Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2007. / Principal faculty advisor: Irene S. Davis, Dept. of Physical Therapy. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2006. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-134). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

M. Comm. / One function of skeletal muscle is to serve as the body's shock absorbers and thus dampen rates of loading (ROL) around joints during activities. However, it is not clear whether individuals with strong leg muscles actually demonstrate different ROL during gait than weaker individuals. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the significance of muscle strength on ROL during gait. Females (ages 18 to 50) were solicited via advertisement and screened via phone interviews. Subjects (n=56) were chosen and placed into one of three groups based on training history: Strength Trained (ST), Aerobically Trained (AT), and Sedentary (S). Subjects walked barefoot (10 trials) over an 8 m walkway while ROL was sampled using a 1000 Hz force platform (AMTI OR6-6). Gait speed was controlled between 2.22 - 2.45 m.s -1 using telemetric photocells placed three meters apart. Maximum concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring strength were measured at 90 degrees•s -1 using an isokinetic dynamometer (KINCOM 500H). Peak torque was divided by body weight to determine relative strength (Nrn-kg -1 ). Statistical analyses (p<0.05) included ANOVA and the Bonferroni/Dunn post-hoc test. There were no significant differences in age, height or walking speed across groups. The S group (78.3 ± 15.6 kg, n=18) weighed significantly more than the AT (60.5 ± 8.0 kg, n=19) and ST (63.1 ± 10.7 kg, n=19) groups. Body composition analyses showed that the mean body fat percentage of the S group (34.8 ± 7.3 %, n=18) was significantly higher than both AT (22.3 ± 5.7 %, n=19) and ST (23.2 ± 6.9 %, n=19) groups. Relative concentric and eccentric strength of the quadriceps of the AT (2.02 ± 0.07, n=19; 3.49 ± 0.18, n=19 respectively) and ST (2.1 ± 0.08, n=19; 3.50 ± 0.14, n=19 respectively) groups were significantly greater than the S (1.68 ± 0.07, n=18; 2.63 ± 0.10, n=18 respectively) group. Relative concentric hamstrings strength of both the AT (1.07 ± 0.05, n=19) and ST (1.08 ± 0.04, n=19) groups were significantly greater than the S (0.91 ± 0.04, n=18) group. Relative eccentric hamstring strength of only the ST (1.60 ± 0.07, n=19) group was significantly greater than the (1.34 ± 0.08, n=18) group. There were no significant differences in ROL between the S (2.21 ± 0.15 %Wt.ms -1 , n=18) and AT groups (2.14 ± 0.15 %Wt-ms 1 , n=19) (p=0.70), and the AT (2.14 ± 0.15 %Wt.ms-1 , n=19) and ST (1.82 ± 0.10 %Wt.ms -1 , n=19) (p=0.10) groups. However, the females in the ST (1.82 ± 0.10 %Wt•ms -1 , n=19) group had significantly lower ROL than the females in the S group. In addition, females in the ST group demonstrated a lower frequency of heelstrike transient (HST) occurrence. Seven of the S (n=18) females demonstrated HST while only four of the ST (n=19) females did. In conclusion, strength trained females demonstrated significantly lower rates of loading during gait than those in the sedentary group. High ROL have been associated with knee pain and osteoarthritis. These findings suggest that strength training may decrease the risk for these maladies.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: A kinematic chain consists of a succession of joints linking several fixed components (Levangie and Norkin, 2005). Any tension or restriction within a component of this chain increases the load placed on the remaining components (Commorford and Mottram, 2001). Pathomechanics of the hip may have an effect on the areas of pressure exerted by the plantar surface of the foot during gait through the kinematic chain (Levangie and Norkin, 2005). Chiropractic manipulative therapy restores the correct biomechanical function to a joint (Gatterman, 2005). No previous research to determine the effect of hip manipulation on lower limb biomechanics and gait patterns has been identified. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of chiropractic manipulative therapy of the hip on gait patterns, particularly the degrees of foot rotation and the pathway of the centre of pressure of the foot. Method: Sixty participants matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study were recruited. The procedure, risks and benefits were explained to each of them and they were required to sign an information and consent form. The participants then underwent a full case history accompanied by a physical and hip regional examination, including motion palpation of the hip. This ensured that none of the participants matched the exclusion criteria consisting of serious gait abnormalities, contraindications to manipulation and the receipt of simultaneous forms of treatment. Individual gait analysis by the Zebris FDM-System was performed for each participant before they received a hip manipulation. A second gait analysis was then conducted to determine a change. Procedure: Each participant was required to walk barefoot over the Zebris platform for approximately 2 minutes while 3 – 5 gait cycles were recorded for gait analysis. The participant then received manipulative therapy of the restricted hip. A second gait analysis was performed just as the first. The Zebris software calculated the average results from before and after the hip manipulation and displayed the changes of foot rotation and the parameters of the pathway of the centre of pressure in a report for each participant. The focus of this study was the manipulated hip. Changes of the non-manipulated hip were mentioned only where applicable. The Zebris FDM-System allows for accurate gait analysis due to its “capacitive force sensors,” each of which possesses its own calibration curve (Zebris Medical GmbH, 2006). Results: Statistically significant changes were found for certain gait parameters representing the pathway of the centre of pressure. These included anterior/posterior variability, lateral symmetry and lateral symmetry variability. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that chiropractic manipulative therapy of the hip has an effect on certain centre of pressure parameters and chiropractors, therefore, should be consulted for the treatment of gait abnormalities. The study trial involved only a single treatment per participant. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether multiple treatments and manipulation of other kinematic chain components have an effect.

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease, is transferable through wild animals to other animals and humans directly and indirectly through contact with urine on mucous membranes. This disease can pose hazards for humans because of their increased contact with wild animals through increased urbanization and greater wildlife rehabilitation efforts and also through increased contact with domesticated animals. Furthermore, humans also have the potential of contracting this potentially fatal disease through recreational activities in contaminated waters or soils. The disease can present itself mildly, similar to symptoms of the flu, or more severely, leading to end-organ damage of multiple systems. Having been reinstated as a nationally notifiable disease by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2013, leptospirosis has been recognized as a re-emerging zoonosis that has global public health implications. Understanding the disease is important in limiting its transmission; thus, this thesis aims to provide a review of the biology and transmission of leptospirosis to animals and humans, providing a basis in understanding the possible ways to limit the transmission and prevent future outbreaks. Furthermore, this thesis describes the manifestations, diagnostic testing, and treatment options for leptospirosis in canines and humans, as the increased prevalence of canines in households may pose a risk to humans in the future in the transmission of leptospirosis. According to current research, leptospires are extremely viable bacteria that can survive for long periods of time in a variety of environments and host species. Researchers have conducted various experiments to evaluate the factors that increase the virulence of leptospires. Experiments include the osmolarity, presence of serum, temperature chances, and the presence of iron. Results demonstrate that virulence increases with increased osmolarity, presence of serum, increased temperature, and the presence of iron. These characteristics of pathogenic leptospires allow them to avoid destruction by the immune system and colonize in the host, specifically in the renal tubules, allowing for excretion into the environment. Limiting the transmission of the disease is very important to prevent future outbreaks for animal species and humans. One method of limiting this transmission includes the use of vaccines. A major issue is the transmission of disease surround renal shedding, or excretion of the bacteria in urine. Canine polyvalent vaccines, containing multiple serovars, have been proven to be effective for a year, providing immunity and decreasing renal shedding of the bacteria. While vaccines for humans have been developed, they are not widely used due to the variation of serovars that are able to infect humans around the world and also the geographic distribution of disease, with prevalence mainly in tropical regions. Since leptospirosis is a disease that is not well-known, but can be found globally, there is necessity for greater emphasis on education, improved diagnostic testing, and treatment regimens. Emphasis on education is not only important for future veterinarians but also for those working in at-risk occupations. Furthermore, since experiments have shown that pet owners may not be aware of the prevalence and danger of zoonotic diseases, veterinarians should provide education for pet owners as well. Currently, the disease is underreported, which is accounted for due to the currently used diagnostic methods that are not efficient for early diagnosis, such as microscopic agglutination test, polymerase chain reaction, and cultures. In regards to treatment, antimicrobial treatment is considered controversial and there is not an agreed upon method of treatment. Thus, an emphasis should be placed on a developing a treatment method that is able to directly affect leptospires and usable across varying populations.

No

My project is about the growing problem of relations between humans and wildlife in cities. The more we built, the less space of habitat for wildlife to survive. I choose to work in Beijing, a megacity with a population of tens of millions, also home to many wildlife. I investigated the issue about coexistence of humans and wild animals in Beijing. I choose to design something for birds. Birds, along humans, are the most powerful biological force of globalization on the planet. I mainly studied one type of birds in Beijing called Beijing Swift. The purpose is to create a new mode in which people and birds could coexist in the city by exploring the concept of territory for birds. I use activeness and passiveness to define the concept of territory in terms of time, vertical space and horizontal space. Humans have dominance in the city where animals may be disturbed by people's behavior at any time or  any place. Therefore I want to improve birds’ active dominance in their territory by providing bird-specific architecture, restricting human’s behavior and hiding human’s behavior in birds’ habitat.

El agua de lastre de los buques es considerada como el más importante vector para el desplazamiento transoceánico de especies marinas propias de aguas superficiales a nuevos ambientes marinos. Se ha estimado que anualmente se transfieren de 3 a 5 billones de toneladas de agua de lastre a nivel global. Ello plantea un serio riesgo ambiental internacional. Las especies invasivas están extendiendo sus ámbitos naturales a nivel global y cada nueve semanas se notifica una nueva invasión biológica marina. Los efectos en la salud pública, en el medio ambiente y en las actividades socioeconómicas son extremadamente severos. La investigación discute cómo la sociedad internacional ha reaccionado delante de los riesgos que comporta la bioinvasion marina, en especial ante los efectos perjudiciales que conlleva el agua de lastre de los buques. De igual forma, identifica los intereses que determinan la conducta de los Estados y actores que participan de la construcción del régimen de la bioinvasion marina. Su aportación se enfoca primordialmente en analizar las condiciones políticas y jurídicas de la República de Colombia para insertarse de manera eficaz en el régimen internacional de agua de lastre. Se combinan por tanto doctrinas jurídicas con diversas ciencias (Comercio internacional, Ciencias del mar, Ciencias náuticas y Seguridad de la navegación, Economía, Biología Marina, Contaminación Marina, Ecología Marina entre otras) y disciplinas como las Relaciones Internacionales. Su enfoque se caracteriza por el predominio del análisis jurídico positivo, político y sobre todo la práctica estatal de los países de la Comisión Permanente del Pacífico Sur con especial énfasis en la República de Colombia. Los resultados obtenidos comprueban la tesis que la formación del régimen internacional de la bioinvasion marina causada por el agua de lastre está condicionada por la imposición de límites por parte del sector naviero internacional en la medida en que los beneficios de integrarse al mismo sean mayores que los costes. Por lo tanto, la creación, modificación e interpretación de normas, de responsabilidad y de regulación de comportamientos al interior del mismo están condicionadas a los intereses de dichos actores. Para el caso de la República de Colombia, se demuestra que las condiciones políticas, económicas, normativas e institucionales del Estado colombiano, no permiten la correcta implementación de las Directrices OMI, y en consecuencia, no garantizan una eficaz inserción al régimen de la bioinvasión marina causada por agua de lastre. / The Ships ballast water is considered as the most important vector for the transoceanic movement of surface water marine species to new marine environments. It is estimated that annually the ships transfer from 3-5 billion tonnes of ballast water globally. This poses a serious international environmental risk. Invasive species are spreading their natural areas globally, every nine weeks a new marine biological invasion is reported. The effects on human health, the environmental and socio-economic activities are extremely severe. The research discusses how the international community has reacted in front of the risks of marine bio-invasion, especially from the adverse effects associated with ballast water of ships. Similarly, identifies the interests that determine the behavior of states and actors involved in the construction of marine bio-invasion regime. Its contribution focuses primarily on analyzing the political and legal conditions of the Republic of Colombia to be inserted effectively in the international regime for ballast water. Likewise, combine various legal doctrines, sciences (International trade, Marine sciences, Nautical Science and Safety of Navigation, Economics, Marine Biology, Marine Pollution, Marine Ecology and others) and disciplines such as International Relations. Its approach is characterized by the predominance of positive political legal analysis and especially the state practice of the countries of the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific with special emphasis on the Republic of Colombia. The results obtained confirm the thesis that the formation of the international regime of marine bio-invasion caused by ballast water is conditioned by the imposition of limits by the international shipping industry to the extent that the benefits of joining the same outweigh the costs. Therefore, the creation, modification and interpretation of standards, accountability and regulation of behavior within the regime are conditioned to the interests of those actors. In the case of the Republic of Colombia, we demonstrate that political conditions, economic, regulatory and institutional, do not allow the correct implementation of the IMO Guidelines, and therefore does not guarantee an effective insertion to the regime of marine bio invasion caused by ballast water.