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Canterbury Shaker Village: medicines as seen through archeological artifacts
Electronic thesis or dissertationFor over a hundred years, Shakers at Canterbury, New Hampshire, were engaged in the preparation of medicinal remedies that were used by the Shakers themselves, exchanged with other Shaker communities and sold to "The World's People." Excavations directed by Dr. David Starbuck (Plymouth State University) during the 1990s at Canterbury Shaker Village have provided artifacts in the form of bottles and partial glass bottle fragments. From this base, research into these artifacts has provided a picture of Canterbury Shaker medicinal manufacture, distribution and some later replacement of remedies used at the Village. This study attempts to answer questions raised by these artifacts:
(1) What types of medicinal preparations were most prevalent? What medicines were most commonly used?
(2) How did usage of these medicines compare to non-Shaker medicinal usage in the local area?
(3) What inferences can be drawn regarding health problems in the 19th and early 20th centuries at Canterbury Shaker Village?
(4) To what extent did the Shakers, hired help and/or visitors make use of the medicines
Improvements of warm-season convective wind forecasts at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate current convective wind gust forecasting tools and develop both an extensive climatology of warm-season convective wind gusts and some new convective wind gust forecasting techniques for potential operational use at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (KSC/CCAFS). The primary dataset used was an 11-year (1995-2005), May through September series of 5-minute averaged peak wind speeds from an extensive instrumentation network of towers on the KSC/CCAFS complex. After rigorous manual and automated quality control routines were performed on the dataset, a chronological dataset of "convective wind periods" --periods in which a peak wind gust was recorded when a thunderstorm(s) was occurring over a length of not more than 6 hours-- was compiled. Climatological statistics were then computed for the 11-year warm-season convective wind periods. After dividing up these convective wind periods into "KSC warning-criteria" --convective wind periods where peak wind speeds were ≥ 35 knots and "below-criteria" periods, an evaluation of current forecasting aids using RAOB and Doppler radar data for a pool of convective wind periods was performed. The RAOB data used in this study came from the most recent local KXMR sounding for any convective wind period, while the Doppler radar data utilized in this study was from the NCDC's archive of the Melbourne, FL (KMLB) "Storm Structure" datafile from 5 minutes prior to the occurrence of the maximum peak wind gust for any convective wind period. This study found Probability of Detection (POD) and False Alarm Rate (FAR) values of roughly 50% for the commonly-used binary (yes/no) RAOB-based convective wind forecast aids, MDPI and WMSI, for differentiating between warning-criteria and below-criteria peak wind gusts. Root-mean-squared (RMS) errors for RAOB-based peak wind gust forecasting tools (WINDEX, T1, T2 and Snyder Method) were found to be undesirably high, with RMS errors ranging between 9 to 21 knots. Using the Doppler radar data, much more accurate RMS error values of maximum peak wind speeds were reported using a 44-case dataset by using Echo Top/VIL (ET/VIL) Wind Gust Potential Equation than was reported by a previous study by Sullivan (1999). However, large RMS errors were found for wind speeds below KSC warning criteria. It was also found that cell-based VIL and maximum reflectivity were found to have the best correlation to peak convective wind gust speeds. Finally, work was done to develop new convective wind forecasting aids using RAOB sounding data and Doppler radar data. It was found that in the mean a potential differentiating factor between KSC warning-criteria gusts and below-criteria wind gusts was the lapse rate of equivalent potential temperature (theta-e). From this result, threshold values of theta-e lapse rate were established for several central Florida flow regimes as defined in Lericos et al. (2000). A multiple linear regression equation was also developed using cell-based VIL, maximum reflectivity and height of the maximum reflectivity as predictors. Using a 22-case independent dataset, slightly better accuracy was found using this new equation than the ET/VIL with much more accurate values reported for below-criteria winds. It was shown that for cell cores whose maximum reflectivities reside above freezing level and that are accompanied by high values of cell-based VIL, a severe convective wind gust (? 50 knots) was found to have occurred. The conditions described for severe convective winds from this study (high VIL values accompanied by cell cores above freezing level) would seem to suggest that hail was present just prior to downburst occurrence. This is in general agreement with previous modeling studies of wet microbursts in stable lapse rate regimes.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The effect of an ankle brace on time to stabilization following a jump landing
The purpose of this study was to assess time to stabilization (TTS) of braced and unbraced-subjects during single-leg jump landing. Twenty-five healthy subjects(age = 20.4, ± 1.6 yrs; height = 169.9, ± 6.5 cm; weight = 67.8, ± 11.0 kg) performed three successful trials of a single-leg jump landing under both braced and unbraced conditions. The brace was an ASO Ankle Stabilizer (Medical Specialties, Inc., Charlotte, NC). Ground reaction forces (vertical, medial-lateral, and anterior-posterior) were collected during the single-leg jump landings onto a Bertec forceplate FP4060-NC (Bertec Corporation, Columbus, OH). A 2 X 2 (Condition X Direction) factorial ANOVA with repeated measures indicated no significant (F(.05)(l, 24) = 4.26, p= .207) interaction for condition (braced and unbraced) in either of the directions (medial-lateral TTS and anterior-posterior TTS). No significant main effect was found for brace condition (F(.05)(1,24) = 4.26, p = .827), but a significant main effect was found for direction (F(.05)(1,24) = 4.26, p = .000) with medial-lateral TTS faster than the anterior-posterior TTS. A paired t-Test showed no significant (t(.05)(24) = 2.064, p = .829) mean difference in vertical TTS between braced and unbraced conditions. An Intraclass Correlation was used to determine trial reliability. Reliability ranged from ICC = .87 to.96. The findings of this study suggested the application of ankle brace on healthy subjects does not effect TTS during a single-leg jump landing. Further research is necessary in the area of injured subjects and ankle brace use during lateral jump tasksElectronic Thesis or Dissertatio
An examination of differences in postural control in injured athletes and uninjured athletes
Objectives: To determine whether there is a difference in translation of center of force between injured and uninjured individuals while doing a double-legged, right-legged, and left-legged squat with eyes open and eyes closed. Design and Settings: A repeated measures, counter-balanced, one session design was used. Five 2 x 2 (injury status x eye condition) analyses of variance were calculated for both double-legged and single-legged squat data. Five 2 x 2 (dominance x eye condition) analyses of variance were calculated to determine whether dominance played a role in postural control. Subjects: College-age males and females who were self-reported as physically active participated in the study, with fifteen injured and fifteen uninjured subjects (n = 30). Injured was defined as having a minimum injury of one lateral ankle sprain 1-12 months ago; uninjured was defined as having no history of lower extremity injury. Measurements: The Matscan™ from Tekscan, Inc. was used to assess translation of center of force. Subjects performed double-legged squats, right-legged squats, and left-legged squats with eyes open and eyes closed; three trials of each condition were recorded for a total of 18 per subject. The squat depth was 60° of knee flexion. Between squat conditions, subjects were allowed to rest briefly. Results: Injured and uninjured subjects displayed similar mean values of translation of COF in all variables in all squat conditions regardless of eye condition. However, as was expected, the mean values of translation of COF were significantly different in the main effect eye condition, with the translation being greater with eyes closed. Conclusions: Postural control was not significantly affected by musculoskeletal injury. Further research with attention to subject history and a larger subject group are recommended.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The effect of a six-week core stability training intervention on muscle activation of the external obliques and transversus abdominis, and overall lower abdominal performance
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a six-week core stability training intervention utilizing a foam roller, increased muscle activation of the external obliques (EO) and transversus abdominis (TrA), and over all lower abdominal performance. A total of 3 0 uninjured, female subjects (mean age = 19.97, + 1.47 years; mean height = 164.40, + 6.72 cm; mean weight = 64.23, + 9.20 kg)were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Electromyography (EMG) of the EO was measured during a resisted knee roll. The Stabilizer™ pressure biofeedback unit (Chattanooga, Australia) measured TrA activation, and Sahrmann's Lower Abdominal Series measured overall lower abdominal performance. Following a core stability training program utilizing a foam roller, subjects in the experimental group showed a significant (p < .05) increase in TrA activation and overall lower abdominal performance relative to the control group. Subjects in the control group showed no statistically significant change. The findings of the study suggest that a foam roller core stability training intervention can increase activation of the TrA and provide an overall increase in lower abdominal performance.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
An examination of gender differences between tibial rotation torque and knee valgus angle during single-leg vertical jump-landing
The interaction between gender, tibial rotation torque (direction), and valgus angle during a single-leg vertical jump-landing was examined (knee position). Subjects (N =30) were assessed during a one-time testing session. Peak torque and the ratio of peak torque to body weight for internal and external tibial rotation was obtained from the Biodex II dynamometer. Peak vertical ground reaction force was obtained from the Bertec force plate. Maximum vertical jump height, knee flexion angle, and knee varus/valgus angles were obtained from the MotionMonitor™ electromagnetic, 3-dimensional motion analysis system. A 2 x 2 (gender x direction) mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA); 2 x 4 (gender x knee position) mixed factorial ANOVA; Pearson product moment correlation (torque and valgus); independent groups t-test between gender and the ratio of internal to external tibial rotation peak torque; and independent groups t-test between gender and the total valgus excursion during the jump-landing were computed. No significant interaction was found for gender x direction (p = .755) and/or gender x knee position (p =.555). Compared to males, females displayed an overall significantly (p = .016) greater valgus angle. Internal tibial rotation peak torque to body weight ratio was significantly (p = .001) less than external tibial rotation peak torque to body weight ratio. Subjects also displayed significantly (p = .001) greater knee valgus angle at initial contact and at peak valgus angle than at 3 0° of flexion and at peak vertical ground reaction force. No significant gender difference was found for the ratio of internal to external tibial rotation peak torque (p = .907) and/or the total valgus excursion during the jump-landing (p = .210).Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The delayed effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching on hamstring flexibility
The purpose of this study was to determine the delayed effects of stretching, both static and PNF, on hamstring flexibility following exercise. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: PNF on left leg, static stretch on right leg; PNF on right leg, static stretch on left leg; and no stretch. Testing limbs were also randomly assigned. A total of 30 college aged students, 19 males and 11 females, who were healthy and free of current and prior knee, hip, and low back injuries, volunteered for this study. The research design was analyzed with two 3 x 3 mixed factorial ANOVA (treatment groups x testing session). A significant interaction was found for treatment groups x testing sessions for PNF and static stretch from the pretest to the midtest and the pretest to the posttest, as well as for the control group from the pretest to the posttest and the midtest to the posttest. No significant interaction was found for treatment groups x testing sessions in the sit and reach. However, a main effect difference was found between the testing sessions between pretest to posttest, midtest to posttest, and between pretest and midtest.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises on shoulder joint position sense in baseball players
The purpose of this study was to determine if shoulder joint position sense (JPS) before and after a throwing bout could be improved with a 6-week Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) intervention for collegiate baseball players. A total of 12 subjects (age = 21.25 ± 1.22 years, height = 184.15±5.5 cm, weight = 88.94 ± 11.7 kg) were randomly placed into the control or PNF intervention group. The subjects in PNF intervention group performed PNF diagonal 1 (Dl) and 2 (D2) pattern exercises of the upper extremity with maximal repeated exercises three times per week for six weeks. Shoulder JPS was measured at two reference angles, at 10± from full external rotation (ER) and 60± of internal rotation (IR), as shoulder proprioception through active reproduction of active positioning (ARAP) with a Kinesthesiometer (Lafayette Instrument Co, Lafayette, IN). Analysis of Variance for shoulder JPS revealed no significant difference for shoulder JPS between PNF intervention and control groups across testing day and testing conditions. No significant interaction was found for treatment intervention groups by testing days by testing conditions. Additionally, no significant (p > .05) main effects were found for treatment intervention groups across testing days and conditions. Improving shoulder JPS through long term PNF exercise training in overhead throwing athletes is still unclear. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of PNF exercises to enhance proprioceptive abilities of the shoulder in collegiate baseball players.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
Gender differences in internal and external tibial rotation strength at three knee flexion angles
oai:https://summit.plymouth.edu:20.500.12774/203Women in sports participation has increased dramatically over recent years (Anderson, Dome, Gautum, Awh, & Rennirt, 2001; Arendt & Dick, 1995; Huston & Wojtys, 1996). With this increase, there has been an increase in the interest in the amount of injury, particularly that of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (Arendt & Dick, 1995). The hamstrings function together with the ACL to provide anterior stability. When the hamstrings contract they decrease forward displacement of the tibia (Viola et al.,2000; Anderson et al., 2001; Moul, 1998). The purpose of the current study was to determine if there was a gender difference in internal and external tibial rotation strength at three knee flexion angles. A total of 30subjects (n = 15 male; n = 15 female) from a small New England college voluntarily participated in this study. The Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure peak torque at 30°. Peak torque was determined at knee flexion angles of 20°, 45°, and 90°. On day 1, subjects were set up at a predetermined angle of 45° and performed three repetitions for a practice session. On day 2, subjects returned for testing and performed three maximum repetitions at prescribed angles of 20°, 45°, and 90°. A 2 X 2 X 3 mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed comparing mean total peak torque across the level of degrees of knee flexion. Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference post hoc analysis was used for determination of interactions. A significant gender by angle by direction interaction (p = .020) was found. Internal tibial rotators of males were stronger than their external tibial rotators at 20° and 45°. Females internal tibial rotators were weaker than their external tibial rotators in all three cases. Further research is recommended to compare internal to external tibial rotation strength ratios with hamstring to quadriceps ratios and to determine if there is a biomechanical relationship between function, EMG, and internal to external tibial rotation strength ratio.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The effectiveness of ankle taping and bracing on joint position sense of functionally unstable ankles following an exercise regime
Effectiveness of ankle tape and ankle brace on joint position sense (JPS) was assessed in subjects with one functionally unstable ankle, before and after exercise in a full weight bearing stance. In this study, subjects (N =31) with one functionally unstable ankle were randomly assigned to a condition (tape, brace, or control), measured JPS on a position awareness device, exercised for 20 min, re-measured JPS. A 3 x 3 (condition x test) mixed factorial ANOVA indicated that no significant (p = .589) interaction existed between test (pre-prophylactic, post-prophylactic, or post-exercise) and condition. A second 3x3x3(condition x test x angle) mixed factorial ANOVA was computed and a significant (p = .032) interaction was noted for test by angle. Three ranges of angles were used during the tests; low range (0° - 6°) mid-range (7° - 13°); and high-range (14° - 20°). Pairwise comparisons and a Tukey's HSD post - hoc tests showed that significant (p < .05) differences exist in JPS errors existed before and after exercise in the mid-range angle group, than when compared to the low and high range angles.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio