203435 research outputs found
Sort by
Thunder Storm LX-3
No full texthttps://researchrepository.wvu.edu/fixation-db-video-games/3984/thumbnail.jp
Clear Speech Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease: A Single Case Design Examining Acoustic and Aerodynamic Outcomes Following a Structured Protocol
No full textABSTRACT
Clear Speech Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease: A Single Case Design Examining Acoustic and Aerodynamic Outcomes Following a Structured Protocol
Zachariah Backus
Purpose:
Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neuro-progressive movement disorder that impacts all movement of the body, including speech production. Ninety percent of individuals living with PD will experience hypokinetic dysarthria, a motor speech disorder, during the progression of their disease. Clear speech instruction is a treatment strategy used to increase motor speech outcomes in those with PD. Studies have shown positive changes in articulation, prosody, voice, and listener perception measures in those with PD after clear speech instruction in a single session. While clear speech instruction in a single session has been examined in the current literature, there is limited research that has explored a structured, multi-phase intervention that incorporates clear speech instructions and the principles of motor learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine changes in aerodynamic and acoustic voice measures in a client with PD following a structured Clear Speech Intervention.
Method:
“Betty”, a 98-year-old female with a medical diagnosis of PD participated in Clear Speech Intervention. Clear Speech Intervention is a nine-week intervention that utilizes clear speech instructions and the principles of motor learning. Betty had slight-mild hypokinetic dysarthria due to her PD, which impacted her articulation and prosody. She attended baseline, treatment, and follow-up sessions for a total of fourteen weeks. At every session, acoustic and aerodynamic data were collected. Acoustic measures extracted included mean pitch, duration, local jitter and shimmer, and CPPS. Aerodynamic measures extracted included peak expiratory airflow, mean expiratory airflow, and expiratory volume. She also completed a series of assessments to assess her intelligibility, quality of life, communicative participation, and her cognition.
Results:
While a few of the measures trended toward significance, there was no noticeable change in any of Betty’s acoustic or aerodynamic measures collected during Clear Speech intervention. There were notable results in her assessment data, with most test results improving or maintaining from baseline to follow-up. Notable test results that changed from baseline to follow-up included decreased Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) scores, increased Communication Participation Item Bank (CPIB) scores, maintaince of very high Speech Intelligibility Test (SIT) scores, and decreased Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores.
Conclusion:
The results of this study show that while there was no significant change in Betty’s acoustic or aerodynamic measures following Clear Speech Intervention, she did report improvements in her communicative participation and perceived voice quality. While there no observed change in any of Betty’s acoustic and aerodynamic measures, there was also no evidence of disease progression on her speech. More research is needed to investigate the impact of Clear Speech Intervention for more individuals and for other domains of speech production, such as articulation and speech prosody
Adminstrative and Programmatic Supports to Enhance Veteran-Service Dog Programming
No full textBackground: Service dogs have long served as a valuable resource to assist veterans in overcoming challenges such as transitioning to post-military life, re-engaging in life roles, and navigating the community. There is substantial research on the benefits and impacts that service dogs have on the lives of veterans. Because of this, the number of service dog-veteran partnerships is on the rise, and each service dog program has its individualized programmatic method to enhance its offerings. However, there is limited information on administrative and programmatic support for service dog training programs intended for veterans and staff members. The veteran perspective is an important aspect of the success of a service dog program. It is important to incorporate veteran collaboration into the team to help capture the veteran perspective to increase positive outcomes for both the veteran and the program. Increasing the veteran perspective within the Hearts of Gold program will provide better programmatic outcomes and enhance the overall veteran and service dog training programming, a need identified during the needs assessment with the co-director of the Hearts of Gold program, as well as a gap identified within the literature.
Methods: Through a mixed-methods program development design, surveys were developed to evaluate veterans on three main aims targeted by the capstone project: (1) to update the admissions forms utilized by Hearts of Gold, so they better capture the life of the applicant and their family, (2) capture the veteran perspective and feedback on the Hearts of Gold program, and (3) create learning modules, videos, and quizzes designed to be delivered to the veteran in two phases.
Results: Aim 1 focused on developing and analyzing tools designed to obtain information from staff members and veterans regarding the admissions and veteran-service dog matching process. Aim 2 focused on analyzing the results of a tool designed to survey veterans on their perspective regarding the Hearts of Gold program once they have completed the program. Aim 3 focused on providing evidence-based and educationally enriching modules to aid in the veteran transition into the program. Major themes were identified from Aims 1 and 2: (1) individuals involved with the program, (2) the Hearts of Gold training facility, (3) the process (eligibility survey and application), and (4) definitions of terms.
Conclusion: The results of this project show the importance of incorporating the veteran perspective into a service dog training program to improve administrative and programmatic supports and enhance veteran-service dog training. This was shown through positive feedback on the implementation of each part of the capstone project and through the amount of information the program and staff were able to acquire from this process, with plans in place to increase programmatic outcomes for Hearts of Gold
Framework for Development Environment Selection in Digital Twin Applications
No full textDigital Twin (DT) technology, a cornerstone of Industry 4.0, facilitates real-time synchronization between virtual models and physical manufacturing systems, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by the absence of standardized methods for selecting Development Environments (DEs) for DTs, compounded by challenges in cost, interoperability, and connectivity with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) protocols. This thesis proposes a Systematic Selection Framework to address this gap, offering a structured methodology to evaluate DEs based-on visualization quality, scalability, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness for manufacturing applications. The framework categorizes and compares sixteen DEs into Game Engines, Robotics Engines, and Simulation Engines, employing a multi-step process involving a persona-based analysis, weighted criteria filtering, and implementation guidelines. The framework was evaluated on the use case of the Smart Manufacturing Lab and identified the Unity Engine as a match for the setup, calling for a high-fidelity visual DT of the Cyber-Physical Lab (CP-Lab), an 8-station assembly line at the Smart Manufacturing Lab.
The CP-Lab DT, developed using Unity and integrated with MQTT-driven Testbed-as-a-Service (TaaS) data as the communication protocol, transforms a static CAD model into a dynamic simulation. It replicates conveyor motion across seven pallets and Turning station flipping operations, leveraging open-source tools like Mosquitto and C# scripting for real-time synchronization. Validation confirms the framework’s functionality and partial scalability, though data inconsistencies limit full station simulation, underscoring the need for robust datasets. This replicable, flexible framework mitigates trial-and-error DE selection, advancing DT adoption in Industry 4.0. Future work will explore real-time CP-Lab integration, Machine Learning (ML) integration, full integration of MQTT data, and refined criteria weighting to enhance precision and scalability across diverse manufacturing contexts
Artistic Echoes: Tracing Environmentalism in Art Through Time
No full textThis professional project offers the research grounding and basis for developing and pitching a comprehensive digital article for potential publication, with the ultimate goal of educating readers on the intersections of environmental protection, art history, and American culture. First, this research conducts a rhetorical analysis of 19th-century artworks, exploring the historical and cultural events that shape these pieces and contribute to societal perspectives on environmentalism and humanity\u27s relationship with nature. Art during this century is heavily influenced by the American Frontier, which is accompanied by the idea of the sublime, the belief in manifest destiny, and romanticism. Although the duration of the American Frontier as a movement is debated, the time period specifically examined in this study spans from 1800 to 1900. The work herein investigates, through painting analysis, how the depiction of wilderness in 19th-century artwork affects the greater creation of American culture and the establishment of conservation and preservation initiatives. This includes how perspectives on cultivating land change, how the presentation of wilderness influences the relationship between Americans and nature, and how divine guidance shapes the conquest of colonization. Second, based on this foundational research, a professional project implementation is proposed. Specifically, the professional project “translates” the academic review of literature and accompanying rhetorical analysis into an engaging, educational article with annotated graphics for audiences with an interest in environmental protection and healthy communities. The article development is informed by studies showing higher readership retention and learning rates through written content supplemented by visually engaging and strategically designed graphic elements. The resulting article aims to simplify complex topics through visual modification, including but not limited to bolding, headings and subheadings, spacing, color usage, element placement, and print incorporation. The drafted article and graphics are then pitched for possible publication in The Appalachian Voice, a publication of the grassroots environmental advocacy organization Appalachian Voices. Ultimately, this professional project seeks to educate readers on the intersections of environmental and art history, thereby charting new ways of thinking for consumers as American culture is put into perspective
Bargaining for Statehood: The Intersection of Capitalism and Politics in the Creation of West Virginia
No full textThis project explores the original architecture of West Virginia. The plans and deliberate construction of the new state not only represented the longstanding desire of western counties for equitable representation in its legislature but also rested on the economic and political ambition of the movement’s leaders. Not all western counties supported independent statehood, and a substantial number of counties favored secession. Without a cohesive citizen consensus to embark upon statehood, traditional narratives that the western counties embarked on statehood solely to protect republican interests bears further investigation. Lacking a unified front, political and business leaders steered the movement through the intersection of capitalism and politics to create a state which, from its beginnings, was crafted to protect a specific set of interests. The new state not only served western ambitions, but it also protected the interests of a federal government that struggled to maintain loyalty across border states. The bargain for statehood at the intersection of regional capitalism and national politics served the men who led the movement. Multiple statehood leaders attained economic wealth during the process, others obtained lasting political appointments, and many obtained both. The bargain also served the Union, securing an important border state and crafting a model of rewarding loyalty
Phylogenomics and Biogeography of Zinniinae (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) using plastome and nuclear datasets
No full textZinniinae is a subtribe of plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) and the sunflower tribe (Heliantheae). Traditionally, seven genera were included in the subtribe: Echinacea, Heliopsis, Philactis, Sanvitalia, Tehuana, Trichocoryne, and Zinnia. The subtribe is poorly understood from a phylogenetic and taxonomic standpoint, and I undertook a phylogenetic investigation of Zinniinae, using both the plastid genome (plastomes) and the nuclear genome, to learn more about the evolutionary history of this clade. Plastomes were assembled to build a phylogenetic tree, targeted sequence capture was used to compile the nuclear datasets, and a chronogram was created to estimate date ranges for major splits in Zinniinae. In chapter two, I showed that the inclusion of introns, spacers, and indels can improve node support in phylogenetic trees. The five genera of the sister subtribe Spilanthinae (Acmella, Oxycarpha, Salmea, Spilanthes, and Tetranthus) were placed into Zinniinae to preserve monophyly due to the anomalous placement of Heliopsis longipes, H. novogaliciana, and Trichocoryne connata. In chapter three, I uncovered cytonuclear discordance, the effects of paralogs on tree building, and further paraphyly in Heliopsis. Fifteen nodes deviated from the expected patterns of incomplete lineage sorting, and ancient introgression/hybridization was detected between Heliopsis and Zinnia. In chapter four, I investigated the biogeography of Zinniinae as it diversified across Mexico during climatic shifts from the Eocene through the Oligocene into the Miocene. Together, this dissertation resulted in the submission of full plastomes and nuclear datasets new to science to publicly available repositories, new taxonomic combinations, and the first detailed chronogram for the clade
Experimental and Finite Element Analysis of Vacuum Infused FRP Composite π-Joints
No full textComposite π-joints are valued for their potential to reduce component weight, lower manufacturing costs, and simplify assembly. In aerospace applications, these qualities become even more valuable; however, these advantages must be carefully balanced with the safety requirements. Given the complexity of the π-joint geometry, it is crucial to determine and optimize the mechanical properties to ensure quality, performance, and safety throughout the lifetime of the part.
This thesis aims to investigate the effects of various factors on the mechanical properties of a composite π-joint manufactured using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) processes. The discussion focuses on the effects of fabric stitch orientation, laminate layup, fabric material, π-joint fillet radius, π-joint core material, π-joint skin thickness, and fiber volume fraction. Through a combination of ASTM standardized tensile loading and three-point flexural experiments, in addition to ANSYS simulation, this thesis provides valuable insights into the manufacturing processes and design optimization of composite π-joints for aerospace applications.
Coupon testing demonstrated that prioritizing a longitudinal stitch bias and an optimized [90/0]12 laminate layup increased the tensile strength by 10.1% while enhancing modulus of elasticity and load-displacement slope. ANSYS simulations indicated the optimal fillet radius to be 3.75 in. (outer) and 0.5 in. (inner), which were scaled down to 0.5 in. and 0.125 in. for mold design based on manufacturing constraints. In π-joint testing, increasing skin plies improved flexural and tensile load-displacement slope but reduced flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Carbon-fabric specimens exhibited superior load-displacement slope, modulus, and tensile strength compared to glass-fabric specimens but reduced flexural strength.
Overall, this thesis provides insights into optimizing composite π-joint design and fabrication; however, with some observations require further study to achieve a comprehensive understanding
Mechanisms of neurovascular dysfunction in chronic ischemic stroke: insights from sex and aging
No full textIschemic stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability world-wide. These disabilities can include both cognitive impairment and sensorimotor deficits. Due to the prevalence of post-stroke functional deficits, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatments. These cognitive deficits are a result of damage to the neurovascular unit (NVU), a term used to describe the relationship between the cerebral vasculature and other cell types within the brain. Cognitive impairment as a result of damage to the NVU is referred to as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), and it is estimated that between 25-30% of ischemic stroke survivors will develop some degree of VCID. While VCID can develop quickly following a stroke, some patients experience the onset several years after the initial stroke. Neuropathology, such as neuroinflammation, cerebral microhemorrhages, microinfarcts, cerebral edema, and white matter damage, can be utilized to determine the level of risk of developing VCID. While the primary risk factor of developing VCID is an ischemic stroke, other risk factors such as cardiovascular dysfunction, age, and biological sex can increase the risk of developing VCID post-stroke.
In chapter 2, I investigated how pre-existing neurological disease (Alzheimer’s disease [AD]) can impact post- stroke neuropathology leading to VCID. In this study, I found an increase in AD-like pathology post-stroke in addition to increased neuropathology known to lead to VCID, such as microhemorrhaging, cerebral edema, and white matter damage. This shows that the presence of AD-like pathology leads to an increased risk of developing VCID post-stroke.
In chapter 3, I investigated the potential role of endothelial cell (EC) tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) in maintaining the NVU post-stroke. In this study, I found that the loss of EC TNAP resulted in an increased risk of developing neuropathology leading to VCID, such as increased neuroinflammation, cerebral edema, microhemorrhaging, and white matter damage. This shows that the loss of EC TNAP can result in an increased risk of developing VCID post-stroke.
In chapter 4, I investigated advanced age as a factor for developing VCID. In this study, I found that with advanced age, there is less of an effect of EC TNAP in the preservation of the NVU, likely due to age-related confounds. This emphasizes the need for stroke studies to occur in an aged population, as this is the population most vulnerable to strokes.
Throughout chapters 2, 3, and 4, I investigated the impact of biological sex on the occurrence of VCID post-stroke. Sex-differences are well-documented in ischemic stroke; however, most stroke studies are conducted on males, resulting in a large knowledge gap on the differences that occur in males and females post-stroke. For this reason, all experiments are conducted in both males and females, and all sex differences are reported.
Lastly, I utilized extracellular vesicle (EV) profiling and metabolomics to identify a potential mechanism of action as to why EC TNAP influences post-stroke VCID. I have shown here that the loss of EC TNAP results in altered EV signaling, this altered signaling resulted in impaired EC function. By characterizing circulating EVs, we are able to identify a novel biomarker for the risk of VCID post-stroke.
The data in this dissertation serves to provide novel insight into the rapidly expanding field of ischemic stroke, VCID, and EVs. The work conducted emphasizes risk factors for developing VCID post-stroke, identifies a novel role for TNAP in the preservation of the NVU, and links potential mechanisms of action for the role of EC TNAP in the NVU