The development and preliminary testing of an instrument to measure the perceived economic burden of a subtype of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) on patients and families in Newfoundland

The goal of this thesis was to develop, construct, and validate the Perceived Economic Burden scale to quantitatively measure the burden associated with a subtype Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in families from the island of Newfoundland. An original 76 item self-administered survey was designed using content from existing literature as well as themes from qualitative research conducted by our team and distributed to individuals of families known to be at risk for the disease. A response rate of 37.2% (n = 64) was achieved between December 2013 and May 2014. Tests for data quality, Likert scale assumptions and scale reliability were conducted and provided preliminary evidence of the psychometric properties of the final constructed perceived economic burden of ARVC scale comprising 62 items in five sections. Findings indicated that being an affected male was a significant predictor of increased perceived economic burden in the majority of economic burden measures. Affected males also reported an increased likelihood of going on disability and difficulty obtaining insurance. Affected females also had an increased perceived financial burden. Preliminary results suggest that a perceived economic burden exists within the ARVC population in Newfoundland.

Design, development and control of a new generation high performance linear actuator for parallel robots and other applications

The main focus of this research is to design and develop a high performance linear actuator based on a four bar mechanism. The present work includes the detailed analysis (kinematics and dynamics), design, implementation and experimental validation of the newly designed actuator. High performance is characterized by the acceleration of the actuator end effector. The principle of the newly designed actuator is to network the four bar rhombus configuration (where some bars are extended to form an X shape) to attain high acceleration. Firstly, a detailed kinematic analysis of the actuator is presented and kinematic performance is evaluated through MATLAB simulations. A dynamic equation of the actuator is achieved by using the Lagrangian dynamic formulation. A SIMULINK control model of the actuator is developed using the dynamic equation. In addition, Bond Graph methodology is presented for the dynamic simulation. The Bond Graph model comprises individual component modeling of the actuator along with control. Required torque was simulated using the Bond Graph model. Results indicate that, high acceleration (around 20g) can be achieved with modest (3 N-m or less) torque input. A practical prototype of the actuator is designed using SOLIDWORKS and then produced to verify the proof of concept. The design goal was to achieve the peak acceleration of more than 10g at the middle point of the travel length, when the end effector travels the stroke length (around 1 m). The actuator is primarily designed to operate in standalone condition and later to use it in the 3RPR parallel robot. A DC motor is used to operate the actuator. A quadrature encoder is attached with the DC motor to control the end effector. The associated control scheme of the actuator is analyzed and integrated with the physical prototype. From standalone experimentation of the actuator, around 17g acceleration was achieved by the end effector (stroke length was 0.2m to 0.78m). Results indicate that the developed dynamic model results are in good agreement. Finally, a Design of Experiment (DOE) based statistical approach is also introduced to identify the parametric combination that yields the greatest performance. Data are collected by using the Bond Graph model. This approach is helpful in designing the actuator without much complexity.

The development of a self-directed learning module for rural emergency nurses on pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

Background: Newfoundland and Labrador has a high incidence of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of type 1 diabetes. A clinical practice guideline was developed for the treatment of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to standardize care in all Emergency Departments and improve patient outcomes. Rural emergency nurses are requires to maintain their competency and acquire new knowledge as stated by the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL). Purpose: The purpose of this practicum was to develop a self-learning module for rural emergency nurses to increase their knowledge and understanding of the clinical practise guideline to assess, treat, and prevent pediatric ketoacidosis. Methods: Two methodologies were used in this practicum. A review of the literature and consultations with key stakeholders were completed. Results: The self-learning module created was composed of three units and focused on the learning needs of rural emergency nurses in the areas of assessment, treatment, and prevention of pediatric DKA. Conclusion: The goal of the practicum was to increase rural emergency nurses’ knowledge and implementation of the clinical practice guideline when assessing and treating children and families experiencing DKA to improve patient outcomes. A planned evaluation of the self-learning module will be conducted following dissemination of the module throughout the rural Emergency Departments.