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ASSESSMENT OF ERROR LEVELS ACROSS THE DOMAIN OF A THREE DIMENSIONAL UNDERWATER MOTION CAPTURE METHODOLOGY
Get PDFAssessing human movement underwater presents many challenges, and it is therefore important to understand error across the whole capture domain to ensure accuracy in resulting kinematics. This study assessed the accuracy across the capture domain of a submerged motion capture methodology. Six Qualisys cameras created an underwater capture volume of 8x2x2m. Average error levels across the domain were acceptable in two uncertainty trials (1.23mm ± 8.23mm and 1.34mm ± 9.65mm), but error increased at the ends and top of the domain. By selecting an area of interest for assessment that excluded areas with lower accuracy, error was reduced to 0.53mm (± 1.45mm). This study highlights the need to investigate error levels across a motion capture domain, particularly when this is a large volume, to ensure results obtained from investigations are reliable
ACUTE EFFECTS OF HIGH-DEFINITION TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION ON DYNAMIC POSTURAL STABILITY IN A Y-BALANCE TASK
Get PDFPurpose: The present study aimed to investigate whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) could affect dynamic postural stability in healthy young adults. Methods: A randomized, crossover, double-blind experimental design was used in this study. Effects of tDCS on dynamic postural stability were assessed baseline and immediately after tDCS. Results: a-tDCS of M1 significantly decreased the COP of medial-lateral displacement on the posteromedial and posterolateral direction, and path length on the posteromedial direction in the Y-balance, while no significant changes in the sham tDCS (s-tDCS) condition. Conclusion: This study provided evidence that a-tDCS enhanced dynamic postural stability in healthy young adult
RELIABILITY OF A TRUNK MOUNTED ACCELEROMETER WHEN DETERMINING GAIT PARAMETERS IN PEOPLE WITH STROKE
Get PDFWearable sensors and accelerometers can objectively and reliably assess gait parameters in both healthy individuals and stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a wireless tri-axial accelerometer is reliable when measuring spatio-temporal gait parameters in patients with stroke. Thirty-one chronic stroke patients (age: 59.5±13.6 years; time since stroke: 28.1±17.8 months) completed three repeated walks along a 10m flat walkway whilst wearing a trunk mounted accelerometer (BTS G-Walk) secured around the waist of the participant over the L5 vertebrae. Outcome measures included cadence, speed, stride length, %stride length/height, gait cycle duration, step length, stance and swing phase duration, single and double support duration for both symptomatic and asymptomatic lower limbs where relevant. Reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of the mean (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) values. ICCs were \u3e 0.75 for all parameters, excluding step length on the asymptomatic side (ICC = 0.70). SEM and the SDC were marginally larger for the symptomatic limb than the asymptomatic limb for gait cycle duration and step length, but smaller for all other outcomes. The study showed that the BTS G-Walk is a reliable tool for measuring spatio-temporal parameters in patients with stroke. Physiotherapists and clinicians often prefer detailed information on gait ability. As advanced technologies could help with specific goals relating to gait performance, such devices could be reliably implemented as an alternative to the gold standard in clinical and community settings to monitor patients outside of a lab-based environment
EFFECTS OF 12-WEEK GAIT RETRAINING ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF MEDIAL GASTROCNEMIUS
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12-week gait retraining on the morphological properties of medial gastrocnemius. Thirty-four male habitual rearfoot strike runners were recruited and randomized divided into gait training group and control group. The medial gastrocnemius morphological properties were measured using an ultrasound device before and after training. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA (group × time) was used for analysis. The significance level was set as 0.05. The results found that after 12-week gait retraining, there was no significant group main effect and interaction effect for all parameters. A main effect of time was observed in the fascicle length (p = 0.016) and normalized fascicle length (p = 0.026). After training, the fascicle length for the GR and CON groups significantly increased by 8.5% (GR) and 2.2% (CON), and the normalized fascicle length increased by 8.8% (GR) and 2.0% (CON). It was indicated that both gait retraining and running training effectively increase the fascicle length of the medial gastrocnemius, thereby providing potential means of increasing the velocity of muscle contraction and reducing the risk of a calf strain while running
Silica Mining Impact on Communities in India
Get PDFIt is important to mitigate the climate crisis by switching to renewable energy from the damaging fossil fuels. Although solar panels are a part of the solution to solving climate change, it is overlooked how much damage to communities large scale solar parks can cause. Through the UNFCCC Paris Climate Agreement India has created the goal to reduce carbon emissions by 33% by 2030. There is an increase in the production of solar panels due to India’s attempt to reach their goal has caused damage to communities due to the increase of mines, solar factories, solar parks, and e-waste dump sites. Workers in the mines have received work related injuries, and many workers through all stages of solar panels do not receive a livable wage. The goal of this project is to raise awareness about the struggles citizens of India face while working in mines for solar panel materials and factories; as well as argue for better working conditions. To accomplish this goal we collected data through research assistants located in India. Citizens were asked their opinion on the mines in Shankargarh, solar park operation in Bhadla, solar park development in Fatehgarh, manufacturing in Bengaluru, and e-waste sites in Gummidipoondi and Seelampur. This data on how their living conditions were interacting with a mine, factory, or e-waste site was recorded to create a conclusion on how their livelihood was impacted with the increase of solar panels created in India. We cannot leave communities in India to be left in the dark in the middle of this climate crisis
A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ANALYZING THE CHALLENGES, CONFLICTS, AND PRACTICES OF SUPERINTENDENT-PRINCIPALS IN RURAL UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to analyze and provide insight into the complexities of the dual role superintendent-principal position from individuals currently serving in this position. The study focused on the challenges and conflicts individuals who serve in this dual role face and highlighted practices that have made them successful in their position. This study also sought to provide insight into the reasons why local school boards decide to employ a dual role superintendent-principal rather than having separate positions and the expectations of boards of education for individuals serving in the dual role.
As I conducted my research, numerous themes emerged related to the challenges and successful practices of superintendent-principals. Some of the themes common among participants in the study include the importance of relationships in the school community. The challenge of role ambiguity was also consistent among the individuals participating in the study. The overall complexity of the dual administrative role and the lack of time to dedicate to any one aspect of the position was a frustration shared by each participant of my study. These themes will be further presented and analyzed throughout this thesis
On the Altar of Industry: A History of the Kingston Plains
Get PDFThe Kingston Plains are a remnant of historic practice in logging of clear cutting, of timber cruising, of wildfire impacts, and of attempted ecological remediation. It is a reminder of human impacts an odd, a mostly treeless place
REPRESENTATION MATTERS: AN EXAMINATION IN TO HOW THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE IS IMPACTED BY THE INCLUSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY QUESTIONS ON A HEALTH HISTORY INTAKE FORM
Get PDFThe disclosure of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) status is an extremely personal decision subject to a variety of internal and external factors. The disclosure of this status in the healthcare setting is an important topic that continues to be subject to discussion, research, education, and mutual understanding between the patient and provider. The purpose of this DNP project is to explore how answering SOGI questions on a general intake form impacts patient attitudes regarding the impending visit. This was a mixed-methods research study that included demographic questions, nominal data in the form of yes/no questions, and two questions that allowed for qualitative answers. Data was collected with the Qualtrics survey system. Over 60% of participants indicated favorable experiences of answering these types of questions before their healthcare visit, 50% of individuals surveyed typically disclosed their SOGI status during visits, and over 70% of participants preferred an intake form as the method of disclosure. This DNP project aims to contribute to the conversation regarding inclusive language in the health care setting and serves as a stepping off point for practitioners and patients to begin to normalize these delicate and sensitive conversations
Effect of rearing container volume on rotifer colony success
Get PDFBurbot (Lota lota) are freshwater fish with circumpolar distribution. In aquaculture settings, rotifers are the first food source for larval burbot because they are small, and can continue to reproduce quickly, even in high densities. Rotifers are microscopic and can be found in freshwater environments such as lakes, streams, and rivers. Rotifers are considered easy to culture; however, if they are not managed properly, rotifer colonies can collapse. This project is determining if volume has an effect on rotifer density and carrying capacity. I will evaluate the effect of volume for small batch cultures and will estimate the number of rotifers for whole batches. A sample of rotifers (1mL) will be taken from each volume and counted under a microscope. This number will then be used to approximate the number of rotifers per container. Rotifers will be kept in 0.5L beakers, 1 L beakers, 2L beakers, and a 5-gallon bucket. They will be kept at 28°C, with salinity of 20ppt, and constant aeration. Rotifer counts will be conducted for each replicate every day before harvest of 30% of the volume water. The goal is to find the optimum volume size for maximized rotifer density and to help increase efficiency for larval burbot aquaculture by maintaining multiple smaller cultures