Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Two Dark Chocolate And Their Effect On Blood Pressure, Melissa A. Foor

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine if dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure and if the concentration of the dark chocolate varies the result. Currently, one in four Americans has high blood pressure. The recommended treatment may include medicine or a diet referred to as DASH or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This study followed a within-subjects design having all participants receive each type of dark chocolate. Twenty-seven participants started the study to measure their blood pressure while consuming dark chocolate for a week at a time. Results showed that Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate did not lower blood pressure significantly …

The Effects Of Aerobic And Muscular Endurance Based Resistance Exercises On The Cardiorespiratory System In College Age Females, Victoria Streif

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiorespiratory response in college age females, between the ages of 19 and 24, before and after participating in a six week moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise program compared to a six week moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise program combined with a muscular endurance based resistance training program. Specifically, which mode of exercise has the most significant effect on cardiorespiratory fitness? Methods: Twelve sedentary college age females between the ages of 19 to 24 years, with a mean age of 20.9 years, participated in the study. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: …

Examining The Nutritional Requirements Of Acidophilic Archaea "Ferroplasma Acidarmanus" Strain Fer1, Yudong Qu

Masters Theses

Ferroplasma acidarmanus strain fer1 (fer1) is an archaeal microaerophilic acidophile (pH 0 to pH 3) with a chemolithotrophic metabolism. As an efficient consumer of sulfate, fer1 plays an important role in the biogeochemical process of pyrite dissolution at acidic site. Confirming the genomic prediction of metabolic gene functions in this organism requires functional assays, which cannot be carried out until a defined medium is obtained. The objective of the current study was to replace the 0.1% (w/v) yeast extract component in the growth medium, mfer, with defined components for carbon, nitrogen, and vitamin needs. In order to replace the 0.1% …

Pre-Meal To-Go Boxes: Implications For Portion Control, Margaret J. Schuster

Masters Theses

Title: Pre-Meal To-Go Boxes: Implications for Portion Control

Authors: M. J. Schuster, BS; T. L. Brooks, PhD, RD; J.E. Painter, PhD, RD; C. Honselman, PhD, RD

Introduction: Obesity rates are increasing and seem to be correlated with increasing portion sizes of restaurant meals because of consumer desire for value. The purpose of this study was to determine if using a pre-meal to-go box has an impact on customers' total food intake of a restaurant meal.

Methods: Subjects were a convenience sample of adults (n=49) at a spaghetti dinner. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive approximately 18 ounces of spaghetti and …

Impact Of Health Expenditure On Economic Growth: A Comparative Study Of Developed And Developing Countries, Md. Zubair Zuven

Masters Theses

This paper assesses the impact of health expenditure on economic growth for countries at different income levels. A panel dataset over the period of 1995 to 2011 for 136 member countries is taken into consideration. These countries are segregated into four groups according to their income. Based on the regression analysis, the study investigates the effect of health spending on gross domestic product by applying panel least squares along with country and year fixed effects. The study reveals that health expenditure per capita has a significant positive effect on gross domestic product not only for high and upper middle income …

Investigation Of Angiogenic Effects Of Bioactive Borate Glass Microfibers And Beads In A Rodent Model, Richard Jeffrey Watters

Masters Theses

"The primary objective of this research project was to evaluate the effects of three different compositions of bioactive glass microfibers (45S5, 13-93B3, and 13-93B3Cu) and bioactive glass beads (13-93, 13-93B3, and 13-93B3Cu) on angiogenesis in subcutaneous tissue in the SKH1 'hairless' mouse. Microvascular responses to the bioactive glass implants were investigated via three experimental approaches: noninvasive vital imaging of microvasculature in dorsal skin windows; quantitative histomorphometry of microvascular densities; and quantitative PCR measurements of mRNA expression of pro-angiogenic cytokines VEGF and FGF-2. The live imaging of dorsal skin window preparations in the hairless SKH1 showed the formation of a halo-like …

Quench The Thirst: A Content Analysis Of The Persuasive Techniques Of Unicef's Tap Project, Rachel Chadalavada

Masters Theses

This study analyzes the persuasive techniques utilized by UNICEF's Tap Project. This water related campaign began in 2007 and since then has created four themes. These themes are: Dine out, Celebrity Tap, Facebook Push and Cellphone Challenge. The study finds that the videos employed by the Tap Project portray all six Facets of Effects. However, their usage was based on the message that was being delivered. That said, not all videos utilized all of the facets. This implies that an advertisement need not necessarily use all six Facets of Effects to be successful. The facet of association however, stood out …

Analysis Of Academically At-Risk Second Year Students' Perceptions Of How Campus Support Services Engage Them Via Social Media, Brad Sandefer

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Theophylline And 8-Cyclopentyltheophylline On The Respiratory Response To Carbon Dioxide In Neonatal Rats, Christine E. Albers

Masters Theses

Premature infants are often plagued with respiration problems ranging from periodic breathing to apnea. These respiratory complications can be a result of underdeveloped respiratory organs, immaturity of the brainstem respiratory control center, genetic irregularities, or a combination of all three. This study sought to increase respiration with the administration of methylxanthines, which are respiratory stimulants, coupled with carbon dioxide (CO₂), also a respiratory stimulant. Neonatal rats aged 4 to 7 days old were used to mimic premature infants' response to the interaction of methylxanthines and CO₂. Before beginning the respiratory studies, sections of a 4- and …

Increasing Cooking And Nutritional Knowledge Of Food Pantry Clients Via Cookbook Intervention, Joshua Kleczynski

Masters Theses

This study was designed to assess eating habits, cooking habits, and nutritional knowledge of food pantry clients. As a whole, the average American consumes a less-than-optimal intake of nutrients. This, combined with the elevated national food insecurity rate of 14.5%, produces an advantageous situation to educate food pantry clients about healthy lifestyle practice through cooking. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design including a pre-assessment, intervention, post-assessment design. Forty-nine participants were included in study, and either received a cookbook (intervention group) or were a control subject and only completed surveys. Results revealed that the cookbook intervention did not elicit any behavior …

Comparison Of Muscular Strength And Hypertrophy In High Repetition Training Versus Low Repetition Training For The Bench Press Exercise, Tyler Mink

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Measurements And Transient Multistep Outflow Simulation Of Soil-Water Characteristic Curve For Soils Modified With Biopolymers, Xiaoyi Zhao

Masters Theses

"In recent decades, biopolymers have shown promising applications in soil modification due to its environmental friendly nature. Most of the studies, however, focused on mechanical properties at saturated or unsaturated conditions. The study on unsaturated soil behaviors under controlled pore air and pore water pressures were limited. Soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), relating water content with matric suction is a key property to evaluate unsaturated soils. With SWCC, other soil properties, such as hydraulic conductivity and shear strength can be estimated. In this study, SWCC of sands modified with different biopolymers were measured with both Tempe cell and Fredlund SWCC device. …

Disease Ecology Of A Microsporidian Parasite And Its Effects On Mottled Sculpin, Jared Joseph Homola

Masters Theses

Infectious disease can influence organisms at all levels of ecological organization, from individuals to ecosystems. Likewise, the ecosystems where pathogens exist directly influence their success. Recent theoretical studies have tied disease prevalence to biotic factors such as genetic diversity, biodiversity, and host behavior, and abiotic factors that include temperature and increased nutrient concentrations. Parasites included in the phylum Microspora are increasingly recognized for being ubiquitous in nature, although their ecological roles are generally unknown. This study examined several environmental, community, and host-related metrics to compare the biotic and abiotic aspects of 16 small streams; 6 with mottled sculpin (Cottus …

Neiman Marcus Chicken Coops: Exploring Class And Identity Through Backyard Chicken Keeping And The Contemporary Food Movement, Traci D. Joseph

Masters Theses

This paper is a case study of a proposed backyard chicken ordinance for Grand Rapids, Michigan. The study is viewed in light of social movement theory, specifically new social movement theory, to determine if events surrounding and leading up to the debate can be labeled as a social movement. A key finding is a culture of consumption as a common thread throughout the debate. The poultry industry pushed for continued consumption of its products with an agenda of fear regarding disease and improper handling. Proponents countered with a discussion on an ethic of care for the birds. Ultimately, this rejection …

An Examination Of The Long Term Effects Of Exposure To Prescription Drugs On Infant Growth And Development, Annalisa Maurer

Masters Theses

The effects of prenatal exposure to many prescription medications are well known. However, little is known about the long term side effects early exposure to medications used to treat pain and sedate have on growth and development. This paper explores the long-term effects of postnatal exposure to prescription medication. The potential effects are applied to physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development as well as the overall health of an infant. Additionally, the options of the use of commonly used analgesics and sedatives are compared to other pain management options. Research surrounding long-term effects of early exposure to pain and generalizations/recommendations are …

Functional Annotation, Transcriptional Characterization And Enzymatic Contributions Of Essential Amino Acid Biosynthesis-Related Genes, Teresa J. Clark

Masters Theses

In plants, essential amino acid biosynthesis predominantly or exclusively occurs in the plastid. The plastid in the heterokont alga Nannochloropsis oceanica is surrounded by four membranes, which add great complexity to intracellular trafficking and communication. N. oceanica genes in essential amino acid biosynthesis were functionally annotated. The biosynthesis pathways resemble the pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana, but the gene content seems to be simpler in N. oceanica.

In addition, two A. thaliana mutants with loss-of-function mutations in the aspartate kinase-homoserine dehydrogenase 2 (AK-HSDH2) gene were characterized. These ak-hsdh2 mutants demonstrate unexpected accumulation of aspartate-derived amino acids (ADAAs), particularly threonine, in …

For Want Of Sloops, Water Casks, And Rum: The Difficulties Of Logistics In The Canadian Theater Of The Seven Years War, Daniel Bazan

Masters Theses

The thesis examines the various difficulties with logistics the British needed to overcome in Canada during the Seven Years War and those who helped . Without the necessary supplies and provisions for frontier campaigning, Britain would have lost the war. The thesis provides primary accounts of the geography during the war, various logistical factors, and the men that helped provide the necessary materials for the successful outcome of the British offensive in Canada.

Creating Sustainable Economic And Ecological Growth In The Congo Basin: Bushmeat Consumption And Biodiversity Protection, Richelle Lynn Warnock

Masters Theses

This research examines the economic and ecological sustainability of bushmeat hunting in the Congo Basin, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. Although bushmeat hunting has provided short term gain for individuals in the region, long term solutions focusing on micro and macro level interventions may provide community wide benefits, while protecting Congo Basin wildlife. Research shows that a focus on the development of key economic sectors such as agriculture, mineral resources and hydroelectricity, as well as the growth of infrastructure may provide viable economic gain for the Congo Basin. Ecotourism and improvements to forest management …

Isolation Of A Dosage Dependent Suppressor Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae As A Model System, Rachel Chimner

Masters Theses

Human pathogenic Yersinia use a type three secretion system to deliver various effector proteins into host cells. Once these effector proteins are within the cell, they elicit a cascade of events that disrupt the normal immune response. One of these effectors, YopT, is known to disrupt actin distribution but it is currently unknown what YopT targets within the host cell. To investigate the cellular targets of the YopT effector, we use a yeast model system and a dosage-dependent suppression screen. The dosage-dependent suppression screen isolated three plasmids able to suppress YopT induced lethality within yeast. One of them, 2T9, was …

Managing Tribal Lands And Resources In Michigan: Tribal, State, And Federal Influence, Elise M. Crafts

Masters Theses

Michigan Indigenous Tribes, along with the State and Federal government, are key players in current environmental management programs and policy. The current relationship between these three entities is not clearly defined. Using qualitative data collected through collaborative interviews with employees and members of multiple Michigan Tribes, this study narrates the present dynamic of the Tribal-State-Federal environmental relationship. The Federal government's legal obligation to Michigan Tribes may mitigate potential tension between Tribal and Federal environmental departments, as Tribal-Federal communication is historically established by treaty. Across the country, Federal, State and Tribal departments face similar environmental concerns but the extent to which …

A Teacher's Journey In School Improvement And Reform, Kristi Domrase

Masters Theses

Today America‘s schools are failing to prepare its students to compete in the 21st century knowledge based economy. The work presented in this thesis addresses current and historical educational reform movements in the United States with an emphasis on why American reforms are failing to keep pace with other countries in preparing its new students for the new global economy. As a teacher in a persistently low achieving school the paper is a culmination of course studies, research, and personal experiences with the school improvement process and reform policies. What I discovered is that the current educational reforms in America …

Information Technology Effects On Tunisian College Students; Tunisian English Majors As A Case Study, Ahmed Lachheb

Masters Theses

Tunisia has been recently in the worldwide news since December 2010. A country where the “Arab Spring” started that lead to a major political, economic and social shift in the Middle East and North Africa’s region. Change in all the country’s systems and dynamics is occurring on a daily basis during the current post-revolutionary period. However, Tunisia’s profile in academic journals and research is absent due to the lack of research work. In a country peopled with about 10 million, almost half a million students are attending 239 public and private higher educational institutions¹. Seeking higher education is …

Resolving The Nutritional Requirements Of The Bile Acid-Dehydroxylating Gut Bacterium Clostridium Scindens, Oindrila Paul

Masters Theses

Compared to the other parts of the human body, the gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbiota. The impact of the indigenous microbiota on host physiology is most pronounced in the colon, where the primary bile acids chenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid are converted, via 7α-dehydroxylation, to the toxic secondary bile acids lithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid, respectively, by Clostridium scindens, an obligate anaerobe. Interestingly, other than bile acid dehydroxylation, little is known about the basic physiology of C. scindens. Understanding the metabolism of C. scindens will hopefully provide much-needed information as to how this gut bacterium impacts human health and …

Flavored Milk Consumption In School Systems And Its Effects On The Body, Kayla Brandt

Masters Theses

Media has portrayed chocolate milk negatively and has been removed in some schools due to added sugar. However, it contributes only 3% of total added sugars in children's diets (Murphy, Douglas, Johnson, & Spence, 2008). It also provides all nine of the essential nutrients as white milk, three of which are vital shortfall nutrients (Mahan & Escott-Stump, 2008). The purpose of this study is to determine if the presence of chocolate milk affects the calcium intake of school- aged children in Nebraska. A convenience sample of approximately 300 children and adolescents, K-12, participated in a three-day quantitative study. The study …

Effects Of Yoga On Caregiver Stress And Feelings Towards Caregiving, Laura M. Castelon

Masters Theses

This research addressed the issues of caregiver stress and feelings towards caregiving. The following research questions were addressed: 1) Do caregivers who participate in yoga exercises feel less stress about their caregiving duties? 2) Do caregivers who participate in yoga view their caregiving duties as a more positive experience than caregivers who do not participate in yoga? 3) Is the relationship between stress level and positive feelings different between the yoga and non- yoga participants? A total of 21 participants had an equal chance of being selected to participate in either a yoga group or a non-yoga group. The subjects …

Wetting And Drying Cycles And The Fungal Communities On Leaf Litter In Streams, Kele Qwinn Thrailkill

Masters Theses

"Leaf litter is a major source of energy for streams in deciduous forests. Fungi play a critical role by converting the leaves into nutritional material for the rest of the food web. The breakdown of leaf litter and associated biota, including invertebrates and fungi, have been proposed as measures of stream health in systems affected by anthropogenic activity. Rates of leaf breakdown can be depressed in streams affected by acidity, metals, organic contaminants, and other stressors. Climate change may lead to alterations in stream hydrology such that streams experience more frequent floods as well as drying episodes. Fungal communities can …

Social Cognitive Theory Vs. Social Comparison Theory: Examining The Relationship Between Social Influence And Weight Loss, Emily Grigg

Masters Theses

This qualitative study investigated the impact of social influence on weight loss, more specifically, the internal and external elements that effect response and success of those who are trying to lose weight. The research focused on three questions: (1) How great of an influence does self-efficacy have in weight loss success? (2) How great of an influence does social comparison have in weight loss success? (3) Which factor has the largest impact on weight loss: self-efficacy, peer efficacy, or positive social support, or negative social support? Data was collected by the researcher conducting semi-structured interviews. These interview were conducted with …

A Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Community Health Workers‘ Impact Upon The Birth Outcomes Of At-Risk Pregnant Women In Muskegon County, Edward Michael Jados

Masters Theses

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the effects of community health workers (CHWs) on at-risk pregnant women in Muskegon County through a cost-benefit analysis. CHWs are selected, trained and working in the communities from which they live. The role of the community health worker is extremely diverse, usually due to the communities and programs that they serve. Their purpose is to improve health outcomes in the communities they serve by increasing access to and coverage to basic health services and needs, notably for underserved and medically needy populations. Previous studies have showed that CHWs have a positive …

Relationship Between Fundamental Movement Skills And Body Mass Index In Rural Elementary Age Children, Mariah L. Bolin

Masters Theses

A factor of how much physical activity a child gets could be determined by the level of mastery of fundamental movement skills that are needed for the establishment of skills used in many forms of adult physical activity. Children who master a number of fundamental movement skills are more likely to be physically active and they also may be more likely to take part in physical activity when being compared to peers with a lesser level of motor skill proficiency. Children who are considered overweight tend to engage less often in physical activities, which in turn may prevents them from …

Separating The Whites From The Chaff: Whiteness, Blackness, Racial Exclusion In The Midwest Agrarian Mind, Philip Mohr

Masters Theses

This thesis approaches the construction of race through the vantage of one agrarian magazine, the Prairie Farmer. It analyzes the rhetoric of the people who wrote for this magazine to distinguish changing attitudes toward whiteness and blackness in the rural and agricultural Midwest from the end of the Civil War to the Great Migration. While whiteness was equated with what the Prairie Farmer saw as the active, progressive farmer, blackness was associated with stupidity, laziness, and threat to property. From this, the thesis argues we can build a base of knowledge from which to analyze the roots of racism …