Digital Commons Network^™

Self-Medication Practices Of Undergraduate College Students: Non-Medical Prescriptive Stimulant Use, Kim M. Vo

Honors Scholar Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine self-medication practices of undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Connecticut in attempt to inform future educational efforts on drug misconceptions in order to encourage safe medication practices among incoming undergraduate students.

Background: Non-medical use of stimulants prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment has gained attention due to non-medical prevalence rates in U.S. colleges. Current literature investigates circumstances, demographics and motives in sample populations that increase student misuse of these prescription medications.

Methods:

Design: Multi-method research strategy investigating the perceived focus group coded data to the actual self-reported Adhere Tx Know …

A Case Study Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Rebecca Lynch

Honors Theses

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a physiological disorder that causes many negative effects involving a variety of systems in the body, such as the endocrine, metabolic, psychological, and reproductive systems. This paper will explore the complex mechanisms behind the manifestation of PCOS and how these, and other factors, may make diagnosis difficult. In order to thoroughly understand these aspects of PCOS, the causes, symptoms, and treatments were explored. The diversity of causes and symptoms of the disease add to the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. The best treatment option varies among individuals, and the effectiveness of each treatment …

Spring Commencement: May 11, 2013, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Spring Commencement program from May 11, 2013.

Creation Of A Computational Simulation Of Maternal Trauma In Motor Vehicle Accident, Benjamin C. Weed

Theses and Dissertations

Maternal trauma is the leading non-obstetric cause of maternal and fetal death. Because the anatomy of a pregnancy is distinct, and highly transient, the pregnant woman and her fetus are both susceptible to injuries which are not seen in the typical trauma patient. The pregnant uterus, the placenta, and the fetus are all relatively poorly supported, as compared with non-transient abdominal or thoracic organs, which can lead to injuries such as uterine rupture, placental abruption, and fetal trauma or death. The leading cause of maternal trauma is automotive collision, and other common causes include violence, falls, and other accidents. Automotive …

Commencement Convocation Exercises - May 2013, Prairie View A&M University

Commencement and Convocation Exercises

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Of Anthropometric Measures To Vertical Jump Height., R. C. Kerns

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The capability to perform your best is an important aspect in the sport of soccer. The relationship between anthropometric measures to vertical jump height among NCAA Division I Women’s soccer players is a subject lacking sufficient scientific research. Purpose: To analyze this relationship, body mass and %body fat was correlated with un-weighted countermovement jump height to determine the strength of this relationship in NCAA DI female soccer players. Methods: Data from an ongoing athlete monitoring program from fourteen NCAA D1 female soccer players in the year 2007 was analyzed. Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) via a BOD POD (Life Measurement, Inc., …

Evaluation Of Nitrification And Methods To Minimize Denitrification Loss For Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) On Mississippi Alluvial Plain Soils, Paxton Wayne Fitts

Theses and Dissertations

Minimal studies have evaluated nitrification and subsequent denitrification for soils where rice is produced in the delayedlood system. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted at USDA-ARS and the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS to quantify the nitrification potential of southern USA soils, and evaluate nitrogen amendments aimed to reduce nitrification rates on clay soils. The Sharkey clay soil at Stoneville, MS was one of the soils with the greatest nitrification potential. Dicyandiamide (DCD) increased the number of days that half the total recovered inorganic–N was in the ammonium–N form (half-life) by approximately 3old and 18% when compared …

Fermentation Of Glycerol To Biogas Under Isobaric And Variable Pressure Conditions, Benjamin P. Hartenbower

Theses and Dissertations

With consideration to the crude glycerol surplus driven by the growth in biodiesel manufacturing, alternative uses for biodiesel derived glycerol have become increasingly essential. Anaerobic digestion of the glycerol reduces the chemical oxygen demand of the glycerol waste product, while capturing biogas as an energy source that can be used on site to reduce heating cost at a biodiesel facility. In this thesis, kinetic parameters are extracted from batch experimental data and applied to steady state equations. A flow sheet for the application of anaerobic digestion to biodiesel derived glycerol is developed and explored. The economic analysis of the scenario …

Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Non-Smoking, Normal Weight Adults: Assessing Prevalence Of Central Adiposity, Insulin Resistance, And Systemic Inflammation, Maria M. Corallo

Master's Theses

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) has been examined as a preventive intervention against pre-diabetes, diabetes, and low-grade systemic inflammation, however, it remains unknown if normal weight individuals who do not engage in regular PA are at increased risk.

METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006 were utilized. Three measures of PA (i.e., intensity level, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for frequency, intensity, and time/duration (FIT) of PA, and ACSM recommendations for MET-Mins Per Week) were analyzed in relation to elevated waist circumference, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA), and immune system cells. In addition, …

Effects Of A Hospital-Wide Quality Improvement Initiative On 30-Day Readmissions For Patients With Heart Failure, Senthilraj Ganeshan, Raj Ganeshan

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Polyphenol Composition Of Underutilized Aronia Berries And Changes In Aronia Berry Polyphenol Content Through Ripening, Rod Taheri

Master's Theses

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia prunifolia, Aronia arbutifolia) is notable for its high phytochemical content, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Aronia berries of different genotypes may vary in their polyphenol content, so it is important to characterize these compounds based on species, and to determine whether or not aronia fruit color correlates with phytochemical content. Using normal-phase HPLC, UPLC-MS, and the DMAC and Folin-Ciocalteu assays, polyphenols in twelve different aronia accessions were quantified and characterized based on fruit color. Significant diversity was observed in anthocyanin content among berries of different colors, with black aronia berries (mean = 10.47 mg/g DW) …

Hollow Fiber Module For Continuous Ethanol Fermentation, Leia M. Dwyer

Honors Scholar Theses

Continuous processes have several advantages over their batch counterparts and are prevalent across the chemical engineering industry today. The process of brewing beer, however, remains a batch process. Transforming the brewing process into a continuous process could have many advantages including lowered process down-time, increased profits, and higher product homogeneity. This project looked into several aspects of the brewing process to gain insight into the potential for continuous ethanol fermentation. First, a kinetic model was developed for the enzymatic breakdown of starch to simple sugars in the production of wort from malted barley. Next, the growth kinetics of brewer’s yeast, …

The Effects Of Maternal Diet During Gestation On Postnatal Growth Of Lambs And On Metabolic Hormones In Lambs And Ewes, Amanda R. Fox

Honors Scholar Theses

Fetal programming is defined as when a stimulus at a vital stage of development results in permanent effects that persist throughout the lifetime of the individual (Lucas, 1991). There is evidence that poor maternal diet, consisting of both undernutrition and overnutrition, during gestation has permanent negative effects on the growth and development of offspring through fetal programming. Fetal programming enhances the ability of the fetus to absorb and use nutrients while in-utero, ensuring postpartum survival (Hales and Barker, 1992). However, in a postnatal environment where nutrition is plentiful, fetal programming results in negative health consequences (Wu et al., 2006). We …

Inorganic Carbon And Nitrogen Utilization In Mixotrophic Ciliates, Donald M. Schoener

Doctoral Dissertations

Mixotrophy is a common nutritional strategy that uses both heterotrophy and photosynthesis. Kleptoplastidic mixotrophs do not make their own plastids but acquire them from their algal prey. Before we can add mixotrophs to standard ecological models we need to understand how much each nutritional mode contributes to mixotrophic growth, and how this balance may be influenced by plastid acquisition, retention, and turnover.

In order to examine the role of captured chloroplasts in the metabolism of the oligotrich ciliate Strombidium rassoulzadegani. I evaluated the uptake and retention of chloroplasts, the ability of two different algae to supply functional chloroplasts, and …

Spatio-Temporal Variation In An Ant-Plant Interaction, Kellie M. Kuhn

Doctoral Dissertations

The role of mutualisms in structuring communities is poorly understood, in large part because potential mutualistic interactions are often identified, but rarely quantified. I tested the hypothesis, proposed in 1979, that the interaction between the ant Myrmelachista flavocotea (Formicidae: Formicinae) and its obligate host plants Ocotea atirrensis and O. dendrodaphne (Lauraceae) is a mutualistic interaction. Despite the high abundance of Myrmelachista ants in tropical forests, relatively little is known about them, because of their timid nature and their habit of living inside plants. I used a combination of observations and experiments to analyze the interaction between M. flavocotea and Ocotea …

A Literature Review Of The Health Effects Of A Plant Based Diet Versus An Animal Based Diet, James Cote

Senior Honors Theses

Health and nutrition can mean a myriad of things to many people in today’s culture. The majority of the time people are unaware of the proper nutrients their body needs and how to get them from food. This thesis will seek to expose the health benefits that are associated with consuming a raw plant-based die, offering a more profound and encompassing view on nutrition. Investigating further into today’s most common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer and autoimmune disorders, it will seek to discover and answer why we have so many health issues. This thesis will discuss the …

Antioxidants And Wound Healing., Mary Jane Underdown

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Neutrophils and cytokines present during an inflammatory response produce oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These oxidants act as free radicals, a highly reactive species that steal electrons from nearby molecules to satisfy their valence electron needs. The removal of electrons by free radicals produces damage within the healthy cells of tissue. Antioxidants can be used to reduce this oxidative stress and reestablish the necessary environment for wound healing by donating electrons to the free radicals, sparing the damaging effects oxidation causes to other molecules. The standard procedure for administering supplemental antioxidants is through …

Examination Of A Farmers Market On A University Campus., Jennifer Grant

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Sustainability and locally sourced goods are pressing issues in today’s society for many environmental, economic, and cultural reasons. Farmers markets are becoming a highly popular method of implementing these ideas. As universities have begun to address their own processes to support sustainable practices, appeal has grown for adding a farmers market on campus. Information pertaining to markets already created and the process of implementation is not readily available. This study seeks to explore the rationale for a campus farmers market as a sustainable development on a university campus and review the processes by which a market may be established as …

Long-Term Care Need And Utilization Among Baby Boomers And Older Adults With Mental Illnesses In Connecticut, Kathy G. Kellett

Doctoral Dissertations

Archival abstract submitted.

Effects Of Herbivory As An Ecological Constraint Of Willow Growth At A Restored Riparian Corridor, Jacqueline A. Mccrory

Master's Theses

A critical component of nearly all riparian restoration projects is the rapid successful recovery of native vegetation. The dynamic conditions and diverse biotic community supported by riparian ecosystems can present numerous constraints to restoration efforts. This study investigated stunted growth of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) cuttings planted along the banks of Redwood Creek as part of the National Park Service’s Muir Beach Restoration Project to restore habitat for special status species in California. Based on observations of deer browsing, as well as signs of extensive biomass removal, I designed a field experiment using exclusionary fencing to test the significance of …

Examining The Role Of L-Arginine In Tissues Of The Fetoplacental Unit And Endometrium, Jonathan Michael Greene

Theses and Dissertations

L-arginine is one of the most versatile amino acids due to the fact that it serves as a precursor for many molecules which have important roles in bodily functions including mammalian reproduction. The current studies sought to further examine the role that L-arginine has in mammalian reproduction utilizing both in vivo and in vitro approaches. In the first study, a novel bioluminescent murine pregnancy model was developed to monitor VEGFR2 transcription activity non-invasively in the fetoplacental unit. Secondly, the effect that dietary L-arginine supplementation has during mouse gestation was examined. L-arginine supplementation increased weight gain during the latter third of …

Spatial And Temporal Distribution Of Microbial Pathogens In Poultry Litter And The Development Of Microbial Inactivation Constants In Waste Application, Brandy Nicole Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in production farming, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), garners more investigations on the implications to public health regarding the disposal of the wastes of food production animals. In addition to the vast amount of animal manure produced, human biosolids is another waste residual that must be managed. The research focus was the sustainability of foodborne pathogens in waste products and the variables that manipulate these environments such as moisture, temperature, organic matter and time. The first study was designed to analyze spatial differences in microbial populations in broiler litter by investigating the relationship of intra-house …

Nutrient Mitigation Capacity Of Low-Grade Weirs In Agricultural Drainage Ditches, Kent Alexander Littlejohn

Theses and Dissertations

Installation of low-grade weirs in agricultural drainage ditches is being evaluated as an innovative, and cost effective, management practice that decreases nutrient concentrations and loads by increasing water volume and hydraulic residence time of the ditch. Results revealed that weirs significantly increased (P = 0.029) hydraulic residence time (HRT) and ditch water volumes, leading to considerable reductions in outflow water volumes (61%). Furthermore, ditches with weirs achieved greater (P = 0.09) cumulative outflow load reductions (96%) and greater (P = 0.029) concentration reductions during the biogeochemical reduction phase of the experiment. Similarly, field research from Terrace Ditch in Yazoo County, …

Nutritional Profile Of Native Warm-Season Grass Grown As A Mono- Or Multi-Species Pasture, Babatunde Oloyede

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profile of mono- or multi-species pastures of native warm season grasses. One of four treatments were randomly assigned to Twelve pastures: 1) BG; 2) IG; 3) Mix G; 4) Mix NG. Growing steers (n = 225) were randomly assigned to one of nine pastures. Grass samples were taken from all pastures every 28 days during a four-month period and were analyzed for nutrient composition. Bermudagrass pastures had greater crude protein and ADF, but less NDF concentrations compared with the native warm-season grasses. Crude protein, IVDMD, and NDF IVDMD concentration decreased …

Development, Evaluation And Refinement Of A Body Mass Index Formula For Large Breed Canine Patients, Dena Lynn Lodato

Theses and Dissertations

The current method of quantifying obesity in the veterinary patient is the subjective body condition score; however, scant research has focused on the development of an objective measurement. The present two part study evaluates the ability to create and refine an objective body mass index (BMI) formula for the large breed canine patient. In the first part of this study, seven morphometric measurements were obtained from seventy large breed dogs allowing the creation of five BMI formulas. In the second part of this study, computed tomography images were obtained from twenty-two dogs and the total percent body fat (TBF) was …

Digestibility Of Different Multi-Species Native Warm-Season Grass Mixtures Grown In Varied Harvest Regimen, Janet Moromoke Ogunlade

Theses and Dissertations

Study was conducted to evaluate in vitro digestibility of native warm-season grasses. Three grasses were used: big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium Nash), and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans Nash). There were no differences in NDF, ADF, FAT and OM of the three grass species. However, DM, hemicellulose and CP were slightly different in the three grass species. Also, the frequency nested in cutting effects was determined. In vitro dry matter disappearance of big bluestem, little bluestem and indiangrass was evaluated to determine rate of disappearance. The 100 % indiangrass revealed the greatest rate of disappearance for IVDMD and …

Isolation, Antibiotic Resistance And Clonal Similarities Of Salmonella Spp. In Catfish And Processing Facilities, Norman N. Arroyo Llantin

Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella spp. is a human pathogen that has been reported in catfish, but with conflicting results. Salmonella spp. was isolated from live catfish, catfish products and the processing environment during catfish production, followed by evaluation of their antibiotic resistance and clonal similarities. Distinction of Salmonella spp. was increased by lowering background microflora with the addition of the antimicrobial novobiocin to the agar media. More than ten Salmonella serotypes were isolated from catfish and catfish products, such as live, chilled fillets, frozen fillets, and conveyor belts in catfish processing facilities. The isolates that were recovered include Salmonella ser. Typhimurium, Barranquilla, Mbadaka, …

Environmental Impacts Of Formaldehyde Released From And Structural Changes Of Medium Density Fiberboard Disposed In A Simulated Landfill, Min Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Wood waste containing formaldehyde based resins are generated yearly and disposed in landfills or burned. No regulations exist in most states and no studies have been conducted to address formaldehyde emission from wood waste buried in landfills. The objective of this study was to: a) determine the amount of formaldehyde released into air and leachate from MDF disposed in a simulated landfill, b) analyze the environmental impacts of leachate containing formaldehyde, and c) investigate change in chemical and morphological properties of disposed MDF. Sampling of MDF, soil and leachate were conducted for determination of formaldehyde weekly for 56 days by …

Evaluating The Use Of Stable Isotopes, Nirs, And Microbial Populations To Detect Dietary Changes In Dairy Calves, Kathryn Marie Cooley

Theses and Dissertations

Three different methods were developed to evaluate nutritional status: stable isotopes, near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), and microbial populations. In the first method, hair samples were collected, analyzed, stable isotope content greatly differed (P < 0.01) between pre- and post-weaning samples. The second method used NIRS spectral patterns and analyzed fecal samples, and a difference was found around 2100 to 2250 nm where diets containing milk showed a peak, and non-milk diets showed a plateau. Finally, the third method involved profiling microbial populations from fecal samples as calves experienced dietary shifts. Total anaerobes, enterics, and clostridium were different (P<0.05) from pre to post-weaning states. Total anaerobe samples differed (P < 0.005) from milk, milk-grain diets to grain and grain-hay diets. Total aerobes, streptococci, and clostridium samples differed (P <0.001) from the milk diet to the other diets. In summary, all three methods showed differences when comparing pre- to post-weaning states.

Understanding The Role Of Personal, Psychosocial And Occupational Factors And Their Interactions On Low Back Pain Severity In Workers, Nirathi Keerthi Govindu

Theses and Dissertations

Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Occupational risk factors have been studied for current ergonomic prevention strategies; however, other underlying mechanisms may exist since not all workers performing the same task develop the same severity. Previous research has identified personal and psychosocial risk factors that also contribute to LBP. Research quantifying the interactive effects of the various personal, psychosocial and occupational factors is limited, along with research on the effect of risk factor combinations on LBP severity. The objectives of this study were to: 1) study the various factors that are known to be involved …