Digital Commons Network^™

Immersive Computer-Assisted And Traditional Balance Training Methods On Balance Performance In Young Athletes: A Randomized Comparative Study, Hsien-I Lai, Yun-Hsin Huang, Chen-Yu Chien, Chung-Lan Kao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Introduction: Balance is essential for athletic performance. This study compared immersive computer-assisted balance training using the Bertec Balance Advantage CDP/IVR system with traditional soft mat training in young athletes.

Methods: Twenty-two young athletes were randomly assigned to a soft mat group (n = 10) or a Bertec group (n = 12). Both groups completed four training sessions over two weeks. Balance was assessed pre- and post-training using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Limits of Stability (LOS) test, and Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test. Two-way mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc analyses were performed.

Results: Both groups improved in postural stability and …

Ultrasound-Guided Injection In Meralgia Paresthetica: A Narrative Review, Jia-Chi Ko, Tyng-Guey Wang, Shaw-Gang Shyu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome resulting from compression or irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Traditional diagnostic approaches rely on clinical assessments and electrodiagnostic testing. Ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive, cost-effective modality for detailed visualization of the LFCN and guiding treatment interventions.

This review explores the anatomical considerations of the LFCN, its common etiological factors, clinical presentation, current management strategies, and ultrasound-guided injection techniques. While LFCN exhibits notable anatomical variability, and it is susceptible to external compression near the inguinal ligament. Some potential causes reveal as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or surgical interventions. Patients typically …

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Barbotage And Ultrasonic Tenotomy For Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy, Toru Omodani

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is a common source of shoulder pain caused by calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons. Ultrasound-guided interventions have emerged as effective, minimally invasive alternatives to surgery for symptomatic cases unresponsive to conservative treatments. This review summarizes two primary techniques: percutaneous needle barbotage and percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. In needle barbotage, one or two needles are inserted under ultrasound guidance to inject and aspirate saline, thereby fragmenting and removing the calcific deposit. This method yields rapid pain relief and improved shoulder function, with follow-up imaging often demonstrating near-complete deposit resolution. For particularly hard or recalcitrant deposits, …

Safety In Dry Needling: The Role And Contributions Of The International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (Idnetag), W Mahmoud, J. Dommerholt

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Dry needling is an intervention that physical therapists use to address various neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes, primarily through targeting myofascial trigger points (TrPs) in muscle tissue. This technique involves inserting thin filiform needles into specific areas to relieve pain and improve movement. Despite its therapeutic potential, concerns regarding adverse events (AEs) necessitate stringent safety protocols and guidelines. In response, the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (IDNETAG) was established in 2023 with members from diverse professions across eight countries. IDNETAG's mission is to enhance global standards of practice, focusing on safety, education, and consistency in treatment protocols. Research indicates …

A Rare Case Of Bilateral Supraspinatus Tendon Tears With Unilateral Musculotendinous Junction Involvement In An Elderly Patient, Kanyamas Poompreecha, Patsaree Pattanasuwanna, Ya-Chu Hsu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Rotator cuff (RC) tears are a common cause of shoulder pain in the elderly, though tears at the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) are uncommonly observed. We present a rare case of bilateral supraspinatus tendon tears in a 68-year-old male, with unilateral involvement of the MTJ. Symptoms developed three months after resuming resistance training following left acromioclavicular dislocation surgery. Ultrasound revealed a full-thickness insertional tear on the left and a partial MTJ tear on the right. Conservative treatment led to symptom resolution without surgery. This case highlights the diagnostic value of dynamic ultrasound for subtle rotator cuff and MTJ lesions in elderly …

Inactivity In Ambulatory Hemodialysis Patients: A Multidimensional Health Assessment, Guan-Yi Huang, Ji-Tseng Fang, Ching-Chung Hsiao, Shu-Chun Huang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Sedentary lifestyles and poor fitness are prevalent among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). However, no study has comprehensively evaluated multiple dimensions of physical fitness using gold-standard methods in ambulatory chronic HD patients, who represent approximately 60% of the HD population. In this study, a multidimensional health assessment -including standardized evaluations of fitness—was conducted to examine its association with physical activity levels.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at dialysis centers within a tertiary medical center and a regional hospital, using a comprehensive battery of evaluations. These included cardiopulmonary exercise testing, isokinetic dynamometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry …

Professional Liability, Shelby Taylor, R. Max Ward, Levi Klinglesmith

SMU Annual Texas Survey

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Autonomic Dysfunction In Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The Neurogastro-Cardiac Axis: Friend Or Foe?, Sergio Sobrino-Cossio, Jorge Cossío-Aranda, Elymir S. Galvis-García, Gualberto Mateos-Pérez, Óscar Teramoto-Matsubara, Jesús A. González-Hermosillo, Juan C. Lopez Alvarenga, Mustafa Azizoglu, José M. Remes-Troche

School of Medicine Publications

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a complex and highly prevalent entity. Impaired gut-brain communication is associated with autonomic dysfunction. Modulation of the autonomic nervous system controls gastrointestinal functions. In GERD, a decrease in vagal tone (parasympathetic activity) and an increase in sympathetic activity with autonomic balance shifted towards the sympathetic system have been reported. Clinical questionnaires and non-invasive measurement of heart rate variability may be useful in patients with GERD to detect autonomic dysfunction. Restoration of parasympathetic system activity (mainly neuromodulation), with subsequent improvement of parasympathetic activity, will reduce the intensity of autonomic symptoms and GERD, improving quality of life. …

Wrongful Birth After Dobbs And The Limits Of Tort Law In Areas Of Dissensus, E. Travis Ramey

Nebraska Law Review

As the abortion debate has raged in this country, a secondary debate over wrongful birth has accompanied it. Wrongful birth is a medical-malpractice-like claim brought by parents who allege that a medical provider negligently failed to provide accurate information about the fetus and that had they received accurate information they would have terminated the pregnancy. Courts rejected the tort theory until Roe v. Wade was decided. Post-Roe, courts were heavily divided over whether to recognize the claim and what damages were recoverable. Now, after Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the continued viability of wrongful birth is …

Diversity Statements, Academic Freedom, And The First Amendment, Keith E. Whittington

Nebraska Law Review

Diversity statements have become a common component of applications for faculty positions and student admission at universities across the country. They have also become politically controversial, with several states banning the use of such requirements at public universities. The use of diversity statements also raises difficult constitutional questions under the First Amendment at public universities and academic freedom questions at both public and private universities. Although there are versions of such statements that might pass constitutional muster, as commonly designed and implemented, the use of diversity statements likely violates both First Amendment and academic freedom principles. Indeed, diversity statement requirements …

Democracy’S Fundamentals: Efficacy, Equality, And The Supreme Court, Jenny Breen

Nebraska Law Review

When assessing courts in a democratic regime, we must begin by asking substantial questions about what it means for any democratic nation to allocate such important functions to an often unelected branch of government. Courts must fit within a democracy, not democracies within a judicial system. This Essay identifies two fundamental predicates of democratic rule—efficacy and equality—and examines the decisions of the United States Supreme Court in light of both of those key categories, finding that its recent decisions have been consistently undermining both. These observations on the United States Supreme Court are prefaced by overviews of the scholarly literature …

Dreamers And The Fda: Article Iii Standing In Immigration Cases After Fda V. Alliance, Madeline Hutchison

Nebraska Law Review

States historically challenge federal executive policy through litigation. One recent example is Texas’ challenge to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) policy for the second time in two years. The validity of DACA was challenged in the Fifth Circuit due to immigration concerns by Texas, where the court ultimately held Texas had Article III standing to sue. However other courts, and the Supreme Court in particular, have begun closing the door on plaintiffs that demonstrate only broad injuries related to government regulations and policies. The June 2024 Supreme Court ruling in FDA v. Alliance may open the door for …

The Jurisprudence Of Statutory Interpretation: A Framework For The Logical Restraints Of Legal Positivism And Textualism, K. A. Stenseng

Nebraska Law Review

Since President Donald Trump’s first term in office, the Supreme Court has become increasingly dominated by justices who identify as textualists. In recent years, the Court’s environmental decisions (and the Court itself) have become the center of public scrutiny. As President Trump proceeds through his second term in office, how can legal experts and policymakers better understand the trajectory of the current court? Answering this question is vital as the legal community faces new questions surrounding the Rule of Law.

This Article centers on recent Supreme Court case law, including the Court’s controversial Clean Water Act (“CWA”) decision in Sackett …

Latinos In Massachusetts: Dominicans, Phillip Granberry, Michelle Borges, Florita Coto Tristán, Daliza Nova

Gastón Institute Publications

The Gastón Institute’s 2024 Latinos in Massachusetts series includes this statewide report on the Dominican population in Massachusetts. This report analyzes Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) data from the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Our descriptive analysis uses both household- and individual-level data to estimate population size and percentages and to compare Dominicans to Other Latinos and Non-Latinos in the state.

In-Person Versus Peer-Coordinated Virtual Health Coaching For Metabolic And Behavioral Outcomes In Women In Sober Living Facilities, Craig R. Witt

Dissertations

Background: Women in early recovery from substance use disorder often face metabolic health vulnerabilities, yet physical health behaviors are frequently under-emphasized in sober living settings. Feasible and accessible wellness strategies are needed to support both behavioral and metabolic health in this population.

Purpose: To compare the effects of professionally delivered in-person health coaching versus peer-coordinated virtual health coaching on metabolic outcomes and health-promoting behaviors among women in sober living facilities.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 32 women enrolled in a 12-week group-based health coaching program focused on nutrition, physical activity, and stress management; 18 completed post-intervention assessments (in-person: n = …

Human Cognitive Bias Mitigation Approaches To Fairness Within The Machine Learning Value Chain: A Review And Research Agenda, Stephen Surles, Cherie Noteboom, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

This systematic review examines the influence of human cognitive biases on machine learning (ML) systems across the 9 phases of the ML algorithmic value chain. Following the PRISMA guidelines, it synthesizes 19 studies on bias integration and management within ML, highlighting techniques to reduce bias and increase fairness. The review identifies key gaps: the unclear translation of human cognitive biases to ML biases, absence of metrics to measure biases, re-introduction of biases during debiasing, and the critical need for human intervention. These findings prompt several research themes spanning human cognition and algorithmic bias. The theoretical implications are three-fold: extending bias …

Non-Functional Requirementsand Key Propositionselicitation For An Hdss:A Grounded Theory Approach, Mohammad Tafiqur Rahman, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

Deciding humanitarian actions during relief distribution is a crucial and challengingtask.Humanitarian decision-makers (HDM) make manycritical decisions during disaster responses,but they sufferfrom incomplete, irrelevant, and sometimes excessive humanitarian operations-related disaster datain many situations.Hence, for constructive and meaningful support in decision-making, HDMs oftenappreciate computer-basedinformation systems(IS) (i.e. humanitarian decision support systems) that require non-functional requirements (NFRs) for their development. To identify those necessary NFRs, we applied the grounded theory approach to analyze 61 literature-and field-based decision-making parameters reported in the primary author's previous research (Rahman and Majchrzak (2020)). Our analysis resulted in 13 essentialNFRs and four key propositions to guide relief distribution decision-making …

Evaluating Topic Models With Openai Embeddings: A Comparative Analysis On Variable-Length Texts Using Two Datasets, Abdullah Wahbeh, Mohammad Al-Ramahi, Omar F. El-Gayar, Ahmed Elnoshokaty, Tareq Nasralah

Research & Publications

Topic modeling is a crucial unsupervised machine learning technique for identifying themes within unstructured text. This study compares traditional topic modeling methods, like Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), against advanced embedding-based models, specifically BERTopic-OpenAI. The analysis utilizes two distinct datasets: user reviews from the mental health app Replika and the 20newsgroup dataset. For the Replika dataset, both methods identified common themes, but BERTopic-OpenAI uncovered additional nuanced topics, demonstrating its enhanced semantic capabilities. Quantitative evaluation of the 20newsgroup dataset further highlighted BERTopic-OpenAI's advantage through achieving higher topic coherence and diversity than the best-performing LDA model. These results suggest that embedding-based models provide …

A Review Of Reasoning In Artificial Agents Using Large Language Models, Nagraj Naidu, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

The increasing sophistication and the use of large language models (LLMs) in artificial agents highlights the need to investigate their reasoning capabilities and limitations. Understanding these aspects is crucial, given the integral role of reasoning in decision-making processes, which are central to a software or embodied agent. This research paper presents a systematic review of the topic. We review the literature by selecting and analyzing highly cited papers using both PRISMA and snowballing. The gathered literature is categorized using a detailed framework of facets and categories. In the results section, we elaborate on our findings and illustrate the mapping through …

Exploring The Interoperability For Information Exchange Between Acute And Post-Acute Care Settings, Madhu Gottumukkala, Cherie Noteboom, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

The seamless transfer and assimilation of healthcare data are foundational to delivering holistic, timely, and effective patient care across the healthcare spectrum. However, disparities in Electronic Health Record (EHR) system adoption, especially in long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) settings, consistently obstruct interoperability. This study explores the factors that impede and facilitate health information exchange in LTPAC environments, focusing on technical and organizational facets. Grounded theory guided our qualitative case study research, involving 35 stakeholder interviews. Key technical findings highlight the need for integrated, reliable data structures, robust infrastructure, and standardized practices. Organizational insights reveal a shift towards integrative, patient-centric strategies …

Latent Subtypes Of Comorbidities In Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Insights From Social Media, Laxmi Manasa Gorugantu, Nevine Nawar, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease associated with various physical and cognitive impairments. Individuals with MS might also experience medical and psychiatric comorbidities that can exacerbate the severity of the disease and lower their overall well-being. Therefore, it becomes essential to identify these co-occurring health conditions at the early stages to optimize treatment and improve patient outcomes. Consequently, the objective of this study is to explore the commonly occurring comorbidities among MS patients around the globe from social media discourse. Furthermore, it aims to unveil public perceptions, providing insights that might not be captured via clinical research methods. The …

Highlighting Competency Gaps In Health Informatics Education Using Advanced Text-Embedding Models, Omar F. El-Gayar, Abdullah Wahbeh, Mohammad Al-Ramahi, Ahmed Elnoshokaty

Research & Publications

The healthcare sector anticipates substantial growth, with 125,000 job openings by 2026, including 69,000 middle-skilled positions. Despite this growth, data use and integration inefficiencies cost the sector $750 billion annually. Health informatics, an interdisciplinary field blending healthcare, computer, information, and cognitive sciences, can address these challenges through enhanced healthcare management via information technology. However, there is a critical disparity between competencies taught in educational programs and those demanded by the job market. This study examines competencies from job postings on Indeed.com and accredited health informatics programs, comparing them with the Health Information Technology Competencies (HITComp) database. Utilizing advanced text-embedding models, …

Generative Ai And Academic Integrity In Higher Education: A Systematic Review And Research Agenda, Kyle Bittle, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

This systematic literature review rigorously evaluates the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on academic integrity within higher education settings. The primary objective is to synthesize how GenAI technologies influence student behavior and academic honesty, assessing the benefits and risks associated with their integration. We defined clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on studies explicitly discussing GenAI’s role in higher education from January 2021 to December 2024. Databases included ABI/INFORM, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and JSTOR, with the last search conducted in May 2024. A total of 41 studies met our precise inclusion criteria. Our synthesis methods involved qualitative analysis …

A Systematic Literature Review Of Ai, Education, And Change In Radiology Practice, Cherie Noteboom, Vahini Atluri, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi

Research & Publications

Radiology is undergoing a role change as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in clinical workflows, reshaping the roles, responsibilities, and educational needs of radiologists. As professionals known for their autonomy and expertise, radiologists face significant transitions that require effective change management and educational support. The systematic literature review is guided by the PRISMA methodology and synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed research between 2019 and 2024 to explore how AI integration influences radiology practice and training. Anchored in the GrandFusion Framework—a novel theoretical synthesis of Dewey’s Experiential Learning, Simon’s Bounded Rationality, Lewin’s Change Management, Davis’s Technology Acceptance Model, and Rogers’s Diffusion …

From Imaging To Insights: Ai’S Role In Radiology Transformation Through 2pdt And 4aim, Cherie Noteboom, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi, Vahini Atluri

Research & Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively integrated into radiologists' processes, improving diagnostic precision, decision-making, and operational efficiency. This systematic literature review (SLR) is a Meta- analysis utilizing the PRISMA framework that investigates the transformative impact of AI in radiology by analyzing studies published from January 2019 to December 2024 across the academic databases of ACM Digital Library, IEEE/IET, Elsevier ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and PubMed. The research employs the People, Process, Data, and Technology (2PDT) framework to classify AI technologies and assess their effects on patient outcomes, radiologists' experiences, and healthcare system performance. The findings indicate the substantial contributions of AI, including enhanced …

A Systematic Literature Review On Ai Chatbots In Automating Customer Support For E-Commerce, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi, Omar F. El-Gayar, Cherie Noteboom

Research & Publications

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the e-commerce sector, particularly through the integration of AI-powered chatbots. This study conducts a systematic literature review to examine how chatbots align with the eight foundational features of e-commerce technology: ubiquity, global reach, universal standards, interactivity, information richness, information density, personalization/customization, and social technology. Guided by the PRISMA framework, the review addresses two primary research questions: (1) How do AI-driven chatbots support the unique features of e-commerce technology? and (2) What technological advancements enhance their functionality in this context? Relevant literature was retrieved from five major academic databases: ACM Digital …

Mapping The Intersection Of Blockchain And Project Management: A Bibliometric Review, Cherie Noteboom, David Zeng, Sai Neelima Seru, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi

Research & Publications

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 93 peer-reviewed articles examining the intersection of blockchain technology and project management. Utilizing PRISMA and analytical tools such as VOSviewer, bibliometrix R, and python, it identifies publication trends, keyword co-occurrence, and three thematic clusters: blockchain infrastructure, project management, and industry application domains. Results reveal rapid growth since 2018 and conceptual tensions between centralized project methods and decentralized technologies. This analysis contributes a structured overview of how blockchain is reshaping project environments, offering insights for both researchers and practitioners seeking to align emerging technologies with project governance and execution models.

Systematic Review Of Lattice-Based Cryptography Algorithms For Securing Blockchain Networks In The Post-Quantum Era, Salim Arfaoui, Omar El-Gayar

Research & Publications

The rise of quantum computing threatens blockchain security as traditional cryptographic schemes become vulnerable. Lattice-based cryptography has emerged as a promising quantum-resistant solution. This systematic literature review uniquely provides an in-depth, blockchain-specific analysis of lattice-based cryptographic integration challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 48 studies published between 2017-2025 from major academic databases. Unlike previous reviews that broadly examine post-quantum cryptography, we identify critical blockchain-specific implementation barriers, performance bottlenecks, and standardization gaps. Key challenges include computational overhead, protocol compatibility, and the need for lightweight cryptographic standards. Despite these challenges, lattice-based cryptography demonstrates significant potential for enhancing blockchain security in the quantum …

Knowledge Management Processes For Improving Supply Chain Performance - A Systematic Literature Review, Sai Neelima Seru, Omar El-Gayar

Research & Publications

This study presents a systematic review of 36 articles published between 2020 and 2025 to explore how knowledge management processes improve supply chain performance. Using the Resource-Based, Knowledge-Based, and Dynamic Capability View as theoretical lenses, the review examines KM processes - creation, storage, sharing, and application across the People-Process-Technology (PPT) dimensions. The findings show that KM enhances collaboration, agility, resilience, innovation, and sustainability by balancing human enablers, structured processes, and digital technologies. The review positions KM as a strategic capability and suggests that future research should explore KM integration with AI and blockchain to build smarter, more adaptive supply chains.