Bachelor of Science, Walsh University, 2022, Honors

Currently the information available on how to properly train youth athletes is limited due to the lack of studies performed on this population. It is widely understood that youth athletes should be trained in some manner but exactly how they might be trained for maximum effectiveness is still unclear. To better understand how to train youth athletes this study looks at 16 male athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 years old who participate in at least one sport and have had at least a youth of strength training experience. The study aims to determine how relative strength levels in the squat and deadlift effect the performance of five athletic indicators, the max hang high pull, 40-yard dash, 10-yard dash, max broad jump, and 3-cone drill. These were the chosen indicators because each movement demonstrates an athletes' speed, agility, and power production all of which are essential markers of athletic success. Each athlete performed a max squat and deadlift to determine their relative strength levels where the highest eight scores of each lift were placed in a high strength group and the lowest eight were placed in the low strength groups. Correlational analyses were run to determine if there were any correlations between strength levels and performance each of the athletic indicators. One-way ANOVA tests were run between the high and low strength squat and deadlift groups respectively to determine if there was a significant difference between the high and low strength groups of each lift. There was a significant correlation between relative squat strength and each of the five indicators at the .05 level, there was also a significant correlation between relative deadlift strength and each of the five indicators at the .05 level. The one-way ANOVA tests revealed there was a significant difference (p ≤ .05) between the high and low relative deadlift strength groups in each of the five indicators while there was also a significant difference between the high and low r (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, 2022, Civil Engineering

This paper details the research analyzing the effects of monotonic and cyclic loading on beam-end specimens with corrosion. The test consisted of 44 beam-end specimens tested in a vertical setup with a 55-kip actuator. Each step of the experimental process from specimen design, concrete cast and curing, accelerated corrosion procedure, and testing of each specimen are described in this paper. The variables that were the focus of this study were: Concrete cover (ranging from 1in to 3in), diameter size of rebar (#5, #6, and #8), presence of transverse stirrups, corrosion level (0%-20%), and the ratio of concrete cover to the diameter of the rebar. Additionally, Sajedi and Huang's (2015) bond strength model was evaluated for its accuracy in predicting the bond strength. Finally, each variable was analyzed to determine the impact they had on the failure modes (splitting or pull-out) for reinforced concrete.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Dentistry

Objectives: This in vitro study evaluated the flexural strength, fracture toughness, and mode of tooth to base fracture of computer aid milled (highly dense prepolymerized polymethyl methacrylate) and 3D printed (diurenthane methacrylate) denture bases compared to conventional compression molded heat cured polymethly methacrylate (PMMA). Methods: Three tests were performed: flexural testing, fracture toughness, and denture tooth to base bond. For flexural testing, 75 rectangular specimens (65mm x 10mm x 3mm) were fabricated from compression molded Leuctione 199, Avadent and Ivobase CAD prepolymerized PMMA pucks, and Formlabs and Dentca photopolymerized urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) (n = 15). After 50 hours of storage in water at 37ºC +/-1ºC, each sample was subjected to a three point bend test at a rate of 5mm/min until fracture. Load to fracture was recorded. Ultimate flexural strength and elastic modulus were calculated. For fracture toughness, 75 rectangular specimens (65mm x 10mm x 3mm) were fabricated with a uniform crack in each sample. After 7 days of storage in water at 37ºC +/-1, each sample was subjected to a three point bend test at a rate of 1mm/min. Load to fracture was recorded, and maximum stress intensity factor was calculated. For flexural strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness, non parametric Dunn test was used comparing each sample to the control Leucitone 199. For tooth to base fracture mode, 40 samples were fabricated from Leuctione 199, Avadent monolithic, Ivobase CAD, and Dentca. Samples consisted of the same denture tooth anatomy bonded to a base of 25mm in diameter and 40mm in height. An instron machine was used to load the tooth at a rate of 1mm/min. The type of fracture whether adhesive, cohesive, or mixed was recorded. Results: For ultimate flexural strength and flexural modulous, AvaDent resin was significantly stronger than Leuctione 199; Dentca was significantly weaker than Leuctione 199 (p<. (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Psychology

A principle central to the modern study of attitudes is that our evaluations can vary in strength, or the extent to which they have impact and durability. The present work began with the question of whether or not the generality (versus specificity) of an attitude object was related to the strength of attitudes towards it. Through correlational methods, Studies 1 and 2 found significant positive relations between the generality of a concept (both individually rated and measured normatively/in aggregate) and a handful of features commonly related to strong attitudes. Study 3 employed an experimental procedure wherein participants who were prompted to list increasingly general (versus specific) categories tended to list categories that their attitudes towards were (a) more impactful, important, and self-defining, (b) more mixed, and (c) more positive. Study 4, while successfully manipulating perceived generality, failed to find corresponding shifts in most of the strength-related features that were related to generality in the prior studies, suggesting that actual differences in categorical inclusiveness (rather than contemporaneous appraisals of generality) might be the operant variable related to strength-related features. Study 5 expanded the range of attitude objects to include those at the highest level of generality in order to test whether relations with strength-related features were monotonic or not. Results suggested that the linear patterns documented in the prior studies might actually be curvilinear when a fuller range of generality is considered. Study 5 also introduced measures assessing perceived utility of attitudes and found evidence of such utility mediating the effects of generality on some strength-related features. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2022, Civil Engineering

Self-healing concrete is an innovative and challenging solution in the construction industry to self-repair cracks that appears on the concrete surface. Many researchers are actively working to find economical and effective methods to achieve self-healing that employ biological and chemical approaches. The main advantages of using self-healing concrete, which is commonly implemented using bacteria or various other substances, are a reduction in the repair costs for structures built using concrete and an increase in the reliability and durability of the structures. It is also a better alternative than traditional practices for repairing concrete cracks because it helps the concrete to retain its original appearance. Although self-healing is an excellent approach, it has not yet been commercialized because of limited experimental studies, a lack of systematic evaluation procedures, or unfeasible production costs. The work described in this dissertation is focused on the introduction of a microbial-based self-healing concrete that uses fungi, development of a suitable evaluation procedure for self-healing concrete and investigating the influence of the fungus and its nutrients on the cementitious material. It is assumed that a fungus-based self-healing concrete can be an economical method if the concrete properties remain intact and the nutrients allow the fungus to survive inside the concrete. Possible nutrients for the fungi are selected to verify this possibility, and the influence of the nutrients and fungi on the mortar and concrete is studied. In addition, a suitable analytical procedure has been proposed that can help to estimate the effectiveness of using self-healing concrete with respect to porosity and permeability.

Master of Science, Miami University, 2020, Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering

Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) has been modified to account for the role of inherent fracture processing zone in failure of fibrous materials. The presented study further validates the theory using both prepared handsheets with different pressing conditions and literature reported handsheet tensile strength data under different notch size. The analysis shows that modified LEFM can capture the trend of tensile strength as functions of notch size. To further expand the application of the model, we used a simple shifting manipulation coupled with a fitting procedure to indirectly determine characteristic fracture processing zone length. After the treatment, all the tensile strength data were fitted into a unified fracture model. The results show that increasing porosity or decreasing density leads to increase of fracture processing zone length. Lastly, we evaluated the role of tensile strength in affecting the tear strength. We found that tear strength reaches a maximum value as tensile strength increases but drops dramatically once tensile strength or breaking length reaches a critical value for softwood based handsheets. The implication of this results suggests that one should consider the nature of the fibers when preparing high tensile strength and tear strength fibrous materials.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, 2020, Human Factors and Industrial/Organizational Psychology PhD

Workers who are satisfied with their jobs are better performers, but prior research has found a plethora of moderating variables between job satisfaction and job performance (Ostroff, 1992, Schleicher, Watt, & Greguras, 2004; Spector, 1997). Prior research has suggested that job attitude strength can strengthen the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance and that the relationships between personality variables and extra-role job performance are stronger in weak rather than strong workplace situations (Meyer et al., 2014; Shleicher et al., 2015). In the current study, I investigated the interaction between job satisfaction, job attitude strength, and situational strength on job performance. Using attitude strength and situational strength theories, I argued that the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance is stronger when attitudes are strong and situations are weak. Using a sample of workers from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk, N = 539), I found that job attitude strengthens the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. However, strong evidence was found to suggest that strong situations strengthened rather than weakened the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. I found little evidence of a three-way interaction between job satisfaction, job attitude strength, and situational strength on job performance in the direction expected. My findings have important implications for the attitude strength and situational strength literatures.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2020, Biomedical Engineering

Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries in children below 18 years of age. However, there have been reports of increasing injury trends around five year of age. In automotive safety, this age typically corresponds with a transition of child restraint systems: from a harnessed device to a booster seat which use the adult seatbelt. Anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) and finite element modeling are commonly used to predict the biomechanical responses of pediatric occupants during MVC. However, a lack of experimental pediatric c-spine data results in the use of scaling techniques of adult male biomechanical responses to assess pediatric injury risks. These scaling techniques seldom represent the vast changes the c-spine undergoes from childhood to adulthood. Pediatric ATDs lack the ability to represent the nuances of growth and development of the pediatric c-spine and often result in poor biofidelity, or the ability to accurately predict and reproduce biomechanical responses of children. There is a need to understand the biomechanical response of the pediatric c-spine in a way that accounts for anatomical and developmental differences between children and adult males. Therefore, the objective of this study is to quantify the cervical spine range of motion, strength and stiffness of children 5–7 years old. A custom testing device was developed and validated to quantify pediatric c-spine strength and stiffness in the sagittal and coronal planes while range of motion (ROM) was quantified for all major planes of motion. Isometric strength was measured at a neutral neck position, 0° of axial deviation, and at mid-range of motion, 30° of axial deviation in each plane. During testing muscle activation was assessed and maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) were quantified for each participant. Dynamic concentric strength and stiffness values were quantified at a dynamic rate of 30°/s. Children had equal ROM in all pl (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2019, Civil Engineering

Concrete is naturally porous and allows water to penetrate its surfaces. This water penetration can easily deteriorate the concrete and cause chemical attacks, weakening its durability and strength. Thus, improving porosity will improve its quality, durability, and life span. This study investigates ways to enhance concrete porosity without harming compressive and flexural strengths. This study focuses on adding nano SiO2 (0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 6%) while keeping constant the amount of fly ash (2%) and water cement ratio (0.41). The benchmark used was simply plain concrete without fly ash or nano SiO2. This was accomplished by testing a total of 36 cylinders after allowing the concrete to cure for 28 days. In this study, results show that porosity decreases with the addition of nano SiO2 until it reaches (1%) optimum value, which is 5.9% lower than the plain concrete (without additive). However, the porosity altered after the 1% optimum value; porosity increased with the addition of 4% and 6% nano SiO2, but it was still lower than the concrete with fly ash and the plain concrete (without nano SiO2 or fly ash). For compressive strength, the results show that among four different nano SiO2 percentages, the addition of 2% nano SiO2 with fixed 2% fly ash has a higher compressive strength, which is 17.3% greater than the strength of the reference 0% nano SiO2. However, the increase in compressive strength was altered after the addition of 2% nano SiO2. The addition of 4% and 6 % of nano SiO2 decreased the compressive strength and lowered the workability of the mix. Once the optimum percentage of SiO2 was found (1%) and making sure that no deterioration of compressive strength occurred, the flexural strength (rupture strength) was checked using a three-point method. Nine beams are used for the flexural test for 28 days; three of the nine beams use concrete with the optimum value from the porosity test. In the flexural test, the results show that the addition of 1% nano SiO2 c (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2018, Civil Engineering

This research investigates the effect of nano-SiO2 on porosity and strength. In both compressive strength and porosity tests, nano-SiO2 is varied from 0 to 3% (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%) with the fixed percentage of silica fume at 0.4%. In addition to these tests, a base test was performed that did not include SF or nano-SiO2. However, for the flexural test, only the 0% and 1% of nano-SiO2 are tested (1% is the optimal percentage for the porosity test). Also, one specimen, which does not include either SF or nano-SiO2, is tested. Results show compressive strength increases with the increase of nano-SiO2, but this increase stops after reaching 2%. Porosity decreases when the nano-SiO2 percent increases. However, such a decrease stops after reaching 1%. An increase of 0.5% of nano-SiO2 contributes to reducing the porosity by 40%, compared to a specimen that has 4% of silica fume and 0% of nano-SiO2. However, an increase of 1% of nano-SiO2 contributes to reducing the porosity by only 2.4% because nano-SiO2 particles are more beneficial on the surface layer. Consequently, most of the nano-SiO2 particles that are in the core layers are redundant because the surface layer decreases the porosity sufficiently. The flexural strength seems to increase with the increasing percentage of nano-SiO2, compared to 4% of silica fume and 0% of the nano-SiO2 specimen.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2018, Kinesiology

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of keto-adaptation via a KD and a strength-power resistance training program on cognitive performance in healthy adults in both a rested and physically stressed state. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects (25 males, 4 females) were placed in either a ketogenic diet (KD) group (N=15) or a high carbohydrate (CON) group (N=14). Resting cognition was measured using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) computer battery and physically stressed cognition was measured using a symbol digit modality test (SDMT) before and after high-intensity sprints on a self-propelled treadmill (HiTrainer). These measures were assessed at baseline, and following a 9-12 week dietary and strength/power intervention. Results: No significant difference between groups for diet was observed for resting or physically stressed cognition. For resting cognition within the KD group there existed a significant correlation between acute ketone levels prior to testing and percent change from pre to post for the tests Code-substitution delay and Go/No-go, which test aspects of delayed memory and inhibition. The strength/power intervention produced significant increases for some of the variables in both resting and physically stressed cognition. For resting cognition the tests code substitution - delayed and procedural reaction time, which are associated with learning, delayed memory, and processing speed, improved significantly from pre to post. For physically stressed cognition, the amount of correct answers on the 3rd set of SDMT following the final sets of sprints improved significantly from pre to post. Conclusion: Exercise focused on strength and power seems to beneficially effect cognition at rest and when physically stressed. KD did not improve cognition, but some aspects seemed to be directly affected by acute ketone levels. Further research into both areas and their effects on cognition are needed.

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2018, Engineering and Applied Science: Civil Engineering

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) there are over 1200 concrete slab bridges across the state that are still in use, but are missing plans and/or specifications. These documents contain the information necessary to determine the strength of the bridge, which is needed for rating. The strength of a concrete slab bridge depends on its geometry, support conditions, concrete strength, reinforcing bar size, reinforcing bar spacing, effective depth, and the yield strength of the reinforcing steel. This study determined methodologies to find or reasonably estimate the unknown properties using mainly non-destructive testing (NDT) procedures or historical records. A detailed literature review was performed to determine the accuracy, reliability, and ease of use of the applicable NDT methods. In addition, a survey was sent to city/county engineers to determine their methods for identifying unknown properties (if any) and to collect information on historical records of materials and designs used in slab bridges. Those methods identified in the literature review and survey were then used in blind tests on slab bridges with known properties to verify the use of NDT methods. Lab testing was also performed to investigate the relationship between yield strength and other material properties. The results show the unknown properties can be identified using non-destructive testing techniques. For simplicity, flow charts have been developed to walk an engineer through the steps of determining the strength of slab bridges without plans. Using the flow charts, the proposed methodologies can identify bar size within ±1 bar size, effective depth within a ¼ of an inch, spacing within 3/8 of an inch, concrete strength within 30%, and yield strength within 5 ksi.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2018, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Light weighting is a cornerstone of the automotive industry's push to achieve greater fuel economy, thereby conserving fossil fuel resources and decreasing CO2 emissions. Composites are the focus of much of the research in the light weighting space. Carbon fiber laminates in particular, are one of the leading material choices because they have a high strength to weight ratio, and exceptional energy absorption characteristics, coupled with being almost completely impervious to the effects of environmental factors. These highly desirable properties are contrasted by characteristics that have limited the use of carbon fiber composites in many situations. In the cost driven automotive industry, high material cost is one of the main limiting factors for the introduction of new technology. Additional hidden costs arise from the highly anisotropic material behavior. This leads to joining difficulties requiring exceptional increases in the time spent on design and simulation of composite material systems. The combination of these costs limits their use in many situations. Progress is constantly being made to improve carbon fiber material and production costs as well as the design and simulation systems for composite materials in general. One area that still has opportunities for substantial improvement is in the joining methods for composite structures. This was the basis of the authors' previously researched hybrid joining method. The focus of this research is to understand the strengthening mechanisms of multi-axial loads on the epoxy adhesive system used in composite joints. This is integral to the strength improvement of the previously investigated hybrid structural composite joining method. This was accomplished by investigating two main areas, the bulk epoxies under test using basic tests, and a simplified version of the hybrid joint under different compression values and inclusion/epoxy/thickness combinations. Bulk epoxies were tested using ASTM D638 co (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2017, Mechanical Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

The research completed for this thesis evaluated the utilization of bituminous coal types from the Appalachian basin as filler material in high density polyethylene (HDPE) composite. The three coal types evaluated include Pittsburgh No. 8, Kittanning, and Upper Freeport. Further investigation of coal filler content (0-60wt. %) and coupling agent content (0-3 wt. %) impact on flexural strength, tensile strength and water absorption were investigated using Pittsburgh No. 8 as the filler. Surface chemistry of the coal was analyzed using Boehm analyses and compared to the surface chemistry of pine wood flour. Flexural strength of the composite was greatest at 30 wt. % coal, while tensile strength decreased with increasing coal content. Any addition of coupling agent in the composite saw little to negative impact on flexural and tensile properties.

Master of Science, University of Akron, 2017, Physical Education-Sports Science/Coaching

The purpose of this current study was to describe and evaluate the status of high school strength and conditioning for high school football teams in the state of Ohio from the perspective of high school athletic directors (ADs). The researchers created and sent 677 online questionnaires to every high school AD in the state of Ohio whose program had a football team. Of the 677 outgoing questionnaires, 157 were returned. Results found that ADs are aware of who is acting as the strength and conditioning coach (SCC) within their program, feel that the position is important, and predict that the position will grow in the future. It was also found that most individuals acting as the SCC did not hold relevant certifications and are thus, deemed unqualified to hold the position of SCC. Of the uncertified individuals, most were head football coaches, assistant coaches, or teachers who implemented the strength and conditioning activities. Based on previous research, this suggests that these individuals may not be qualified to safely implement strength and conditioning to high school level athletes (Couture et al., 2015; Mcgladrey et al., 2014; Pote & Christie, 2016). An increase in qualified SCCs at the high school level shall provide the athletes with a safer, more successful experience (Baechle & Earle, 2008; Gucciardi et al., 2009; Zatsiorsky, 2006).

Honors Theses, Ohio Dominican University, 2017, Honors Theses

Indoor and recreational rock climbing has become an increasingly popular sport among children and adults. Additionally, recent research has demonstrated that active therapy, such as swimming and hippotherapy, is beneficial for children with autism. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of six weeks of rock-climbing on functional strength, spatial reasoning, and executive function for children with autism. METHODS: Seven subjects (8-14 years old, all male) completed six weeks of rock climbing at a pre-established gym. Examinations of Cognitive Trail Making Tests (CTMT) and hand grip strength were completed for all participants prior to the start of classes and after six weeks of training. For hand grip strength, three trials were completed on each hand using a standard hand grip dynamometer. The two highest results were taken and added to represent total grip strength. The CTMT was performed via directions given through the standard protocol. RESULTS: The data did not reveal any significant differences; however, there were positive trends among all variables. CONCLUSION: The research was limited by the number of subjects and variability between subjects. Even so, the positive trends suggest that more research may show significant benefits from rock-climbing. Past research evaluating adventure education, psychological benefits of rock climbing, and neurological and physiological adaptations to exercise still support the possibility of rock climbing as a viable therapy option. With continued research in rock climbing, we hope to be able to implement a different, potentially more beneficial, therapeutic modality that addresses cognitive and physical impairments commonly observed in children with autism.

Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, 2017, Biological Sciences

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by diminished bone strength, resulting in an increased risk for fracture with minimal trauma. Though osteoporotic fractures present severe consequences for patients and health communities alike, there remains to be an accurate diagnosis for this disease. There are many characteristics that influence bone strength, ranging from mechanical, microstructural, to geometrical in nature. This project specifically aimed to assess cortical porosity, diameter, and bending stiffness as predictors of bending strength in the human radius. Data was collected from thirty cadaveric human radii from men and women between the ages of 17-99 years. Bending strength and bending stiffness were measured by the gold standard three-point bending method, quasi-static mechanical testing (QMT). Interosseous diameter was measured from both higher resolution µCT and lower resolution CT scans. Finally, cortical porosity was measured from µCT scans in the NIH image-processing software ImageJ. These measurements were guided by 3D Avizo models. Simple linear regression analyses revealed that bending stiffness predicted bending strength with the least amount of uncertainty (SEE=3.2 Nm). Cortical porosity demonstrated the weakest relationship with bending strength (SEE=12.0 Nm). Predictions of bending strength by µCT diameter were not different from those made by CT diameter (p=0.37). In comparisons of cortical porosity in the radius and ulna as imaged from the same arms, porosity at the 55%L of the ulna was the only unbiased predictor of radius porosity adjacent to the QMT fracture site (p=0.12). Thus, at the midshaft, cortical porosity of the ulna and radius appear to be indistinguishable.

Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, 2015, Biomedical Engineering

Orthopedic implants are used as medical devices that are surgically implemented into the body and designed to replace a missing joint, a bone or to support a damaged structure. Even though orthopedic implants have excellent outcomes such as restoring mobility and increasing the quality of lives, the failure of these implants occasionally takes place. This thesis examines a process called “superfinishing” as an alternative surface modification method for use on orthopedic implants that may yield better patient outcomes. It is believed that superfinishing may improve desired properties such as bending stress, fatigue strength, resistance to bacteria adhesion, wear resistance, chemical inertness, low coefficient of friction, and similar or better adhesion characteristics than stainless steels/titanium. The focus of this thesis is to show improvement in bending strength. In this study, specimens were superfinished in two different types of abrasives: aluminum oxide (Al3O2) and silicon carbide (SiC). The results demonstrated that roughness value of stainless steel rods in Al2O3 powder/walnut shell mix decreased to 0.156µm from 0.221µm and roughness value of stainless steel rods in SC powder/walnut shell mix decreased to 0.100µm from 0.184µm which is 36-44% decrease in roughness value. The experiment indicated that roughness value of these rods becomes stable after 21 minutes of superfinishing process but the maximum average load results were collected after 9 minutes of superfinishing process. This study showed that the longer superfinishing process does not necessarily increase the bending strength. This study also showed that the bending strength of superfinished Ti-6Al-4V rods was increased by 3.81% with SiC abrasives. In addition, bending strength of superfinished 316L rods were increased by 3.35% in Al3O2 abrasives and by 6.49% in SiC abrasives after 9 minutes of superfinishing process. Residual stresses should be studied as the future work to g (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2015, Civil Engineering

Satisfactory performance of non-composite adjacent box-beam bridges depends on the effectiveness of the key way, waterproofing membrane and tie rods, and the related construction practices. Development of cracks at the longitudinal joints of such bridges is often a recurring problem that causes water leakage at the joints and corrosion of the embedded prestressing strands. The primary objective of this study was to identify the sources, causes and effects of inadequate joint performance in adjacent box-beam bridges, and to develop prevention measures. The structural performance of key way joints with the existing and new grout materials were evaluated and correlated with field measurements under traffic loading. Observation of construction practices and an investigation of a bridge that was in service for 32 years at the time of its demolition were also included. This study revealed that shear transfer strength of key way joints under symmetric loading can be increased compared to the joints that use the current ODOT-approved grouts and key way details through proper selection of grout material, adjustment to the key way geometry, and joint surface preparation. In beam configurations, this increase can be by a factor of up to 7.3 prior to the occurrence of first crack. Key way joints with a combination of the currently specified ODOT geometry and ODOT-approved grouts are incapable of carrying any shear loads in conjunction with out-of-plane moments. However, with suitable modifications, it is possible to increase the shear strength of these joints under eccentric loading. From the limited site inspections done in this project, the practices followed at construction sites seem to be seriously flawed and may be largely contributing to water leakage problems in box-beam bridges. New key way geometries and the grouts that were developed and tested in this project are suitable for implementation.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2014, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Alarmingly, pediatric obesity rates have tripled in the past 30 years and with over 30% of youth in the United States consider either overweight or obese. Children and adolescents who are obese face many of the same health concerns as adults including musculoskeletal, psychological, and cardiovascular morbidities. Furthermore, obese youth are more likely to be obese as adults. It could be hypothesized that in obese youth lower extremity musculoskeletal impairments and limitations may adversely impact functional ability and associated activity levels with subsequent limitations on health related quality of life and cardiovascular health. These negative attributes related to obesity in youth create a compelling the need to better understand their mechanisms and relationships. The overall purpose of this dissertation is to better understand the relationships between musculoskeletal impairments and limitations to components of health in obese youth. The results outlined in this dissertation from two cross-sectional studies in 20 obese and 20 matched healthy weight youth indicate that obese youth stand in greater knee abduction alignment demonstrate decreased external frontal plane knee moments during walking. In addition measures of frontal plane knee alignment in obese youth do not correlate with frontal plane knee loading during walking or jogging. Further, hip and knee strength may adversely affect functional ability while performance on hopping and balance related tasks may predict health related quality of life in obese youth. Finally, in a retrospective study of 183 obese youth enrolled in a medical weight management program it was determined that obese youth with high levels of C-reactive protein are at almost 5 times the odds of developing metabolic syndrome compared to obese youth with normal levels of C-reactive protein. However, measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, health related quality of life, and reports of musculoskeletal pain do not predict card (open full item for complete abstract)