This thesis was to me, more than anything else, a pursuit of fascinations. I began with an obsession with stairs: exploring different types, the symbology associated with them, and why I was so adamant about making every fire stair beautiful. This led me to a program and a site - a theater on the corner of Swann St. and 14th St. in northwest Washington D.C.; a building necessitating stairs, in an area of the city that was full of artists and theaters, but which lacked a movie theater. I was compelled to design a magical building, a movie theater of building elements as characters. My professors urged me to choose an opening night movie as inspiration for the design; I was instantly enamored with the idea of designing around Alice and her Adventures in Wonderland. To me, the characters, puns, and riddles in the book were perfect to imagine as the columns, walls, and stairs of my building. This allusion eventually morphed the building into two theaters, an above ground movie theater and a below ground performance theater. As I worked, I had two very important (and related) revelations. First, that a theater is very similar, both in function and layout, to a church. The layout of the building, therefore, I designed like that of a church or a temple. I constantly explored opposing worlds; the above ground dreamworld vs. the below ground reality, the inner sacred world vs. the outer public realm. The essence (the spirit, or soul) of the building is Alice. Second, I feel the most spiritual when I am designing. I realized over time that it was equally important to me to learn how to make my drawings feel as it was to design the building itself. My thesis became art IS religion. / Master of Architecture

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of body mass and sex on the joint biomechanics of the lower extremity during stair ascent and descent. Nineteen normal weight (8M and11F; BMI: 22.1 ± 1.8 kg/m2), 18 overweight (14M and 4F; BMI: 27.4 ± 1.3 kg/m2) and 8 obese subjects (3M and 5F; BMI: 33.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2) were recruited. Joint mechanical loading presented by joint moment of force and peak joint angles at the hip, knee, and ankle during stair climbing were recorded and analyzed using a motion analysis system with 10 cameras and 4 force plates. The MANOVA and linear regression analysis found a significantly larger knee extensor moment (p=0.026) among the overweight compared to the normal weight participants during descent. Sex differences were found in the peak joint angles, as the females abducted their knees more than the males (p=0.002; r(51) = 0.51) during descent.

Lower-extremity amputees face numerous challenges when returning to daily activities. Amongst these challenges is the ability to safely and dynamically transition from one locomotor state to another. Switching between level-ground, ramp, and stair locomotion poses an increased risk as lower-extremity functionality is compromised. Powered prosthetics have been proposed as a solution to this problem. Hypothetically, powered prosthetics would be able to return full functional to the amputated limb. The most common and successful source of information used in algorithms for lower-extremity prosthetics has been electromyography. However, in practice, amputees remain unable to easily actuate the mechanized joints of powered prostheses. Therefore, the current project aimed to identify myoelectric activation differences in lower-extremity musculature during the gait cycles preceding locomotor transition in able-bodied, trans-tibial, and trans-femoral subjects to assist efforts in developing robust classification algorithms for locomotor transitions. Analysis of electromyography was completed to determine if there were periods of activation where classification algorithms could utilize differences in myoelectric activation to appropriately control joint actuation in a subset of eight transitions that included level-ground locomotion and switching to either ramp or stair locomotion and vice versa. Ramp transitions were fundamentally similar to level-ground locomotion and elicited no differences in myoelectric activation. Stair transitions were found to alter muscle activation patterns in able-body and trans-tibial subjects. Trans-femoral subjects differentiated from able-bodied and trans-tibial subjects due to increased recruitment pattern variability. These patterns are distinct and may suggest individual learning patterns within the trans-femoral amputee population. Further investigation of these patterns may be warranted. Findings within able-bodied and trans-tibial subjects suggest common transition based differences within each respective population. Trans-tibial classification algorithms may be developed to utilize this information, using schemes that are focused on important areas during the gait cycle.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of body mass and sex on the joint biomechanics of the lower extremity during stair ascent and descent. Nineteen normal weight (8M and11F; BMI: 22.1 ± 1.8 kg/m2), 18 overweight (14M and 4F; BMI: 27.4 ± 1.3 kg/m2) and 8 obese subjects (3M and 5F; BMI: 33.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2) were recruited. Joint mechanical loading presented by joint moment of force and peak joint angles at the hip, knee, and ankle during stair climbing were recorded and analyzed using a motion analysis system with 10 cameras and 4 force plates. The MANOVA and linear regression analysis found a significantly larger knee extensor moment (p=0.026) among the overweight compared to the normal weight participants during descent. Sex differences were found in the peak joint angles, as the females abducted their knees more than the males (p=0.002; r(51) = 0.51) during descent.

No description available.

This thesis is an investigation of how to achieve walkability over steep urban topography greater than Americans with Disabilities Act accessible 8.33% standard. I studied how landscape architects and architects have overcome challenging topography in a variety of international cities and how to increase connectivity in the steep terrain of Washington D.C.'s Anacostia neighborhood. Specifically, this thesis explores the roles of staircases in the city and how staircases can enhance the experience of moving through the city. Topographic changes can be an obstacle to walk on: the steeper the path the harder it is to move through it, which in turn may encourage a person to use a car to travel between low and high points in the city. My hypothesis is that steep topography can be an enhancement to walkability in the city. The experience of traveling through steep terrain is unique as it can provide visually engaging environment of walking, including expansive views of the city, engaging architecture, and physical exercise. To test this hypothesis, I designed two distinct routes over steep topography to connect the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, a sports field, and the Fort Stanton Recreation Center. The paths respond to L'Enfant's method for laying out the city in "diagonal avenues superimposed over a grid system" (Nps.gov, 2018) and the very steep terrain of Anacostia, which seems to defy in places the orthagonal and axial relationships underlying L'Enfant's plan. Drawing on both L'Enfant's ordering scheme of the city and the given form of the two hundred foot escarpment above Anacostia, the design demonstrates that paths through steep terrain can be a great asset, revealing the larger order of the city through views to the monumental core, bringing people through the native forest, making more direct connections between the civic infrastructure, including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum. It shows that expanding the notion of walkability to include terrain that is not ADA accessible is important, and can be the impetus for the strategic inclusion of accessible paths where the topography permits. / Master of Landscape Architecture / This thesis is an investigation of how to create walkable spaces over steep topography in Washington, D.C. By steep topography, I concentrated on grade changes that are greater than the steepest slopes allowed in construction so that anyone can access the site. I studied how landscape architects and architects have overcome challenging topography in a variety of international cities and how to increase connectivity in the steep terrain of Washington D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood. Specifically, this thesis explores the roles of staircases in the city and how staircases can enhance the experience of moving through the city. Walkscore’s walkability map presents a unique view of the city where walkable parts follow the topography of the city. Topographic changes can be an obstacle to walk on: the steeper the path the harder it is to move through it, which in turn may encourage a person to use a car to travel between low and high points in the city. My hypothesis is that steep topography can be an enhancement to walkability in the city. The experience of traveling through steep terrain is unique as it can provide visually engaging environment of walking, including expansive views of the city, engaging architecture, and physical exercise. To test this hypothesis, I designed two distinct routes over steep topography to connect the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, a sports field, and the Fort Stanton Recreation Center. The paths respond to the method for laying out the city in “diagonal avenues superimposed over a grid system” (Nps.gov, 2018) established by Pierre L’Enfant, the designer of Washington, D.C., over the steep terrain of Anacostia, which seems to defy in places the orthagonal and axial relationships underlying L’Enfant’s plan. Drawing on both L’Enfant’s ordering scheme of the city and the given form of the two hundred foot escarpment above Anacostia, the design demonstrates that paths through steep terrain can be a great asset, revealing the larger order of the city through views to the monumental core, bringing people through the native forest, making more direct connections between the civic infrastructure, including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. It shows that expanding the notion of walkability to include terrain that is not universally accessible is important, and can be the impetus for the strategic inclusion of accessible paths where the topography permits.

Vision provides relevant information for safe locomotion in a variety of environments. During stair locomotion visual information may be important to detect step boundaries, transitions between ground level and stairs, handrail location, and potential hazards. Although there is a large body of literature on the role of vision during locomotion there is relatively little focused on how visual information is used during stair walking. Stairs are related to a significant number of accidents in daily living, and many of these accidents are attributed to visual factors. Therefore, understanding the role of vision during stair walking could provide insight into the mechanisms involved in stair accidents. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the properties of the visual input used to guide locomotion on stairs. Study 1 was design to describe the gaze patterns during stair locomotion with a specific focus on transitions and handrails. Study 2 investigated the effects of performing concurrent visual and non-visual tasks on walking performance and associated gaze behaviour during stair ascent. Study 3 explored the role of peripheral visual information during visual and non-visual dual tasking. Finally, Study 4 investigated the effects of restricting the lower peripheral visual field to walk on stairs. Studies relied on the measurement in health young adults of: gaze behaviour using an eye tracker, temporal characteristics of walking using foot switches, and reaction time and errors of dual task performance. Overall, the findings of these studies highlight the importance of the lower visual field in guiding stair locomotion and the specific importance for stair transitions. Moreover, foveal vision is not specifically critical to detecting handrails or steps. Results are interpreted in the light of the specialization of the dorsal ventral stream in processing peripheral visual field information. Findings of this thesis provide basic understanding on the role of vision for stair navigation with potential applications in stair-related accident prevention programs and stair design.

Stair negotiation has been identified by older adults as one of the most challenging locomotor tasks, one that is associated with a high risk for falls and serious injury. Currently lacking is a comprehensive understanding of the lower limb during stair negotiation in an older adult population. It has been identified that more research is needed to determine key determinants of difficulty and safety on stairs. The objective of this thesis was to investigate lower limb kinematics and kinetics during stair negotiation and evaluate the impact of handrail use on stair ambulation in young adults, older adults, and older adults with a fear of falling (FOF). The four studies that make up this dissertation provide a detailed picture of the lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics during stair ambulation, as well as provide insight into the role of handrail use and FOF in performance of stair negotiation. Specifically, in the first study principal component analysis (PCA) was used, of the scores generated from the PCA models four principal component (PC) scores were identified that could be used to correctly classify 95% of young and older adults. The second study provided a comprehensive data set of lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics during stair negotiation. The third study identified comparable centre of pressure velocities (VCOP) between young adults and older adults during stair negotiation with and without a handrail. Whereas older adults with FOF demonstrated reduced VCOP during stair negotiation without a handrail and further reduced VCOP when using the handrail. Furthermore, no significant difference in lower limb moments during stair negotiation with and without a handrail were found in older adults, as was similar for older adults with FOF. However, a gait assessment revealed that older adults with FOF demonstrated differences from ‘normal’ gait patterns during stair negotiation with and without a handrail. These studies provide a comprehensive normative dataset of the lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics during stair negotiation, as well as provide insight into the role of handrail use and fear of falling in performance of stair ambulation. It is important to appreciate the nature and extent of normal age-related adaption and compensatory strategies to identify unique patterns of movement due to the superimposition of pathology. / Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2010-09-24 14:50:22.242

Vision provides relevant information for safe locomotion in a variety of environments. During stair locomotion visual information may be important to detect step boundaries, transitions between ground level and stairs, handrail location, and potential hazards. Although there is a large body of literature on the role of vision during locomotion there is relatively little focused on how visual information is used during stair walking. Stairs are related to a significant number of accidents in daily living, and many of these accidents are attributed to visual factors. Therefore, understanding the role of vision during stair walking could provide insight into the mechanisms involved in stair accidents. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the properties of the visual input used to guide locomotion on stairs. Study 1 was design to describe the gaze patterns during stair locomotion with a specific focus on transitions and handrails. Study 2 investigated the effects of performing concurrent visual and non-visual tasks on walking performance and associated gaze behaviour during stair ascent. Study 3 explored the role of peripheral visual information during visual and non-visual dual tasking. Finally, Study 4 investigated the effects of restricting the lower peripheral visual field to walk on stairs. Studies relied on the measurement in health young adults of: gaze behaviour using an eye tracker, temporal characteristics of walking using foot switches, and reaction time and errors of dual task performance. Overall, the findings of these studies highlight the importance of the lower visual field in guiding stair locomotion and the specific importance for stair transitions. Moreover, foveal vision is not specifically critical to detecting handrails or steps. Results are interpreted in the light of the specialization of the dorsal ventral stream in processing peripheral visual field information. Findings of this thesis provide basic understanding on the role of vision for stair navigation with potential applications in stair-related accident prevention programs and stair design.

Despite its apparent popularity in fifteenth-century Ireland—as attested by its presence in eight manuscripts—Stair Fortibrais, the Irish adaptation of the twelfth-century chanson de geste Fierabras has received very little scholarly attention. This fact proves especially unfortunate since the text possesses particular relevance for two important trends in recent scholarship, one concerning Celtic Studies and the other more broadly Continental in scope. In the case of the former, researchers have begun to consider how translations can inform the interpretation of the greater corpus of medieval Irish literature. The latter relates to an interest in the person of Charlemagne himself as a pan-European figure. As an Irish translation of a poem from the geste du roi, Stair Fortibrais has much to contribute to both these academic discussions. Because the text remains relatively unknown, this thesis is by design intended largely as a scholarly introduction to the material. It seeks to present data about the text and serve as a guide to some of its most important themes. The Introduction will provide basic information about Stair Fortibrais and its Hiberno-Latin source Gesta Karoli Magni and their unique place amongst Irish translation literature. The body of the thesis is composed of four chapters. The first examines all manuscripts containing the Irish adaptation as well as the single codex featuring its Latin source. More specifically, it considers how its placement within the manuscripts provides guidance for interpreting the text. All three remaining chapters compare the Irish adaptation—and, where appropriate, its fragmentary Latin source—with Fierabras. The second chapter discusses additions, reordering, reduction/omission and substitution in Stair Fortibrais in an attempt to determine the adaptor’s translation technique, with a particular emphasis on patterns in his approach. The penultimate chapter analyses the adaptation’s treatment of some of the chanson de geste’s important themes. It is divided into three sections: Character Studies, Religion and the Supernatural and Religion and Historiography. The final chapter studies topics both political—rank and feudal duties— and cultural—family, unity, and moderate behaviour— which appear to have particularly interested the adaptor but which do not feature prominently in the French poem. The conclusion of the thesis will postulate that, through a series of subtle but carefully-considered alterations, the adaptors not only translated but also re-appropriated their source material for its Irish audience. It will also briefly consider some of the numerous avenues for additional exploration of the tradition of Charlemagne in Ireland.