level. AVD can be divided into two types: stenosis and regurgitation. AVD stenosis occurs when the leaflets of the aortic valve do not open all the way, restricting blood flow into the aorta. AVD regurgitation occurs when the leaflets don’t close all the way, allowing blood to flow back into the heart. The disruption in regular blood flow could lead to heart failure. The purpose of this experiment was to create a replica of an aortic valve using 3D printing methods for subsequent hydrodynamic evaluation. …

A Compression Of Digital Data Using Linear Algebraic Methods, Qaas Shoukat

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Data compression is the most important software tool to enhance the performance of digital devices without implementing significant and costly hardware modifications. This poster will discuss the basics of digital data compression and how it is used to optimize data storage. By highlighting some pitfalls of current compression methods, the need for more efficient methods will be illustrated. The mathematical foundations of a novel compression method based on linear algebraic operations will then be presented. One goal of this poster is to present some issues within a number of current compression methods, such as JPEG compression. Another goal is to …

Interview, Shennel Warner

Undergraduate Student Symposium

As college students, we all have that dream job that we have been preparing for our whole lives. We spend time joining groups and organizations in hopes to prepare for that one special job. However, what happens if everything goes wrong and you don’t get the job?

Interview, follows a young woman who must relive her interview every day after it goes wrong. She must now find out the true intentions of this day. Does she continue to pursue the interview, even though it is destined to go wrong, or is there a bigger picture that she is missing? Interview, …

Commentary: Care Is A Noun And A Verb, Peter G. Holub

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Care is a living word that binds us to our patients and to each other. The desire to care for others is the motivation for everything we do. Whether healthcare system or health care provider or health-care reform, the singular mission is patient care. The motto for healthcare is Cum scientia caritas (Latin for scientific knowledge applied with care). The only challenge to this most rudimentary tenet for caring depends on how we define care.

Appraising Positive Aspects Of Shared History Through Contact- A Preliminary Model Of Reconciliation Among Hindus And Muslims Of The Kashmir Valley, Sramana Majumdar Dr

Peace and Conflict Studies

The long-standing political conflict in the Kashmir Valley has resulted in identity based polarization and subsequent displacement of communities. Reconciliation between Hindus (also known as Pandits) and Muslims is viewed as an important step in any sustainable effort towards conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Valley. This paper begins by examining the much debated territorial and cultural concept of ‘Kashmiriyat’ and instead proposes an alternative lens that emphasizes on shared history as opposed to common identity. We approach reconciliation through a socio-psychological lens by examining the role of a shared cultural past and historical coexistence- or simply put as shared …

Inspiration Makes Your Dreams A Reality, Betsy Kreymer

Pre-Health Day

Ask yourself, “Why do you want to be a physical therapist?” That’s your inspiration! I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist when I was treated for an ankle injury sustained from competitive gymnastics in rural England. I was 11 years old. Making that dream a reality included moving around the globe before landing (and sticking!) a cheerleading scholarship to Nova Southeastern University.

I graduated as president of the Athletic Training Students’ Organization and with a lot of hands-on experience. I continued on at NSU in the DPT program during which I was elected vice president of my class. …

The Journey To Becoming A Speech-Language Pathologist: Advice To My Undergraduate Self, Lauren M. Stephens

Pre-Health Day

Growing up I always had an interest in the medical/science area and really enjoyed working with children. Initially, I wanted to become a Pharmacist however, after experiencing it first hand as a summer job I decided that was not the career for me. I had come to a realization that I wanted something to combine my interest in the Sciences and my love for working with children. Plus, math was never my strong suit and surviving chemistry courses didn’t sound very realistic. Therefore, I pursued a degree in Elementary Education and in doing so I discovered about Speech-Language Pathology. My …

My Journey To Optometry How Chiropractic Changed My Life: My Journey From Business Owner To Chiropractor Advice To My Future Colleagues, Hector L. Andino Rivera Ii

Pre-Health Day

Raised in a family of doctors, I never had the idea of becoming one. When I started undergraduate school in Puerto Rico, I studied business administration because I wanted to be my own boss and that was my focus. I achieved that degree in 5 years and by my 4th year I had my own business. After working in retail for 14+ and being in business for 6+ years, I visited Life University and that forever changed my life. I decided to go to chiropractic school and with that came many challenges, but that adjustment I received and the response …

Road Less Traveled: My Journey To Becoming A Research Associate, Carlos Almirola

Pre-Health Day

didn’t arrive in Public Health through conventional means. My father is a physician and I grew up thinking medicine was in my future. Towards the end of my undergrad I started to learn about other careers and eventually came across Public Health. I saw the importance of helping avoid problematic health issues in our community through early intervention. My Public Health training when combined with my background in Biology opened new doors I never knew existed. Grad School gave me the opportunity to have involvement with different community health initiatives in Baptist Congregational Health, UM Docs Program, and as well …

My Journey: From The Nsu College Classroom To The Dermatology Office Exam Room, Dana A. Haimo

Pre-Health Day

I was introduced to the Physician Assistant profession as a high school sophomore during a pre-medical program. I always desired to be in the medical field as I enjoyed science, problem solving, and interacting with others. I decided to learn more about what a PA does and if I could see myself becoming one. I began shadowing my now supervising physician in 2004. At the time, he had a physician assistant working with him, so I had the opportunity to observe their interaction, learn dermatologic terminology and procedures, and strengthen my interpersonal communication skills. I knew I could see myself …

My Journey To Optometry, Michael Bacigalupi

Pre-Health Day

Dr. Michael Bacigalupi grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His father was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service and his mother was an office manager for a local optometrist. He decided at a young age that he wanted to become an optometrist and has never regretted this decision. He is proud of his career and hopes to inspire others to consider the profession of optometry. Dr. Bacigalupi earned an Associate of Arts degree in Chemistry from Schreiner University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry from the University of Houston. In 1993, he graduated magna cum laude …

Freshman At Farquhar To Pharmacy Professor: Thereality Of The Journey And Tips For Success, Nicholas Carris

Pre-Health Day

The path to becoming a healthcare provider is a commitment to lifelong learning, constant hard work, and a career that is not about you. Every class you take, everything you learn, every experience you engage in is preparing you to be a competent and compassionate healthcare provider, so that one day you can walk into the room of a desperate patient and help them. The pay is average at best, especially considering the years of training. People will be angry at you when you are doing your best to help them. People will be angry when you do not want …

My Journey To Becoming A Dentist, Zuhdiyah M. Darojat

Pre-Health Day

As a practicing general dentist and pretty recent graduate, I understand that GPAs and test scores are important, but are definitely not defining factors in being a good dentist, especially clinically. I know first hand because I was one of those students. Without the perfect grades and test scores, one may think that getting accepted into dental school and becoming a dentist is impossible, but the opposite is true. In my opinion, a successful dentist is measured by qualities including good communication and technical abilities, humility, passion, decisiveness, understanding, care, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence. My goal is to …

My Path To Medicine, Inaki Bent

Pre-Health Day

Dr. Bent is a Miami native who has worked in Primary Care since 2013. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and a Master of Biomedical Science from Barry University. He went on to Nova Southeastern University and received a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master of Business Administration degree in 2010. He completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital-University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. After completing residency, Dr. Bent joined Unihealth of South Florida-Carmel Barrau, M.D and Associates as an Associate Physician in Internal Medicine. He is a member …

Keynote Speech, Richard E. Dodge, Nick Carris

Pre-Health Day

No abstract provided.

Com Outlook Spring 2017, College Of Osteopathic Medicine

COM Outlook

No abstract provided.

Coral-Excavating Sponge Cliona Delitrix: Current Trends Of Space Occupation On High Latitude Coral Reefs, Ari Halperin, Andia Chaves-Fonnegra, David S. Gilliam

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

The recent increase in abundance of coral-excavating sponges is a threat to the health of coral reefs. However, the distribution and growth of these sponges are poorly documented on high latitude reefs where corals live in marginal environmental conditions. In this study, we characterize the current trends of space occupation of Cliona delitrix on high latitude reefs (26°N) in southeast Florida. C. delitrix densities were significantly higher on the deepest habitat of this reef tract (the outer reef) in response to a higher availability of coral substratum. Sponge growth rates increased with depth, and in relation to presence of tunicates …

Lasting Impressions, Spring/Summer 2017, College Of Dental Medicine

Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Nsu Sharks Rx-Spring, 2017, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

Employer Attractiveness Through Social Media: A Phenomenological Study, Chetna Priyadarshini, Yln Kumar, Rajneesh Ranjan Jha

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this paper is to gain insights into the subjective experience and perception of job seekers about the extensive use of social media as a source of recruitment and selection by the employers and its influence on the overall employer attractiveness. Four focus group interviews were conducted, audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed by following the procedure of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) laid down by Smith and Osborn (2007). By employing IPA, the themes which emerged under the study are: ease of information; navigational usability and user friendliness; person-job fit and person-organization fit; reliability and timeliness; positive and cost effective …

Problematizing Reflexivity, Validity, And Disclosure: Research By People With Disabilities About Disability, James Sheldon

The Qualitative Report

In this article, I explore the potential for people with disabilities to conduct research about disability in education. Drawing upon Rasmussen (2006), I consider whether merely sharing one aspect of identity with participants is enough to gain an emic (insider) perspective when doing research. I argue that not only should we problematize our own identity, but that research should change the researcher’s own identity and that the degree to which research promotes this change is an essential aspect of formal validity of the research. Finally, I propose some practical implications and offer some advice for researchers conducting research on disability.

Nsu Sharks Rx-Spring, 2017, College Of Pharmacy

NSU Sharks Rx

Volume 3, Number 1

Qualitative Analysis Using R: A Free Analytic Tool, Samantha Estrada

The Qualitative Report

R (R Development Core Team, 2011) is a powerful tool to analyze statistical data. In recent years R has gained popularity because the software is free and open source. However, evaluators and researchers do not exclusively use quantitative data. It is possible to perform qualitative analysis in R. Using data from a case study exploring a family psychoeducation recovery course, this article provides users a tutorial on how to perform a qualitative analysis and data visualization using R.

Exploring The Potential For Artificial Reefs In Coral Reef Restoration: Responses And Interactions Of Associated Biota To Varying Experimental Treatments In The Mexican Caribbean, Audie Kirk Kilfoyle

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Coral reefs are being negatively impacted by various causes worldwide, and direct intervention is often warranted following disturbance to restore or replace lost ecosystem structure and function. An experimental coral reef restoration study involving standardized artificial reef modules (Reefballs^TM) was conducted in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the towns of Puerto Morelos and Akumal. The purpose was to explore the use of artificial structure for restoration and mitigation applications in a highly diverse and dynamic Caribbean coral reef environment by applying and evaluating the performance of select experimental treatments hypothesized to accelerate development of the associated biota. The first …

A Comparison Of The Ichthyofaunal Trophic Ecology At Selected Limestone Artificial Reef Sites And Adjacent Natural Reef Sites, Joseph R. Hornbeck

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Artificial reefs may enhance the biological production of reef-associated flora and fauna, but their trophic structure relative to that of natural reefs remains understudied. We assessed trophic dynamics by comparing δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N in 43 fish species from artificial and natural reef tracts of Broward County, Florida. We tested the effect of sampling location (artificial, first, and second reef), general feeding strategy (herbivore, omnivore, planktivore, invertivore, and carnivore), phylogeny, and standard length. For all samples, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N ranged from -19.5 to -13.1‰ and 6.7 to 13.3‰, respectively. Lower trophic level feeding …

Distribution And Condition Of Stony Corals In The Veracruz Reef System National Park: A Management Perspective, Mauricio López Padierna

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

The Veracruz Reef System (VRS) is located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. It is comprised of 28 coral reefs in various stages of development and conservation. They are protected under the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano National Park created in 1992. There are many threats to the reefs of the VRS, including the Port and city of Veracruz, which hosts half a million inhabitants and Mexico’s oldest active port. The inhabitants of Veracruz have used reef resources for thousands of years, as evidenced in archaeological sites on Sacrificios island, and constructions throughout the city, most notably in the San …