Digital Commons Network^™

Food Environment: Availability And Affordability Of Fruits, Vegetables, And Other Healthy Foods In Guilford County, North Carolina, Ismail Mintah

Theses

This study explores the built food environment in terms of food items availability and affordability in different types of stores and neighborhoods in Guilford County. A market basket list generated out of the USDA community food security toolkit was used to collect data on availability and prices of fruits and vegetables from three different stores types (Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, and Convenience Stores) in the county. Availability and affordability comparisons were undertaken by store type and income areas using (ANOVA) with a t-test. In general there were significant differences in availability and affordability of fruits and vegetables between supermarkets and grocery …

Factors Affecting Susceptibility Of Goats To Coccidia, Yaser Ahmed

Theses

Natural Resistance Associate Macrophages Protein one (NRAMP1) gene encodes a transmembrane protein that regulates divalent cation transport that hinders intracellular pathogen proliferation. The objective of this study was to determine how NRAMP1 expression and other factors may be associated with coccidia infections in goats. Clinically healthy Boer, Spanish, and Spanish-Boer cross goats (N=140) from the NCA&T Small ruminant unit were used. The FAMACHA© score, body condition score, body weight, and age were recorded. Fecal samples were evaluated for the levels of haemonchus eggs and coccidia oocytes using McMaster slides. Blood samples were evaluated for packed cell volume and …

The Effects Of Polyphenol Rich Peanut Skin Diets On Weight Gain, Lipid Profile, And Blood Chemistry In Rats, Erika Robinson Hayes

Theses

Peanut skin is a by-product of the peanut processing industry that is typically disposed. However, peanut skin contains significant amounts of protein, lipids, dietary fiber and is rich in antioxidants such as phenolics. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the overall impact of peanut skin consumption on the growth of young lab rats; (2) investigate the effects of peanut skin consumption on blood plasma cholesterol profile in laboratory rats; and (3) evaluate the effect of peanut skin consumption on the functions of major animal organs by measuring the changes of related biomarkers and gross pathology. Twenty five …

Extra Food Intake And Depressive Symptoms In Adolescents: Is There A Relationship?, Elizabeth Bradshaw

Theses

This pilot study explored the potential role of food on young people’s mental health. Specifically, the aim was to determine if a relationship exists between extra food intake and depressive symptoms in adolescents’ age 12-17 years. It has been documented that mental health problems in young people result from a complex interaction of risk and protective factors. Eating behaviours and food intake has been investigated in early adolescence (age 10-14), however the specific contribution of extra food on depressive symptoms in mid adolescence has not been determined.

Extra food intake and depressive symptoms were collected from girls and boys in …

Sand And Skirts: A Study Of British Women In Early Colonial Fremantle, 1829-39, Toni Church

Theses

This study of Fremantle during the first decade of British settlement at Swan River investigates the trauma and triumph of its female colonists. In this outpost of empire, British women hoped for a better life, with greater economic and social freedoms, and a promising future for their families. They faced many challenges to achieve these aspirations.

On their journey to Swan River they experienced the cramped conditions on board the emigrant ships that bred disease and discontent amongst passengers. Some suffered from violence, and loss was a part of everyday life. Loss of belongings and livestock in rough seas hampered …

A Study Of Poly Lactic Acid Bio-Polymer For Cereal Packaging, George Tuszkiewicz

Theses

The aim of this research has provided a technical framework for evaluating Co-Ex film structures of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for Ready to Eat (RTE) cereal primary packaging. This was accomplished through increased percentages of PLA content in each identified film candidate. The foundation for this research is that Bio Polymers are gaining market popularity as a result of the increasing world demand on plastics. As a result of plastics high market volatility and the strain on fossil fuel it has created focused research on Bio Polymers. However, it is widely known there are intrinsic …

Research For Ansi Accredited “Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Program” In Packaging Science For Undergraduate Students, Ankush Sharma

Theses

This research project is a result of a problem-solving proposal that was submitted to Program Chair Dr. Daniel Goodwin on June 28, 2010. The proposal recommends that RIT’s Packaging Science Program establish a unique Lean Six Sigma Green Belt in Packaging Science Certificate program for undergraduate students. The proposal was developed as a result of receiving input from the RIT Packaging Industrial Advisory Board, from researching packaging job descriptions and from Professor Dr. Duane P. Beck’s extensive Lean Six Sigma experience. Students who are successful in receiving the certificate will be able to demonstrate problem-solving skills in the packaging industry. …

Look, Cook, Learn: A Recipe For Improved Functionality In Cooking Design, Anna Mizer

Theses

Look, Cook, Learn: A Recipe for Improved Functionality In Cooking Design is a thesis which explores the relationship and differences between print media and digital media. Both are studied in respect to instructional cooking materials with their strengths and weaknesses .The final application involves a digital application for the Apple iPad as well as a printed recipe book. The user experience is of great importance and therefor information layering, visual layout, and consumer expectations are all considered. All information that is included in both the digital application is broken into sections depending on the function or action that the user …

Does Marketing Have An Image Problem? An Empirical Study In To The Opinion Of Marketing From The Perspective Of Business And Consumers., Tony Ferguson

Theses

In the 50 year period since the marketing concept was first introduced to business strategy, we have witnessed a shift from the post-World War 2 austerity of supply shortages, to a modern day consumerist society, where maturing markets and an excess supply of goods and services pose serious challenges, in a highly competitive business environment. As competition has intensified, businesses have endeavoured to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Billions of dollars have been invested in research to gain an insight in to what motivates a highly sophisticated and increasingly cynical consumer. These challenges have been exacerbated since 2008, by the …

Characterisation Of Bacterial Extracellular Polysaccharides (Eps) And Other Complex Carbohydrates With Prebiotic Potential, Padraigin Murphy

Theses

Prebiotics are selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microbiota that confers benefits upon host well-being and health’ It is not the prebiotic by itself but rather the changes induced in microflora composition that is responsible for its effects. Several sources of prebiotic were used in this study, namely extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) originating from Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), barley, oat. Laminaria digitata. Laminaria hyperborea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EPS-producing LAB were isolated from a wide variety of environmental and gastrointestinal niches. The strains were typed and classified according to their EPS-producing ability …

The Exploitation Of Bacteriophages For The Biocontrol Of Spoilage And Pathogenic Bacteria Including Mrsa, David Kelly

Theses

This thesis describes the successful isolation and characterisation of novel phages with applications in the medical/veterinary sector and also in the food and beverage industry. This thesis begins with a comprehensive literature review on the biocontrol applications of phages which will appear as a book chapter in “Phage therapy; Current research and applications” edited by Andrzej Gorski in the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental therapy, Wroclaw, Poland.

Chapters 2 to 5 encompass the technical part of the thesis work, which begins with the isolation and characterization of phages of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus which cause spoilage in the brewing industry'. …

Contamination Events And Linkages In World Rice Markets, Mana-Anya Iemsam-Arng

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Mana-anya Iemsam-arng, for the Master's degree in Agribusiness Economics, presented on November 9, 2010, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: Contamination Events and Linkages in World Rice Markets MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Dwight Sanders In August of 2006, genetically modified LibertyLink rice contaminated the supply of non-GMO rice in the United States, causing damage to the U.S. rice production sector's credibility in their export market. The damage to the United States' credibility included doubt as to whether or not they had the ability to separate GMO and non-GMO rice strains during planting and/or production. This …

Cookie Dough 2.0: Digital Sketchbook, Sue Leo

Theses

Cookie Dough 2.0 is a thesis documenting the graphic design branding journey of transforming cookie dough from simply a mixture of raw ingredients used in making chocolate chip cookies into a legitimate snack food. Graphic design was the critical factor in forming the brand character, packaging and marketing support materials. All concepts and final mechanicals were created digitally. Additionally, this thesis illustrates how the brand identity emerged through the many phases of product development.

Slow & Steady, Christin Boggs

Theses

Slow & Steady explores the contemporary movement away from mass-produced food and towards creative alternatives that offer vitality and potency to participants and their surroundings. Within the Greater Rochester Region, individuals have rejected convenience food to responsibly grow, prepare and share sustenance in cooperative groups. The photographs in this thesis depict scenes from community gardens, community supported agriculture (CSA) farms, farmers markets, and other organizations associated with local food production. Here exists a community of resourceful people, coming together in pursuit of good food. Slow & Steady points to one of the ways in which art can effect social change …

Identification Of Disease Resistance Networks In Maize Involved In Resistance To Aspergillus Flavus And To Aflatoxin Accumulation, Aparna Natarajan

Theses

Aspergillus flavusis a filamentous fungusthat causes an ear and kernel rot in maize (Zea mays L.). It produces a toxic secondary metabolite, aflatoxin, on the colonized maize kernels. Aflatoxin is a carcinogen to humans and animals. The toxin is also an immunosuppressant and causes aspergillosis in immune compromised individuals. Therefore, the presence of aflatoxin in food is strictly regulated by governmental agencies. Contaminated food leads to severe loss in profit and in marketable yield. There has been extensive research to investigate resistance of maize toA. flavus. Certain lines of maize exhibit increased resistance to A. flavus and aflatoxin accumulation compared …

The Effects Of A Community-Based Lifestyle, Cassidy Maria Scoggins

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Cassidy Scoggins, for the Masters of Science degree in Food and Nutrition, presented on November 19, 2009, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: THE EFFECTS OF A COMMUNITY-BASED LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION ON SNACKING PATTERNS, SCREEN TIME PATTERNS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AMONG ADOLESCENTS WHO ARE AT-RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Sharon Peterson Previous research has shown that overweight and obesity in adolescents is one of the leading risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). There are several risk factors for obesity that are modifiable in adolescents. Of these, snacking patterns, …

Prevalence And Timing Of Enamel Hypoplasias In The Vagnari Skeletal Sample (1st - 4th Centuries A.D.), Chrystal Lea Nause

Theses

This thesis investigates infant and childhood health in the Roman period (1st to 4th centuries A.D.) cemetery at Vagnari using data on the prevalence and timing of linear enamel hypoplasias (LEH‘s). These results are examined in the context of historical and archaeological evidence for childhood health in ancient Rome. Analysis of the prevalence of LEH‘s in 48 individuals reveals a low frequency (64.6 %) of enamel hypoplasias in comparison with other Roman period skeletal samples, suggesting that political–economic or geographical variables may have contributed to the generally healthy conditions for subadults at Vagnari. Intrasite analysis indicates no significant difference between …

The Nhanes Iii Database: Design And A Retrospective Study To Identify Associations Between Vitamin D And Hypertension, Brandon J. Marzullo

Theses

The results from government surveys are often available wholly or in part to the general public. However the format of this information is not always optimal for distribution or analysis, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, NHANES III, is one such example. This survey is released as data sets containing a Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) program, a column delimited data file, and documentation. This limits access to the data by requiring a license to read in and query the data. By taking the data in its available format and parsing it into a MySQL database the wealth of …

Female Reaction To Male Urine Scents As Potential Indicator Of Mate Choice In Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus), Regina Helen Mossotti

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF REGINA HELEN MOSSOTTI, for the Master of Science degree in ZOOLOGY, presented 23 October 2009, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: FEMALE REACTION TO MALE URINE SCENTS AS POTENTIAL INDICATOR OF MATE CHOICE IN CAPTIVE CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS) MAJOR PROFESSOR: GEORGE A. FELDHAMER Genetic variation in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has become dangerously low because of dramatic population decline and fragmentation. Zoos throughout the world manage captive cheetahs with breeding programs to maximize genetic heterozygosity. Unfortunately, the zoo community has not accomplished consistent breeding success with cheetahs, possibly because of a general lack of …

Mashed, Adam Fisher

Theses

My thesis film, "Mashed", was created with multiple purposes in mind. I wanted to use and build on everything I learned at RIT, entertain both young and old audiences, and support my belief that shooting mediums should be a choice tailored to fit the needs and purposes of a character in a film. Popular trends in animation and visual effects sometimes overshadow the fact that technological advancements benefit more than just computer-generated graphics. Convincing stop-motion characters (and characters of other mediums) can benefit from these same advancements, and even coexist with multiple other styles within the same frame. My film …

Evaluation Of The Current Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of End-Of-Life Electronics Among Students Of Selected North Carolina Universities Located In Guilford County, Bethany L. Clark

Theses

The purpose of the present study was to determine how much the general student population understands about the dangers and lost value that result from not properly recycling end-of-life (EOL) electronic devices. It was believed that changing the language associated with EOL electronics would, in turn, change the disposal practices of the general student population. College students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T SU) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) were chosen for this study because college students are a large group of electronic device consumers and because they are the next generation …

Antimicrobial Activity Of Copper Alone Or In Combination With Lactic Acid On The Growth Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Laboratory Medium And On The Surface Of Lettuce And Tomatoes, Rabin Gyawali

Theses

In recent years, Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been a major foodborne pathogen associated with fresh produce. Many outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have raised concerns in the microbial safety of fresh produce. Several different treatment solutions are being used to decontaminate fresh produce, but still it is very difficult to guarantee the microbiological safety. Therefore, the development of effective treatment for reducing E. coli O157:H7 on fresh produce is needed. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of copper alone or in combination with lactic acid on the survival and growth of E. coli O157:H7 in laboratory medium …

Individual, Behavioural And Environmental Pathways To Adolescent Obesity, Paola Teresa Chivers

Theses

The longitudinal investigations of the contributions of obesogenic variables to developmental pathways of adolescent obesity were examined. Key obesogenic variables were examined from the extensive database of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The data set included variables collected in utero (18-20 weeks), at birth, and at ages 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, and 14 years.

The key research question was: How do individual, behavioural and environmental factors in childhood contribute to weight status at early adolescence? Investigation of this key question examined how factors change over time and their respective influence on obesity, identified critical points in …

The Effect Of Dietary Supplement On Risk Of Infection In Community Based Patients With Type Two Diabetes Mellitus, Mamoon Ibrahim Abu Haltem

Theses

Background: Type Two diabetes mellitus prevalence is increasing dramatically universally and locally. Diabetic patients have shown higher risk of infections and associated morbidity. Many factors contribute to this, including poor nutritional status of this population. The lack of evidence in this field inspired us to look at the relationship between the dietary supplements and risk of infection in these patients.

Objective: To measure the effect of dietary supplement on risk of infection in community based patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Following informed written consent 100 diabetic patients have been randomly assigned to receive either an oral dose of …

The Relationships Between Obesity, Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Performance, Jennifer Ann O'Neil

Theses

Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea will impair Commercial Motor Vehicle operator performance. Obesity will increase the risk of developing serious medical conditions that may cause harm to human health and wellbeing. One condition that can be associated with obesity is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Various symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea will impair a commercial motor vehicle operator's ability to safely maneuver a vehicle. Many commercial motor vehicle collisions have been caused by operator fatigue and have resulted in serious injury and death. Due to unhealthy lifestyles, commercial motor vehicle operators are at a high risk of being obese. Obesity …

Benefits Of A Supplier Packaging Guideline, Kristin Waxmonsky

Theses

The purpose of this study was to record and analyze the benefits a company can gain by developing and implementing a Supplier Packaging Guideline. Many of the examples published online are available for evaluation, however there are no recorded results or development methodology for these. Fifty-nine industry professionals were surveyed regarding their current use of Supplier Packaging Guidelines. The following conclusions were made based on all applicable research: 1. Supplier Packaging Guidelines are in use by many companies in the United States. a. Survey shows 73 percent of the population uses this type of reference document. b. Of the documents …

Infrastructure Investment Strategies For Increased Agro-Industrial Outputs In Kosovo : [Presentation Given August 12, 2010], Siti Insiana

Theses

Not provided.

Parents' Perceptions And Parental Stress Related Obesity Of Children In United Arab Emirates, Salma Omar Sbait Ai-Nuaimi

Theses

Aim: This study aims to explore parents’ perception of obesity in children and stress related to obesity during childhood period in Emirate of Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.

Background: The prevalence of excess weight among children is increasing in both developed and developing countries. Overweight and obesity are leading cause of the most common health problems in children. The degree of parents’ perception about their child’s weight is likely to play a critical role in the development and management of childhood obesity. Greater parental perception and involvement is likely to encourage more active monitoring and controlling of child’s dietary …

The Effect Of Visfatin And Adiponectin On Metabolic Parameters Of An Animal Model Of Type 2 Diabetes, Thuraya Saeed Ali Alshamisi

Theses

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common exocrine disorders affecting more than 6% of the world’s population. The incidence and prevalence of this chronic disease are on the rise in many parts of the world including the Middle East. DM is caused by defective Insulin production, release and/or function. The causes and nature of abnormal insulin metabolism is less than clear. While defective insulin secretion is observed in type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance is predominant in type 2 diabetes, which affects more than 94% of the diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods: Rats between the age of two …

Phage Lysins - Structure, Genetics And Applications, Jennifer Garry

Theses

Antibiotics are of the utmost importance in the fight against pathogenic bacteria, however, in recent years there has been a continual increase in the development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. As a result it has become essential to develop new technologies to combat these pathogens. One such technology is the application of phage lysins as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic infections. A promising phage lysin is LysK, a 495 amino-acid protein derived from Staphylococcal Phage K. LysK can lyse a wide range of staphylococcal species including MRSA. It is also capable of killing both live and dead cells increasing its potential …