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Understanding The Motivations Of Ghanaian Bureaucrats, Christine Naa Norley Lokko Jan 2008

Understanding The Motivations Of Ghanaian Bureaucrats, Christine Naa Norley Lokko

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the factors that affect the work performance of Ghanaian bureaucrats. Three decades ago Robert Price (1975) examined the impact that kinship ties had on the motivation of Ghanaian bureaucrats. He found that Ghanaian bureaucrats behaved in particularistic fashions as opposed to acting in a universalistic manner, suggesting kinship was a major determinant of bureaucratic routine. This study followed the work of Price by replicating his mix of interviews and surveys, with the addition of questions that incorporate recent work on bureaucracy that suggest motivation involves a mix of solidary, functional, and pecuniary preferences (Brehm and Gates, 1997; …


Implications Of Motivational Interviewing And Oral Hygiene Instruction For The Reduction Of Oral Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women, Renata K. Martins Jan 2008

Implications Of Motivational Interviewing And Oral Hygiene Instruction For The Reduction Of Oral Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women, Renata K. Martins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pregnancy is a "teachable moment" during which women may be particularly amenable to making health behavior changes that can have significant impact, not only on themselves, but also on their offspring. Dental complications during pregnancy, such as periodontal disease, have been linked to low birth weight and premature birth. Additionally, mothers' oral health status has been related to childhood caries, through the direct transmission of oral pathogens. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a promising intervention in the oral health care arena. MI has been empirically supported as a treatment for substance abuse, as well as other health issues including, diabetes, HIV, …


Diet Formulation And Manufacturing Technique Interactions Affect Pellet Quality And Broiler Growth., Nancy P. Buchanan Jan 2008

Diet Formulation And Manufacturing Technique Interactions Affect Pellet Quality And Broiler Growth., Nancy P. Buchanan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The majority of broilers are fed pelleted diets. Feeding pelleted diets results in an improvement in weight gain and feed conversion compared to feeding mash diets. However, improvements in performance are contingent upon pellet quality. Manipulation of diet formulation and manufacturing technique has been associated with pellet quality changes. However, the interaction between the two factors is rarely explored. The objectives of this series of research were (1) to explore the main effects and interactions that occur when small inclusions of fiber, protein, and moisture are added to a corn-soybean based diets; and (2) to explore the main effects and …


The Effect Of Follicular Aging On Gene Expression In Oocytes And Granulosal Cells., Brandon Michael Lingenfelter Jan 2008

The Effect Of Follicular Aging On Gene Expression In Oocytes And Granulosal Cells., Brandon Michael Lingenfelter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Mammalian oogenesis usually occurs concomitantly with folliculogenesis, coordinated through paracrine effects and physical contacts. During this time, the oocyte acquires the ability to resume meiosis, undergo fertilization and sustain embryonic development. Synthesis of RNA occurs during oogenesis and is largely responsible for early embryonic development. Any perturbations that delay either activation or ovulation can result in early embryonic loss. Therefore, the interacting effects at the genomic level were investigated using a persistent follicle model. Experiment 1. The present study was conducted to analyze global gene expression profiles in granulosal cells from ovarian follicles in cows. Analysis of the microarray data …


Youth Health Promotion In West Virginia: The Helping H.A.N.D. (Health Awareness & Nutritious Decisions) Program., Megan Christine Govindan Jan 2008

Youth Health Promotion In West Virginia: The Helping H.A.N.D. (Health Awareness & Nutritious Decisions) Program., Megan Christine Govindan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia is the second most rural state in the nation, with 24% of its families having incomes of less than 100% of the federal poverty level. Children of low income families are a vulnerable population at high risk for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications. The Helping H.A.N.D. (Health Awareness & Nutritious Decisions) program is a socioeconomic focused health initiative designed by Megan Govindan B.S. and Cindy Fitch Ph.D., RD to improve the diet and activity of West Virginian children from low-income families. Funded by the 2007 General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids grant, this 23-week nutrition & wellness initiative …


Mitigating The Effect Of Covariates In Face Recognition, Richa Singh Jan 2008

Mitigating The Effect Of Covariates In Face Recognition, Richa Singh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Current face recognition systems capture faces of cooperative individuals in controlled environment as part of the face recognition process. It is therefore possible to control lighting, pose, background, and quality of images. However, in a real world application, we have to deal with both ideal and imperfect data. Performance of current face recognition systems is affected for such non-ideal and challenging cases. This research focuses on designing algorithms to mitigate the effect of covariates in face recognition.;To address the challenge of facial aging, an age transformation algorithm is proposed that registers two face images and minimizes the aging variations. Unlike …


Production Of Docosahexaenoic Acid By Crypthecodinium Cohnii Using Continuous-Mode Process, Deniz Inan Jan 2008

Production Of Docosahexaenoic Acid By Crypthecodinium Cohnii Using Continuous-Mode Process, Deniz Inan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold-water fish, has positive health benefits. While the suggested amount of 220 mg/day for adults may be attained by consuming fish, this may increase exposure to environmental pollutants. The heterotrophic marine alga Crypthecodinium cohnii is an important source of DHA because C. cohnii can accumulate lipid greater than 20% of their biomass with a large fraction of DHA (30-50%). Commercially, DHA production by C. cohnii is conducted in large bioreactors (∼100 m3 capacity) using a batch-mode process. The purpose of this study was to investigate lipid and DHA production by C. …


Development And Validation Of A Diabetes-Specific Health State Classification System And Valuation Function Based On The Multi-Attribute Theory, Murali Sundaram Jan 2008

Development And Validation Of A Diabetes-Specific Health State Classification System And Valuation Function Based On The Multi-Attribute Theory, Murali Sundaram

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Preference-Based Measures of Health (PBMH) provide 'preference' or 'utility' weights that enable the calculation of quality-adjusted life years for the economic evaluations of interventions. The Diabetes Utility Index (DUI) was developed as a two-page, self-administered diabetes-specific PBMH that can replace expensive time-consuming interviews with patients to estimate their health state utilities. Inputs from theory, an existing diabetes-specific measure of quality of life, and statistical analyses were submitted to a clinical expert panel. After three rounds of pilot surveys (n1=52, n2=65, n3=111) at primary care clinics in Morgantown, WV, five attributes and severity categories for each attribute were finalized on the …


Rates Of Swim Bladder Parasite Infection And Pit Tag Retention In Upstream Migrant American Eels Of The Upper Potomac River Drainage, Jennifer L. Zimmerman Jan 2008

Rates Of Swim Bladder Parasite Infection And Pit Tag Retention In Upstream Migrant American Eels Of The Upper Potomac River Drainage, Jennifer L. Zimmerman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis involved two components: identification of the parasite Anguillicola crassus in American eels, Anguilla rostrata and PIT tag retention in eels in a laboratory setting. The recent spread of the swim bladder nematode parasite, Anguillicola crassus, in American eels has caused concern among biologists and fishery managers. A total of 244 yellow-phase American eels were collected at the Millville Dam eel ladder on the Shenandoah River, WV. Swim bladders were removed and examined for the presence of the nematode parasite. The number of parasites in each eel was recorded, and prevalence, intensity, and mean intensity were calculated. A swim …


Lead-Based Residential Paint In Soils: A Dissolution And A Spatial Analysis Prevention Approach., Sofia Campos Gonzalez Jan 2008

Lead-Based Residential Paint In Soils: A Dissolution And A Spatial Analysis Prevention Approach., Sofia Campos Gonzalez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For many years, lead was used to make the white pigment used in residential paints. Although lead paint was finally banned for residential use in 1978, the environmental legacy of contaminated residences and adjacent soils remains. Lead poisoning continues to be a major public health issue. Those at most risk for lead poisoning are children, especially those who 1) live in low quality housing, or those undergoing unsafe restoration or repainting jobs, that were built before 1978, 2) have parents with lead-based hobbies or occupations, and 3) live near lead mining or processing facilities. Other sources of exposure include inner-city …


Lime Induced Changes In The Surface And Soil Solution Chemistry Of Variable Charge Soils, Rajesh Chintala Jan 2008

Lime Induced Changes In The Surface And Soil Solution Chemistry Of Variable Charge Soils, Rajesh Chintala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study was conducted to improve lime recommendations as well as to design better management practices for acidic grasslands of Appalachian region. These goals were achieved by two experiments. In the first experiment, the accuracy of lime predictions by quick tests were improved by accounting soil order and develop equation based lime correlations for acidic pasture soils of West Virginia. In order to achieve this objective, 26 surface soil samples (0--7.5 cm) from three most important soil orders for the state (Alfisols, Inceptisols, Ultisols) from each of the Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs) in West Virginia with large proportions of …


Effects Of Induced Acute Phase Response In Ewes On Early Embryo Survival, Tina Lynn Dow Jan 2008

Effects Of Induced Acute Phase Response In Ewes On Early Embryo Survival, Tina Lynn Dow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Early pregnant ewes, 5/6 day post coitus (dpc) were used as a model to study early embryonic loss via gram-positive bacterial infections, such as mastitis. Ewes 5/6 dpc were injected with a gram-positive bacteria cell wall component, peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-PS), to induce an innate immune system acute phase response (APR). The induction of the APR and its reactant molecules, such as cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP), were initiated to study their effects on embryonic loss. Twenty Suffolk ewes were synchronized for estrus and bred by fertile rams. At 4 dpc ewes were anesthetized and catheters were surgically placed in the …


Analysis Of Timekeeper Implicates Antagonism Between Ck2 And Pp2a During Drosophila Neurogenesis, Ezgi Kunttas Jan 2008

Analysis Of Timekeeper Implicates Antagonism Between Ck2 And Pp2a During Drosophila Neurogenesis, Ezgi Kunttas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

It is increasingly becoming apparent that dynamic control of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation underlies the proper spatial and temporal activities of many signaling circuits including Notch (N). Emerging evidence suggests that protein kinase CK2 mediates the effects of N during Drosophila eye and bristle development via phosphorylation of E(spl) repressors. Previous studies in our laboratory shown that reducing levels/activity of CK2 elicits rough eyes due to excess R8 founders and ectopic and split bristles due to excess SOP's, both indicative of impaired lateral inhibition and N signaling. While these studies implicate a role for CK2 in the regulation of E(spl), the …


Motivation To Change Parenting In Mothers Of Children With And Without Adhd: Associations With Demographic And Psychological Characteristics., Stephanie M. Wagner Jan 2008

Motivation To Change Parenting In Mothers Of Children With And Without Adhd: Associations With Demographic And Psychological Characteristics., Stephanie M. Wagner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Motivation to change is considered an important factor in treatment adherence and outcome, yet there is a lack of research on parental motivation to change in the child psychotherapy literature. The current study examined the internal consistency of a measure of parental motivation, the Parent Motivation Inventory (PMI) and investigated associated demographic and psychological characteristics in 61 mothers of children who exhibited varying degrees of inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Results demonstrated that the PMI has high internal consistency, can distinguish between mothers of children with and without ADHD, and that an additional 7% of variance in the PMI can be …


Insights From The Field: Perceptions Of In-Home Interventionists Working In Appalachian Maryland., Benjamin T. Brauer Jan 2008

Insights From The Field: Perceptions Of In-Home Interventionists Working In Appalachian Maryland., Benjamin T. Brauer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As No Child Left Behind continues to impact public K-12 education, educators continue to seek new ways in which to reach out to at-risk students. Many school administrators and school interventionists are using in-home interventions to assist families in facilitating their child’s success. These interventions range from simply bringing instructional materials to the home of a frequently absent student, to facilitating the delivery of mental health services in the home. While school officials are taking on additional roles and responsibilities to try and meet the growing expectations placed on the public K-12 educational system, many feel that they are doing …


The Effects Of Residual Baylage Leachate On The Germination And Growth Of Orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata L.) And Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.)., Sheena R. Moore Jan 2008

The Effects Of Residual Baylage Leachate On The Germination And Growth Of Orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata L.) And Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.)., Sheena R. Moore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In early spring, areas of soil directly under baylage, spread for winter consumption by steers, is void of vegetation even after reseeding. This study was conducted to determine if: 1) residual baylage leachate is allelopathic to orchardgrass and red clover, 2) soil microorganisms have an effect on the toxicity of the leachate, and 3) toxicity decreases over time. Petri dishes, as well as potted soil/sand mixtures, were used to test for allelopathy. Leachate reduced seed germination and seedling length as compared to distilled water. There is evidence that soil microorganisms did not affect leachate toxicity. Toxicity of leachate to both …


Class Iii Camouflage Treatment: A Retrospective Study., Nikia R. Burns Jan 2008

Class Iii Camouflage Treatment: A Retrospective Study., Nikia R. Burns

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The developing skeletal Class III malocclusion is one of the most challenging problems confronting the practicing orthodontist. Early orthopedic intervention can be effective in normalizing skeletal Class III malocclusions if patients are treated in a timely manner. However, there are a significant group of patients who either do not have the opportunity to receive early treatment or are corrected during childhood and relapse during the adolescent growth spurt. In addition, there are a large number of skeletal Class III patients that either decline or cannot afford surgical treatment. The only alternative is orthodontic camouflage through comprehensive treatment with fixed appliances. …


Photosynthetic Capacity Of Deciduous Tree Species Growing In The Duke Face Experiment With Elevated Carbon Dioxide And Nitrogen Fertilization., Christopher R. Buyarski Jan 2008

Photosynthetic Capacity Of Deciduous Tree Species Growing In The Duke Face Experiment With Elevated Carbon Dioxide And Nitrogen Fertilization., Christopher R. Buyarski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Forested ecosystems are the largest terrestrial sinks for carbon dioxide (CO2) on earth and are important in mitigating the negative effects of human induced increases of atmospheric CO2. Trees fix CO2 into sugars by using the nitrogen demanding processes of photosynthesis. Modeling and empirical studies have shown stimulations in photosynthesis under elevated CO2 conditions but the response decreases as plant demand for N increases. I examined the interaction of CO2 and N on photosynthetic capacity of Liquidambar styraciflua trees growing in the overstory and four deciduous hardwood species, including Acer rubrum, Carya glabra, Ulmus alata, and Liquidambar styraciflua, in the …


Using Social Support And Theoretically Derived Messages To Increase Awareness And Use Of The C&O Canal National Historical Park For Walking: An Intervention Focused On Local Employees., Lydia H. Lawson Jan 2008

Using Social Support And Theoretically Derived Messages To Increase Awareness And Use Of The C&O Canal National Historical Park For Walking: An Intervention Focused On Local Employees., Lydia H. Lawson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There have been a number of recent studies documenting the various physical, psychological, and social health benefits associated with participation in regular physical activity. In response to compelling evidence of the benefits associated with improving health and in an attempt to promote healthy lifestyles, the Bush Administration proposed the Healthier U.S. Initiative (Executive Order 13266) in 2002. The purpose of this initiative was to promote the use of public lands to improve personal health by encouraging their use for physical activity. Based on the recommendations of the National Park Service Advisory Board Subcommittee on Health & Recreation (2006), the C&O …


The Effect Of Genotype, Choice-Feeding And Season On Organically-Reared Broilers Fed Diets Devoid Of Synthetic Methionine., Amanda L. Rack Jan 2008

The Effect Of Genotype, Choice-Feeding And Season On Organically-Reared Broilers Fed Diets Devoid Of Synthetic Methionine., Amanda L. Rack

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In light of the impending ban on synthetic methionine in organic poultry diets, researchers have focused on finding alternative strategies to supply this amino acid. The objectives of this study were to assess performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed diets devoid of synthetic methionine using 1) a slow-growing and fast-growing genotype, 2) choice-feeding management, and 3) pasture access and seasonal variation. Inclusion of fish meal and high percentages of soybean meal enabled the specific genotype methionine requirement to be met. All diets were certified organic. Slowgrowing broilers (Gourmet Black) were raised from 1-84 days, and fast-growing broilers (Cobb 500) …


Design With Benefits : Combining Healthcare Step Programs And Design Tools To Make A Difference In Community Health, Emily E. Frye Jan 2008

Design With Benefits : Combining Healthcare Step Programs And Design Tools To Make A Difference In Community Health, Emily E. Frye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

I am aware that there is increasing emphasis being placed on designers pro actively designing services as opposed to simply creating artifacts. Looking past “selling” and moving toward enabling solutions that are for the greater good, this paper makes use of ethnographic contexts of communities involved to guide design. My thesis project designs a service plan and a program with artifacts. It is aimed at helping rural West Virginia Clinics intervene with unhealthy patients to help them prepare for a pro-active lifestyle. This program, named BeneFIT, was designed with user-centered methods and incorporates the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) developed by James …


The β-Tubulin Gene As A Means To Discriminate Species And Verify Evolutionary Patterns Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi., Zola Msiska Jan 2008

The β-Tubulin Gene As A Means To Discriminate Species And Verify Evolutionary Patterns Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi., Zola Msiska

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associating with 80% of vascular plant families increase uptake of nutrients and water in plants, help to stabilize soil aggregates and improve soil aeration, water percolation and carbon storage. Phylogeny of AMF based on rDNA sequences is in conflict with morphology-based phylogeny. The aim of the present study was to examine a protein encoding gene, β-tubulin, in order to test conclusions drawn from rDNA sequences and morphological data. Inverse-PCR was used to amplify full-length β-tubulin genes of Gigaspora gigantea and Glomus clarum. The gene in both species is organized into five exons and four introns encoding …


Fibroblast Growth Factor -19: A Novel Factor That Inhibits Hepatic Fatty Acid Synthesis., Sushant Bhatnagar Jan 2008

Fibroblast Growth Factor -19: A Novel Factor That Inhibits Hepatic Fatty Acid Synthesis., Sushant Bhatnagar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Previous studies have shown that administration of fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) reverses diabetes, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia, and adipose accretion in animal models of obesity. To investigate the mechanism for this effect, we determined whether FGF-19 modulated hepatic fatty acid synthesis, a key process controlling glucose tolerance and triacylglycerol accumulation in liver, blood, and adipose tissue. Incubating primary hepatocyte cultures with recombinant FGF-19 suppressed the ability of insulin to stimulate fatty acid synthesis. This effect was associated with a reduction in the expression of lipogenic enzymes. FGF-19 also suppressed the insulin-induced expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), a key transcriptional …


The Effectiveness Of Using Cooperative Learning Method On Esl Reading Comprehension Performance, Students' Attitudes Toward Cl, And Students' Motivation Toward Reading Of Secondary Stage In Saudi Public Girls' Schools., Latifah A. Alharbi Jan 2008

The Effectiveness Of Using Cooperative Learning Method On Esl Reading Comprehension Performance, Students' Attitudes Toward Cl, And Students' Motivation Toward Reading Of Secondary Stage In Saudi Public Girls' Schools., Latifah A. Alharbi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the effects the use of cooperative learning method in English as a second language reading comprehension performance and how it improves the students' second language, their attitudes toward cooperative learning, and their motivation toward reading. Sixty ESL Saudi high school students from The Third Secondary School in Arrass City participated in this study and where divided into two groups (experimental group vs. control group). A pretest-posttest control group design was employed. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to test the differences between the experimental and the comparison group. The results of this analysis …


Evaluating An Insurance -Sponsored Weight Management Mprogram Using The Re-Aim Model., Christiaan G. Abildso Jan 2008

Evaluating An Insurance -Sponsored Weight Management Mprogram Using The Re-Aim Model., Christiaan G. Abildso

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Determining the public health impact of behavioral obesity treatment programs and industries with whom to ally in disseminating successful programs is critical to our nation's health. In a recent report the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation (2005) recognized the leverage that health plans might have by establishing incentives for member participation in obesity treatment programs (i.e., weight management). The RE-AIM model (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance; Glasgow, Vogt, & Boles, 1999) is designed to summarize the public health impact of health promotion programs and assist decision makers in understanding the ability of programs to: (a) reach large …


Use Of Native Seed Mixtures To Improve Erosion Control And Wildlife Habitat On Log Landings Following Timber Harvest In The Upper Elk Watershed Of West Virginia, Lisa R. Tager Dec 2007

Use Of Native Seed Mixtures To Improve Erosion Control And Wildlife Habitat On Log Landings Following Timber Harvest In The Upper Elk Watershed Of West Virginia, Lisa R. Tager

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Foresters in West Virginia follow BMP guidelines by reseeding retired log landings with inexpensive grasses that quickly provide erosion control. However, these grasses typically are not native nor do they provide high quality forage for wildlife. I developed 3 native seed mixtures for log landing reclamation that would maintain sediment control, as well as enhance wildlife habitat. These mixtures included an erosion control mixture, a wildlife mixture, and a wildflower mixture. I assessed sediment control, biomass production, vegetation structure, forage quality, and small mammal usage of my native mixtures and a commonly used, nonnative traditional mixture in 2005 and 2006. …


Expression Profiling Of Oocyte Specific Genes, Transcription Factors And Micrornas During Early Embryonic Development In Rainbow Trout (Onchorhyncus Mykiss), Raghuveer K. Ramachandra Dec 2007

Expression Profiling Of Oocyte Specific Genes, Transcription Factors And Micrornas During Early Embryonic Development In Rainbow Trout (Onchorhyncus Mykiss), Raghuveer K. Ramachandra

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Genes specifically expressed in oocytes are important for the development of oocytes and early embryos. By analyzing ESTs from a rainbow trout oocyte cDNA library, we identified a novel EST sequence that does not show homology to any sequences in the GenBank. Analysis of tissue distribution by RT-PCR revealed that this gene was only expressed in unfertilized oocytes. Sequencing of the EST clone identified a cDNA of 3163 bp. Northern blot analysis showed the novel gene has a single transcript of 3.4 kb. Additional 5' sequence was obtained by 5' RACE, extending the novel cDNA to 3333 bp. Analysis of …


Determination Of The Nutritional Value, Protein Quality And Safety Of Krill Protein Concentrate Isolated Using An Isolelectric Solubilization/Precipitation Technique, Joseph Christopher Gigliotti Dec 2007

Determination Of The Nutritional Value, Protein Quality And Safety Of Krill Protein Concentrate Isolated Using An Isolelectric Solubilization/Precipitation Technique, Joseph Christopher Gigliotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Despite its abundance and nutritional value, krill has not been widely utilized for human consumption due to the lack of proper technology for protein recovery. The study objectives were to isolate krill protein concentrate (KPC) and to determine the nutritional value, health benefits, and safety of KPC for human consumption. Proximate analysis indicated KPC on a dry basis is composed of ∼78% protein and ∼8% fat of which ∼27% are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (o-3 PUFAs). The amino acid composition of KPC indicated that all nine essential amino acids were present in amounts that met the requirements for adult humans …


Sociodemographic And Health -Related Risks For Loneliness And Outcome Differences By Loneliness Status In A Sample Of Older U.S. Adults, Laurie A. Theeke Dec 2007

Sociodemographic And Health -Related Risks For Loneliness And Outcome Differences By Loneliness Status In A Sample Of Older U.S. Adults, Laurie A. Theeke

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background. Loneliness is a prevalent problem for older adults and has been shown to be associated with negative physical, psychological, and social variables. There has been limited research focusing on the relationship of loneliness to health. There is a gap in the literature when it comes to understanding how the problem of loneliness relates to the health of older adults in the United States.;Purpose. The purpose of this study was to address this gap in the literature through the testing of two models, the first model represented the postulated risks for loneliness and the second model represented the postulated outcomes …


Exploring The Use Of Human Metrology For Biometric Recognition, Nikhil Mallikarjun Reddy Burri Dec 2007

Exploring The Use Of Human Metrology For Biometric Recognition, Nikhil Mallikarjun Reddy Burri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis explores the possibility of incorporating human body measurements in a biometric framework. While metrological features have been used for identifying persons in the late 19th century, there is limited work in automating this process for surveillance applications. We first establish the relevance of using metrological features in biometric systems by studying two anthropometric data-sets (NASA and NHANES). We then propose a technique to automatically extract a subset of these measurements from a video sequence. A robust segmentation technique (HMMF) to detect moving pixels corresponding to human objects is used in the first stage. Next, we use Active Contours …