Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Clinical Instructors' Views On Effective Role Modeling In Physical Therapy Education: Insights From A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of Social Cognitive Theory, Brittney M. Gunterstockman, Kellee Harper-Hanigan, Andrew Bartlett, Ian Rheault, Karen Menard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acting as a role model is an essential competency and requirement for physical therapy clinical instructors. The social cognitive theory may explain how physical therapy students learn from clinical instructors during clinical education experiences. This theory suggests that individuals learn through observation of models who are competent, credible, enthusiastic, and similar to the observer. This study aimed to explore clinical instructors’ perceptions of effective role modeling. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study used one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors (n=7) to explore effective role modeling in physical therapy clinical education. Inductive coding was used to develop codes and themes …

Feasibility Of A Prescribed Walking Program In Older Adults With Dizziness: Challenges And Recommendations From A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial, Amie Jasper, Mary T. Blackinton, Joann Gallichio, Anne Galgon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Walking for endurance is a component of vestibular rehabilitation (VR); however, there is no study on increasing the physical activity of older adults with peripheral vestibular hypofunction through a prescribed walking program. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized controlled trial on a prescribed walking program in a clinical environment; specifically, to determine recruitment, data collection retention, and adherence, and to estimate the variances of treatment outcomes. Method: Seventeen patients were randomly assigned into vestibular rehabilitation with walking with pedometer (VRWP), vestibular rehabilitation with walking without pedometer (VRW), and VR only. Recruitment, data …

Canadian Adolescent And Young Athletes Knowledge Of Pain-Relieving Medications, Jackie Vandertuin, Dalya Abdulla, Stephanie Lowther

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adolescent knowledge of pain-relieving medications (PRM) and opioids is scant, particularly from a Canadian perspective. Research indicates that athletes will often resort to PRM and opioids to manage their pain, but it is unknown whether athletes are fully informed as to its use and misuse including adverse events that may occur. The purpose of this study is to understand what elite level male athletes know about use, contraindications, and recommendations of pain-relieving medications; particularly opioids to manage their pain. Methods: Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, we interviewed male athletes to understand their level of knowledge regarding pain-relieving medications, …

Purposeful Integration Of Artificial Intelligence In Evidence-Based Practice Course For Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Qing Zhang, Mary Jane Rapport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant in education and research, offering opportunities for personalized learning, real-time feedback, and research support. In healthcare education, AI has been shown to enhance comprehension of complex concepts and support decision-making. The integration of AI into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula is widely supported by therapists and identified as a strategic priority for advancing the profession. However, limited research has been published on how AI can be effectively integrated into DPT education or what the potential outcomes are of using AI. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AI integration on students’ …

Quantifying Afo Use, Fit, And Function Via Outcome Measures By Physical Therapists, Jennifaye V. Brown, Julie Suhr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: For individuals with cerebrovascular accident (IwCVA), there is no outcome measure considered as the gold standard to justify ankle foot orthosis (AFO) use, fit, and function and that takes into consideration inherent properties of the AFO. Data is lacking indicating AFO effectiveness, which can be used to justify insurance reimbursement for the cost of more efficient mechanisms to produce person-centered AFOs using scanning and 3D printing technology, as is commonly done for individuals with lower extremity amputation requiring a prosthesis. Methods: This study surveyed physical therapists (PTs) via electronic medium to inquire about their knowledge and use of AFO-specific …

Development And Validation Of A Professional Behavior Assessment Instrument For Undergraduate Exercise Science Students, Christina Davlin-Pater, Patrick M. Filanowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Professional behaviors are important for professional success in undergraduate students. Accurately evaluating these behaviors can help identify strengths and weaknesses for targeted development. Evaluation of professional behaviors is challenging. Self-evaluation coupled with reviews from internship supervisors could provide students with feedback from different viewpoints which can be used to foster self-awareness and encourage reflection. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a professional behavior assessment instrument for undergraduate exercise science students. Methods: The development and validation of this assessment instrument involved three stages: 1) defining and operationalizing professional behaviors, 2) seeking feedback for internal validity, and …

Biopsychosocial-Based Exercise Model For Rheumatic Diseases Via Telerehabilitation: A Case Series With A One Year Follow Up, Nazlı Elif Nacar, Nur Banu Karaca, Zeynep Irem Bulut, Erkin Oguz Sarı, Senem Bulut, Yavuz Yakut, Sevim Oksüz, Sedat Kiraz, Edibe Unal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aims to examine the sustainability of the biopsychosocial exercise performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with rheumatic disease, with and without supervision, and investigate the effect of the biopsychosocial-based exercise model on biopsychosocial status, general health status, and anxiety-depression levels of individuals. Method: Twenty patients with rheumatic diseases performed a biopsychosocial-based exercise model Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach via telerehabilitation with physiotherapist-supervised and unsupervised exercises who continued for three sessions per week for 12 months. Outcome measures were Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach -Biopsychosocial Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3rd, …

Therapeutic Alliance: Exploring The Patient-Clinician Relationship Through The Experiences Of Collegiate Student-Athletes With Athletic Trainers, Paulina Torres, Sean M. Stoeppel, Justin Young, John Kiesel, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between patient and provider, consisting of bonds, goals, and tasks. A positive therapeutic alliance enhances care and leads to improved outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of college student-athletes relating to the development of the therapeutic alliance with athletic trainers. Methods: Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) with semi-structured interviews. We used a semi-structured interview to explore the therapeutic alliance and lived experiences of participants. Participants included twelve college student-athletes who were currently under the care of an athletic trainer. Participants completed a semi-structured interview. We …

Exploring Clinician Understanding Of Therapeutic Alliance, Melissa Cole, Robert Welsh, Susan Shore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background. Therapeutic alliance is being discussed more readily in allied health literature regarding its potential to improve functional outcomes and patient satisfaction with care. The construct was imported from psychotherapy literature, and the degree and depth of familiarity among practicing physical therapists have not been fully explored. Purpose. This study aims to gain insight into the general level of familiarity and perceptions of therapeutic alliance among practicing clinicians. Methods. A survey was designed to capture a broad professional point of view and distributed using an anonymous link. Results. 73 surveys were completed. 43.3% of respondents reported they were not familiar …

Comparison Of Cognitive Functions, Sleep Quality, Emotional State, Balance And Physical Activity Levels Of University Students According To Academic Success, Sevim Oksuz, Ozde Depreli, Aytül Ozdil, Gozde Iyigun, Ender Angın, Betül Fatma Bilgin, Ayşen Karaman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study was planned to compare the level of attention, dual-task abilities, sleep quality, emotional state (anxiety, depression, stress), dynamic balance, and physical activity level in low and high-academic success university students. Method: A total of 134 international undergraduate students between the age of 18 and 25 (low academic success group n=67, high academic success group n=67) were recruited for this study. The Trail Making Test (TMT) – A and B was used for attention assessment, the TMT While Walking – A and B was utilized for dual-task performance, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to assess …

The Current - Volume 35 Issue 12, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Education About Eds: How Can Colleges Reduce The Risk And Prevalence Of Eating Disorders In Ncaa Female Athletes?, Meghan J. Mcnabb, Alexandra Jakubiak

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Female collegiate athletes are currently recognized as a high-risk group for developing eating disorders due to performance pressures and unrealistic body standards. Limited studies have analyzed the impact of tailored educational and behavioral interventions on the prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This proposed research will be conducted at Nova Southeastern University to explore how colleges can decrease the cases of eating disorders among female athletes using a multi-component educational intervention. Participants will be screened through the EAT-26 assessment tool and initial BMI measures will be recorded to establish a baseline for …

A Woman's Place In Politics: The Effects Of Gendered Politics On A Global Level, Aruhi Kodeboyina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Women have been denied equality, especially with respect to their male counterparts. Feminism is the theory that seeks to explain this by the norms, beliefs, and societal pressure by which women have been excluded. One predominant realm in which women have been excluded is politics. Although there has been a rise in female politicians across the world, they continue to face the same stereotypes as before. Thus, this study delves into the implications of having more female leaders, looking more specifically at liberal feminist international relations theory. By reviewing literature, this study finds that female leaders impact a variety of …

Exit Strategy: How Methods Of Gaining Independence From European Colonial Powers Impact Development In Post-Colonial African Nations, Sophia Wehle

Undergraduate Student Symposium

How does the way a colony gains independence from its power impact that colony’s future development? It is well documented that being a former colony has an impact on how a nation develops once they are independent, however, what is not clear is if a nation’s development is impacted by the way they separate from their colonial power. This paper argues that there is a correlation between the way a colony gains their independence and how developed they are. For the sake of this research three main ways of gaining independence will be considered: though violent resistance, peaceful negotiations, or …

Comparative Genomics Across Streptomyces Murinus Strains To Identify Biosynthetic Gene Cluster For Antifungal Metabolite 'Pentamycin', Nitish Dundigalla, Ashley Bran Sampson, Smrithi Mukund, Melianni Terrero Terrero

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Streptomyces are filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria in the phylum Actinobacteria that are known to produce a diverse array of antimicrobial metabolites. A Streptomyces murinus strain SPC1, contains a 15- gene biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) that produces an antifungal metabolite ‘pentamycin’ (fungichromin), and is shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against fungal pathogens of palms¹. Using SPC1 strain as a reference, we analyzed the conservation of BGCs across 17 other S. murinus strains. A specialized bioinformatics analysis tool, antiSMASH² , was used to identify and annotate BGCs that produce pentamycin. Pairwise comparison of the 15 genes comprising the pentamycin cluster …

Empowering Gender Diverse Students: Developing A Resource Guide At Nova Southeastern University, Meghana Jagarlamudi, Kayla Sewell

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Between 2018 and 2022, faculty mentor and previous research partners conducted interviews and needbased assessments with transgender students at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) highlighting the need for greater awareness of university policies, procedures, and resources supporting the well-being of gender-diverse students. To address this, the research team collaborated to explore NSU's current policies on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Title IX, protocols for names and pronouns, housing and bathroom accommodations, advocacy processes, and student organizations across these campus offices. These findings led to the creation of the NSU Resource Guide for Gender Diverse Students (work in progress), which offers …

The Fascinations And Downfalls Of Undergraduate Pre-Health Students, Alexis Salcedo

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This project aims to research and discover the stress of Pre-health students and the effects that stress has on their passions for the field. The pre-health field is notorious for being difficult and requiring incredibly hard work, however, all pre-health students all have a common goal in mind and that is to become health professionals in their respective field. As a pre-health student myself, I came into college with a great passion for my field, however, I have certainly faced struggles along the way, but they have not deterred me from my goal. In order to get information, there will …

The Stability Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids In Salmon Following Gamma Irradiation, Saya Seraj

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 and omega-6, are essential nutrients for human health, with salmon being a significant dietary source. However, fish spoilage during refrigeration remains a concern. Gamma irradiation has been approved as a method to reduce bacteria in various foods such as chicken, beef, and shellfish, but it has yet to be approved for fish. To gain FDA approval, it is crucial to demonstrate that this process preserves the nutritional components, particularly PUFAs, in irradiated fish.

In this study, we investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on the PUFA content of salmon at doses of 0.5 kGy …

Buzz And Bloom: Attractiveness Of Odor And Petal Color In South Florida Native Flowers, Maria Castellon, Claudette Artiles, Fabie Gelin, Nia Lewis

Undergraduate Student Symposium

South Florida is home to many species of flowers, such as Tradescantia ohiensis (also known as Spiderwort) and Bidens alba (also known as Spanish needle). Spanish Needle is a common weed that has a small flower with white petals and a yellow center while Spiderwort is a wildflower with bluish-purple petals and yellow anthers. Flowers have adapted their physical traits to attract pollinators through their colorful petals and the aromas they emit. Bees are known to use visual cues to identify flowers over long distances and use odor cues for short distances. The objective of this study was to evaluate …

How Do Gamified Interventions Influence Long-Term Health Outcomes In Managing And Reducing The Progression Of Chronic Illnesses Among Children Under 18?, Taruni Singanamala, Mohit Belur, Jeremy Ignatius

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Despite the advancements in medical care, children below the age of 18 years and their parents or guardians face significant challenges in managing chronic diseases, such as strict treatment regimens with lifestyle modifications for effective management. Nutrition, exercise, and adherence to medication all prevent children from acquiring or assist them in managing a chronic illness. Recent studies have shown that gamifying these aspects makes these goals more attainable and could be the answer to encouraging children and their families. Gamified interventions show promise in improving behavioral adherence and longer-term health outcomes by including features such as rewards, challenges, and progress …

Socioeconomic Drivers Of Crime In France: Analyzing The Relationship Between Immigration, Poverty, And Criminality, Imadeddine Zmarou

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This study examines the relationship between immigration and crime in France, using departmental data from 2021. Amid rising political tensions and far-right claims linking immigration to insecurity, the research investigates whether these assertions hold statistical merit. Regression analyses assess the impact of immigrant population percentages on homicide and sexual assault rates, controlling for factors such as poverty and population density. The analysis finds no significant link between immigration and homicide rates. Instead, poverty emerges as a major determinant, with departments experiencing higher poverty levels reporting significantly more homicides. Conversely, areas with higher immigrant populations report fewer sexual assaults, a trend …

Exploring Vibrational Energy Transfer Between Dna And Water Molecules, Jarlynn Ramirez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Studies have shown that when DNA absorbs ultraviolet light it can become structurally damaged leading to a mutation. Absorption of ultraviolet light causes molecular vibrations in DNA and these vibrations are what likely leads to structural changes in the DNA. However, exposing DNA to ultraviolet light rarely leads to structural damage. This indicates that the energy from the absorbed ultraviolet light is often dissipated in a way that does not damage the DNA. One way the structural changes could be avoided is by vibrational energy transfer from DNA to nearby water molecules. To investigate this potential biological mechanism, molecular dynamics …

Impacts Of Early Childhood Intervention On The Cognitive Development Of Individuals With Down Syndrome, Ella Riddle

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome, is a chromosomal condition that causes intellectual and developmental delays. It is one of the several intellectual disabilities that is protected in the education system under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that provides free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities. Though there is no “cure” for the syndrome, there are several therapies and interventions that significantly improve the cognitive capabilities of individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In recent years, early intervention strategies taking place as early as birth until the age of three have been implemented through services …

Investigation And Reclassification Of Gordonia Bacteriophage Protein Folding And Function With Google Deepmind's Alphafold Artificial Intellifence Software, Taylor Butler

Undergraduate Student Symposium

As the rapid evolution of multi-drug-resistant bacteria inflict public health and environmental crises, the need for alternatives to convention antibiotics is necessary. Bacteriophage (phage) interventions has resurfaced as a prospective avenue of study. However, these viruses that are capable of infecting and killing bacteria are widely undiscovered and lack genetic characterization. Current methods utilize bioinformatics and comparative tools to identify genes and protein functions. Unfortunately, functional classification of phage proteins is difficult with limited experimental data. As a result, functional assignments are often made on synteny using genetically similar bacteriophages. However, many proteins are assigned “hypothetical” functions as no comparative …

Paradise Lost And Character Motivation: Sinful Behavior Or Inferiority Complex?, Esperanza Barrios

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Sin is a concept mainly viewed from a religious perspective. But, through Paradise Lost, John Milton brought a further understanding of human nature and one’s sense of committing what’s perceived as sinful behavior without the veil of religion glazing over academic understanding. In religious terms, sinful behavior is the idea of defying God’s commandments. Still, for this research, sinful behavior may be described as abnormal behavior that damages our best interests and relationships for selfish gains. Sin is also synonymous with the term criminality, the act of committing immoral or deviant acts. Each of Milton’s main characters, Satan, Adam, …

Exploring The Effects Of Food Additives On Electroshock-Induced Seizures In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Sharvani Nune, Carina Pavlov, Japji G. Madan, Emma Hickey, Bhargav Potineni, Dillen-Preetesh Patel, Jeremy Ignatius, Mackenzie Mcgrogan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Many commercially available food products are laced with food additives, such as non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs, e.g. Equal and Splenda). Due to the minimal caloric content and increased palatability, these products are often preferred. Some research exists on the adverse effects of these food additives, but the neurotoxic effects of these compounds are not yet understood beyond anecdotes. In this study, we explore the effects of chemical sweeteners and food additives on seizure behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans are widely used in neuroscience research due to their simple and fully mapped nervous system. To study convulsant behavior of C. …

Effective Weight Cutting And Post Weigh-In Recovery Strategies In Professional Mma, Avanie Balram, Soleil Ramos, Victoria Potvin

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), currently in its 32^nd year, is highly responsible for the exponential growth and international interest in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). MMA includes groups of contact activities. MMA athletes can kick, throw, punch, elbow, or grapple with their opponent. To gain a perceived advantage, MMA athletes undergo weight cuts/longitudinal weight descents (LDW), to compete in lower weight classes. The weight cut frequently occurs during the “Fight Camp” phase, which may last from 8-12 weeks. The week before a match is termed “Fight Week,” which consists of rapid weight loss (RWL) and acute water loss (AWL) …

Long Noncoding Rna Malat1 In Mitochondrial Modulation Induced By Ketosis In Human Cardiomyocytes, Meghana Divi, Eera Mehrotra, Colin Pulickathadam, Sathvi Gandra

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Heart failure, a major cause of mortality, is increasingly viewed as a metabolic disorder involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Ketone body treatments have shown promise in enhancing mitochondrial function and improving heart failure outcomes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins, play critical roles in regulating gene expression and mitochondrial activity. Despite the known modulation of lncRNAs during heart failure, their specific functions under ketotic conditions remain poorly understood. Based on our preliminary findings, this study aims to explore the impact of ketosis on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), particularly MALAT1, and …

A Computational Analysis Of The Monocation And Dication Porphyrins Stability, Dani Sheil, Andersen Cheong

Undergraduate Student Symposium

A computational analysis was used to study the changes on octaethyl (OEP) and tetraphenyl (TPP) substituted porphyrins when the solvents and acids were changed. The analysis used density functional theory to simulate the effects on the porphyrins’ basicity under different conditions at the B3LYP/6- 31g(d) level of theory and incorporated the solvent using the polarizable continuum model. The calculation accounted for different acid interactions (HCl, HF, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, chloroacetic acid, toluene)) with the porphyrins in the gas phase and in a variety of solvents (heptane, dichloromethane, and acetonitrile). The freebase, monocation, and dication phases of both porphyrins were …

Coconut Oil As A Renewable Source For Carbon Dot Nanoparticles: Synthesis And Characterization, Amaan Khan, Aryan Rathi, Srika Saai Talanki, Pierce Canavan, Tasfia Tazri Howlader, Maria Guillén-Méndez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Carbon dots (C-dots) are zero-dimensional, carbon-based fluorescent nanoparticles that have gained significant attention due to their exceptional optical, chemical, and physical properties, along with their biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, and facile synthesis. These characteristics make C-dots versatile for applications in biomedical fields, food packaging, anti-counterfeiting, and semiconductors. Despite the exploration of natural products for C-dot synthesis, using oils to synthesize C-dots remains underexplored. In this study, we synthesized C-dots using coconut oil, a lauric acid-rich renewable resource, through a bottom-up approach. A mixture of coconut oil, citric acid, and ethylenediamine was treated at 180°C for 12 hours, followed by purification via centrifugation …