Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Self-Practice Qigong On Strength Gains And Wellbeing During Off-Season Training For Fall Sport Athletes, Christopher Shawn White

Master's Theses

The use of mind-body therapies, such as Tai Chi, yoga, Qigong, and meditation are frequently reported as a means of coping with anxiety and depression. Despite these findings, there is little knowledge of Qigong exercise being able to impact elite athlete’s physical and mental states during off-season training. Purpose: Determine the efficacy of Qigong to facilitate strength gains and wellbeing in collegiate anaerobically trained athletes. Methods: Seventy-three athletes (47 M, 26 F, 18-22 years) volunteered to participate in a Qigong exercise group or standard care group. Strength gains were measured through a vertical jump test and a 3 RM front …

Institutionalizing Urban Agriculture Can Provide More Than Hope For Poor San Franciscans: An Analysis Of The Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone Act (Uaiz), Rania Ahmed

Master's Theses

Cities have turned to urban agriculture (UA) as a means of revitalizing neighborhoods and addressing unmet food needs of urbanites. Farming the city has gained momentum and has become an important force in urban social landscapes and economics. UA has also sparked debates about the appropriate development of highly valuable private spaces. In 2014, the City of San Francisco created a tax incentive to encourage owners to use undeveloped private properties in UA. This tax incentive represents the political prioritization of UA as legitimate land use in San Francisco with the possible purposes of either meeting a pressing residential need …

Goal Setting, Self-Help Groups, And Incentives As A Poverty Alleviation Strategy: Evidence From Field Experiments In Indonesia, Colombia And Ethiopia, Sherefedin K. Nuri

Master's Theses

Abstract: This study uses randomized field experiments conducted in Indonesia, Colombia and Ethiopia to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of goal-setting, self-help groups, and incentives as a poverty alleviation strategy. The experiment in each country had subjects randomly assigned to one of the five groups: 1) goal setting “goal”, 2) goal setting and group “group”, 3) goal setting and incentives “incentives”, 4) goal setting, group and incentives “FII” and 5) control group. Results show that the “goal” treatment has a positive and significant effect on income in Indonesia, the “incentives” treatment resulted in a positive and significant effect on …

The Impact Of Borehole Wells And A Hygiene And Sanitation Program On Diarrhea: Evidence From Rural Southwest Uganda, Morgan Adams

Master's Theses

Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death for children under age five, killing approximately 2,089 children a day (WHO, 2013). Clean water access, sanitation facilities, and good hygiene behavior are solutions to decreasing child mortality and morbidity caused by fecal contamination. I estimate the impact of borehole wells and a hygiene and sanitation program on diarrhea by creating a retrospective panel. I ask mothers to rank children from the most to least diarrhea when under the age of two and use this ranking to compare siblings, where at least one had been exposed to the program. The methodology …

The Effect Of The Traditional Mediterranean-Style Diet On Metabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis, Marissa L. Garcia

Master's Theses

Importance: A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to be effective in improving a variety of disease outcomes, including metabolic risk factors. Such dietary patterns are complex and, thus it is currently unclear as to which components and intervention characteristics are more greatly associated with reducing metabolic syndrome risk.

Objective: To obtain overall effect sizes for the metabolic risk factors (waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure) and explain the variability across the current literature based on study design, sample, and diet characteristics.

Data Sources: Six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, …

Training Group Home Staff On Nutrition, Kaitlin Carafa

Master's Theses

Currently, more than one-third of adults (more than 72 million people) in the United States are obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014), and therefore obesity is a major public health concern. The prevalence of obesity in the population of individuals with disabilities has been shown to be 2.1 times higher than compared to the general population, and the prevalence is higher in less restrictive settings such as group homes (Saunders et al., 2011). Therefore, interventions aimed to decrease obesity should be created for this population. The purpose of this study is to investigate the need for a …

A Ten Year Retrospective Study Of Pediatric Pneumonia Cases In Haiti, Talia A. Savic

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Fatherhood And Food: Food Insecurity And Paternal Role Associations With Father And Child Diet Quality, Von Jessee

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Heat Acclimation On Hand Cooling Efficacy During Exercise Heat Stress, Elizabeth Adams

Master's Theses

The Effect of Heat Acclimation on Hand Cooling Efficacy During Exercise Heat Stress

Adams EL, Vandermark LW, Pryor JL, Pryor RR, Vanscoy RM, Denegar CR, Huggins RA, Armstrong LE, Casa DJ. Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.

CONTEXT: Heat acclimation (HA) and body cooling during exercise in the heat both help to mitigate the rise in body temperature; however, the effects of HA and hand cooling combined remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To determine the separate and combined effects of HA and hand cooling efficacy, during and after exercise in the heat. DESIGN: Randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design. …

The Role Of Partner Support And Relationship Satisfaction In Health Behavior Change: A Self-Determination Theory Framework, Katelyn M. Gettens

Master's Theses

Weight-related health behavior change can be difficult to initiate, and perhaps even more challenging to sustain long-term. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) allows for a more nuanced exploration of the role that motivation and existing support systems play in weight management. Recently, studies have focused on coequal support relationships rather than hierarchical relationships in health behavior change. The present study used a longitudinal design to assess support style (needs support vs. directive), relationship satisfaction, motivation (autonomous versus controlled), and weight loss over a 6-week period in college students with overweight or obesity, using a SDT framework. Students enrolled in Introduction to Psychology …

The Effects Of Three Shoeing Methods On Hoof Growth And Health In Horses, Amanda Morris

Master's Theses

Fourteen mixed breed mares and geldings ranging in age from 4 to 20 years were selected to participate in this study to determine the effects on hoof growth and health with three shoing method. Each horse was randomly assigned a treatment: shod, barefoot, or Easyboots. Measurements were taken on the body and on the hoof at the beginning and conclusion of each shoeing method. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were attached to each horse using a surcingle during turnout at the beginning and conclusion of each shoeing method.

There were minimal changes in morphometric measurements between the barefoot, Easyboot and shod …

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity In Youth: Association With Adiposity-Related Health Indicators In Nhanes 2003-2006, Kelley Ann Lafleur

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Overactive Bladder Syndrome On Health-Related Quality Of Life In An Assisted-Living Community, Allison M. Berken

Master's Theses

This study investigated the effect of overactive bladder syndrome on the health-related quality of life of 32 residents (mean age 85.4) living in an assisted-living community, using widely-used and well-validated questionnaires (the OABSS and the SF-20, to assess overactive bladder and health-related quality of life, respectively). Approximately 31% of the study population satisfied the criteria for the diagnosis of overactive bladder syndrome. No significant correlation was found between the subjects’ scores on the overactive bladder and health related quality of life inventories. Nor was any association found between overactive bladder symptoms and the six component measures of the SF-20 (physical …

A Microfluidics Based Cell Culture Device With Controlled Temperature Gradient, Radhika Shiradkar

Master's Theses

Cell culture is an extensively used technique for studying the behavior and growth of cells in response to different conditions. Examining the effect of temperature variation on cells helps in understanding the characteristics of cancer cells and may help in developing therapeutic procedures. To study the effect of this variation, we propose to use a microenvironment with a programmable temperature gradient. Microfluidics based cell culture devices offer advantage of providing a controlled environment, effectively.

The study focuses on creating a microfluidic cell culture device with a controlled temperature gradient. The device consists of two components– a microchannel (18mm×6mm) that holds …

Oral Nutritional Supplement Effects On Human Hydration Indices, Lindsay A. Ellis

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessing Knowledge And Attitudes Of The Human Papillomavirus Infection And Vaccine Among Adolescents In Hartford, Ct, Anita C. Chandrasekaran

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

“Un Pueblo Tan Dulce”: Diabetes, Depression, And Obesity Syndemics In Puerto Rico, Shir Lerman

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of A Four-Week Whole-Body High-Intensity Training Program On Female Athletes 2015, Lindsey Taylor

Master's Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic benefits and changes in running economy (RE) following a fourweek whole-body high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on an athletic female population. Participants: Fourteen female student-athletes volunteered to participate in the study. Design: Participants reported on two occasions for VO2max and RE testing and were divided into two training groups based upon baseline VO2max: Endurance (END; n=6) and HIIT (n=8). Participants completed 12 total training sessions. During each session, END completed 30 minutes of vigorous-intensity running, while HIIT completed a total of four minutes of whole-body intervals. Measures: Maximal oxygen …

Stressed Induced Changes In Karenia Brevis Ribosomal Rna, David Scott Jayroe

Master's Theses

Karenia brevis is a toxic marine dinoflagellate that causes harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as red tides, in the Gulf of Mexico. These blooms are responsible for massive fish kills, shellfish bed contaminations, adverse human health effects, and vast economic loss. For these reasons, extensive research has gone into understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of bloom behavior by studying K. brevis in the field and in the lab. In order to understand higher order bloom behavior and dynamics it is imperative to understand K. brevis at the cellular level. In growing K. brevis in vitro under a variety of …

Effects Of Pre-Release Physical Stressors On Post-Release Success Of Hatchery-Reared Spotted Seatrout, Taylor Westbrook Guest

Master's Theses

Alteration of habitat associated with coastal development and increased demand for food and recreation can result in the depletion of fisheries resources such as the Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), the Gulf of Mexico’s most popular recreational fish. Stock enhancement, or the release of cultured fish to supplement wild populations, is one potential tool for managing important fisheries resources. Although much effort has gone into marine stock enhancement, the effectiveness of stocking is not well established, and techniques for ensuring success have not been developed. Although the basic biology of the Spotted Seatrout is well known, comparatively little is known about …

Examining The Benefits Of Prior Heat Exposure On Gastrointestinal Temperature, Heart Rate, And Race Day Finish Time Using A Heat Stress Score Ratio., Cynthia A. Torres

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Determining The Need For Diabetic Risk Assessment In An Academic Dental Clinic, Nancy Wong

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a need to incorporate a diabetic risk assessment in an academic dental clinic. An analysis of existing patient records and a survey administered to new patients seeking care at the University of Connecticut Health Center dental clinics were utilized to determine: a) what was the prevalence of diabetic patients; b) how many patients were at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes; and c) whether their oral health knowledge relating to diabetes varied by their diabetic status. The survey was administered over a four-month time period, in which 200 …

Exploring The Physiological Role Of Vibrio Fischeri Pepn, Sally L. Cello

Master's Theses

The primary contributor to Vibrio fischeri aminopeptidase activity is aminopeptidase N, PepN. Colonization assays revealed the pepN mutant strain to be deficient at forming dense aggregates and populating the host’s light organ compared to wildtype within the first 12 hours of colonization; however the mutant competed normally at 24 hours. To address the role of PepN in colonization initiation and establish additional phenotypes for the pepN mutant strain, stress response and other physiological assays were employed. Marked differences were found between pepN mutant and wildtype strain in response to salinity, acidity, and antibiotic tolerance. This study has provided a foundation …

Optimizing The Pistachio Supply Chain And Logistics Network For Fresno County Using Geographic Information Systems Network Analysis Method, Farnaz Daneshpour

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Optimizing the Pistachio Supply Chain and Logistics Network for Fresno County Using Geographic Information Systems Network Analysis Method

Farnaz Daneshpour

This study aims to optimize the transportation of pistachios from orchards to processing centers in Fresno County, California to improve logistics efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. This study evaluates the current transportation situation and compared it with the case in which a new processing center is built. Also, this study evaluates transportation efficiency based on calculations of total driving distance, driving time, fuel cost, and Co2 emission and assesses how much of these variables will be saved if a …

Outdoor Adventure Therapy To Increase Physical Activity In Young Adult Cancer Survivors, Elizabeth C. Gill, Suzanne Phelan, Marni Goldenberg, Heather Starnes

Master's Theses

Physical activity (PA) has numerous benefits for cancer survivors, but limited research exists on PA interventions in young adult cancer survivors. Outdoor adventure therapy is a potential method of increasing PA in this demographic. The primary purpose of this non-randomized parallel group study was to determine whether the outdoor adventure camp experience (vs. wait list control) would increase participants’ PA levels immediately following the 7-day camp, as well as three months later. Secondary aims examined correlates of greater PA, including pre-post camp changes in sedentary behavior, exercise self-efficacy, environmental change self-efficacy, perceived barriers to exercise, physical activity enjoyment, and physical …

Increasing Expression Of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen In Maize Through Breeding, Erin Suzanne Miller

Master's Theses

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common virus, with two billion people infected worldwide. It causes approximately 600,000 deaths each year, despite the availability of an effective vaccine since 1982. Maize as a platform for oral vaccination can supply a heat stable vaccine, which does not require syringes or trained personnel to administer. The Hepatitis B Surface antigen was transformed into maize and this seed was used to evaluate expression levels through the breeding process. The transgene was transferred into two elite maize inbreds by backcrossing. Highest expressing ears were selected each generation until approximately 99% commercial parent was …

Native Small Mammal Use Of An Invasive Grass: Heermann's Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys Heermanni) And Veldt Grass (Ehrharta Calycina) In Coastal California, Juliana P. Trunzo

Master's Theses

Invasive species are generally regarded as detrimental to native communities because they cause increased competition and community structure alterations. There is therefore a critical need to understand the ecological processes underlying the establishment and spread of invasive species. While most studies to date have focused on the role of competition in species invasions, trophic dynamics may also play a fundamental role in the establishment and spread of non-natives, especially in cases when a non-native species experiences differential predation pressure relative to a native competitor. Herein I explore the potential for differential granivory pressure by a native rodent (Heermann’s kangaroo rat, …

Methods And Observations For The Influence Of Temperature On Volatile Loss From Wine Fermentation, David Martin Goldfarb

Master's Theses

Background and Aims: Volatile loss of carbon dioxide, ethanol, esters and other compounds occurs during wine fermentation. When collected nondestructively, valuable ethanol and aroma compounds can be preserved for various uses while mitigating production restrictions and regulations regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) loss from wine production. Knowledge of the volume of volatiles lost during wine fermentation contributes to a better understanding of the magnitude of possibilities for resource recovery/aroma recovery, the implications of volatile loss on wine composition as well as a more clear understanding of the possible effect of alcoholic fermentation on air quality. The aim of this study …

Host Plant Feeding Preferences Of The Adult Asiatic Garden Beetle, Maladera Castanea Arrow (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae), Laura E. Eckman

Master's Theses

The Asiatic garden beetle (AGB), Maladera castanea Arrow, is an invasive pest of crops, ornamentals, and turfgrass that has been minimally studied since the 1930s. Experiments were performed in 2011 and 2012 to investigate adult AGB feeding preferences and seasonality in Connecticut, with the goal of supporting informed planting and monitoring decisions. A common garden field experiment involved counting beetles on three cultivars each of basil, beet, carrot, eggplant, kohlrabi, parsnip, hot pepper, sweet pepper, and turnip. A no-choice laboratory experiment produced values of mass and area of leaf disks consumed. This included the same basil, beet, and kohlrabi varieties …

Though My Gross Blood Be Stain'd: Bleeding Bodies And Power Dynamics In Shakespeare's The Tragedy Of Coriolanus And The Rape Of Lucrece, Lindsey Katherine Dee Wedow

Master's Theses

Early modern literature is replete with references to blood. These references appear in the contexts of class and gender distinction, medical information, religious significance, and more. Upon looking into the Galenic model of medicine utilized in early modern England, it becomes clear that blood, while one of the four humors of the body, held a place of special significance amongst the rest. Thus in reading the works of Shakespeare we are able to see how he often handles blood as a substance that holds special qualities and as such plays an important role in human lives. This paper examines two …