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What Effect Does Different Arm Swing Methods Have on the Gait Cycle, and Lateral Balance During Running?
No full textThis study investigates the effects of different arm swing methods on running efficiency among female participants aged 19-22. Conducted at the Valparaiso University indoor track facility in late March, the study involved six volunteers who underwent a series of trials: bilateral swing, unilateral arm swing, and zero-arm swing. Minimal instrumentation, including elastic bandages, stopwatches, a blood pressure cuff, and a recording device, was utilized for data collection. Participants engaged in a 10-minute warm-up session before participation in the 3 research trials. There was a 15-minute rest period between each trial. Each trial involved a 30-meter sprint with varied arm swing techniques, with time recordings, step count, and digital recordings saved for analysis. Post-data collection, gait cycle analysis focusing on step length and lateral balance was conducted. The results of this research are pending further analysis
Social Isolation in Older Adults: Systematic Review
No full textBACKGROUND. Social isolation in older adults can lead to multiple negative health implications, including a higher chance of developing dementia, increased rates of depression and anxiety, and premature death from all causes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). The rate of older adults experiencing social isolation has grown since the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic (National Council on Aging, 2021).
OBJECTIVE. This systematic review aimed to review and analyze interventions and strategies that occupational therapy practitioners can utilize to decrease social isolation in community-dwelling older adults.
DATA SOURCES. A systematic review of the literature from 2013-2023 was conducted utilizing the Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, and Medline databases.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION. Studies addressing occupational therapy interventions to decrease social isolation among individuals aged 65 and older living in the community were included. Articles were assessed through a literature review, examination of inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality, relevance, and risk of bias, all of which were reviewed by the authors.
RESULTS. Fourteen articles were selected for inclusion. The systematic review yielded fair evidence for outcomes and effectiveness of organizational and interprofessional services, perspectives on time alone, loneliness and isolation, and community programming relating to interventions to decrease social isolation in community-dwelling older adults.
CONCLUSION. Results from this review demonstrate that occupational therapy can have a role in decreasing or eliminating social isolation in community-dwelling older adults through the components of community programming, observing perspectives regarding time alone, occupational identification, and interprofessional services. Limitations will be discussed
Evaluating Liposome Stability in Gastric and Intestinal Environments
No full textLymphatic filariasis, a parasitic infection prevalent in many tropical countries, poses a significant challenge to treat due to parasite residence within the lymphatic system. Many lymphatic filariasis drugs are small molecules, and inadvertently target the bloodstream rather than the lymphatic system where the parasite lives. Liposomes have emerged as a promising avenue for drug transportation, offering the potential for improved lymphatic uptake and multidrug loading. This requires orally administered liposomes to be stable throughout the digestive system until they reach the small intestine, where they will be absorbed by lacteals and access the lymphatic system. Successful delivery to the small intestine requires the structural integrity of the liposomes to prevent early drug release into the digestive system. The objective of this project was to create a realistic in vitro model of the gastric and intestinal digestive systems to test the size and stability of the phosphatidylcholine liposomes in each environment. This information can then be applied to modify the contents of the liposomal bilayer to alter the rigidity and stability of the liposome. Findings will guide improvements to the liposome structure for better stability, aiding targeted drug delivery to the lymphatic system
Creative Expression and Documentation: The Who, How, and Why of Journaling
Get PDFProcesses of utilizing methods of creative expression and individuals’ documentations has been studied as a way to promote individual voice and identity, particularly in the contexts of educational and healthcare settings, as well as online spaces. However, studies on interventions of crafting one’s story and understanding the experiences of others have implied that these settings have often failed those that they serve by presenting limited ideas on what expression can look like. Through a series of ten qualitative interviews and a collection of personal journal entries from Valparaiso University students, this project furthers the notion that having the tools to express oneself allow us to better recognize one’s individual voices, and to understand how we relate to others. This project furthers the discussion on the importance of professionals promoting self construction tools of well being
Probing medicinal plants for novel antimicrobial compounds
Get PDFAccording to the W.H.O., infectious diseases account for three of the top ten global causes of death. Antimicrobial drug discovery surged in the mid-twentieth century but has sharply declined in recent years. At the same time, antimicrobial-resistant “superbug” infections are on the rise. Plants produce a robust supply of novel metabolic compounds, including many antimicrobial agents. However, with the advent of modern antibiotic drugs, natural plant-derived antibiotic sources have largely been left unexplored. Therefore, our work is focused on screening poorly explored medicinal plants in the hopes of discovering novel antimicrobial drugs. To do this, we have been testing extracts of plants found in the Valpo medicinal garden for their effects against twelve microorganisms of interest. To date, methanolic and hexane extracts of aerial, reproductive, and root portions of twelve plants have been screened, with five plants showing especially promising activities. Both raspberry leaf and yarrow flower methanol extracts were seen to inhibit growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with little activity against the fungal organisms tested. Chokeberry leaf methanol extracts had similar trends, but with less activity overall. Additionally, both lavender and raspberry root methanol extracts demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, while yarrow, chokeberry, and calendula root methanol extracts showed similar trends, but with less overall activity. We have begun separating several promising extracts using column chromatography techniques to determine the specific antimicrobial compounds via analytical chemistry techniques. These data highlight the importance of plants as an invaluable pharmaceutical resource at a time when antimicrobial drug discovery has plateaued
A Medievalist Myth-making Crisis: Tolkien\u27s Tychonic Cosmology
Get PDFDuring and after writing The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien became embroiled in a self-motivated crisis in world-building, endeavoring to ‘modernize’ his mythological cosmology to more accurately reflect the Earth as it exists as a planet orbiting the Sun in space. While Tolkien was ultimately never able to complete a ‘Copernican Revolution’ in his Secondary World, his efforts continued over twenty years through numerous drafts posthumously published in Morgoth’s Ring and The Nature of Middle-earth. This paper applies a particular vignette from our real-world cosmological crises – revisions of Tycho Brahe’s hybrid geo-heliocentric model by Jesuit astronomers seeking not only to ‘save the phenomena’ but to come to terms with the mutability, corruptibility, composition, and mode of motion of the heavens – as a lens through which to view Tolkien’s later failed attempts to rework the cosmology of his Secondary World. In so doing we see how Tolkien’s myth-making cosmological crisis parallels the twenty-year journey of Jesuit astronomer Cristoforo Borri to understand the structure and nature of the heavens
Leadership Lessons from Past Global Challenges: Managing the Climate Change Challenge Threatening Sustainable Development
Get PDFOn June 5, 2024, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated in open forum quite unequivocally: We are playing Russian roulette with our planet. We need an exit ramp off the highway to climate hell. Indeed, climate change is a global challenge to sustainable development.” And an applied solution to this global challenge is a common interest point for all. This viewpoint article presents the key leadership lessons from past global challenges in order to better combat the climate change crisis, alleviate the suffering of those immediately affected, and build a more stable future for all
Running a Business Like a Biblical Prophet: What Would Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, or Ezekiel Do?
Get PDFThis paper contends that a toxic corporate culture is the leading cause of unethical behavior in business, and that biblical values taught by the ancient prophets can help transform a firm\u27s culture, inspire employees, and foster a work environment where the paycheck is not the ultimate goal. Scripture could help employees understand that the organization\u27s purpose is to achieve many positive outcomes, such as delivering value to the customer, making a positive difference in society and the world, alleviating poverty and hunger, providing meaningful work, and encouraging innovation and positive change
Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Generating Innovative Ideas
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to offer innovative tools and techniques to develop inspiring ideas. It explains the power of the subconscious mind to acquire creative and inventive ideas and unlock hidden potential. It differentiates between creativity and innovation and draws a blueprint to achieve creativity and innovation. It explains and elaborates on innovative leadership. It outlines the characteristics of innovative leaders and illustrates inspiring examples of innovative international leaders including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. It explains that failure is an integral part of innovation. It directs the reader to acquire as much information as possible in the innovation process. It emphasizes the importance of synthesis to generate more ideas. It reminds us that all seeds that you sow will not germinate and bear fruits. It concludes to strive from a theoretical and practical perspective to acquire innovative and inspiring ideas to achieve extraordinary success in your life
Probiotic Supplementation and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Management
Get PDFObjectives: This paper investigates the impact of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiome and its correlation with the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), to elucidate potential therapeutic avenues for managing PCOS-related symptoms, including insulin resistance, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility. Methods: The Valparaiso University online library catalog, PubMed and Google Scholar were utilized to find peer-reviewed articles and clinical trials. Sources were limited to the last five years to ensure the most recent and accurate data. Results: The diverse effects of probiotic supplementation on various endocrine markers in women with PCOS highlight the complex interactions within the endocrine system. While some studies suggest a decrease in total testosterone levels and improvements in insulin sensitivity, others show mixed results. Consistent findings indicate a decrease in fasting plasma glucose levels and potential improvements in lipid profiles with probiotic use. Clinical effects such as weight reduction, improvements in menstrual cycle regularity, and hirsutism reduction suggest promising therapeutic avenues for managing PCOS-related symptoms. However, further research is needed to clarify optimal probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment durations for maximizing clinical benefits. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation demonstrates promising results in improving hormonal balance, metabolic parameters, and quality of life indicators among women with PCOS. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics as a complementary therapeutic approach for managing PCOS-related symptoms.
Keywords: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Probiotic supplements, PCOS, Probiotics, Gut microbiome, hormonal parameters, metabolic marks, inflammatory marks, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularity