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A Sensory-Based Multi-Component School-Based Nutrition Intervention Among Fifth-Grade Students, Stacy Lyn Bevan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The nutritional status of children is declining as evidenced by the steady rise in childhood obesity rates over the last three decades. Consuming five servings of fruit and vegetables (FV) daily has shown to help with weight maintenance, but children are consuming far less than the recommended servings. This study was designed to test the efficacy of a sensory-focused multi-component school-based program at increasing vegetable intake among fifth-graders. Classroom, family, and community components allowed children to explore thirteen target vegetables with their senses including taste. Vegetable consumption was measured by digitalized observations of lunchtime vegetable selection and consumption. Vegetable acceptance …

A Proposal To Make Grain Storage Financially Feasible, David L. Garrett

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The United States has a National Oil Reserve but not a food reserve. Just as the oil reserve is designed to buffer unforeseen disruptions in the critical supply, the nation should also have a food reserve for the same purpose.

The United States and other developed nations have little or no food reserve beyond the typical demands between growing seasons. Marvelous production achievements in agriculture beginning in the early 1960s and known as the “Green Revolution” are now leveling off. Food production, suffering from such negative side effects as reduced water tables, is being outstripped by population growth (Bourne, 2009).

Reducing Reliance On Supplemental Winter Feeding In Elk (Cervus Canadensis): An Applied Management Experiment At Deseret Land And Livestock Ranch, Utah, Dax L. Mangus

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Wildlife managers have fed elk in North America for nearly 100 years. Giving winter feed to elk can compensate for a shortage of natural winter range and may boost elk populations while also helping prevent commingling with livestock and depredation of winter feed intended for livestock. In contrast to these benefits of supplemental feeding, there are economic and environmental costs associated with feeding, and elk herds that winter on feeding grounds have a higher risk of contracting and transmitting disease. Brucellosis is of primary concern now, and Chronic Wasting Disease may be in the future. Many see the discontinuation of …

Enhancing The Cultural Competence Of Women’S Health Nurses Via Online Continuing Education, Ella T. Heitzler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

By 2050, current minority groups will comprise almost half of the US population further challenging healthcare providers and nurses to deliver culturally competent care. Numerous organizations have published documents supporting cultural competence and its incorporation into nursing curricula has been encouraged since 1986. However, practicing nurses, specifically those providing care to childbearing women and families, continue to acknowledge their lack of cultural competence. This is concerning as large health disparities exist between culturally diverse women and cultural competence can lead to greater health equality and better client care. Studies have shown face-to-face education increases the cultural competence of healthcare providers; …

Measuring The Impact Of Youth Efnep: Questionnaire Development And Validation, Yenory Hernandez

All Dissertations

Background: Given the problem of childhood obesity and food insecurity among low-income children, the Youth Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) needs an appropriate, valid and reliable evaluation tool to determine the program effectiveness.
Purpose: To describe the development and preliminary validation of EFNEP Youth Quest questionnaire, an impact assessment tool designed for Youth EFNEP program.
Use of theory: The Community Nutrition Education logic model adapted with constructs of Social Cognitive Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior.
Targeted audience: Low income-ethnically diverse children, in third, fourth and fifth grade.
Design: The development of the questionnaire included six phases: preliminary …

The Rights Of Children Affected By Aids: A Policy Paper Focusing On The Right To Education, Gita Jaffe

All Dissertations

HIV and AIDS have the potential to surpass every catastrophe in Africa's history, because they encompass all of the past vulnerabilities. Thirty years after the identification of HIV, a transition from medical disease to social epidemic has occurred. The impact on family and community is threatening current economic, medical and social systems. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the region most adversely affected, 14 million children have already been orphaned (UNAIDS, 2008). And at the core of the burgeoning orphan crisis, children affected by AIDS (CABA) are unable to exercise their rights, based on their position in society. This paper will concentrate …

Anticipating U.S. Population-Level Health And Economic Impacts Using Discrete-Event Simulation To Guide Health Policy Decisions, Odette Reifsnider

All Dissertations

This dissertation presents two applications of discrete-event simulation (DES) to represent clinical processes: (1) a model to quantify the risk of the maternal obese and diabetic intrauterine environment influence on progression to adult obesity and diabetes, and (2) a model to evaluate health and economic outcomes of different smoking cessation strategies. The first application considers the public health impact of the diabetic and obese intrauterine environment's effect on the prevalence of diabetes and obesity across subsequent generations. We first develop a preliminary DES model to investigate and characterize the epidemiology of diabetes during pregnancy and birth outcomes related to maternal …

Characterizing Textural Attributes Of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus Mykiss, Fillets As Affected By Age, Sterility, And Storage Regimen, Aunchalee Aussanasuwannakul

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Trout fillets, subjected to refrigeration (4°C; 3 or 7 d) by frozen storage (-25°C; 0 or 30 d) combinations, were cooked; texture, determined by a novel, variable-blade (VB) attachment, was compared with a widely-used Allo-Kramer shear (AK) attachment to determined its sensitivity in detecting variation in fillet texture. Instrumental texture was related to sensory measurements to determine attachments' accuracy in assessing cooked fillet texture. Weight of raw fillets decreased after 30-d frozen storage. Fillet weight further decreased after cooking. Moisture content decreased while fat content remained constant. The AK attachment detected differences in energy of shear, which decreased after 30-d …

A Tailored Wellness Intervention For College Students Using Internet-Based Technology, Alessandro Quartiroli

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a theory-based, computertailored feedback system for freshman students at a large, public university. The objective was to understand its potential effectiveness in helping the university in enhancing student wellness. Participants: Sixty-two college students, out of the over 1,300 contacted, completed the eight week intervention.;Methods. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups and received the survey three times, consistently receiving normative or personalized feedback.;Results. Mainly constituted by freshman, Caucasian, and normal weight individuals, the participating sample was generally healthy. Repeated-measure ANOVAs were run and some small significant differences were …

Diabetes Group Medical Visits And Biophysical Outcomes Of Care In Uninsured Persons With Diabetes, Jennifer A. Mallow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background. Rural populations with low socioeconomic status are at higher risk of late diabetes diagnosis, poor diabetes control, decreased self-management, and development of complications. Diabetes Group Medical Visits (DGMVs) have been used to improve outcomes for persons with diabetes. A gap in the literature exists related to the effectiveness of DGMVs for uninsured persons with diabetes.;Aims. The aims of the study were to describe the characteristics of uninsured persons with diabetes cared for in a free clinic, describe the biophysical outcomes of care, explore the differences in biophysical outcomes of care before and after attending DGMVs versus receiving usual care, …

Effects Of Resveratrol Supplementation On Glycemic Response And Oxidant Status In Moderately Exercised Mature Quarter Horse Geldings, Jennie L. Zambito

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phytocompound is known to exert numerous health benefits including improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, along with decreased tissue damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This compound is incorporated in a multitude of supplements targeted to performance horses, yet no research in an athletic equine model has been completed to date. Therefore, this study was performed to test the hypothesis that resveratrol supplementation would improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, while reducing oxidant damage in an exercising model. Six, healthy, fit aged (10.5+/-1.5yr, ~500kg) Quarter Horse geldings were assigned to three treatment groups in a …

Evaluating The Effects Of Morrow's Honeysuckle Control On Vertebrate And Vegetation Assemblages, And Small Mammal Foraging Ecology At Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Charnee Lee Rose

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Exotic, Japanese bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.; Caprifoliaceae) are tied to a variety of impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) has become a persistent invader in eastern North America. We organized a restoration initiative at Fort Necessity National Battlefield (FONE), Pennsylvania, USA from 2004--2010. Concurrently, we studied the consumption of Morrow's honeysuckle fruits by small mammals from October--November 2009 and July--August 2010, and determined habitat variables that affected visitation rate to foraging stations. Areas of FONE were invaded by Morrow's honeysuckle after the land had been cleared for agriculture, and routine mowing ceased in the mid-1980s. Our restoration …

Diversity As An Influence On The Choice Of Teaching Positions By Pre-Service Students In Special Education, Tara A. Brooks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With today's increasingly diverse classrooms, teachers are challenged to provide strategies that are effective in ensuring that all students reach success, regardless of race, class, or disability. Teacher education programs are also responsible for providing the type of experiences that prepare graduates to meet the needs of today's diverse classrooms. This study investigated the types of hypothetical teaching positions that pre-service students in special education deem as most ideal and the factors present within those positions. It also sought to determine if any relationship existed between participants' perceptions of beliefs and their choices of teaching positions. Pre-service students in special …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Telephone Program For Patients With Heart Failure On Quality Of Life, Anxiety, Depression, And 30 Day Hospital Readmissions, Brooke Leaberry

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction. The prevalence of heart failure (HF) has continued to increase around the globe in the past 30 years. Despite advanced technology and rigorous management protocols, patients diagnosed with HF continue to suffer heart failure symptoms. These debilitating symptoms frequently lead to anxiety, depression, decreased quality of life, and frequent hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an outpatient phone intervention on 30-day hospital readmissions, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in heart failure patients.;Methods. This study used a prospective, longitudinal design to evaluate the effectiveness of a phone intervention for patients discharged with a …

Effects Of Transitional Goal-Setting And Programming On The Number Of Children In Foster Care Who Will Meet The High School Graduation Requirement., Kim Smith

Education Doctoral

Annually, seven billion dollars is spent on the care of foster children. Yet, many foster children drop out of high school, become homeless, incarcerated, and welfare recipients. Most foster children ― age out‖ of foster care lacking survival skills. At age 21 foster children are no longer eligible for foster-care. Roughly 46% of the foster-care population become dropouts. Through the theoretical lens, this study investigated children‘s foster - care experience regarding meeting the high school graduation requirement. Using qualitative methods, interviews were conducted on foster children who successfully graduated from high school and attend college. They provided insight into the …

Variation In Parenting Style In A Captive Group Of Western Lowlands Gorillas, Ana E. Fernandez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Parenting styles were examined in a group of western lowland gorillas to determine the relationship between parenting style and multiple births with a single individual. Another interest in this study was on varying ways that motherhood can be approached, with partial attention to the relationship between parenting style and social rank. Observational data was collected by means of focal animal sampling and used to analyze contact behaviors in mother-infant relationship. Results indicated that parenting style stayed consistent within the same mother, but different between mothers.

Monitoring Atrazine-Degrading And Atrazine-Tolerant Bacterial Populations In Lower Rio Grande Valley Agricultural Canals Using Quantitative-Pcr And Internal Atza Primers, Ibdanelo Cortez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The research hypothesis was that atrazine-degrading bacteria would be detectable during the planting and rainy seasons with their populations dissipating during non-planting and dry seasons in 2010-2011. Atrazine concentration was detected in March, May, June and August for all canals with June having the highest average concentration of 0.77ppb. Gene atzA abundance was detected from June through August with July samples having the highest gene abundance of 250.6 (pg). Tolerant bacterial densities were detectable from March through June. Atrazine concentration and population abundance were not statistically different during planting and non-planting, rainy and dry seasons, although there was a trend …

Association Study Of Candidate Gene Polymorphisms And Obesity In A Young Mexican-American Population From South Texas, Jorge Duran-Gonzalez, Ixiu Ortiz, Enrique Gonzales, Nicole Ruiz, Manti Ortiz, Arthur Gonzalez, Edna K. Sanchez, Eugenia Curet, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch, Anne R. Rentfro, Saraswathy Nair

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background and Aims

Obesity is increasingly a health problem and a risk factor for diabetes in young Mexican-American populations. Genetic association studies in older, mostly non-Hispanic populations have reported that polymorphisms in the candidate genes HSD11B1, CRP, ADIPOQ, PPARG, ANKK1, ABCC8 and SERPINF1 are associated with obesity or diabetes. We analyzed the polymorphisms rs846910, rs1205, rs1501299, rs1801282, rs1800497, rs757110 and rs1136287in these candidate genes, for association with obesity and metabolic traits in a young Mexican-American population from south Texas.

Methods

Genotyping of the seven common SNPs were performed by allelic discrimination assays in 448 unrelated Mexican Americans (median age = …

Pedagogical Practices: Nurturing And Maintaining Democratic Habits, Lucretia Marie Hubler-Larimore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This case study examined the pedagogical practices of four teachers of one public elementary school whose mission seeks to nurture and maintain democratic habits for participation in a democratic society. Historically, public schools have been charged with the duty of preparing young minds to live within in a democratic society and as such this argument has been cited as one of the fundamental reasons for providing public financial support of schools. The exploration of how pedagogical choices and curriculum development were used to create opportunities for experiencing democracy was considered within the specific social contexts of the school. Contexts considered …

Oral Cancer Screening Techniques Utilized By West Virginia Dental Hygienists, Ashlee B. Charnoplosky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Oral cancer has become a major public health problem. Health care professionals need to assume the responsibility of effectively screening all patients in their care for early signs of this disease. Too often, oral cancer is not diagnosed until it is in its later stages when treatment is not as effective. The late diagnosis contributes to the large number of deaths each year that could have been prevented had the patient had adequate screenings. Currently, there is no mandated law on providing oral cancer screenings.;The purpose of this study is to examine the oral cancer screening protocols utilized by practicing …

Stability And Sensory Properties Of Rice Bran Peptide Fraction Incorporated Orange Juice, Mirna Georges Khairallah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Functional foods offer consumers added benefits beyond the sole nutritional content of the food. Food companies are aggressively seeking new and cheaper sources of functional ingredients. Kannan et al. (2008) characterized anticancer peptides and peptide fraction from rice bran. However, information about their application and stability in food is lacking. In this study the stability of the peptide fraction in water at pH 7.2, at pH 3.5, and in orange juice was studied. The effect of the addition of the peptide fraction on the quality parameters of orange juice including sensory was also assessed. The results showed that the peptide …

Effects Of Ergot Alkaloids And Antioxidants On Bovine Sperm Motility, Ryan James Page

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The studies that comprise this thesis were performed in an attempt to identify and eliminate stressful conditions that may lead to infertility in the male bovine. The first project was performed to determine if ergot alkaloids directly affect bovine sperm motility. Percentage of motile spermatozoa was affected (P = 0.015) by a three-way interactions between time, concentration, and alkaloid. Ergotamine and dihydroergotamine decreased (P = 0.01) sperm motility in a concentration and time dependant manner and ergonovine had a minimal effect on overall sperm motility. The number of static spermatozoa also was affected (P < 0.01) by a three way interaction and increased as ET and DHET concentrations increased. Percentages of progressively motile and rapidly motile spermatozoa decreased (P < 0.01) in a two way interaction between alkaloid and concentration. Overall, sperm motility was decreased by ET and DHET. Furthermore, the qualities of motility as represented by progressive, rapid, path velocity (VAP), progressive velocity (VSL), track speed (VCL), beat frequency (BCF), lateral amplitude (ALH), straightness (STR), elongated, and area were decreased by those alkaloids. These data verify that ergot alkaloids commonly found in toxic tall fescue are detrimental to bovine spermatozoa. In the second study two antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid) were added to bovine sperm culture media and cryopreservation extender. The antioxidant capabilities of these two vitamins could help reduce free radical production and help preserve sperm viability. There was an interactive effect between ascorbic acid concentration and storage method on the bovine sperm motility characteristics: motile, progressive, rapid, track speed (VCL), and straightness (P < 0.05). A bull by ascorbic acid interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for motile, progressive, rapid, path velocity (VAP), progressive velocity (VSL), and VCL characteristics. Alpha tocopherol had no affects on sperm motility characteristics. Lipid peroxidation was affected (P < 0.01) by bull and ascorbic acid. Malondialdehyde concentrations for ascorbic acid treatments (0, 5, 10, 20 mM) were 3.25, 4.2, 2.96, and 2.15 ìM respectively. Results from the second study indicate that the addition of ascorbic acid may reduce sperm motility, but help prevent lipid peroxidation.

Theoretical Orientations Applied By Music Therapists Working In Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Settings, Angel A. Park

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the theoretical framework (i.e., cognitive behavior, psychodynamic, humanistic) used by music therapists during group music therapy sessions for adults residing in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Three participants were interviewed via Skype. A descriptive analysis was used to identify each participant’s theoretical orientations, methods of assessment, treatment, and evaluation, while his or her perspective on the benefits and challenges of implementing each respective theoretical orientation was also noted. The results showed that regardless of theoretical orientation, all participants use improvisation to assess and evaluate clients’ progress for treatment. Each theoretical orientation inherently contains its …

Music Therapy And Culture: Exploring My Culture And Its Influences, Midori Tsujimoto

Theses & Dissertations

With the rapidly growing cultural diversity in the United States, scholars have emphasized the importance of not only understanding other cultures, but also one’s own. It has become essential to evaluate the influence of one’s cultural background as he/she evolves a healthcare professional. Utilizing the method of self-inquiry, this paper explores my own cultural background and how it has shaped the way I work as a music therapist. Cultural differences between Japan and America are discussed, including disparities in social systems, music, and health. Two clinical case examples are presented to illustrate my experiences in relation to my cultural influences. …

Iron Limitation Of A Springtime Bacterial And Phytoplankton Community In The Ross Sea: Implications For Vitamin B12 Nutrition, Erin M. Bertrand, Mak A. Saito, Peter A. Lee, Robert B. Dunbar, Peter N. Sedwick, Giacomo R. Ditullio

OES Faculty Publications

The Ross Sea is home to some of the largest phytoplankton blooms in the Southern Ocean. Primary production in this system has previously been shown to be iron limited in the summer and periodically iron and vitamin B-12 colimited. In this study, we examined trace metal limitation of biological activity in the Ross Sea in the austral spring and considered possible implications for vitamin B-12 nutrition. Bottle incubation experiments demonstrated that iron limited phytoplankton growth in the austral spring while B-12, cobalt, and zinc did not. This is the first demonstration of iron limitation in a Phaeocystis antarctica-dominated, early …

Factors Associated With Duration Of Breastfeeding In Ireland: Potential Areas For Improvement, Roslyn Tarrant, Katherine Younger, Margaret Sheridan Pereira, John Kearney

Articles

There is a need to comprehensively examine why mothers in Ireland discontinue breastfeeding early and to explore thefactors influencing duration of breastfeeding during the first 6 months postpartum. Findings from this study provide valuabledirection for future strategies and interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding duration rates in Ireland.

Circadian Rhythm And Vigorous Activity: Do They Make A Difference In Executive Function?, Janie Sue Ryland

Dissertations

PL 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, a federally mandated accountability system based on standards, attendance, and dropout rates has forced educational leaders to explore new avenues of student improvement. Research suggests that all three factors are impacted by scheduling preferences that are relative to time of day. The aim of this study was to extend evidence of executive function as it is impacted by time of day and diurnal preference when exposed to vigorous exercise conditions. Data were collected from a sample that included 100 sixth graders (60 females and 40 males) during the spring semester …

The Impact Of Shrimp Farming On Mangrove Ecosystems And Local Livelihoods Along The Pacific Coast Of Ecuador, Stuart Edward Hamilton

Dissertations

This manuscript examines the expansion of Ecuador’s shrimp aquaculture industry since 1970 and the implications of this expansion on coastal residents’ food security and livelihood options. Shrimp aquaculture expanded from essentially nothing in 1970; to account for 26% of all Ecuadorian private exports by 1998. The rapid expansion of shrimp aquaculture in Ecuador’s estuaries has caused a fundamental shift in livelihoods among those who live and work in the immediate vicinity of the newly created shrimp farms. This research not only details the important land use change that has occurred within Ecuador’s estuaries during the transition from mangrove estuary to …

Strong Ties And Strong Influences: Social Networks And Hiv Prevention, Nicole M. Wengerd

Master's Theses - Sociology and Anthropology

This research builds on the social-oriented literature of HIV-risk behaviors in Gondar, Ethiopia by investigating influential social networks and why individuals would deviate from the norms established by their community.

Married And Cohabiting Men's Extra-Dyadic Relationships In Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing Two Health Behavior Models, Jared L. Ulschmid

Master's Theses - Sociology and Anthropology

Sixty percent of all individuals with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual activity; having multiple congruent sexual partners is one significant source of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan African. Men are primarily the individuals to go outside of a relationship because of various social and cultural influences. The purpose of this study is to examine married and cohabiting men’s extra-dyadic affairs. Two models were used to examine men’s extra-dyadic behavior: The Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). These models can show if beliefs, attitudes, and norms about HIV/AIDS and the risks of …