Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Effectiveness Of Conventional And Novel Sampling Methods For The Recruitment Of Sexual Minority Identified Women, Sarah M. Piperato

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual minority identified (SMI) women have an amplified risk for risky health behaviors and chronic health conditions. Current research on mechanisms related to health disparities in SMI women is limited. Research targeting SMI women has relied on small, convenience samples to address health disparities. Due to the nature of this population, probability sampling methods are ineffective and inefficient and cost prohibitive. The purpose of this dissertation was threefold. First, we examined the current state of literature to gain insight on prevalent sampling strategies used to access SMI women for health-related research. Second, we compared the efficacy of two sampling strategies, …

A Mixed Method Feasibility Assessment Of A Youth Participatory Action Research Program To Promote Physical Activity: Evaluating Implementation Within Two Pre-Existing Aftercare Programs Serving Middle School Youth, Michelle Abraczinskas

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity interventions to date have had small effects, which may be due to youth disengagement. In youth participatory action research (YPAR), youth become involved in research to make changes that impact their lives. Thus, integrating YPAR into a physical activity intervention, like we do in the current study, is a novel strategy to engage youth and increase empowerment for health behavior change. YPAR is typically implemented with high school youth, standalone, and within elective classrooms or focused after school programs; yet, YPAR can benefit all youth, so we expanded its reach into pre-existing aftercare programs. Participating youth were predominantly minority, …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Experiences And Motivations For Diabetes Self-Management In African American Men Between The Ages Of 40-85 With Type 2 Diabetes, Anthony Q. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes is a devastating disease that can affect an individual’s health and quality of life, but if managed properly, individuals with diabetes can have a good quality of life. Diabetes strikes African American men at a high rate. This study used a qualitative design to explore African American men between the ages of 40-85 with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and their definition of diabetes and motivation, their experience of living with diabetes, their self-management behaviors, their motivations for managing diabetes, and what they and healthcare providers believe motivates them to self-manage diabetes and to attend diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs. …

Inhibition Of Aflatoxin Biosynthesis With Vibrio Gazogenes, Phani Madhuri Gummadidala

Theses and Dissertations

Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin, is one of the world’s most potent carcinogen. It contaminates major food products such as milk, grains, nuts, corn, etc., leading to greater than $ 1 billion in economic losses and when ingested causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is the primary risk factor for 75% HCC cases in the developing world and 3% HCC cases in developed world. Most common methods used in agriculture to reduce aflatoxin contamination are expensive, time consuming and have low efficiency with limited success rates where as biological controls were proven to be most effective in inhibiting aflatoxins and aflatoxin producing fungi. …

Intersection: Reading, And Adult Homelessness And Public Libraries, Deborah W. Yoho

Theses and Dissertations

A deeper understanding of reading as more than a set of word-attack and decoding skills may help to guide public librarians seeking to fully implement the ethical professional standard of equitable access to information for everyone, including marginalized patrons such as adults experiencing homelessness. As public libraries respond to questions about their continued relevance in a digital age, an understanding of how libraries can contribute to solutions to community social needs such as homelessness has the potential to broaden community support for more inclusive library programming. In this qualitative study of the experience of reading among eight adults in a …

Impact Of A School-Based Obesity Intervention For Minority Female High School Students, Eric Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was developed to determine if seven motivational group sessions would improve minority female high school students’ perceptions toward and knowledge of healthy lifestyle behaviors. The target population for this study was 15 female minority students ages 15-18 who attended a large urban high school and had a body mass index greater than 30.

Participants completed the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale for Teens and maintained a personal food journal. Within their personal food journals, participants listed the types and amounts of both foods they ate and beverages they consumed over two three-day periods. Participants also were supposed to …

Prevention Strategies To Reduce Multifactorial Risk Factors Associated With The Onset Of Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review, Jacqueline A. Burnes

Theses and Dissertations

Noncommunicable diseases such as coronary artery disease continue to remain the principal cause of mortality in the United States, claiming nearly 800,000 lives in 2016. Reducing the onset of chronic diseases, specifically coronary artery disease, requires a fundamental approach to health care, involving patient access to high-quality primary care and accessibility to disease prevention programs. This study examined multifactorial risk factors and prevention mechanisms associated with coronary artery disease.

The applied dissertation is a systematic review of the literature designed to answer the question: What prevention strategies reduce multifactorial risk factors associated with the onset of coronary artery disease? The …

Exploration Of The Perceived Success Factors And Barriers For Teen Mothers, Janet M. Hill

Theses and Dissertations

In 2015, there were 229,715 babies born to teens between the ages of 15-19 years of age. Over the past few years, teen births have decreased, however the United States still has the highest rate of teen pregnancies. There have been successful teen mothers who have completed high school and have proceeded to attend college and graduate with either a two or four-year degree. It is important to understand this study was not intended to justify research on teen pregnancy or condone teen pregnancy, but there needed to be an awareness made regarding adults who were teen mothers and how …

Latina Sorority Membership Impact On The Experience And Persistence Of Latinas In Higher Education, Luz Danela Randolph

Theses and Dissertations

Latinas face many challenges upon their matriculation to a university, including culture shock, acclimation and sense of belonging. Such challenges threaten their retention and success. Having support or a sense of belonging within higher education are notions that influence Latina students to continue or persist in school. An emphasized venue, which supports the educational journey of undergraduate Latinas, is involvement in organizations that reflect their culture. The problem addressed was the need to investigate how sorority involvement impacted their experience and persistence. Conducting research on Latina sorority membership and whether it has an impact on the experience and persistence of …

Social-Emotional Skills For Early Learning With Preschool Students: A Program Evaluation, Tory Denyse Hagains

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this applied dissertation study was to evaluate the implementation of a program entitled Second Step for Early Learning to determine if the program would significantly improve social-emotional competence in young children. The participants included six teachers from a preschool program located in an urban school district in Pennsylvania. Data-collection sources included surveys, interviews, and a review of lesson plans. Data analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative procedures.Findings from three data sources in combination with training indicated that implementation of the program increased social competence in young children. Research suggests that the overall result of the effectiveness of …

Factors Affecting Adult Speakers Of Other Languages' (Esol) Enrollment In English For Academic Purposes (Eap) Courses: A Multicase Study, Jacklyn Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation provided insight and identified impediments and obstacles in the areas of educational and societal assimilation, career and monetarist support, and academics to ascertain the effects they have on students transitioning from ESOL classes to EAP courses. Adult non-native speakers have evolved into an important segment of the adult population in the United States. Many Limited English Proficient (LEP) students lack the aptitude as it relates to the English language, often translating into lower wages, higher rates of poverty, and limited upward movement in the workplace. Researchers have identified several factors that may potentially influence the program participants …

Trpc1-Mediated Ca2+ Entry Regulates Metabolism By Modulating Adipose Differentiation, Autophagy, And Adiponectin Secretion, Anne Schaar

Theses and Dissertations

A multitude of organs play a critical role in managing metabolism including the liver, pancreas, gut, brain, muscle, and adipose tissue. Abnormal function in any one of these can offset the metabolic balance and negatively affect whole body function thereby contributing to the development of metabolic complications and obesity. Although no single metabolic abnormality is responsible for obesity, understanding how normal cellular processes are regulated provides us with knowledge to reverse them during times of dysfunction. The main focus of this dissertation is on the regulation of adipose tissue due to its dual role of storing excess lipids and endocrine …

Assessment Of Blood Pressure Regulatory Controls To Detect Hypovolemia And Orthostatic Intolerance, Ajay Kumar Verma

Theses and Dissertations

Regulation of blood pressure is vital for maintaining organ perfusion and homeostasis. A significant decline in arterial blood pressure could lead to fainting and hypovolemic shock. In contrast to young and healthy, people with impaired autonomic control due to aging or disease find regulating blood pressure rather demanding during orthostatic challenge. This thesis performed an assessment of blood pressure regulatory controls during orthostatic challenge via traditional as well as novel approaches with two distinct applications 1) to design a robust automated system for early identification of hypovolemia and 2) to assess orthostatic tolerance in humans. In chapter 3, moderate intensity …

Examining Determinants Of Patient Activation In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Marnie M. Wetzstein

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Self-management plays a central role in the treatment chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the patient characteristics necessary for effective self-management are not understood. The skills, confidence, and knowledge to engage in chronic disease self-care, known as patient activation, may play a key role in the capacity of people to self-manage COPD. How the complex, systemic nature of COPD influences patient activation has not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among patient characteristics and health outcomes as determinants of patient activation among community-dwelling adults in the U.S. with COPD. The Revised Wilson …

Reliability Of The Styku 3d Whole Body Scanner For The Assessment Of Body Size In College Athletes, Joseph Daniel Derouchey

Theses and Dissertations

3-dimensional (3D) anthropometrics, such as volumes and surface area, have been shown to be important in predicting sport performance, and assessing health status, but most commercially available whole-body scanners are cost prohibitive. The main purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of a commercially available single camera 3D body scanning system to assess whole body and segmental circumferences, surface areas, and volumes of healthy collegiate athletes and students. Forty-nine male and female student-athletes active in various sports from a division I institute were scanned and measurements were analyzed. The single camera system demonstrated good within- and between-session …

Modeling Threats To Honey Bees In North Dakota From Land-Use Change And Pesticide Applications, Daniel Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

North Dakota supports the highest number of honey bee colonies in the US due to its abundance of floral resources, but threats from land-use change and pesticide applications have altered the quantity and quality of those resources in recent years. This thesis explored landscape scale pesticide use trends from both spray applied and seed treated insecticides on lands within 1.6km of ~13,000 registered apiaries North Dakota from 2001 to 2015. The regional application of five spray applied insecticides was collectively modeled using InVEST’s Habitat Quality Model during years of heightened land-use change. In these models, regional application rates were converted …

The Effects Of Cultural Participation On Health Outcomes Among American Indian/Alaska Native Elders, Collette Adamsen

Theses and Dissertations

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) history represents a number of traumatic events inflicted upon each tribal generation that has yet to recover. These events have led to major consequences on the health of this population. AI/AN people experience the worst health disparities in the nation (Espey et al., 2014; Warne & Lajimodiere, 2015). Previous studies have shown that loss of land, cultural devastation, and inadequate health care access are associated with the high rates of health disparities endured by AI/AN people throughout North America (Walters, et al., 2011). AI/AN beliefs tell us that culture serves a fundamental role in managing good …

Quantifying Extravehicular Activity Performance Degradation Due To Sustenance Deprivation, Eryn Beisner

Theses and Dissertations

Modern EVAs (spacewalks) performed onboard the International Space Station require astronauts to endure up to twelve hours of intense mental and physical exertion without food, as they do not stop to eat nor do they currently have the capabilities to consume sustenance in their spacesuits. With the future of space exploration taking aim at the Moon, Mars, and beyond, EVAs are expected to become more demanding than ever. This is a pilot study to attempt to quantify astronaut performance during an EVA to determine if there is significant performance degradation because of acute starvation. Astronauts conducting EVA training at NASA’s …

The Involvement Of Polyol Pathway In Hypgerglycemia And Cadmium Toxicity In The Establishment Of Diabetic Neprhopathy, Bethany Anne Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia induces damage to proximal tubule cells of the kidney. Since progression to ESRD correlates to pathological changes in the tubular segments of the kidney, the effects of hyperglycemia in the PT portion of the nephron may be particularly relevant to the progression of DN. Development of this disease also is likely to occur in the context of exposure to other renal toxins, and the heavy metal cadmium (Cd2+) may be the most relevant due to the accumulation of this metal in the major …

Removal Of Emerging Poly- And Per-Fluoroalkyl Substances By Water Treatment, Ryan Alexander Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (per- and poly-PFASs) are emerging contaminants that have raised great concern in recent years. Two anionic per-PFASs in particular, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), has received worldwide attention for their persistence in the natural environment, resistance to typical environmental degradation, bioaccumulation potential, and adverse health effects in humans. The stable chemical characteristics have enabled these chemicals to be used in many industrial and consumer products over the past 50 years. They have been detected all over the world in various environmental matrices.

The water treatment removal of per-PFASs has been well documented, but the full …

Yoga As An Intervention Among College Students: Measuring Changes In Body Dissatisfaction, Disordered Eating, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, And Experiential Avoidance, Rachel A. Kramer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to elaborate and expand research examining the incorporation of yoga in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in addition to the amelioration of body image and related factors through a two-study design. Study One recruited participants from a Midwestern psychology subject pool. One-hundred fifty women completed Study One. Results indicated that self-compassion, mindfulness, and body appreciation were negatively related to eating disorder pathology, body mass index (BMI), and experiential avoidance. BMI, eating disorder pathology, and experiential avoidance were all positively correlated with one another. Mediational analyses indicated the self-compassion was a significant mediator …

Temporal Trends In The Cardiorespiratory Fitness Of 2,525,827 Adults Representing Eight High- And Upper-Middle-Income Countries Between 1967 And 2016, Nicholas Rye Lamoureux

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To estimate international and national temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of adults, and examine relationships between CRF trends and trends in socioeconomic and health-related indicators.

Methods: Data were obtained from a systematic search of studies that explicitly reported temporal trends in the CRF of apparently healthy adults aged 18–59. Sample-weighted temporal trends were estimated using best-fitting regression models relating the year of testing to mean CRF. Post-stratified population-weighted mean changes in percent and standardized CRF were estimated. Pearson’s correlations were used to describe associations between linear trends in CRF and linear trends in socioeconomic and …

No Additional Benefit Of Foam Rolling Or Dynamic Stretching To Vertical Jump Performance Beyond A General Aerobic Warm-Up In Collegiate Athletes, Benjamin Saaribovre

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of four warm-up protocols on explosive strength in a vertical jump performance in collegiate athletes. Fifty-two NCAA Division 1 athletes (aged 20.3 ± 1.53 years, range: 18-23 years, Height 183.83 cm. ± 11.49 cm., Weight 81.85 kg. ± 17.56 kg., BMI 24.18 ± 3.64) performed each of the four randomly ordered warm-up protocols prior to performing both the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, with each warm-up and subsequent jump tests performed at the same time of day spaced 1-week apart. The four warm-up protocols were: (a) general aerobic (run/walk) (AERO); …

Integrating Obesity And Eating Disorder Prevention: A Pilot And Feasibility Trial Of Inspire, Courtney C. Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity and eating disorders are pervasive concerns among young adult women, and profoundly impact physical and psychological functioning. Weight-related disorders are typically chronic conditions; their treatment is often complex and frequently ineffective. Moreover, Black and Latina women have disproportionately high rates of obesity, and experience rates of eating disorders comparable to those of their White peers; yet, they are less likely to be referred to appropriate treatment. Given the intractability of weight-related concerns and their detrimental consequences, attempts to prevent unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviors are essential. To date, few prevention programs have significantly reduced both obesity risk and eating …

Healthy People Are Bad For Capitalism, Eri King

Theses and Dissertations

Healthy People are Bad For Capitalism is a four part installation that creates an alternative space for the chemicals, Red 40 and Monosodium Glutamate. Presented as a holistic center that offers healing services and remedies, Center for the Red 40 and MSG Healing explores the homeopathic doctrine of Like Cures Like (what make a human ill also cures them) through the relationship between Traditional Japanese Healing Practices, and Western Capitalism.

Healthy People are Bad For Capitalism presents Red 40 MSG Apothecary, Red 40 Zen MSG Healing Rock Garden, Theta Wave Eternal Flame Meditation and Red 40 MSG …

Application Of Food Grade Coatings To Prevent Mite Infestations In Dry Cured Ham Processing Facilities, Yan Li Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) is the predominant pest of dry cured hams during aging in the processing facilities. Methyl bromide is currently the only known fumigant that is effective at controlling ham mite infestations in aging houses. However, methyl bromide is being phased out of all industries and will be depleted in the near future. The research objectives were to 1) evaluate dry cured hams that have been treated with previously developed food grade coatings for sensory differences, and 2) to develop and determine the efficacy of ham nets incorporated with food grade coatings on controlling …

Application Of Food-Grade Ingredient Treated Nets To Control Tyrophagus Putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) Infestations On Dry Cured Hams, Xue Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae), also known as the ham mite, may infest dry cured hams during the aging process. The fumigant methyl bromide is currently used to control mite infestations, but eventually will not be available for use since it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. The use of ham nets treated with xanthan gum, carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, propylene glycol (PG), and lard were evaluated for their impact on mite orientation to or oviposition on treated or untreated ham cubes, mite reproduction and population growth over a 10-week period. When nets were infused with gum and …

Alternative Post Emergence Nitrogen Management Strategies For Delayed-Flood Rice Production, Richard Edward Turner

Theses and Dissertations

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) that is grown in the U.S. is predominantly grown in the mid-south. Current Mississippi State University recommendations for nitrogen (N) fertilization of rice suggest a single application of 168 kg N ha-1 on soils with CEC ¡Ü 20 and 202 kg N ha-1 on soils with CEC > 20. The primary objective was to identify alternative N management strategies that may potentially be used to reduce costs associated with aerial application of N fertilizer to rice. Research was established at the Delta Research and Extension Center, at Stoneville, MS, on two soil textures during 2015 and 2016. …

An Analysis Of Signaling Processes Leading To A Defense Response In Soybean, Brandon Trey Mcneece

Theses and Dissertations

Plant-parasitic nematodes are the cause of devastating yield loss in vital agricultural crops around the world. Heterodera glycines, also referred to as soybean cyst nematode, is the main pathogen of Glycine max (soybean) causing more loss than all other pathogens of G. max combined. The resultant economic impact due to H. glycines in United States soybean production alone is estimated to account for an annual one-billion-dollar loss. Natural resistant genotypes have been found in trials to combat this pathogen. Of the resistant varieties identified, G. max[Peking/PI 548402] and G. max[PI 88788] are the major sources of resistance. Identification of genes …

The Effect Of Controlling Temperature And Relative Humidity On Tyrophagus Putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) Infestations On Dry Cured Hams Treated In Food Grade Ingredient Infused Nets, Jasmine Deneen Hendrix

Theses and Dissertations

Since methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance, there is a significant need to find effective alternative compounds to control mite infestations on dry cured hams. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the most effective relative humidity and/or temperature to minimize mite reproduction and mold growth on dry cured hams in untreated and food grade ingredient infused nets. Mites on ham slices in untreated nets were reduced from the initial inoculum level of 50 mites per ham slice when exposed to 85% RH at 24, 28, and 32°C. Results indicated that hams should be stored at 85% …