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

Objective: The purpose of this thesis was to determine the degree of difference between anthropometric and heel pad tissue characteristics of the lower extremities of PMHS compared to living populations as well as to establish a wholistic procedure for extensive measurements of the foot using methodology previously used in lower limb anthropometry, x-ray imaging, and ultrasound imaging studies. Methods: Thirty-seven PMHS were included in the anthropometry analysis, 21 PMHS were included in the x-ray analysis, and 32 PMHS were included in the ultrasound analysis. For the anthropometry, measurements were taken in seated and standing positions and included bimalleolar breadth, heel breadth, navicular height (medial prominence), navicular height (inferior medial border), talar head height, plantar curvature height, lateral malleolar height, medial malleolar height, acropodion foot length, hallux foot length, horizontal foot breadth, ball of foot length, and dorsum height. Comparisons were then made between left and right feet, seated and standing positions, males and females, and PMHS and living populations. For the x-ray analysis, two of the anthropometry measurements, navicular height (inferior medial border) and talar head height, had values for anthropometry compared against measurements determined through x-ray imaging. For the ultrasound analysis, ultrasound images were taken of the plantar foot at the calcaneus at loadings of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 Newtons. Thicknesses, stiffnesses, and compressibility indexes were determined using the images, and these values were then compared against values seen in living populations. Results: Left and right feet were found to have no significant differences in anthropometry. Seated and standing positions were found to be significantly different in 12 of the 13 measurements. Male values were found to be significantly different from female values in both seated and standing positions for all measurements except for plantar (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Randee Hunter (Committee Member); John Bolte IV (Advisor) Subjects: Biology; Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Engineering

MS, Kent State University, 2020, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Several researchers have conducted studies investigating the challenges faced by people living with disabilities when they participate in tourism activities. Some of these barriers have been removed due to the implementation of the Americans with Disability Act. However informational challenges still exist even with the popularity of technology. Smart tourism has gained a lot of attention in recent times due to its potential to provide useful information that can remove the informational barriers that still exits. This research explores the characteristics of smart tourism platforms that are most important to people living with mobility challenges. In order to achieve this objective, this study adopted a qualitative approach. The researcher collected information from participants using in depth interviews. Five participants with mobility challenges were interviewed. Prior to the interview, participants downloaded the Disney experience app which has smart tourism features. Participants were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the app before the interview. Data collected were analyzed using the five-step approach for analyzing qualitative data designed by O'Connor and Gibson (2003). Direct quotations were also used to support finding. The results of the study revealed that information quality, personalization, and interactivity were the most important features to people living with mobility challenges when they used smart tourism platforms like that of Disney. Hospitality and tourism organizations therefore need to provide specific information about accessibility and desist from using the umbrella term “ADA accessible.” Also, personalization and interactivity must not be taken for granted.

Committee: Seon Jeong Lee (Advisor); Kiwon Lee (Committee Member); Aviad Israeli (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2016, Counselor Education and Supervision

Individuals infected and affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have distinctive mental and emotional health issues (Acuff et al., 1999; Badiee et al., 2012; Hult et al., 2007). This study sought to create an instrument that measures the attitude element of competency with the development of the Mental Health Professionals' Attitude Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS (MHP-PLHIV-AS). After the MHP-PLHIV-AS's creation by a Content Evaluation Panel of HIV/AIDS Experts, it was piloted for calibration with a sample of mental health professionals (n = 43), then administered to a larger sample for validation (n = 454). The newly designed MHP-PLHIV-AS was analyzed through a Rasch Measurement Model (RMM; Rasch, 1960, 1980). RMM diagnostics and analyses provides evidence to support a two-dimensional (societal and personal dimensions) measurement of the attitude towards PLHIV construct. The authors provide background, processes, and results of the study, and implications not only for the use of the MHP-PLHIV-AS, but also of attitude being a two-dimensional construct.

Committee: John Laux (Committee Chair); Christine Fox (Committee Member); Christopher Roseman (Committee Member); Mojisola Tiamiyu (Committee Member); Caroline O'Hara (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education; Counseling Psychology; Multicultural Education; Psychology; Public Health; Therapy