Digital Commons Network^™

Pegda Pouches To Prevent Adhesions With In Vivo Bioreactor- Based Vascular Graft Strategies, Kranthi Vuppuluri

Theses and Dissertations

Different strategies have been investigated for the fabrication of vascular grafts. Using the peritoneal cavity of the patient as an “in vivo bioreactor” to recruit autologous cells to the implanted vascular conduit is one of the promising options. One of the main drawbacks with this strategy is the potential to form adhesions in the peritoneal cavity. In this project we are trying to address this potential side-effect by using polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) to produce a hydrogel pouch into which the electrospun conduits are placed, with the goal of reducing the potential to form peritoneal adhesion after implantation. PEG is …

Determining The Effects Of Sulfur Fertility Levels On Edamame Soybean [ Glycine Max ( L. ) Merrill ] Protein Components, Theoneste Nzaranyimana

Theses and Dissertations

Edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] a vegetable type soybean is harvested and consumed before reaching its maturity stage (R6). Its health properties drew attention to U.S. consumers because of its high protein content. Proteins are the major structural component of all cells in the living organisms. They are made of essential and non-essential amino acids which play a big role in growth and development and are source of energy. Proteins act as enzymes, antibodies, and hormones and blood protein. Sulfur (S) is a component of the amino acids cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met) which are the building blocks for proteins. …

Invisible Pain: Looking At Women’S Fibromyalgia Disclosure In The Workplace Through The Lens Of Communication Privacy Management Theory, Robert D. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2014), fibromyalgia is identified as an arthritis-related ailment, but it does not damage tissues or cause any form of inflammation. However, individuals with fibromyalgia still experience pain and fatigue. Based on Arnold et al.’s (2008) conclusion that individuals with fibromyalgia experience disrupted relationships, isolation, and loss of or lack of advancement in an occupation, and because women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia more frequently than men, my focus in the study was on the workplace experiences of women with fibromyalgia. Specifically, I was interested in uncovering how these women …

The Effects Of Dietary Intake On Fuel Metabolism During Aerobic Capacity Exercise, Taylor Lynn Stephenson

Theses and Dissertations

In order to produce mechanical energy through muscular activity, the body must oxidize chemical energy, carbohydrate, fat, or protein through metabolic processes, which then results in the production of ATP as mechanical energy through exercise. Total body metabolism, specifically skeletal muscle depends on factors such as the intensity and duration of exercise, substrate availability, and Training status. During exercise at low intensities (25% of VO2 max) fat is the primary macronutrient that is oxidized for energy. As the exercise intensity progresses, (65% of VO2 max) there is an alteration in skeletal muscle utilization, which results in mainly the use of …

Intervention Effects Of An Eating Disorder Prevention Program Utilized By A Public University, Krista B. Deceault

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Negative body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders affect large numbers of young women each year. The use of dissonance-based eating disorder prevention programs in college-aged women has been shown to improve how women feel about their bodies and better equip women for challenging stereotypes that exist in the culture today.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intervention strategies of the “Body Project,” an eating disorder prevention program, and assess the effectiveness on reducing five eating disorder risk factors; thin-ideal internalization, diet restraint, body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and eating disorder symptoms.

Design: Two years of …

Effects Of Gm Disclosure Statements On Consumer Perceptions Of Selected Food Products In Survey And Sensory Panel Settings, Ellyn Margaret Newcomb

Theses and Dissertations

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (PL 114-216) will require nearly all foods sold in the U.S. to bear a statement disclosing whether they contain genetically modified (GM) material. Past studies suggest the presence of such a statement could have profound effects on consumers; however, research comparing consumer response towards different GM-disclosure statements is scarce. PL 114-216 states that GM foods shall not be considered more or less safe than their non-bioengineered counterparts, nevertheless it would benefit regulators and food manufacturers to be aware of the possible effects such disclosures might have on consumers. In a nationwide survey, multiple disclosure …

Decellularization And Recellularization Processes For Whole Porcine Kidneys, Nafiseh Poornejad

Theses and Dissertations

Concern over kidney disease has increased dramatically in recent years within the medical community. It is estimated that approximately one in fifteen Americans, nearly 20 million people, experience chronic kidney disease with most of those diagnosed progressing to kidney failure. The ultimate treatment available for end stage renal failure is whole kidney transplantation. However, there are very few kidneys available for patients to receive and those patients who are fortunate enough to receive an organ must remain on immunosuppressive medication for the remainder of their lives. The United States Department of Health & Human Services have reported that 18 people …

Economic Burden Of Tuberculosis Among Bangladeshi Population And Economic Evaluation Of The Current Approaches Of Tuberculosis Control In Bangladesh, Mohammad Rifat Haider

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is major scourge for human history and causes profound economic burden. Bangladesh is a high burden TB country with 12% of its annual death is caused and 362 thousand people are infected by TB. DS-TB is the most prominent type of TB found in Bangladesh and a 6 month drug regimen (2 month intensive and 4 month continuation phase) is followed. But the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) differ in delivery through community health workers (CHW) and community members (CM). Bangladesh has also experienced surge in the number of MDR-TB cases with a 29% of MDR-TB cases …

Raising Eaters Part Ii: Generational Effects Of Parenting Styles On Females Eating Behaviors In Childhood, Ellen Kaye Durham

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past four decades pediatric obesity rates have more than tripled and child eating disorders are on the rise, suggesting a significant health concern in children’s eating habits (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2013; Rosen, 2010). As females are identified as most at risk for disordered eating (Collins, 1991) and mothers remain the primary caretakers of children at home, females are the focus of the present study. Following Bandura’s principles of observational learning, attitudes regarding eating practices and body image are likely to be transmitted from mother to daughter and perpetuated across generations through parental control and …

Adsorption Of Perfluorinated Compounds From Post-Emergency Response Wastewater, Christopher T. Schmidt

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the efficacy of granular activated carbon (GAC) as a method to treat water impacted with aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) after a firefighting response. Bench-top experiments were conducted and compared to field scale adsorber performance removing mg/L concentrations of PFAS in water contaminated with Military Specification AFFF. Batch tests compared four adsorbents, and determined Calgon F600 GAC and Rembind Plus mixed carbon media had the greatest perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) capacities. Additional batch isotherm experiments using AFFF and higher PFOS concentrations (mg/L) indicated larger amounts of GAC are required (>30mg/L) for effective removal. Full-scale testing simulated an …

Agronomic And Economic Implications Of Cover Crop Inclusion Within Varying Nitrogen Management Strategies In Central Illinois, Richard T. Roth

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis contains a comprehensive analysis of research investigating the impacts of nitrogen application timing and cover crops on the biomass production, nitrogen uptake, and cash crop grain yield in subsequent cash crops. Also contained within this thesis is a cost benefit analysis for the implementation of cover crops within varying nitrogen management systems, which assigns value to the environmental benefits of cover crops and determines their potential to recover the implementation costs associated with cover crops.

Association Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake With Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Adolescents, Jonathan C. Grimwood

Theses and Dissertations

An association has been established between total dietary energy intake and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adolescents. However, there is little research examining specific dietary components, such as fruit and vegetable intake. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this research is to determine if an association exists between fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake and CRF in adolescents. A secondary purpose of this study is to determine if an association exists between F/V intake and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A sample of 424 adolescents (234 males and 190 females), age 10-18 years, completed the Dietary Behavior section of the Youth Risk Behavior …

The Therapeutic Effects Of Dry Cupping On Iliotibial Band Tightness, Madeline Marie Biehl

Theses and Dissertations

Context: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a muscle-like structure on the outside of the thigh and plays a vital role in movement and can become tight if overused. This tightness can lead to a wide array of injuries in an otherwise healthy individual. Previous research has proved the need to treat a tight ITB, but techniques previously researched have not proven to be effective in reducing ITB tightness. Dry cupping is a method in which suction is generated from a vacuum-sealed cup using a pump in order to alleviate pain, reduce tightness, and promote healing. Recently, cupping has been used …

The Influence Of Online Social Networking Sites On Selection Into A Dietetic Internship, Noel Lorraine Konken

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Acceptance into a Dietetic Internship (DI) Program is a competitive application process where the growing number of applicants exceeds the number of available positions. Because of this, Dietetic Internship (DI) directors may need to outsource external applicant information on social networking sites (SNS) to better differentiate among top candidates.

Objective: The purpose of this study surveying didactic program in dietetics (DPD) directors and DI directors was to evaluate the effects of SNS education on DPD match rate and how DI directors utilize SNS while reviewing potential candidates’ application materials.

Design: DPD and DI directors were emailed a link to …

Changes In Anthropometric And Physiological Characteristics Of Male Collegiate Rugby Union Players Throughout A Season, Edward Kyle Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Rugby Union is a physically demanding sport requiring a variety of anthropometric and physiological characteristics to maximize performance. Factors such as muscular power, speed, agility, maximal aerobic power, mobility, and body composition all factor into player performance. PURPOSE: To determine changes in body composition, anthropometric and physiological characteristics of collegiate rugby union players throughout a competitive season. METHODS: Participants included 37 (20.3 ± 1.5 years) men from a collegiate rugby club. Muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10m and 20m sprint), agility (L-drill), mobility (FMS active straight leg raise and shoulder mobility) maximal aerobic power (VO2peak via 20m multi-stage shuttle run …

Effect Of Wet Brewer's Grain Inclusion On The Growth Performance, Carcass Performance, And Meat Quality Of Finishing Cattle, Riley T. Parmenter

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Wet Brewer’s Grains (WBG) on the growth performance, carcass performance, and meat quality of finishing cattle. Twenty-four (n=24; 12 heifers – 303kg, 12 steers – 346kg) calves of Simmental-Angus genetics were utilized. Calves were paired by sex, blocked by BW within sex in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with three replications per treatment, and fed for 140d. Control diets were a conventional corn silage – shelled corn finishing-diet. Experimental diets modeled the control diet with the inclusion of WBG on a thirty-percent DM basis. Cattle were visually appraised …

Textural, Color And Sensory Attributes Of Fruits And Vegetables Dried Using Electric Forced-Air And Solar Dehydrators, Edward Wayne Crossen

Theses and Dissertations

Direct sun drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. A drying method that utilizes solar energy while minimizing negative aspects of sun drying is a solar dryer. However, research about the quality characteristics of fruits and vegetables dried using a solar dryer compared to a traditional dryer is lacking. To measure this, apple, tomato and carrot slices, and grape halves and whole peas were prepared and dried using either a solar or FA dehydrator (FA), Consumer liking was measured using two sensory panels that asked panelists 9-point hedonic questions between like products. Quality differences were analyzed using …

Developmental Idealism And Declines In Support For Female Genital Cutting In Egypt From 2005 To 2014, Hilary Barker

Theses and Dissertations

In Egypt, female genital cutting (FGC) is illegal and declining in prevalence; however, the majority of women continue to support the practice. Using data from the 2005 and 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys, I examine changes in attitude toward FGC to explain social change through the framework of developmental idealism (Thornton 2015). Models are estimated using logistic regression to test if support for discontinuation of FGC is greater among women who have adopted progressive values or among women who are more traditional. Findings indicate that women who were Christian, rural, married younger, and that underwent FGC became supportive of …

Lkb1 Regulation Of High-Fat Diet-Induced Adaptation In Mouse Skeletal Muscle, Ting Chen

Theses and Dissertations

Ad libitum high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity leads to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, altered gene expression, and altered growth signaling, all of which contributes to pathological changes in metabolism. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is an important metabolism regulator. The purpose of this dissertation was to understand how knocking out LKB1 influences HFD induced adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle. To do so, control and skeletal muscle LKB1 knock-out (LKB1-KO) mice were put on either standard diet (STD) or HFD for 1 week or 14 weeks, or put on the HFD for 14 weeks and then switched to STD for 1 week …

Understanding The Association Between Nutrition And Depression By Assessing Diet Quality, Omega-3, Cholesterol, And Sleep Quality In College Students, Kandice H. Abramson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Depression is one of the most common health problems in college students. Understanding the associations between diet quality, total blood cholesterol, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms could aide in improving the mental health of this population.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between diet quality, omega-3 fatty acid intake, total blood cholesterol levels, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms in college students.

Design: Data were collected from a convenience sampling of participants in a general physical fitness course at Illinois State University. The Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI), a composite measure to assess adherence to …

Effectiveness Of Intuitive Eating Intervention Through A Text Messaging Program Among College Students, Tessa J. Loughran

Theses and Dissertations

A critical time period to prevent overweight may be the college age years. College students experience newfound food independence, possibly resulting in the formation of poor eating habits, such as overeating, or binge eating, placing them at high risk for obesity. Additionally, college students with high perceived stress levels are more likely to experience emotional eating, which may lead to weight gain. Intuitive Eating (IE) practice focuses on listening to the hunger and satiety signals, in hopes that it will prevent overeating, resulting in weight loss. Recently, texting intervention has been seen to be a successful intervention platform for behavior …

Rights Of Nature And The Political Implications Of Post-Humanist Ecologies, Jaimie Kent

Theses and Dissertations

Several countries have adopted legal frameworks that recognize ‘nature,’ or nonhuman things in ‘nature,’ as rights-bearing entities in their own right. In this thesis, I ask what these laws can tell us about the possible political implications of post-humanist perspectives regarding nonhuman entities and ‘nature.’ To answer this question, I analyze the similarities and differences between recent post-humanist ecological perspectives (Bennett 2010; Latour 2014, 2004) and indigenous imaginaries that informed rights of nature laws in Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand. This comparative analysis reveals a promising path for achieving sustainable relationships with nonhuman entities that promote environmental protection. Finally, I …

Exploring The Policymaking Process Of School-Based Physical Education: A Congressional Perspective, Edward B. Olsen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory case study design was to investigate and analyze the policymaking process of physical education at the national level. The participants used to explore this phenomenon were senators and representatives from the 114th-115th Congress who sat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (n = 21), and the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education (n = 14). Additional participants were national policymakers (n = 3), staffers (n = 6), and legislative liaisons (n = 2). Data was collected from semi-structured interviews (n = 8), policy artifacts (n = 87), and the researcher's journal …

The Effect Of Time Of Day Of Chronic Exercise On Neural Response To Visual Food Cues, Jessica Taylor Davies

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of an 8-week, progressive exercise intervention on neural responses, specifically N2 amplitude as a measure of inhibitory control, to pictures of food. Healthy women ages 18-44 years were randomized to a morning (AM) exercise group or evening (PM) exercise group. The AM group did moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise on 4 days per week between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. while the PM group had the identical volume of exercise between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Neural responses, eating behaviors, cardiovascular fitness outcomes, and body weight/composition were measured at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. The N2 amplitude in …

Aquaponics As A Sustainable Alternative To New Land Reclamation And Conventional Agriculture In Egypt, Hisham Ahmed Samy El Essawy

Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture in Egypt is facing dramatic changes that affect its productivity, and accordingly the Egyptian economy. Egypt started in the 1930s, expanding agricultural land through land reclamation projects. Many of these projects did not perform as expected or planned due to lack of water and other challenges. While land reclamation and conventional agriculture techniques have a lot of technical, social, and economical problems in Egypt; soilless agriculture and aquaponics are being successfully used in other regions for urban food production as a sustainable solution. Aquaponics is a technique that integrates fish and crop productions by bringing aquaculture with hydroponics (soilless …

Economic Cost Associated With Democratic Transition Economic Analysis Of Egypt, Sarah Refaat Khalifa

Theses and Dissertations

The modern world has passed through waves of democratic transition where citizens of certain countries were not satisfied with their governing models. There was no definite cause why people would rebel against their governments. There were cases of poverty and economic deterioration, suppression of freedom, political inequity, or police and military domination. Egypt has faced all of them simultaneously, resulting in the 2011 revolutionary wave. Since 2011, Egypt has been trembling in the democratic transition period. This study is concerned with shedding the light on Egypt’s economic indicators from 2011 till 2015. It analyzes the results of the wave on …

The Sustainable Succession Of Family-Owned Businesses In The Agriculture-Farming Sector In Egypt, Sara Khaled Aboulmagd

Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture sustainability is considered a pillar for a country’s economic stability, and equally, Family Owned Businesses (FOBs) are considered a primary factor that contributes to the economic growth of a country, especially when 40% of the country’s GDP are considered FOBs. However, various studies have stated that a large percentage of Family Owned and Controlled Businesses (FOBs and FCBs) have not been successful with their generational transition process, thus affecting their sustainability. In addition, sources also stated that the agriculture sector in Egypt has been facing challenges throughout the past 60 years due to various factors, leading several FOBs in …

Developing Industrial Resource Sustainability Roadmap: Cement Industry Case Study, Mary Mamdouh Moharib

Theses and Dissertations

For proper implementation of sustainability, two dimensions need to be taken into consideration, resource conservation and pollution prevention. Compromising on any of the two would mean that future generations are deprived of their ability to meet their needs. Since resources are the building blocks of all economies, and a clean pollution free environment benefits the general welfare of the society, the economy and social part are automatically taken care of. The goals of resource sustainability were realized in the following three stages: 1. A roadmap was developed to address the management and strategic requirement for successful implementation of resource and …

Socially Sustainable Neighborhoods: Special Reference To The Egyptian Context, Alia Omar Azzam

Theses and Dissertations

Urban social sustainability has become one of the rising topics drawing the attention of urbanists and policymakers all over the world. Yet, in Egypt, the concept is not given enough consideration in the current urban development context. It is still quite immature in both theory and practice, especially in new cities where social problems can be challenges to the sustainability of communities. In addition, a neighborhood is found to be a critical urban scale that affects both individuals and the society as a whole. Therefore, this research sheds light on the importance of embracing the concept of urban social sustainability …

Cash Transfers And State-Citizen Relation In Egypt: Takaful And Karama In A Development Context, Ebshoy Magdy Zaki

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to find out how the new cash transfer program, Takaful and Karama, implemented by the Egyptian government is affecting the relationship between the Egyptian state and its citizens. This is done through depicting the accounts of the two main actors in this relation: the state and its citizens. In the quest for achieving the objective of this study, a qualitative approach is being applied through using content analysis to depict the account of the state and semi-structured interviews to depict the accounts of the beneficiaries of and the applicants to the program. The study …