Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of A Hospital-Wide Quality Improvement Initiative On 30-Day Readmissions For Patients With Heart Failure, Senthilraj Ganeshan, Raj Ganeshan

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Understanding Hiv-Related Risk Behaviors Among Returnee Male Migrant Workers In Nepal, Roman Shrestha

Master's Theses

Background: Migration of Nepali workers to India is a longstanding phenomenon. Studies have indicated that migrant workers are at higher-risk of HIV infection due to their engagement in unsafe sexual and substance use behaviors, while abroad. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between migration and increased prevalence of HIV-risk behaviors among Nepali migrant workers and their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male migrant workers (n=40) in Dhanusha district of Nepal - a neighboring region to India with high levels of male-out-migration. The interview questionnaires assessed participants’ socio-demographics, migration characteristics, loneliness, HIV/AIDS …

A Meta-Analysis Of Candidate Gene Association Studies On The Blood Pressure Response To Aerobic Exercise, Michael L. Bruneau Jr

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Aerobic exercise (AE) lowers blood pressure (BP) 5-7 mmHg among those with hypertension, but there is considerable variability in the BP response to AE. Genetic predispositions account for 40-65% of this variability; however, identifying genetic variants that associate with the BP response to AE is a challenge. We performed a meta-analysis to integrate the small number of studies that examined the influence of candidate genes on the BP response to AE. Methods: Studies retrieved included an acute or chronic AE intervention; BP before and after AE by genotype; and candidate gene polymorphisms. Effect sizes were the standardized mean …

Polyphenol Composition Of Underutilized Aronia Berries And Changes In Aronia Berry Polyphenol Content Through Ripening, Rod Taheri

Master's Theses

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia prunifolia, Aronia arbutifolia) is notable for its high phytochemical content, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Aronia berries of different genotypes may vary in their polyphenol content, so it is important to characterize these compounds based on species, and to determine whether or not aronia fruit color correlates with phytochemical content. Using normal-phase HPLC, UPLC-MS, and the DMAC and Folin-Ciocalteu assays, polyphenols in twelve different aronia accessions were quantified and characterized based on fruit color. Significant diversity was observed in anthocyanin content among berries of different colors, with black aronia berries (mean = 10.47 mg/g DW) …

The Relation Between The Blood Pressure Response To Exercise During Training And Detraining Periods, Emily A. Moker

Master's Theses

Exercise training lowers blood pressure (BP) 5-7 mmHg, but the relation between the BP response to exercise training and detraining is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the BP response after 6m of training followed by 2wk of detraining among a subsample from the Studies of a Targeted Risk Reduction Intervention through Defined Exercise study. METHODS: Subjects were 38 men and 37 women 50.2±10.6y with a body mass index of 30.5±3.2kg·m^-2 and resting BP of 120.0±13.7/79.1±9.2mmHg. Subjects completed 1of 3 types of exercise training: aerobic (AE) vigorous intensity (n=34); resistance training (RT) (n=28); or AE vigorous and RT (n=13). Simple …

The Acute Effects Of An Injury Prevention Program On Landing Technique And Performance Measures In Youth Athletes, Hayley Root

Master's Theses

CONTEXT: Exercise-based injury prevention programs can improve performance outcomes and reduce injury risk over the course of an athletic season but are not widely implemented. Identifying acute benefits to utilizing an injury prevention warm-up program compared to common dynamic and static warm-ups may encourage more teams to adopt injury prevention programs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the acute effects of 3 warm-up protocols on performance measures and jump-landing technique in active children.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: Junior boarding school and high school.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: 89 health youth athletes (male n=60, female n=29, age=13±2 years, …

The Influence Of Neurocognitive Impairment On Hiv Risk Reduction Intervention Outcomes Among Drug Dependent Methadone‐Maintained Patients, Maryam Sadeghi-Najafabadi

Master's Theses

Injection drug users (IDUs) represent a significant vector for contracting and transmission of HIV infection, which occurs through preventable drug- and sex-related risk behaviors. Accordingly, IDUs remain a target population of HIV risk reduction behavioral interventions. Previous findings show that it is feasible to provide a brief behavioral risk reduction group intervention to high risk HIV-infected IDUs in a community-based setting to reduce HIV risk-related outcomes. In order for behavioral interventions to be effective, a relatively high level of cognitive abilities is required. Evidence shows that chronic drug use can affect the central nervous system and this may result in …

Perceived Stigma As A Function Of Social Influence, Anne Thompson

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Status Of Economic And Social Rights In Appalachia, Logan Thomas

Master's Theses

This research examines the status of economic and social rights (ESR) in Appalachia by examining county-level data for both the region and entire United States. Individual rights and total ESR fulfillment are examined based upon indices utilized in the research. Effort to fulfill ESR is also examined based upon available resources, as measured by per capita income in the counties. Findings indicate that the northern part of the region experiences both high fulfillment and effort, the central part of the region experiences low fulfillment and average effort, and the southern part of the region experiences average fulfillment and low effort.

Utilization Of An Anti-Nnk Recombinant Antibody To Reduce The Harm Associated With Smokeless Tobacco, Heather L. Wanczyk

Master's Theses

Tobacco products, both combustible and smokeless, contain abundant amounts of toxic chemicals and carcinogens capable of causing extensive damage to the body. Tobacco specific nitrosamines, including 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N’-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), are among the most potent of these carcinogens and are capable of eliciting cellular transformations within the body after bioactivation by cytochrome P450 enzymes. In order to reduce the harm associated with smokeless tobacco, a recombinant anti-NNK antibody has been constructed from a hybridoma secreting a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for NNK.

In work performed previously, hybridomas were created by constructing a structurally-related benzoyl derivative …

The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Increasing Food Security Among Participants Of A New Food Pantry Model In Hartford, Ct, Angela G. Colantonio

Master's Theses

Background: Food insecurity is defined as not having the resources to obtain enough safe, nutritionally adequate food in socially acceptable ways to support an active, healthy life. A new approach to emergency food assistance is needed, and researchers have encouraged the exploration of empowerment, self-efficacy, and goal setting as a means of better understanding and preventing food insecurity. Objective: The study aim is to examine the association between food insecurity and self-efficacy, and evaluate the ability of a new food pantry model (Freshplace) to increase the food security and self-efficacy of members. Methods: A randomized control trial comparing Freshplace to …

The Efficacy Of Freshplace Project Manager’S Use Of A Stages Of Change Assessment Form And Motivational Interviewing, Matthew E. Brennan

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Resistance Training Prioritization In Ncaa Division I Track And Field Athletes, Dylan Dombrowski

Master's Theses

Resistance training (RT) is a powerful systemic stimulus known to improve a multitude of physiological variables. These include but are not limited to musculoskeletal strength, power, muscle mass, bone mass, and connective tissue. The sport of track and field is composed of many different events that focus on strength, power, and muscular endurance. Thus, resistance training is typically a vital part of athletic preparation for track and field athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate specific manipulations of the acute program variables within the context of an off-season resistance training program. METHODS: 34 male NCAA Division I …

Incentives To Improve Economic Conditions: A Field Experiment In Medellin, Colombia, Lauren Skora

Master's Theses

The motivation for this research is to replicate the Oakland based Family Independence Initiative (FII) and to test the components of this model. The FII program claims its success stems from a bottom-up approach structured around setting life-improving goals, mutual support groups, and small monetary incentives to achieve results. As the popularity of this program continues to gain momentum in the United States, we designed a field experiment to measure the impact of incentives on goal achievement and economic conditions as well as the overall impact of the FII model. We enrolled close to 200 small business owners in four …

Does Child Sponsorship Have A Positive Impact On The Quality Of Life And Social Behavior Of Sponsored Children? Evidence From Indonesia, Mario Carrillo

Master's Theses

Relaxing an internal constraint of an individual at early stages of life is an approach that complements traditional policy interventions aimed to alleviate poverty. The Compassion International child sponsorship program focuses their work on the emotional, social, and spiritual development of sponsored children. This study investigates the impacts of child sponsorship on the quality of life and social behavior of sponsored children using age-eligibility as an instrument for sponsorship, a time preference experiment and a trust game. The study looks specifically at self-esteem, optimism, social trust, educational outcomes, patience and reciprocity of 286 sponsored children and 234 non-sponsored children between …

Do Self-Help Groups Work On Achieving Economic Goals? New Evidence From A Field Experiment In Medellin, Colombia, Paulina Aguinaga Lezcano

Master's Theses

Abstract: This research is the first study to introduce an experimental setting to test the implication of a poverty alleviation model inspired by the Family Independence Initiative (FII) in a developing country. The FII is a poverty alleviation approach that has shown remarkable results in improving the living conditions of low-income individuals in three cities of the United States. It promotes self-improvement through setting goals, incentive schemes, and self-help groups (SHGs). The results suggest that the FII model can be successfully implemented as a poverty alleviation policy in a developing country. The model does have a positive and significant effect …

The Effect Of Skeletal Muscle Mass On Basal Metabolic Rate In College-Age Males 2013, Chase Vaughn

Master's Theses

There are many misconceptions within the fitness community. One such misconception is that an increase in muscle mass will have a large increase in basal metabolic rate, yet this may not be the best way for successful weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. The hypothesis tested was that basal metabolic rate is strongly correlated with skeletal muscle mass. The participants were college-aged males (n =17). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was estimated using the skin-fold circumference model (SFCM): SMM (kg) = Ht (0.00744 CAG2 …

The Presence Of Coups D'État Within Revolutions: Effects On Population Health, Rose E. Facchini

Master's Theses

The present study is a comparative approach to revolutions and their effect on population health during the post-conflict period. Specifically, it attempts to determine whether revolutions that are accompanied by a coup d'état have a significant negative impact on post-revolution population health. Degree of revolutionary violence, governmental structures, and pre-revolution health systems is of particular interest as relevant variables. The study focuses on the Latin American countries of Nicaragua and Chile due to their similar region and timeframe. The revolutions and accompanying coup d'état in both of these countries do not demonstrate different patterns on public health in the post-conflict …

The Influence Of Respiratory Muscle Training On Exercise Endurance 2013, Justin Vanderbeck

Master's Theses

Exercise endurance in multiple populations has been shown to increase after bouts of respiratory muscle training (RMT) (Bailey, Romer, Kelly, Wilkerson, Dimenna & Jones, 2010; Brown, Sharpe, Graham & Johnson, 2008; Griffiths & McConnell, 2007; Kilding, Brown & McConnell, 2007; Laoutaris et al., 2012; Markov, Spengler, Stuessi, Boutellier & Knöpfli-Lenzin, 2001; Spengler & Boutellier, 2000; Stuessi, Spengler, Knöpfli-Lenzin, Markov & Boutellier, 2001; Volianitis et al., 2000). The use of resistance via respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) has been shown to produce greater increases in endurance than with no resistance, but the method of RMST that produces the greatest increases in …

Organized Camp And Character Development 2013, Veronica Ripp

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between organized camp and character development. In particular, it looked to determine to what extent organized camp affected campers' character, including how much change in character campers' experienced in a week at camp, what aspects of character were most influenced, and what factors about camp had the most impact on campers' character. The study was multimodal in design, using the Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) as a pre and posttest for quantitative analysis and camper interviews, staff interviews, and researcher observations for qualitative analysis. Seven completed VIA-Youth pre …

Resistance Training Behaviors In College-Aged Women 2013, Melanie Kornblatt

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of women’s training behavior in the weight room. A secondary purpose was to determine what their beliefs and perceptions were in regards to lifting weights. Participants were college-aged females ranging in age from 17-29 years. Observations of weight lifting activities were conducted during peak hours of operation (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3- 6pm) in the fitness facility. A total of 60 hours of observations were conducted over a period of four weeks. In addition to observations, two focus groups were conducted. Participants were divided into two specific groups: I …

An Investigation Of Preferred Versus Imposed Exercise, Personality Traits, And Motivation On An Exercise Dependent College Aged Sample 2013, Chelsea M. Norton

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate personality traits and motivation among an exercise dependent sample by using and examining theoretically based assessment tools and (b) measure feeling states under different types of physical activity among those who were considered to be exercise dependent. Four hundred twenty-three college students (54.4% male, 45.6% female) who met the inclusion criteria completed the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R; Symons Downs, Hausenblas, & Nigg, 2004), Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI; Terry, Szabó, & Griffiths, 2004), Exercise Identity Scale (EIS; Anderson & Cychosz, 1994), Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2; Markland & Tobin, 2004), and …

The Role Of Appearance In Perceptions Of Personal Trainers 2013., Patrick R. Boerner

Master's Theses

The field of personal training in the United States is believed to have begun in the late 1970‟s and the early 1980‟s (Brooks, 2004). Today, personal training is a healthy profession that, according to the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), is expected to grow 24% (60,400 jobs) between 2010 and 2020. In comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) predicts the average growth rate for all occupations within the U.S. to be only 14% during the same ten-year span. Rapid growth within the field of personal training has brought an increased scrutiny on …

Effect Of Ph And Temperature On The Binding Interactions Of Caffeine And Chlorogenic Acid With Sodium Caseinate, Emily S. Kong

Master's Theses

Coffee is a popular and well-loved beverage consumed worldwide by millions of people every day. While most patrons of coffee do so because of its unique and satisfying taste, consumers may be unaware of the potential beneficial health effects it also imparts. The antioxidants found in green coffee beans collectively known as chlorogenic acids (CGA) and caffeine are two of the most abundant bioactive compounds present in coffee. Both these bioactive compounds have been implicated in many studies to impart a wide range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, to their use as aides in …

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Status Of Adult Women And Diet, Sun Exposure, Skin Reflectance, Body Composition, And Insulin Sensitivity, Marisa M. Mcadler

Master's Theses

As the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency continues to grow, mounting evidence supporting its link with chronic disease strengthens suggesting vitamin D’s candidacy in the prevention and treatment of multiple disease states and their complications. Dietary guidelines, however, do not take sun exposure into account. The present study sought to explore the impact of sun exposure on vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D), and identify other significant determinants of serum levels which may have the greatest effects on overall health. Participants (n = 34) were pre-menopausal women aged 18 to 50 years (mean age 39 ± 6 years), who had their …

Barriers And Facilitators To The Effective Management Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus For Hispanic Women, Paula F. Clark

Master's Theses

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an abnormal or unfavorable condition in pregnancy, as well as a life event, that puts a woman and her biological children at an elevated risk for developing a number of negative fetal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes, including the future development type 2 diabetes in both mother and baby. These complications are associated with elevated maternal blood glucose. Diet and exercise alone are often sufficient to control blood glucose and effectively avoid negative outcomes. Yet research has determined that barely 50% of women with gestational diabetes are able to adhere to prudent dietary and exercise GDM …

Mississippi's First Annual Farm To School Week: Evaluation Of School Participation, Kelsey Jean Lingsch

Master's Theses

Mississippi has recently established the first week of October as statewide Farm to School (F2S) Week, providing Mississippi the opportunity to improve the health status of children while improving the local economy. The study aimed to measure Mississippi school districts' participation during F2S Week 2012 and identify perceived barriers and future interest of participation among child nutrition directors (CND). An electronic survey was sent to the 156 CNDs in the state of Mississippi participating in the National School Lunch Program. Data were analyzed in SPSS v.20 using descriptive and correlational statistics. Among the 75 CNDs who responded to the survey, …

From Corporal To Corporate: Defining The Body Politic In The Twenty-First Century, Ashley Estelle Lord

Master's Theses

The following research project illustrates a transition of the body politic metaphor from the second century AD. to present day. From this historical perspective it can be shown that a new body politic exists within Western, capitalist systems with the corporation serving as the head of the body and its buyers, the appendages. This paper claims that as with the previously accepted analogies of the body politic ("The Lord's Two Bodies," "The King's Two Bodies," and the body politic composed by consent of the governed) this corporate driven body possesses four key features that define all three previous manifestations: a …

The Identification Of The Mid Transcription Factor Regulatory Network Specifying Cell Fate And Regulating Survival In The Drosophila Eye, Sudeshna Das

Master's Theses

The Drosophila melanogaster T-box transcription factor Midline (Mid) exhibits a high degree of structural and functional conservation with its vertebrate homolog Tbx-20. Both Mid and Tbx-20 regulate cell-fate specification with in diverse tissues including the central nervous system (CNS) and heart. Although, some important studies reported that Tbx-20 transcripts express in a wide range of developing mammalian eye tissues including those of the human fetus, the function of this transcription factor is unknown in the development of eye tissue. This current study is the first attempt to show that Mid and its para log H15 are expressed within distinct ommatidial …

Conservation Genetics Of Threatened Gopher Tortoises, Gopherus Polyphemus: An Assessment Of Genetic Variation And Parentage In Two Populations In South Mississippi, Angela Huang Getz

Master's Theses

Despite the protection of gopher tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus, in the western portion of their range for over twenty years, populations of the De Soto National Forest (DNF) in southern Mississippi experience low recruitment and lower hatching success than populations in the eastern portion of the range, and the causes of this are unknown. Previous work has shown that Mississippi populations of the DNF have lower levels of genetic diversity than eastern populations, which prompted the suggestion that reduced levels of genetic variation may play a part in low hatching success. Small populations can become more susceptible to the effects …