Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2020, Engineering and Applied Science: Civil Engineering

Roadway shoulders are critical components of pavement structure as they provide lateral support for the entire pavement structure, an increased width to accommodate oversize trucks and equipment, and an emergency area when a vehicle's wheels leave the pavement. Erosion is one of the main issues encountered in unpaved shoulders and that significantly affect roadway driver safety. Roadway shoulders of unbound granular material can be more susceptible to traffic and environmental conditions. This research intends to investigate the factors that affect the performance of unpaved shoulders and the current construction practices to provide an innovative approach that can be used to improve the performance. The laboratory testing program was conducted to assess the rutting and erosion resistance of different types of materials, including base course material and incorporating recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). To validate the results of the laboratory study, a variety of test sections were constructed at different locations using the best performing materials from the laboratory testing program. In addition, field evaluation of the test sections was regularly performed to validate the results of the lab study. Also, rutting analysis and cost analysis were conducted to evaluate the efficiency and the economic impacts of the suggested different alternatives of the test sections.

Committee: Munir Nazzal Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Sara Khoshnevisan Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jiaqi Ma Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Master of Science, University of Akron, 2018, Civil Engineering

Glass is one of the principal waste products generated in the US. The use of these glass cullet in the construction of shoulder section could reduce the quantity of waste glasses that goes to the landfill. Certain type of cementing agent is required to bind these glass particles in shoulder. Enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) has shown early promise as a viable and sustainable ground improvement method. Water based EICP leads to faster infiltration of cementation solution due to high permeability, thus limiting the amount of available reaction substances to produce CaCO3 precipitate at desired locations. This problem may be solved to some extent by the use of high viscosity polymer as a carrier of cementation solution in place of water. Laboratory tests performed on the recycled glass cullet showed the possibility of using them in the construction of shoulder section to prevent erosion. Moreover, a series of laboratory experiments performed showed that EICP worked well on the Ottawa sand but did not work well on recycled glass cullet. However, it was successful on the samples containing mixture of glass particles and Ottawa sand. The samples consisting up to 20% of recycled glass in the mixture were brittle and strong. The results of UCS testing showed the compressive strength of the intact sample decreases with increase in amount of recycled glass in the mixture. The pull out test carried out on the glass surface showed the possibility of application of EICP on the surface treated glass particles. SEM, XRD and TGA results on the samples treated with polymer modified EICP verify the presence of CaCO3 and the strength of the samples were tested at different moisture contents. The treated sand columns were organic-inorganic composites with sand cemented by a CaCO3-PVA mixture. Unlike low molecular weight PVA, medium molecular weight PVA forms complex matrix with the CaCO3 precipitate which does not dissolve in water at room temperature. The unconfine (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Junliang Tao PhD (Advisor); Zhe Luo PhD (Committee Member); Qixin Zhou PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Engineering and Applied Science: Civil Engineering

This dissertation explores the potential of utilizing Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology in the field of transportation asset assessment, inspection, and evaluation. To harness this potential, the study presents a comprehensive framework for developing real-time, lightweight infrastructure evaluation models. As case studies, the dissertation focuses on addressing two critical road and roadside deficiencies: shoulder drop-off and pavement marking retroreflectivity degradation. For each task, data from several road sections is obtained using an AV development platform and standard measuring equipment such as a surveying-grade laser scanner for the first task and a handheld retroreflectometer for the second. Based on the comprehensive field data collection, the study evaluates multiple AI driven approaches for each task. The research demonstrates three automated algorithms for shoulder drop-off assessment using LiDAR data. A method based on moving window filtering and an LSTM neural network exhibited the highest accuracy and best inference time. Additionally, the correlation between pavement marking reflectivity and LiDAR intensity is investigated. A robust end-to-end AI solution is proposed for automated marking extraction and retroreflectivity prediction. The proposed solution is finally evaluated on its robustness to driving speed, scanning lane and direction, and wet road conditions.

Committee: Munir Nazzal Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Donghoon Kim Ph.D. (Committee Member); Lei Wang Ph.D. (Committee Member); Ali Minai Ph.D. (Committee Member); Manish Kumar Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Artificial Intelligence

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Biomedical Engineering

The shoulder girdle complex, through engagement with the seat belt, influences motor vehicle occupant upper body movement during frontal impacts, affecting the movement of the head, neck, and thorax. The recently developed LODC ATD was designed with flexible shoulder girdle structures that capture the unique kinematics in pediatric occupants. However, the LODC shoulder has not been evaluated for biofidelity due to the lack of biomechanical data available on pediatric shoulder responses. This study evaluated quasi-static pediatric shoulder girdle complex responses through non-invasive displacement measurements. These data were obtained to compare to the LODC ATD, to assess its biofidelity. Shoulder range of motion and anthropometric measurements were obtained from 25 pediatric volunteers, ages 8-12 years old. Loads were applied bilaterally exclusively to the shoulder complexes in increments of 25 N up to 150 N per shoulder at 90, 135, and 170 degrees of shoulder flexion. Still photos were used to determine shoulder displacement in the sagittal plane from images captured prior to and following the load applications. Data analysis consisted of motion tracking to evaluate the absolute and relative displacement of the right acromion and T1. The displacements for each volunteer were normalized based on the volunteer's shoulder width compared to the shoulder width of the LODC ATD. For the 90° load, the acromion moved relative to T1 an average of 28.1 mm forward and 3.1 mm downward at maximum displacement. For the 135° load, the acromion moved relative to T1 an average of 12.4 mm forward and 40.0 mm upward at maximum displacement. Similar displacements at higher loads indicated that the volunteers achieved their maximum range of motion. The same test procedure was completed for the LODC ATD, resulting in a biofidelity comparison in displacements using Biofidelity Ranking Score. Results from this analysis indicated that the LODC was found to have better biofidelity in the fo (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: John Bolte IV (Committee Member); Julie Mansfield (Advisor) Subjects: Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Engineering

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders in the workforce are highly prevalent, especially in material handling operations. In addition to completing physically demanding work that is required in this domain, workers must also manage concurrent mental demands present in their tasks. Few studies have examined the effect of concurrent mental demands in occupationally-relevant tasks. This study attempted to fill this void by quantifying the effects of varying degrees of cognitive loads and task precision demands on a material handling task by examining these effects on the kinematics and muscle activity of the trunk and shoulders. Methods: Twelve subjects lifted and placed a 5 kg box on a rack at one of three destination heights (low, middle, high) while under a simultaneous cognitive load (no load, simple load, complex load) and/or precision constraint (low precision, high precision). Cognitive load consisted of time-based arithmetic questions where participants were tasked with determining the amount of time remaining from a given time to a target time (e.g., Get to 4:00 PM from 3:15 for simple load or get to 4:10 PM from 3:27 PM for complex load). The primary dependent measures were the angular velocities of the trunk and shoulders as well as muscle activity in the erector spinae, rectus abdominus, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, and anterior deltoid muscles. Results: Significant decreases in angular velocities for both higher cognitive load complexities and higher precision conditions were observed. Additionally, lower 90th percentile normalized muscle activity values were observed as complexity and precision increased. Cumulative muscle activity, however, increased with these increases in complexity and precision. Conclusions: This study examined the impact of varying levels of cognitive and precision conditions on muscle activity and kinematics of the trunk and shoulders. Results indicated that increased complexity and precision led to longer lift t (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Carolyn Sommerich (Committee Member); Steven Lavender (Advisor) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Biomechanics; Engineering; Health Sciences; Industrial Engineering; Kinesiology; Occupational Safety

DNP, Otterbein University, 2022, Nursing

Brachial plexus blocks (BPB) are a type of regional anesthesia that inhibits the sensory and motor function of the upper extremity. The efficacy of a BPB depends on the type and dose of local anesthetics (LA), as well as the use of any additive agent. The selection of LA depends on the type, concentration, and volume of LA. Certain additives, such as dexamethasone, when added to BPB, were shown to increase motor and sensory block duration. A chart audit conducted by the pharmacy and anesthesia departments revealed a significant variability of clinical practice in the use of LA and additives in BPB at a large Level 1 trauma center. The audit also revealed that only 46.4% of anesthesia providers used the additive dexamethasone. Further complicating the issue, key stakeholders also reported a lack of standardized evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines for the choice of LA and additives utilized in BPB, which may have also contributed to the inconsistent practice among providers. The following objectives and methods were framed using the Johns Hopkins Model for EBP and were established to achieve the project's goals: 1) synthesize the evidence around the choice of LA and the additive dexamethasone with BPB, 2) develop a guideline based on the evidence, and 3) present the guideline to the Clinical Process Improvement Team (CPIT). To enhance EBP guideline development, data was compiled through a systematic review and local/national/standard clinical practice guidelines, using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis and Recommendations Tool. The project was significant because the incorporation of newly developed EBP guideline into clinical practice may improve patient outcomes. The findings of the scholarly project served as a beginning point for a greater understanding of the importance of EBP, clinical knowledge, and policy. The guideline was communicated to the anesthesia and pharmacy departments for potential implementation.

Committee: Brian Garrett Dr. (Advisor); Kacy Ballard Dr. (Committee Chair); Sara Hyland Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Sciences; Medicine; Nursing

Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2022, EMC - Mechanical Engineering

A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common injuries for the shoulder, and surgical repair is a common treatment method. Re-tearing of the repaired tendon may occur often. Re-tearing is a cheese wiring like phenomenon where the suture material tears through the viscera at the time of suture anastomosis and under tension. It is hypothesized that rotator cuff repair via tendon rivets, or, bone staples would improve mechanical properties compared with a double-row suture anchor technique by increasing contact area between the fixation device and the tendon. This study aims to design prototype rivet and staple anchors to reduce the adverse effects of high tension by reducing local stress. A standardized mechanical test set up was developed using sawbones and rubber strips to compare these attachment methods under comparable test conditions under tension. Samples were monotonically loaded to failure to obtain failure strength, work to failure, and stiffness that are resulting from the repair modality. The results suggest that staple based repair result in notable gains in failure strength and repair stiffness. Further research into utilization of staples in rotator cuff repair is warranted by the results of this thesis that may help prevent re-tears of the rotator cuff because the fixation device can withstand more tension than the surgical sutures currently being used in the practice.

Committee: Ozan Akkus (Committee Chair); Umut Gurkan (Committee Member); Clare Rimnac (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2020, Exercise Science

Neuromuscular dysfunction in shoulder girdle and upper extremity muscles is commonly observed in individuals with glenohumeral labral repair as an under-appreciated consequence of joint injury. Postoperative neural impairments from muscular, spinal and supraspinal pathways are hypothesized to contribute to the persistent muscle weakness, which may negatively affect shoulder-specific function and perceived quality of life in this population. Although identifying the specific origin of impairment has been theorized to help inform targeted treatment approaches to facilitate muscular recovery, there is limited evidence regarding origin of these neural impairments in individuals with glenohumeral labral repair. In order for the assessment and interventions to be effective, understanding comprehensive profile of neuromuscular function is an important step to allow clinicians to make evidence-based clinical decision in the course of rehabilitation. The focus of manuscript 1 was to compare peripheral, spinal and supraspinal measures of neuromuscular function in the upper extremity musculature between individuals with glenohumeral labrum repair and uninjured matched controls. We found unilateral weakness in shoulder abduction strength, unilateral impairment in corticospinal excitability for the upper trapezius, and bilateral impairment in spinal-level motoneuron pool excitability for the flexor carpi radialis in individuals with glenohumeral labral repair compared to uninjured controls. The focus of manuscript 2 was to determine the relationships between objective upper extremity muscle function and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with glenohumeral labral repair. We found lesser wrist flexor strength and lower corticospinal excitability explained worse perceived regional function. Lesser activity level explained better physical health, and elder age explained better mental health. The focus of manuscript 3 was to determine whether commonly described measures of neur (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Grant Norte (Committee Chair); Christopher Ingersoll (Committee Member); Sadik Khuder (Committee Member); Neal Glaviano (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Neurosciences; Sports Medicine

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Industrial and Systems Engineering

One-handed lifting tasks are frequently performed in warehouse operations. Often these are small piece-pick order selection jobs that are performed by female hourly employees. These jobs require the picking of single items from open boxes of items, for example, individual bottles of shampoo that are sent to retail stores to replenish stock that has been sold. Often these individual items are picked from boxes located on multi-level flow racks. The objective of this study was to quantify the time cost and ergonomic cost of one-handed lifting tasks as a function of shelf height, item weight, and walking distance. Seventeen participants lifted items of two different weights (0.45 and 0.90 kg) from seven shelf heights ( 10.8, 37.1, 63.5, 89.9, 116.2, 142.6, 168.9 cm) and either walked one step prior to picking up the item (lifting task 1) or lifted the item without needing to take a step (lifting task 2). The dependent variables were the 90th percentile electromyographic (EMG) signals of the right anterior deltoid, right lateral deltoid, left and right erector spinae; the peak value of spine twist, spine flexion, spine lateral flexion, right shoulder flexion and right shoulder abduction; and time required for walking and lifting. Results indicated that shelf height had a significant effect on all postural and EMG variables and that there is a trade-off between the back and shoulder muscle activity across the varying shelf heights. Picking from shelf heights at 142.6 and 168.9 cm resulted in greater shoulder abduction and flexion and higher shoulder muscle activity. Picking from shelf heights at 10.8, 37.1 and 63.5cm increased torso flexion, twisting, and back muscle activity. Item weight significantly affected EMG activity in both shoulder muscles and one of the back muscles. In terms of lifting task, shoulder muscle activities increased in the second lifting task (task 2) which did not require a step. All postural measurements except spine flexion were sign (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Steve Lavender (Advisor); Carolyn Sommerich (Committee Member) Subjects: Industrial Engineering

Doctor of Engineering, Cleveland State University, 2018, Washkewicz College of Engineering

Mobile devices are ubiquitous in today's society, and the usage of these devices for secure tasks like corporate email, banking, and stock trading grows by the day. The first, and often only, defense against attackers who get physical access to the device is the lock screen: the authentication task required to gain access to the device. To date mobile devices have languished under insecure authentication scheme offerings like PINs, Pattern Unlock, and biometrics-- or slow offerings like alphanumeric passwords. This work addresses the design and creation of five proof-of-concept authentication schemes that seek to increase the security of mobile authentication without compromising memorability or usability. These proof-of-concept schemes demonstrate the concept of Multi-Dimensional Authentication, a method of using data from unrelated dimensions of information, and the concept of Analog Authentication, a method utilizing continuous rather than discrete information. Security analysis will show that these schemes can be designed to exceed the security strength of alphanumeric passwords, resist shoulder-surfing in all but the worst-case scenarios, and offer significantly fewer hotspots than existing approaches. Usability analysis, including data collected from user studies in each of the five schemes, will show promising results for entry times, in some cases on-par with existing PIN or Pattern Unlock approaches, and comparable qualitative ratings with existing approaches. Memorability results will demonstrate that the psychological advantages utilized by these schemes can lead to real-world improvements in recall, in some instances leading to near-perfect recall after two weeks, significantly exceeding the recall rates of similarly secure alphanumeric passwords.

Committee: Wenbing Zhao (Committee Chair); Yuping Wu (Committee Member); Daniel Simon (Committee Member); Hadong Wang (Committee Member); Lili Dong (Committee Member) Subjects: Computer Engineering; Computer Science

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1986, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1983, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2017, Mechanical Engineering

Motor vehicle safety is developed through the testing of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs). The goal of ATD manufacturers is to ensure that these devices are as biofidelic as possible. Pediatric ATDs were originally created as scaled-down adults, although currently research has been implemented to update these models to be more realistic to mimic an actual pediatric response. Unlike with adults, pediatric cadavers cannot be used to verify the impact properties such as force, deflection, and stiffness. Thus, other methods must be used to predict a pediatric response during a collision. This study developed a transformation sequence to predict the oblique y-direction pediatric shoulder response based on data gathered from adult PMHS and adult and child volunteers. Based on this method, the estimated shoulder stiffness for a 6yo is 59 N/mm and for a 10yo is 106 N/mm.

Committee: John Bolte IV, PhD (Advisor); Amanda Agnew PhD (Committee Member); Yun Seok Kang PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2016, Exercise Physiology-Research (Health Sciences and Professions)

Background: There are injury risks involved in not correctly activating stabilizing musculature while training. Researchers have created, designer, and implemented equipment to improve activating shoulder stabilizers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine shoulder muscle activation between stable and unstable loads across the bench press and seated overhead press. Methods: Subjects (n = 12, males) randomly performed two sets of five repetitions at 50% 1RM for both exercises and modalities. Surface EMG was collected, and the average amplitude was analyzed for the three middle repetitions. Results: The Earthquake Bar™ (EQ bar) produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher activation in all muscle groups except the lateral triceps brachii during the bench press (p > 0.05). There was also a significantly more optimal co-contraction with the EQ bar (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study suggests the EQ bar produced greater activation and co-contraction and may provide an improved method of training shoulder stabilizing musculature.

Committee: Sharon Rana (Advisor); Jae Pom Yom (Committee Member); Dustin Grooms (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomechanics; Kinesiology; Sports Medicine

Doctor of Engineering, Cleveland State University, 2015, Washkewicz College of Engineering

The combined defects of the glenoid and humeral head defects are often associated with recurrent anterior instability. Past studies have only investigated the effects of isolated humeral head or glenoid defects. A cadaveric model was developed to investigate the effect of combined defects. Moreover, two different finite element models were developed to validate against the experimental data. It was hypothesized that combination of smaller sizes of the two defects would reduce the glenohumeral joint's stability. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that the instability due to humeral head defect will be dependent on the arm position but this won't be the case for the glenoid defect. Also, it was believed that both specimen-specific and population-based models will validate against the experimental data. Different sets of simulation were run with both isolated and combined defects to analyze the reaction forces and calculate distance to dislocation. The experiments were performed with displacement control under a 50N compressive load. The results from the study predicted a statistical model that explained the direct correlation between the anterior stability of glenohumeral joint and the size of the defect. It was found that with the increase in size of the defect, the distance to dislocation decreased. It was determined that a combination of 10% glenoid defect with a 19% humeral head defect resulted in lower stability (p<0.05) than that of an isolated 20% glenoid defect. Results from finite element analysis showed that both specimen-specific and population-based models were similar to cadaveric model.

Committee: Stephen Fening Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Antonie van den Bogert Ph.D. (Advisor); Anthony Miniaci M.D., F.R.C.S.C. (Committee Member); Morgan Jones M.D., M.P.H (Committee Member); Ahmet Erdemir Ph.D. (Committee Member); Brian Davis Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Research; Design; Engineering; Experiments; Mathematics; Pathology; Sports Medicine

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2014, Mechanical Engineering

Many industrial machines incorporate a multitude of moving and rotating parts necessary for the machinery to perform its intended functions. Rotating machinery, like turbines and compressors, include multiple parts that rotate under heavy loads and high speeds. Shafts are a common medium to transmit these loads and speeds. Quite often, these shafts are required to be stepped to create multiple distinct diameters for carry and located other components. The addition of these steps must be design with care such that a proper radius is selected between two diameters. Parts operating in this field will run for long periods of time and must maintain under multiple start/stop cases and can eventually cause failures. Rotor and torsional dynamic analyses are completed on most if not all rotors in the turbomachinery field. The 45 degree rule is a method of simplification for modeling abrupt changes in diameter. This rule of thumb states a line from the lesser of two steps on a shaft can be drawn at a 45 degree angle to the outside diameter of the greater step. The material outside this line can be modeled with zero modulus and actual density. This region of material does not significantly impact the torsional stiffness of the area. The purpose of this research is to find the effect this modeling approach has on the computed strength, stiffness, and overall rotordynamic properties of a rotating shaft. This will also demonstrate the “Best case” shoulder combination with various fillet radii and/or other angle orientation as well as illustrate additional areas this theory may be applicable. Additional considerations will be made for defective or non-homogeneous material (e.g., inclusions, cracks, and scratches) that may be contained within the region under consideration and their effect on the overall region's computed strength and stiffness. The purpose of this research is split into three claims. The first claim states that after the removal of the material outside the 4 (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Thomas Whitney Dr. (Advisor); Dave Myszka Dr. (Committee Member); Steven Donaldson Dr. (Committee Member); Raed Hasan Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2014, Anatomy

Data are desired that accurately represent the pediatric population for anthropomorphic test devices (ATD). Current pediatric ATDs are designed from scaled-down adult data, but their biofidelity is questioned. Because the use of pediatric cadavers is an ethical issue, different methods of testing are required to obtain data. This study will ultimately aid in leading to a more appropriate pediatric model of the shoulder. The data from this study will allow for (1) a comparison between adult volunteer and post mortem human subject (PMHS) quasi-static data, (2) a comparison between PMHS quasi-static and dynamic data, and (3) a comparison between dynamic lateral and oblique loading conditions. Side impacts of the PMHS were conducted in both quasi-static and dynamic manners. The impact was delivered in both purely lateral and oblique loading conditions for each test. With the application of a light load to the impacting shoulder in quasi-static testing, translational data were acquired from sensors fixed to the acromion processes and manubrium. Force data were also acquired. In dynamic testing, the PMHS was instrumented with a triaxial accelerometer block on each acromion process, the manubrium, and T1, strain gages placed on ribs 2–5 and the clavicles, and a chest band in the axillae. A 4.5 m/s impact was delivered through a pneumonic ram to one shoulder in the lateral loading condition while the opposing shoulder was impacted next at the same speed in the oblique loading condition. For all tests, the full girdle (acromion-to-acromion) deflection was calculated to determine overall deflection. A force-displacement plot was generated and stiffness values were calculated and were compared to previous studies. Injuries resulting from dynamic testing were included to demonstrate differences between lateral and oblique impacts. To date, quasi-static stiffness in the oblique direction, X-component (KX) and Y-component (KY), is very similar to adult volunteer data (KY = 10.3 ± (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: John Bolte (Advisor) Subjects: Anatomy and Physiology; Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2013, Medicine: Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have the potential to impact a tremendous number of the waitresses and waiters in the United States, yet very little is known about the ergonomic risk factors that these workers routinely encounter. Many of the traditional risk factors for MSDs can be commonly found for wait staff such as lifting and transferring heavy loads, reaching for items (e.g. horizontal trunk moment arm), repetitious tasks, and standing for long periods of time on their feet. The objective of the study was to document the potential risk factors that restaurant servers are commonly exposed to on a typical shift. Twenty servers from three different restaurants within the Midwest metropolitan area were observed by direct observation methods including direct measurement of weight lifted on trays; observation of postures when transferring trays, quantification of sitting and walking by an ActivPal, and workload perception and current body region symptom through a simple survey. The results show that servers carried 16.4 kg per hour or 6.3 kg per tray, which is relatively low compared to other industries. There were more than 90% of the servers who reported standing more than 5 hours, but less than 8 hours during their shift. Objective measures by the ActivPal confirmed a large amount of time on their feet (76% of time standing or walking). The body region with the greatest increase in discomfort at the end of the shift was the upper back (increasing by 55%). The next highest changes in discomfort were in the neck (at 45%) and lower back (at 50%) regions. Also, almost 70% of the servers carried a tray of food in front of themselves, potentially resulting in poor and awkward postures. In all, the current study provides a glimpse into the demands on the servers. Generally, while the number of trays served was not particularly high, the average load represents a risk, especially when peak times could require many more trays served. All indications from the perceptions (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kermit Davis Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Susan Kotowski Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Occupational Safety