Life Sciences Commons^™

Thermoregulation And Behavior Of A Peripheral Population Of Evening Bats (Nycticeius Humeralis), Rachel Bricklin

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

I used temperature-sensitive radio transmitters to measure body temperatures of tree-roosting evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) at the northern edge of their range in Lenawee Co., Michigan. Temperature at sunset, diurnal temperature, and nocturnal temperature significantly correlated with use of torpor, whereas ambient temperature at sunset of the previous night, temperature at sunrise, amount of precipitation, abundance of insects, roost type, number of roost-mates, reproductive condition, and age did not. An analysis of individuals roosting in the same tree on the same day suggested that additional factors might determine exactly how low and for how long bats adjust their …

Prevalence Of Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Kristen Poole Trukova

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine if vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent problem for female breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have completed treatment for breast cancer. Ninetynine breast cancer survivors and a control population of fifty-five women with no history of breast cancer participated in this study. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were measured throughout 2007. Dietary and supplement intake of vitamin D was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Zip code of residence was used to evaluate potential for skin production of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency (<32ng/mL) was observed in 76 of 99 (77%) of BCS, and 51 of 55 (93%) of controls. Women taking vitamin D supplements were less likely to exhibit vitamin D deficiency, but supplementation did not guarantee sufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be prevalent among both groups. Vitamin D status should be routinely evaluated for all women as part of regular preventive care.

A Determination Of Vitamin D Status And Intake Of Pregnant And Non-Pregnant Saudi Arabian Women In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wedad Azhar

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of the present study was to determine serum 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations as well as vitamin D and Ca dietary intake in healthy pregnant (P) (n=48) and non-pregnant (NP) (n=70) Saudi Arabian women who reside in Mecca- Saudi Arabia. Age, occupation, skin color, smoking status, use of sunscreen, use of supplements, and sun exposure were correlated to vitamin D status. Dietary and supplement intake was assessed. Among the participants, 50.8% (35% P, 65% NP) women had 25(OH)D concentration that were ≤ 11 ng/mL. PTH concentrations were normal in 60.2% and high in 37% of the participants. Dietary vitamin …

The Effects Of Yoga On Children’S Self-Perceived Stress And Coping Abilities, Holly Smith-Vogtmann

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Stress is a problem for many children in our society. Previous research has shown how yoga can be used to help reduce stress levels. Twenty-seven fourth- and fifth-grade students from an urban elementary school participated in a three-week yoga unit during their physical education class, as a stress management unit. Using a repeated measures design, the participants’ self-perceived stress level, stress coping skills, and perception of yoga was measured. The current study found no significant change in the participants’ self-perceived stress level or stress coping skills after the yoga implementation. There was a significant change in student perceptions of yoga …

The Relationship Between Rrequency Of Physical Activity And Stereotypical Behaviors Among Adolescents With Autism, Justin M. Keyes

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Congregate Mealsite Participants’ Self-Reported And Functional Health, Participation In Activities And Attitudes Toward Aging In Wisconsin, Amy Ramsey

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The number of older Americans is increasing. Participation in activities is essential for maintaining health and functional independence, preventing or delaying chronic diseases and improving quality of life. Generally, as older adults age, prevalence of regular activity declines. Many older adults are not engaging in activities and are not receiving the health benefits that these offer.

This cross-sectional study used a self-administered survey to examine whether there is an association between attitudes toward aging, self-reported and functional health, and participation in activities among older adults aged 55 and older who attend congregate mealsites in Wisconsin. It was hypothesized that older …

Vigilance Behavior And Land Use By Sandhill Cranes (Grus Canadensis), Trevor Eldred

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

I investigated how vigilance in sandhill crane time budgets changed with behavioral, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. I measured two different postures that could be interpreted as vigilance. Cranes significantly altered the time spent in the alert investigative posture with differences in gender and modal non-vigilant behavior. They significantly altered the time spent in the tall alert posture with differences in gender, breeding status, time of day, traffic on the nearest road, and human disturbances. The southern Michigan populations of sandhill cranes nest closer to roads and houses than they have in the past and do not preferentially avoid them. They …

Differences In Food Intake, Nutrition Knowledge, And Fitness Assessment Measurements In High School Students Who Have Completed The Nutricise 4 Life Program And Students Who Have Not, Malorie Blake

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The Nutricise 4 Life Program (N4L) is a school-based physical activity and nutrition education program for adolescents. It was hypothesized that dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, fitness assessment measurements and motivation/confidence to make healthier lifestyle choices would be improved in students participating in the N4L group compared to a control group. Twenty-eight students in 10th to 12th grade from 2 high schools in Pennsylvania participated. This quasi-experimental trial collected data over 19 weeks to assess program impact on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, fitness assessment measurements, and motivation/confidence levels. The N4L group saw no improvements in dietary intake. Students in the intervention …