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Postural control and gait kinematics under asymmetric load
No full textTactical occupations and associated tasks are challenging on the body and can increase low back injury risk. For occupational tasks to be performed successfully, postural stability plays a crucial role. Before construction on any building is to occur, a solid foundation is essential. Like the human body, without a solid foundation, we put ourselves at risk for injury. Based on previous studies, there is significant evidence that an extreme load can cause a breakdown in the trunk's stability and, ultimately, spinal curvature. Dynamic motion and postural control are essential for tactical athletes and their occupational tasks. The body's trunk can become rigid when it needs to while still being flexible enough for energy transfer during physical tasks. Evidence suggests that loads over 15% of the subjects' body weight cause significant electromyography and kinetic/kinematic data changes. Analyzing this data further to include time effect variables during testing conditions would give insight into the real-time trunk and gait mechanics under asymmetrical load. Utilizing this study's possible outcomes could lead to injury prevention training in occupational and tactical athletes worldwide. This study will mesh the importance of postural stability with occupational activities that place additional load externally on the body. Further information for rehabilitation and performance interventions would create drastic improvements in these populations' health and safety and those they serve. While these mechanics are not well understood, this study aims to broaden the view of asymmetrical loading on trunk biomechanics and biomechanical risk factors. Research questions: How does an additional asymmetrical load influence trunk kinetics/kinematics during a walking task? How does the load impact trunk muscle co- activation? How does discomfort change due to the position of an asymmetrical load? This study will hypothesize: 1) Expectation to see time effects on trunk kinematics and muscular effort between loaded walking and unloaded walking, 2) The participant will experience a time effect for increased scores on perceived exertion ratings, 3) trunk muscle activation will increase bilaterally compared to unladed conditions and 4) trunk muscles co activation will be lower in the rack position. This study will comprise young, healthy adult males 18-30 with at least moderate fitness levels. The American College of Sports Medicine defines moderate exercise as 30 minutes five days per week or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes three days per week, with resistance training at least twice per week. Exclusion criteria include those with underlying conditions such as low back pain, other joint pain, sedentary fitness level, and body mass index (BMI) over 27. These participant criteria intend to mimic career and volunteer firefighter graduating classes. Two conditions will be tested for five minutes each in this study. This study would consist of two independent variables, additional load and time, with three dependent variables. The first set of variables would include electromyography amplitude and relative max voluntary contraction (%MVC) data. The purpose is to test the amount of %MVC as it changes over time to assess the trunk muscle co-contraction activity. This study will place electrodes at varying parts of the trunk, including the upper erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, external obliques, rectus abdominus, latissimus dorsi, and upper trapezius muscles. Electrodes will adhere to the six landmarks on both sides of the body for a total of 12 electrodes. The second set of variables would be the kinematics of the trunk. Kinematic data would look specifically at the change in trunk angle throughout each condition. Landmarks for the markers include the acromion process, the C5, T7, and T12 vertebrae, and the clavicle's distal part. Ratings of perceived exertion, the third set of variables, would obtain a subjective view of task effort over time. Using Borg's perceived exertion scale, the study would see the load discomfort compared to the %MVC data and the spinal angle change. This study will measure the participants' discomfort level on three occasions in each condition: the first condition, to start with the load but no walking; second, during the third minute of the condition; and last, at the end of the test with the load no walking. The second condition of no-load before testing, during the third minute, and after the test has ended. A visual analog scale will assess subjective discomfort during trials with levels of 0-10, zero being no discomfort and ten being extreme discomfort. Condition one will serve as a baseline for the subject's normal gait parameters and trunk kinematics without the additional load. The second condition would introduce the implementation consisting of 15% of the subjects' body weight. The study will use subjects' relative body weight for the load amount to control for differences in individual strength. The relative weight, 15%, was chosen due to previous research indicating differences in gait and trunk kinematics and electromyography differences at 15% body weight. With increased fitness levels of tactical athletes, these testing conditions will require longer distances than previous studies.M. S
Girl dads: constructing a critical standpoint
No full textThis thesis study sought to examine how communication between fathers and daughters
elicit moments in which fathers redefine their perspectives on identity and equality. Fatherhood
is a transitional time for men in which they may reconstruct roles within their own fathering and
masculine identities (Petts, 2023). Interviewing 22 girl dads across the U.S., analysis resulted in
three themes of redefining fathering, female empowerment, and uplifting counter narratives.
Communication between girl dads and their daughters influenced girl dads' perspectives of
identity and equality. In communicating with their daughters, girl dads developed an alternative
standpoint in which they began to look at gender issues more critically, holding implications for
existing literature, theory, and pragmatics of fathering.M. A
Found architecture
No full textAround the world, struggling cities that were once bustling with commerce
now sit in various states of distress. Numerous people and businesses have
left in search of new opportunities, leaving countless artifacts behind. Detroit
is a perfect example of this scenario; a former industrial powerhouse that has
fallen into economic dismay, resulting in abandoned buildings and objects
cluttering the city. This thesis will demonstrate how these artifacts from Detroit’s
history can be repurposed into an architectural project that celebrates the
city’s past while also breathing new energy into the city. Found objects such
as vehicles, manufacturing equipment, building components, and more can
create occupiable spaces that are unified through architectural interventions.
These architectural interventions respond to the character present in each of
the found objects, adapting to the unique conditions and creating a one-ofa-
kind experience. The program of an artisan center along the Detroit River
Walk embraces Detroit’s artistic history and celebrates its culture through a
combination of architecture and collage. By demonstrating how struggling cities
can be rejuvenated with the objects found within them, this thesis hopes to set
a precedent for how architectural reuse and the arts can work hand-in-hand to
revive struggling cities.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Reforestation and carbon sequestration in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
No full textThis study examines the potential for reforestation as a climate change mitigation approach within Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, through an integrated approach that combines ecological site assessments, land use and land cover (LULC) change analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The study highlights the importance and resilience of native species, particularly shrub juniper and rhododendron, in enhancing carbon sequestration and supporting ecosystem resilience in high-altitude environments. By analyzing LULC changes from 1989 to 2024, the study identifies a significant upward migration of barren land and forested land, underscoring the need for adaptive conservation practices. Stakeholder engagement findings reveal that while local communities express strong interest in reforestation, barriers such as labor shortages, potential resource conflicts, and governance gaps limit broader participation in resource management. The study also briefly explores the role of relational and procedural trust in fostering community collaboration, suggesting strengthening institutional support and resource management strategies can improve long-term engagement. Key recommendations include targeted efforts such as payments for ecosystem services, infrastructure investments, and the integration (or further integration) of traditional ecological knowledge to enhance sustainable
forest management practices. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and experimental interventions to inform scalable conservation practices. This study attempts to lay the groundwork for future initiatives that seek to balance ecological restoration with socio-economic development, aiming to ensure the resilience of fragile high-altitude ecosystems in an era of rapid environmental change.M. S
Uzima: holistic medical facility for women and children
No full textThe Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant healthcare issues,
especially for women and children who experience high rates of maternal and
infant mortality, limited access to healthcare services, and the ongoing effects
of violence and disease. This thesis proposes a comprehensive medical facility
in Bunia, Ituri, aimed at providing maternal, pediatric, and therapeutic care while
also nurturing emotional support and building community trust.
The architecture emphasizes privacy, safety, and accessibility, featuring
dedicated areas for maternal healthcare, pediatric services, counseling, and
therapeutic needs. The design incorporates natural elements into healing
environments, enhancing both psychological and physical recovery.
By focusing on both medical and emotional health, this project introduces a
transformative healthcare model that empowers women and children through
inclusive, dignified, and supportive environments. The goal of the design is
to foster a space that uplifts, heals, and restores hope for these vulnerable
populations.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Restorative care: Parkinson's center and housing
No full textParkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes a
range of physical and cognitive difficulties primarily later in life. The progression
of this disease significantly impacts the everyday life of patients, making
it crucial to consider how their environment influences their well-being. A
person’s quality of life can be supported or hindered by the intentional design
choices in homes, treatment centers, and healthcare facilities. This highlights
the importance of architecture and interior design in aiding the mitigation of
symptoms, enhancing mobility, and improving overall comfort for those living
with Parkinson’s Disease.
This diploma project explores how architecture can actively contribute to the
treatment and management of Parkinson’s Disease through intentional design
that responds to the physical and cognitive difficulties associated with the
condition. By integrating interior design principles, ADA-compliant features, and
specialized design strategies, the built environment can be tailored to support
individuals with Parkinson’s at various stages of the disease. How someone
experiences spaces with the disease influenced many architectural designs
such as gradual transitions between spaces, minimized thresholds, continuous
flooring, and adaptable designs. With these changes, the thesis shows how
architecture can reduce symptoms like freezing of gait, improve mobility, and
enhance overall quality of life.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Utilizing the perspective of coaches to design a culturally supportive environment for black female student-athletes
No full textThis study examined how coaches can design a culturally supportive environment for Black female student athletes. Guided by Black feminist thought, the literature review examines the experiences of Black students and student athletes in higher education, moves into the intersectional experiences of Black women in sport then concludes by highlighting components necessary for a culturally supportive environment. Participants included six female coaches and two male coaches from various sports (e.g., track and field/cross country, lacrosse, volleyball) within the midwestern and southeastern regions. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Using an Afrocentric feminist epistemology, an interpretive phenomenological analysis which aims to explore their positive narratives through their lived experiences and events, was employed. In connection to Black feminist thought tenets (i.e., self-definition and self-valuation, the matrix of domination, and redefining Black women’s culture), six themes emerged with several subthemes: 1) coaches can teach culturally responsive skills, 2) becoming a culturally responsive coach, 3) care about them as human beings, 4) advocate in rooms they are not in, 5) recognize and push back on societal influences, and 6) what the coaches do, the athletes will follow. While this study was limited by
cultural differences between the researcher and participants as well as its sample size and demographics, future studies can use journaling prompts as well as various minority coaches and athletes to enhance the applicability of the study. Additionally, this study identifies that coaches must consider the power dynamics within their sport organizations, encourage their athletes to use their voices to discuss racial injustices and create a space of familiarity for athletes of color. By doing so, coaches design a space where Black women feel comfortable enough to be themselves thus breaking down societal barriers and pushing back against pre-determined stereotypes.M. S
Factors influencing return to play from concussions and other sport injuries
No full textThis study examined the role of social support (SS) during return-to-play (RTP) process in
competitive athletes and its influence on athlete well-being (WB), re-injury anxiety (RIA), and
psychological readiness (PR) upon return to sport participation. While previous research has
focused on SS during rehabilitation, little is known about its impact after athletes resume full
sport participation, particularly across different injury types. Thirty-two athletes (Mage = 21.44,
SDage = 4.49) who returned to sport within the past year completed validated measures of
perceived SS, WB, RIA, and PR. Participants were grouped by injury type: bodily injury (n = 26)
or concussion (n = 6). The results revealed no statistically significant differences in SS between
injury types. Regression analyses did indicate higher SS significantly predicted greater WB and
PR, and lower RIA. The findings of this study suggest that SS during RTP continues to influence
psychological outcomes of RTP even after an athlete’s recovery from injury
Mobile sports betting habits: predicting future betting behavior with the reasoned action approach
No full textMobile sports betting has become an increasingly popular way to gamble in the United
States. Many studies have examined general attitudes and beliefs regarding gambling,
but relatively few have focused on American’s mobile sports gambling. Mobile sports
betting is unique in its accessibility and options for users to consider when placing bets,
which makes this form of gambling different from traditional forms. The purpose of the
present studies was to examine the social cognitive predictors participation in mobile
sports betting using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA; Fishbein & Ajzen, 2010).
Two studies were conducted: The first was an elicitation study designed to identify the
most salient behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding mobile sports betting,
and to conduct an initial test of the degree to which attitude, perceived normative
pressure, and perceived behavioral control predict behavioral intentions. The second
study examined the predictive validity of the identified salient beliefs and tested whether
future betting behavior can be predicted from the model. Overall, the RAA significantly
predicted sports betting intentions and future behavior. Important beliefs that contributed to mobile gambling included the behavior being fun to do, gambling being accessible
with a phone and internet connection, and the impression and/or reality that family
members engage in the behavior. Implications for future research and interventions are
discussed.M. A.M. A
I feel myself everywhere I've ever been
No full textI Feel Myself Everywhere I Have Ever Been explores the intersection of memory, love, loss, and trauma. My photography project Home: Out of My Body serves as a foundation for examining the psychological impact of memory, alongside the ever-changing nature of relationships and one’s connection to the world around them. Influenced by contemporary artists such as Amy Parrish, Jiri Anderle, and Tracey Emin, this work utilizes gestural abstraction with figuration in order to attain raw, emotive quality. This body of work aims to amplify complex female voices, offering an unfiltered exploration of personal boundaries, loss, and intimacy. This work seeks to create space for emotional honesty, echoing the confessional approach of Tracey Emin, and hopes to inspire others to reflect on their own experiences. Moving forward, I plan to expand my portfolio, connect with a wider community, and continue developing my practice with the goal of exhibiting and selling work, forging greater connections within the art world.B. A