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Validation of an Image-based Subject-Specific Dynamic Model of the Ankle Joint Complex and its Applications to the Study of the Effect of Articular Surface Morphology on Ankle Joint Mechanics
No full text3D image based subject specific models of the ankle complex can be extremely significant in a wide variety of clinical and biomechanical applications such as evaluating the effect of ligament ruptures, diagnosing and comparing surgical procedures. However, there are very few computational models that can accurately capture the full 3D biomechanical properties of the ankle complex. One such computational model was introduced by our group in 2004 [1], and this model was partially validated with a very limited set of parameters for comparison. In the current study, we have developed an improvised version of this model and validated it on a subject to subject basis for a number of specimens. This is achieved by comparing a wide range of biomechanical parameters between the experiments and the simulation. Once, the model is validated, it can be used for a wide variety of clinical and surgical applications .Some applications include comparing the effects of surface morphology on the kinematics of the ankle joint, diagnosing and evaluation of ankle disorders like ligament tears and reconstruction surgeries. Previous experimental studies conducted to understand and validate the effect of morphological variations to kinematics involved invasive surgical procedures and hence could only be conducted in cadaveric foot. Hence a need for a dynamic model which could predict and recreate the kinematics of an ankle using only CT and, or MRI data was realized. Such a model could help in development and non-invasive testing of subject specific TAR. This thesis focusses on the subject specific validation of rigid body models of four specimens and an one-to-one validation based on Load-displacement curves, Range of Motion, Surface-to-surface interaction and Ligament straining patterns. Post validation of the MBS model in MSC ADAMS, the model is used to investigate the effect of axial loads, total ankle arthrodesis and the effect of varying surface morphologies on the behavior of the ankle joint complex. An in-depth comparative analysis on the use of a numerical model for the development and performance evaluation of an implant derived from the morphological parameters of the ankle joint is also presented.M.S., Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics -- Drexel University, 201
Arts and the Economy The Utilization of the Arts for Economic Revitalization
No full textIn the recent economic and political climate, the arts are seen as extra, or as an add-on, easily cut from funding to make room for other budgets that seek more tangible results. In consideration of the current budget cuts from federal arts funding, this paper makes the case the arts can and have been used to positively effect and revitalize communities. The information revealed throughout this research process provides evidence that favors the concept that the arts have an intrinsic impact on society that prove valuable economically. The research conducted in this study successfully frames the utilization of the arts as an economic revitalization tool. There are two case studies within this framework, including South Orange, New Jersey and Rahway, New Jersey. The case study surrounding the city of South Orange, New Jersey is inconclusive due to the inability to gain well-rounded insight from professionals currently working within the city. However, the case study based on the city of Rahway, New Jersey is an ideal example of how to utilize the arts as a resource for economic revitalization and rehabilitation. This paper addresses various aspects of the utilization of the arts including funding issues, highlights the success of Rahway’s efforts, and suggests recommendations to others pursuing economic revitalization.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
Artificial Intelligence in Media Industries: Creating Better User Experiences and Maintaining High Customer Loyalties
No full textThe implementation of artificial intelligence has become mainstream in the development of social media due to its advantages of automatic data processing, content generating and efficient interaction with customers. This thesis utilized a mixed research method, including an internet-based questionnaire survey and a semi-structured interview, to identify how artificial intelligence could help improve customers’ experiences when using the Chinese website AutoHome as a tool to search vehicle resources and information. A review of the literature indicates three main factors; relevance, updating frequency and degree of accuracy, that could significantly influence the effectiveness of applying AI in the social media industry. On this theoretical basis, the thesis determines three explanatory variables and collects primary data from respondents through a survey. An OLS multivariate linear regression model with critical evaluation is used to identify how customers’ visiting frequency is influenced. The statistical results demonstrate that updating frequency and peoples’ dissatisfaction on content relevance will cast a substantial impact on their visiting frequency, while people rarely care about what they read and comment on the information. The further interviews with three different groups of users imply that a focus on different influential factors would vary according to users’ goals in using the social media platform. Based on discussions and analyses, this thesis recommends that AutoHome should build an information database to trace visitors and manage the comment area.M.S., Television Management -- Drexel University, 201
Analysis for periodic traveling interfacial hydroelastic waves
No full textWe prove two bifurcation theorems for the existence of spatially periodic traveling waves in an elastic sheet between two two-dimensional fluids of infinite depth. We allow for zero or positive mass along the sheet, and treat both cases in a unified way. Our first main result is a global bifurcation theorem; we apply to this traveling hydroelastic wave problem an abstract theorem regarding bifurcation via odd crossing number. This theorem requires the relevant mapping's linearization to have one-dimensional kernel; however, there are certain parameter values at which a two-dimensional kernel is achieved. Our second main result, which makes use of an implicit function theorem argument, is a bifurcation theorem for traveling wave solutions in these cases of two-dimensional kernel. We also present an asymptotic study of Wilton ripples, which are traveling waves that occur in particular cases of a two-dimensional kernel.Ph.D., Mathematics -- Drexel University, 201
Dance/Movement Therapy at End of Life: A Clinical Method to Enhance Quality of Life for Pediatric Palliative Care Patients and Their Families
No full textThe purpose of this study is to develop and implement a dance/movement therapy clinical method to address challenges for palliative care and end of life situations in children with varying terminal illnesses, relating to cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of quality of life, through integration of the patient’s caregivers. Relevant literature, research, and past dance/movement therapy sessions with identified patients will be reviewed to help guide and create this method. The literature review includes articles and research about end of life and pediatric palliative care, quality of life, pediatric patients’ and families’ identified needs, family-centered care, and the impact of creative arts therapies on quality of life, end of life, and family-centered care. The developed clinical method is strength based, relies on micro-assessments that aim at identified mental and social quality of life goals, provides the patient with a multichannel sensory input through utilization of visual, audio, and tactile components, and helps foster the relationship between caregiver and patient. The method provides and integrates different interventions, the Kestenberg Movement Profile rhythms, micro goals, and phrasings that can be used within the sessions. Sessions where the method was implemented are discussed as well as reflections on how the method can be further developed, multicultural considerations, and future research implications. This method shows how dance/movement therapy can have a positive impact on the quality of life of pediatric palliative and end of life patients and their families, as well as how it can help foster and expand relationships between caregiver and patient.M.A., Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
Predictors of individual differences in language in youth with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
No full textBackground: Language is a major impairment in both Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and thus, has a profound impact on everyday abilities. Research has explored the neurocognitive associates of language and has identified executive function (EF) and social abilities as domains associated with language. However, research has yet to identify these relations using parent report or examine them within the context of broader structural and pragmatic language abilities, two overarching domains of language. The current study utilizes informant report measures to examine the relations between these two domains of language and executive and social functioning. As findings in the literature on sex differences in language are mixed, the current study also sought to examine whether language varied as a function of sex. Method: Participants included 68 individuals with Down syndrome (Mage = 12.9) and 108 youth with autism spectrum disorder (Mage = 7.6). Participants completed parent reports of language, using the Children’s Communication Checklist-II, EF, using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, and social abilities, measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale or the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System. Results: Social abilities predicted structural language, and both EF and social abilities predicted pragmatic language in Down syndrome. In autism spectrum disorder, social and executive functioning predicted both structural and pragmatic language. Finally, sex differences were found in Down syndrome (males<females), but not autism spectrum disorder. Conclusion: Findings from the current study highlight the interrelatedness of language with social and executive functioning and draw attention to a particular vulnerability in language for boys with Down syndrome. Results have implications for informing the development of interventions targeted to improve these cognitive abilities.M.S., Psychology -- Drexel University, 201
Everyday Creativity and the Occurrence of Insight within Group Music Therapy Improvisation for Adults with Mental Illness
No full textAdults with various mental illnesses often experience cognitive deficits to include deficits in problem solving and insight. Engaging in everyday creativity, through group music therapy improvisation, seems to help adults with mental illness spark moments of insight and new realizations about themselves and their interactions with others, in addition to resulting in awareness of problem solving abilities. Psychiatric patients have often reported that music therapy has been positive and supportive in relation to their lives. This paper describes a music therapy method, which includes a categorization process for the types of insights observed in music therapy sessions, verbal processing questions to promote insight, examples of session structures, and clinical vignettes from the author’s internship experience at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. This thesis links music therapy improvisation with everyday creativity, and describes patients’ abilities to problem solve and patient reports of various types of insights shared during music therapy sessions. These moments of insight can be utilized as catalysts for growth and change in a person’s life and can result in changes toward improved health and well- being.M.A., Music Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201
A Phenomenological Study: Exploring Teachers' Perceptions About General Education Teacher Preparedness to Meet the Needs and Challenges of Students with Disabilities in an Inclusive Setting
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of general education teachers who teach in the inclusive classroom about their pre-service preparation, in an effort, to effectively meet the academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities in the inclusive education setting within K-12 public schools in Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. area. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and the essence of general education teachers' experiences within their teacher education programs, as well as, provide recommendations needed to meet the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms supported by teachers of students with disabilities and general education teachers. This study aimed to answer three research questions. The central research question was: How do general education teachers describe their experiences with pre-service training to effectively meet the academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities in an inclusive setting within K-12 public schools in Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. area? The sub-questions related to the central research question are: What pre-service training do teachers perceive as necessary in teacher education curriculums for general education teachers to effectively meet the academic needs and challenges of students with disabilities in inclusive settings within K-12 public schools in Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. area? What pre-service training do teachers perceive as necessary in teacher education curriculums for general education teachers to effectively meet the behavioral needs and challenges of students with disabilities in inclusive settings within K-12 public schools in Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. area? This study explored the perceptions of seven general education teachers who teach in the inclusive setting, the experience of these general education teachers within their teacher education programs and their perception of preparedness for inclusive education, as well as, what the three teachers of students with disabilities who participated in this study identified as necessary for teacher education programs to expose general education teachers to best meet the academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. Using triangulation, this qualitative study was conducted in four phases where the researcher drew from the voices of the participants and their experiences through seven one-on-one semi-structured interviews, a focus group interview, member checks, and taking notes in a researcher's journal with a goal to present an understanding of the pre-service teacher preparation in teacher education programs and what is needed in order to best prepare general education teachers for inclusive education in K-12 public schools in Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, and the Washington, D.C. area. Based on the findings and result of this study, it was concluded that teachers receive preparation, while in their teacher education programs, that would support general education teachers in effectively meeting the academic and behavioral needs of students within inclusive classrooms. Though changes can be made to current practices, further research is required to improve current teacher education programs in supporting teachers for inclusive education.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201
An Examination of the Memory Profile of Children with Down Syndrome
No full textDown syndrome (DS), the most common form of intellectual disability with a known genetic etiology, is associated with significant memory deficits beyond overall global impairment. Although a number of studies have examined memory abilities in adults and teens with DS, very few studies have examined memory abilities in children with DS. Additionally, research has yet to examine prospective memory (i.e., remembering to carry out an action in the future) in youth with DS. Consequently, the current study aimed to comprehensively examine the memory profile, including short-term memory, long-term memory, and prospective memory, of youth with DS in comparison to typically-developing, mental-age (MA) matched children. Additionally, this study explored relations between memory abilities and adaptive functioning skills in children and adolescents with DS to begin to explore cognitive skills that may underlie everyday functioning challenges faced by individuals with DS. The results highlight the strengths and deficits of the memory profile of youth with DS and should be considered by educators and caregivers of this population.M.S., Psychology -- Drexel University, 201
The Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) with Formal Preoperative Assessment and Documentation: A Retrospective Chart Review
No full textPostoperative nausea and vomiting can occur in anywhere from 30-70% of the population. Symptoms of this condition can cause negative side effects to both the patient and the managing institution. There are several drug classes and methodologies for attempted prevention and treatment. A guideline for a formalized preoperative evaluation, resulting in a PONV score with accompanying intervention, was introduced into a New York City hospital in an effort to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting, and reduce time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. To assess effectiveness and determine if this new intervention should continue, a quality improvement project via retrospective chart review was conducted, examining 300 total patients before and after the implementation of the new protocol. Results were statistically significant, reducing symptoms of nausea from 70% to 43.3%; vomiting was reduced from 20% to 6%; and time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit was reduced from 163.51 minutes to 100.23 minutes. As the new guidelines has shown to be effective, the recommendation is to continue with this method of management for this institution.D.N.P., Nursing Practice -- Drexel University, 201